Things to do in Oakland
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A
Yoshi's
Yoshi's is one of the country's major jazz clubs; pretty-good sushi too.
reviewed
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B
Marcus Bookstore
Specializes in African American literature and history.
reviewed
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C
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Battambang
An excellent Cambodian restaurant.
reviewed
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E
Walden Pond Bookstore
An excellent bookstore.
reviewed
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Oakland Raiders
With three Super Bowl championship wins, the notorious bad boys of the NFL have had their ups and downs over the years, but they have the staunchest, rowdiest fans in the western US. The team ungratefully moved to Los Angeles for 12 years, but returned in 1995, the prodigal football club, to Oakland's open arms. It's been football bliss in Oakland ever since, unlike in SF, where in 2009 the 49ers were in final negotiations with Santa Clara County to build a new stadium and leave SF behind. Given the choice between a 20-minute BART ride to Oakland and a 40-mile drive to Santa Clara…well, we wish the 49ers luck.
reviewed
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F
Golden State Warriors
If it's hoops you must have, then it's the Warriors for you. This team has a long history, starting in Philadelphia in 1947. In 1962 it moved to San Francisco and played in the Cow Palace as the San Francisco Warriors. In 1971 the team moved across the bay and has played at the Oakland Arena (next to the Coliseum) ever since, as the Golden State Warriors. After a decade-plus slump, the Warriors advanced to the playoffs in 2007 and caused quite a commotion when they beat the top-ranking Dallas Mavericks. Alas, still no trophy.
reviewed
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G
Chabot Space & Science Center
Head to the hills of East Oakland to Chabot Space & Science Center, a hands-on science museum in Redwood Regional Park, which no self-respecting science geek should miss. On fogless Friday and Saturday evenings, scope out far-flung nebulae through 8in and 20in refractor telescopes, and a 36in reflector telescope – one of the largest in the US open to the public. Tickets include access to a stellar planetarium and Megadome theater with a 70ft, seamless domed screen.
reviewed
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H
Boardsports Kiteboarding & Windsurfing
Boarding school is never dull at Boardsports, where you can learn to fast tack and pivot jibe in a weekend. The Bay Area has prime wind conditions, and the sweet-spot for lessons is in Alameda, just across the bay. Instructor-student ratio is almost 1:1, and knowledgeable, fun-loving staff will keep you laughing even when you fall off your board. Gear and wetsuit included; bring a towel, snack and change of clothes. If you already know what you’re doing, rentals are available.
reviewed
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Boat Tours & Cruises
Franklin D Roosevelt's 'floating White House,' is moored at Clay and Water Sts by the ferry dock, and is open for dock-side tours. Two-hour history cruises are also held several times a month from April to October; call for reservations. They leave from Jack London Sq.
reviewed
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I
Jesso's
Jesso's is a simple charmer with indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar. Heavy on Cajun dishes, but also serving good, reliable fish and chips, poor boy sandwiches, okra, collards, beans and rice, it's very family friendly.
reviewed
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J
Raiders
Also playing at the McAfee Coliseum are Oakland's NFL team, attracting a particularly rabid brand of fan.
reviewed
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Ebony Museum
The Ebony Museum, a dense collection in a ramshackle Victorian house, exhibits African and African American art and antiquities. Head upstairs for a chilling perusal of the museum's Black Degradation Art collection.
reviewed
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Kimball's East
In Emeryville, northwest of Oakland, this huge jazz supper club books big-name musicians and the occasional comedy act. The club's in the Emerybay Public Market; from I-80 take the Powell St exit.
reviewed
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K
Parkway Speakeasy Theater
Two blocks east of Lakeshore Ave is this great, laid-back movie-going experience. It shows quality second-run films in a comfy setting and serves beer, wine, sandwiches and pizza.
reviewed
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Red Tractor Cafe
More family friendly and down-home is this cheery and aromatic eatery serving affordable comfort food such as roast turkey and meatloaf (a meatless version is also available).
reviewed
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Caffe diBartolo
Grab a sidewalk table or head for the back courtyard at this smart café. You can enjoy hot panini sandwiches or just wake up with a strong coffee.
reviewed