Oakland
The Zenter has been called the Bay Area's 'other Asian art museum,' and while that designation is tongue in cheek, it's not entirely inaccurate either…
Must-see shopping in East Bay
Berkeley
Rumor has it this is the oldest science-fiction, fantasy and horror bookstore in the country. Whether true or not, those who love this sort of genre of…
Oakland
Urban fashions for anyone who 'hella' loves Oaktown are sold downtown at this signature shop. T-shirts, hats and stickers make a statement with original…
Oakland
Stranded is the kind of cool record store you wished you had worked at when you were younger (or maybe now). It only carries vinyl, and offers a…
Oakland
This excellent independent bookstore is a community fixture with a well curated selection of literature and nonfiction that reflects Oakland's lefty…
Berkeley
If you've got kids and don't take them to Sweet Dreams, they may never forgive you. This independent toy store has a great range of well-curated goodness,…
Oakland
Two Jacks is an indispensable resource for East Bay men who need to come correct. It specializes in selvedge denim – made on a shuttle loom with a…
Berkeley
This store boasts one of the most voluminous collections of Jewish gifts, souvenirs and general tchotckes (trinkets) anywhere. Need something religious,…
Oakland
McMullen is a mainstay of the Oakland fashion scene, boasting labels like Hozen, Clyde, Staud and Ulla Johnson. The selection of shoes, bags, dresses,…
Oakland
We love stores with a niche, and Umami Mart has one very well covered: Japanese barware, kitchenware and related home decor. Look: if you're gonna serve…
Oakland
These two pedestrian-friendly alleyways run by buildings located inside former horse stalls dating from the early 20th century, when horse-drawn trolleys…
Berkeley
If you’re a music junkie, you might plan on spending a few hours at the original Berkeley branch of Amoeba Music, packed with massive quantities of new…
Berkeley
North of Berkeley, this world-class store for roots, blues, folk, country, jazz and world music is affiliated with the Arhoolie record label, which has…
Berkeley
Across the street from campus, this academic and scholarly bookstore stocks works by UC Berkeley professors and other academic and museum publishers, with…
Berkeley
A long-standing local favorite, Moe’s offers four floors of new, used and remaindered books for hours of browsing.
Oakland
This well-stocked indie bookstore has a full calendar of events, including author readings, book signings and live music.
Oakland
This much loved boutique always showcases local and independent designers. Dresses are fun and flow-y, sold alongside tasteful bags and accessories. Bella…
Berkeley
Part of a San Francisco chain of music stores, this large space is full of new and used CDs, vinyl and DVD movies.
