Guidebook for Albany
Food Scene
Delicious Down Home Breakfast. Best days during the week, weekends in high demand and wait can be long $$
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Sam's Log Cabin
945 San Pablo AveDelicious Down Home Breakfast. Best days during the week, weekends in high demand and wait can be long $$
Lovely selection of cocktails and delicious Latin influenced tapas. Happy Hour has a nice selection. $$
49 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fonda
1501 Solano AveLovely selection of cocktails and delicious Latin influenced tapas. Happy Hour has a nice selection. $$
Down home breakfast with iconic selection old fashioned kitchen appliances and historical photos of civil rights activists. Long-standing cafe serves up homemade breakfast & lunch staples in a charming, ‘50s-themed interior. $$
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Royal Cafe
811 San Pablo AveDown home breakfast with iconic selection old fashioned kitchen appliances and historical photos of civil rights activists. Long-standing cafe serves up homemade breakfast & lunch staples in a charming, ‘50s-themed interior. $$
Lovely Mediterranean restaurant and bar $$
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Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar
1133 Solano AveLovely Mediterranean restaurant and bar $$
To-go delicious artisanal bread, fresh out of the oven. There is usually a line on the weekend $.
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Acme Bread
1601 San Pablo AveTo-go delicious artisanal bread, fresh out of the oven. There is usually a line on the weekend $.
Airstream converted into an outdoor coffee boutique, nestled into the front area of an newl fashioned nursery and store. $
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Highwire Coffee Roasters
2049 San Pablo AveAirstream converted into an outdoor coffee boutique, nestled into the front area of an newl fashioned nursery and store. $
Neighborhood spot offering coffee, cold brew & pastries in sophisticated yet cozy digs. Newly created 'Parklet' makes a lovely place to enjoy your pastry and coffee $
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Hal's Office Coffee
1207 Solano AveNeighborhood spot offering coffee, cold brew & pastries in sophisticated yet cozy digs. Newly created 'Parklet' makes a lovely place to enjoy your pastry and coffee $
Chez Panisse is known as one of the inspirations for the style of cooking known as 'California cuisine'. Established in 1971 by author, and food activist Alice Waters and film producer Paul Aratow. The restaurant is one of the founders of the "farm to table" concept - direct relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and dairies. The restaurant is split into two levels; downstairs is the more formal 'prix fixe' meal and upstairs is the more casual cafe style...a must for a special occasion or the the exploring gourmand $$$$. There is also a cafe upstairs that is a little less expensive and more casual, still lovely selection of local ingredient inspired cuisine $$$.
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Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveChez Panisse is known as one of the inspirations for the style of cooking known as 'California cuisine'. Established in 1971 by author, and food activist Alice Waters and film producer Paul Aratow. The restaurant is one of the founders of the "farm to table" concept - direct relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and dairies. The restaurant is split into two levels; downstairs is the more formal 'prix fixe' meal and upstairs is the more casual cafe style...a must for a special occasion or the the exploring gourmand $$$$. There is also a cafe upstairs that is a little less expensive and more casual, still lovely selection of local ingredient inspired cuisine $$$.
Our favorite local Chinese restaurant, featuring spicy sichuan selections $$
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China Village
1335 Solano AveOur favorite local Chinese restaurant, featuring spicy sichuan selections $$
Casual corner spot serving tortilla soup, a variety of tacos & tamales plus other Mexican standards. $
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Taqueria Talavera
1561 Solano AveCasual corner spot serving tortilla soup, a variety of tacos & tamales plus other Mexican standards. $
Greens Restaurant is a landmark vegetarian restaurant in the Fort Mason Center in the San Francisco Marina District, with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Founded by the San Francisco Zen Center in 1979, the New York Times Greens has credited Greens as a restaurant that changed the way we look at vegetarian cuisine.
The restaurant sources fresh produce from the organic Green Gulch Farm Zen Center $$$
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Greens
2 Marina BlvdGreens Restaurant is a landmark vegetarian restaurant in the Fort Mason Center in the San Francisco Marina District, with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Founded by the San Francisco Zen Center in 1979, the New York Times Greens has credited Greens as a restaurant that changed the way we look at vegetarian cuisine.
The restaurant sources fresh produce from the organic Green Gulch Farm Zen Center $$$
Californian-Mediterranean intimate restaurant is known for simple California cuisine in a romantic space overlooking a garden $$$
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Rivoli
1539 Solano AveCalifornian-Mediterranean intimate restaurant is known for simple California cuisine in a romantic space overlooking a garden $$$
Bakery and Cafe featuring a gluten free menu. A delicious alternative for those of us who require a wheat/gluten alternative. $$
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Mariposa Baking Company
5427 Telegraph AveBakery and Cafe featuring a gluten free menu. A delicious alternative for those of us who require a wheat/gluten alternative. $$
A wonderful selection of gourmet baked goods, world class cheeses, a bounty of picnic supplies and delicious 1/2 baked unique pizza. Next door you can buy the fully baked pizza. The pizza cafe portion often has long lines, but there is frequently a live jazz or folk band to enjoy while you wait $$
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Cheese Board Bakery
1504 Shattuck AveA wonderful selection of gourmet baked goods, world class cheeses, a bounty of picnic supplies and delicious 1/2 baked unique pizza. Next door you can buy the fully baked pizza. The pizza cafe portion often has long lines, but there is frequently a live jazz or folk band to enjoy while you wait $$
Delicious Bi Bim Bop, busy Korean spot featuring a large menu specializing in hot & cold rice bowls with vegan options. Family time is from 5:30-6:30, very kid friendly food and environment...then the grown ups come out $$
35 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bowl'd Korean Rice Bar
1479 Solano AveDelicious Bi Bim Bop, busy Korean spot featuring a large menu specializing in hot & cold rice bowls with vegan options. Family time is from 5:30-6:30, very kid friendly food and environment...then the grown ups come out $$
Seasonal menu of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine & wines in a Craftsman-style bungalow. Off the beaten track, but worth the effort $$$
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Lalime's
1329 Gilman StSeasonal menu of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine & wines in a Craftsman-style bungalow. Off the beaten track, but worth the effort $$$
Nice option to take out...soop sells "soup", and that's about it. They usually serve 5-6 options and all home made quality. You can buy a pint or a quart of soup, it is a nice way to easily make a nice light supper. Located in the Gourmet Ghetto, on the same block as Chez Panisse and across the street from the Cheese Board $
Soop
1511 Shattuck AveNice option to take out...soop sells "soup", and that's about it. They usually serve 5-6 options and all home made quality. You can buy a pint or a quart of soup, it is a nice way to easily make a nice light supper. Located in the Gourmet Ghetto, on the same block as Chez Panisse and across the street from the Cheese Board $
Bartavelle serves a delicious latté in Berkeley! Opened in late 2012 this unassuming café already has a local following. Small place with stand-up only zinc counters inside plus outdoor seating. The small plate menu using local ingredients. A nice stroll from our bungalow...and the cafe is adjacent to Acme Bread Bakery $$
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Bartavelle Coffee & Wine Bar
1621 San Pablo AveBartavelle serves a delicious latté in Berkeley! Opened in late 2012 this unassuming café already has a local following. Small place with stand-up only zinc counters inside plus outdoor seating. The small plate menu using local ingredients. A nice stroll from our bungalow...and the cafe is adjacent to Acme Bread Bakery $$
Delicious Eastern European cakes, pastries and coffee. Not the friendliest of staff, but the product is scrumptious $$
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Crixa Cakes
2748 Adeline StDelicious Eastern European cakes, pastries and coffee. Not the friendliest of staff, but the product is scrumptious $$
European-style bakery with excellent gourmet cakes, tarts, macaroons and delicious coffee. In the center of the gourmet ghetto $$
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Masse's Pastries
1469 Shattuck AveEuropean-style bakery with excellent gourmet cakes, tarts, macaroons and delicious coffee. In the center of the gourmet ghetto $$
White Lotus Thai Cuisine
843 San Pablo AveYummy selection of Thai 'comfort food' $$
British pub food & some international options are on the menu at this pub with local live bands. Family friendly location with delicious Fish & Chips $$.
23 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kensington Circus Pub
389 Colusa AveBritish pub food & some international options are on the menu at this pub with local live bands. Family friendly location with delicious Fish & Chips $$.
Local burger join serving grass fed beef and locally sourced ingredients, plus drinks & boozy milkshakes in hip digs $.
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Farm Burger Berkeley
1313 Ninth StLocal burger join serving grass fed beef and locally sourced ingredients, plus drinks & boozy milkshakes in hip digs $.
Simple and yummy place for a snack, lunch or dinner...their rice triangles are delicious and freshly prepared. There is also the plate option with rice, protein of choice and salad. $
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Oori Rice Triangles
1247 Solano AveSimple and yummy place for a snack, lunch or dinner...their rice triangles are delicious and freshly prepared. There is also the plate option with rice, protein of choice and salad. $
Local gourmet pizza & such food...just around the corner
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Little Star Pizza
846 Divisadero StLocal gourmet pizza & such food...just around the corner
Getting Around
Hertz Rent A Car
1061 San Pablo AveEnterprise Rent-A-Car
3001 Shattuck AveNorth Berkeley Station
1750 Sacramento StBART Subway
El Cerrito del Norte Station
6400 Cutting BlvdBART Subway
Bicycle Rental & Retail - a wonderful bike shop. Mike (the owner) and his staff were very helpful and friendly.
Bikes on Solano
1554 Solano AveBicycle Rental & Retail - a wonderful bike shop. Mike (the owner) and his staff were very helpful and friendly.
Entertainment & Activities
Dinner and a movie...old fashioned theatre with tables/chairs and movie seating with (awkward) table tops. Diner food
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Rialto Cinemas Cerrito
10070 San Pablo AveDinner and a movie...old fashioned theatre with tables/chairs and movie seating with (awkward) table tops. Diner food
The Lawrence Hall of Science is a public science center that offers hands-on science exhibits for children and adults of all ages. Located up the hill from the UC Berkeley campus with sweeping views of the SF Bay Area. They have a decent cafeteria located at the lower level of the center,
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Centennial Drive:Lawrence Hall of Science station
The Lawrence Hall of Science is a public science center that offers hands-on science exhibits for children and adults of all ages. Located up the hill from the UC Berkeley campus with sweeping views of the SF Bay Area. They have a decent cafeteria located at the lower level of the center,
The East Bay Vivarium is one of the largest reptile specialty stores in the Nation. They offer the most diverse selection of reptiles in the U.S. with quality service and experience. Their inventory includes snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, tarantulas, supplies and gifts.
It is a small shop, but super fun for kids who love to look at reptiles and snakes. Located 1 block from the charming 4th Street shopping area, filled with boutique shops, coffee shops and restaurants of all sorts.
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East Bay Vivarium
1827 Fifth StThe East Bay Vivarium is one of the largest reptile specialty stores in the Nation. They offer the most diverse selection of reptiles in the U.S. with quality service and experience. Their inventory includes snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, tarantulas, supplies and gifts.
It is a small shop, but super fun for kids who love to look at reptiles and snakes. Located 1 block from the charming 4th Street shopping area, filled with boutique shops, coffee shops and restaurants of all sorts.
The California Academy of Sciences is a research institute and natural history museum in San Francisco, California, that is among the largest museums of natural history in the world, housing over 26 million specimens.
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Academy Of Sciences station
The California Academy of Sciences is a research institute and natural history museum in San Francisco, California, that is among the largest museums of natural history in the world, housing over 26 million specimens.
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 in Oakland and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. It is a bit of a drive, but worth the trip if you have kids who love animals. The insect section is our son's favorite part.
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Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links RdOakland Zoo was established in 1922 in Oakland and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. It is a bit of a drive, but worth the trip if you have kids who love animals. The insect section is our son's favorite part.
Museum engaging kids ages 1-5 with interactive exhibits like a wind tunnel & face-painting table.
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Habitot Children's Museum
5689 Bay StreetMuseum engaging kids ages 1-5 with interactive exhibits like a wind tunnel & face-painting table.
Excellent outdoor nature museum for kids. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a children's museum located in Sausalito, California inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are a couple of casual food annex setups, very handy for a snack, lunch or popsicle Beautiful views of the Golden Gater Bridge from below.
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Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds RdExcellent outdoor nature museum for kids. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a children's museum located in Sausalito, California inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are a couple of casual food annex setups, very handy for a snack, lunch or popsicle Beautiful views of the Golden Gater Bridge from below.
A nonprofit musical performance venue in Berkeley Downtown that primarily hosts folk music and world music acts. $$
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Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
2020 Addison StA nonprofit musical performance venue in Berkeley Downtown that primarily hosts folk music and world music acts. $$
The California Academy of Sciences is a research institute and natural history museum in San Francisco, California, that is among the largest museums of natural history in the world, housing over 26 million specimens $$$.
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Akademya ng Agham ng California
55 Music Concourse DrThe California Academy of Sciences is a research institute and natural history museum in San Francisco, California, that is among the largest museums of natural history in the world, housing over 26 million specimens $$$.
Essentials
Safeway
6310 College AveLocal Safeway $$
More a Farmer's Market than a grocery store, there is a vast selection of produce and fruit that is a balance of organic, transitional and conventional. Features local producers and excellent on deals on more than you can imagine. $
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Monterey Market
1550 Hopkins StMore a Farmer's Market than a grocery store, there is a vast selection of produce and fruit that is a balance of organic, transitional and conventional. Features local producers and excellent on deals on more than you can imagine. $
Convenient and friendly grocery store. $$
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Berkeley Natural Grocery Company
1336 Gilman StConvenient and friendly grocery store. $$
Budget specialty foods and sundries sold by Hawaiian shirt clad cashiers. $$
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Trader Joe's
225 El Cerrito PlazaBudget specialty foods and sundries sold by Hawaiian shirt clad cashiers. $$
Target
1057 Eastshore HwyGiant big box store with just about everything.
Arts & Culture
Interesting architecture with a variety of areas to enjoy. The cafe is surprisingly innovative and delicious, using locally sourced produce.
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Oakland Museum ng California
1000 Oak StInteresting architecture with a variety of areas to enjoy. The cafe is surprisingly innovative and delicious, using locally sourced produce.
The M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, commonly referred as the de Young, is a fine arts museum located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and one of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco along with the Legion of Honor.
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Museo ng de Young
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrThe M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, commonly referred as the de Young, is a fine arts museum located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and one of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco along with the Legion of Honor.
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco – Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture[1] houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some as much as 6,000 years old.
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Museo ng Sining ng Asya
200 Larkin StThe Asian Art Museum of San Francisco – Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture[1] houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some as much as 6,000 years old.
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive are a combined art museum and repertory movie theater and archive.
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Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
2155 Center StThe Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive are a combined art museum and repertory movie theater and archive.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a regional theater company located in Berkeley. It runs seven productions each season from its two stages in Downtown Berkeley.
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Berkeley Repertory Theatre
2025 Addison StBerkeley Repertory Theatre is a regional theater company located in Berkeley. It runs seven productions each season from its two stages in Downtown Berkeley.
Parks & Nature
Tilden Regional Park, also known as Tilden Park is a 2,079-acre regional park in the East Bay, part of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Its main entrance is by driving up Marin Ave into the Berkeley Hills. Tilden is adjacent to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. There are plentiful hiking and biking trails, a botanical garden, an old fashioned carousel and a children's petting zoo.
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Tilden Regional Park
2501 Grizzly Peak BlvdTilden Regional Park, also known as Tilden Park is a 2,079-acre regional park in the East Bay, part of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Its main entrance is by driving up Marin Ave into the Berkeley Hills. Tilden is adjacent to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. There are plentiful hiking and biking trails, a botanical garden, an old fashioned carousel and a children's petting zoo.
Golden Gate Park, located in San Francisco, is a large urban park consisting of 1,017 acres of public grounds. Museums included are; Academy of Science, the de Young Art Museum, SF Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers...and more. Be prepared for crowds. No fee to enter and wander around the grounds of the park...and there is a lot to enjoy. Galleries, Academy of Science and other venues do charge an entry fee.
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Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park, located in San Francisco, is a large urban park consisting of 1,017 acres of public grounds. Museums included are; Academy of Science, the de Young Art Museum, SF Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers...and more. Be prepared for crowds. No fee to enter and wander around the grounds of the park...and there is a lot to enjoy. Galleries, Academy of Science and other venues do charge an entry fee.
Muir Woods National Monument is a United States National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It is located on Mount Tamalpais near the Pacific coast, in southwestern Marin County, California. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and is 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco. It protects 554 acres (224 ha),[4] of which 240 acres (97 ha) are old growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests,[5] one of a few such stands remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area. Reservations and public transportation recommended.
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Pambansang Monumento ng Muir Woods
Muir Woods National Monument is a United States National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It is located on Mount Tamalpais near the Pacific coast, in southwestern Marin County, California. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and is 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco. It protects 554 acres (224 ha),[4] of which 240 acres (97 ha) are old growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests,[5] one of a few such stands remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area. Reservations and public transportation recommended.
Established in 1933, the Rose Garden is in the form of a terraced amphitheater nestled in a small canyon and offers stunning views of the city and bay of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Over a hundred varieties of roses grow along the terraces, (maximum blooming early Spring). The park is bisected by Codornices Creek. The north side of the Rose Garden includes a set of tennis courts. The south side is a grove of Coast Redwoods, bay trees and coastal live oak. Across the street (or through the subterranean tunnel) is Cordonices Park. There is no entry fee.
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Berkeley Rose Garden
1200 Euclid AveEstablished in 1933, the Rose Garden is in the form of a terraced amphitheater nestled in a small canyon and offers stunning views of the city and bay of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Over a hundred varieties of roses grow along the terraces, (maximum blooming early Spring). The park is bisected by Codornices Creek. The north side of the Rose Garden includes a set of tennis courts. The south side is a grove of Coast Redwoods, bay trees and coastal live oak. Across the street (or through the subterranean tunnel) is Cordonices Park. There is no entry fee.
Comprising the Berkeley Rose Garden plus areas for ball playing & hiking, picnicking & kids' play.
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Codornices Park
1201 Euclid AveComprising the Berkeley Rose Garden plus areas for ball playing & hiking, picnicking & kids' play.
Shopping
Old fashioned nursery with an upscale charming store...containing an interesting array of botanically inclined knickknacks. Property also has an airstream that has been converted to a coffee/tea/pastry bar.
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Flowerland Nursery
1330 Solano AveOld fashioned nursery with an upscale charming store...containing an interesting array of botanically inclined knickknacks. Property also has an airstream that has been converted to a coffee/tea/pastry bar.
Charming shopping area that mimics an outdoor shopping center...populated by original shops and eating venues.
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Fourth Street Shops
1834 Fourth StCharming shopping area that mimics an outdoor shopping center...populated by original shops and eating venues.
Scandinavian chain selling ready-to-assemble furniture, plus housewares, in a warehouse-like space. It is a good place to take the kids on a rainy day.
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IKEA
4400 Shellmound StScandinavian chain selling ready-to-assemble furniture, plus housewares, in a warehouse-like space. It is a good place to take the kids on a rainy day.
Toy Go Round sells new and 'used' (but in excellent condition) children's toys, books and sundries. Owned by a Bay Area family, but it started out as a collective. An excellent option for you child to find a special toy or book.
Toy Go Round
1361 Solano AveToy Go Round sells new and 'used' (but in excellent condition) children's toys, books and sundries. Owned by a Bay Area family, but it started out as a collective. An excellent option for you child to find a special toy or book.
An excellent addition to Solano Avenue, just 1/2 block away. An opportunity to shop for culinary spices, herbs, house made blends, chiles, salts, peppercorns, DIY kits, gift boxes and more original supplies. Spices sold whole or freshly ground from the Oakland shop. Nice selection of interesting and novel gifts for your friends back home...in small packages.
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Oaktown Spice Shop
546 Grand AveAn excellent addition to Solano Avenue, just 1/2 block away. An opportunity to shop for culinary spices, herbs, house made blends, chiles, salts, peppercorns, DIY kits, gift boxes and more original supplies. Spices sold whole or freshly ground from the Oakland shop. Nice selection of interesting and novel gifts for your friends back home...in small packages.
Japanese seafood specialist, also offering a full selection of produce, prepared foods & dry goods. Awesome option for food to prepare, or "to-go" selections. Also has lovely gift shop with treasures from Japan. Really nice staff!
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Tokyo Fish Market
1220 San Pablo AveJapanese seafood specialist, also offering a full selection of produce, prepared foods & dry goods. Awesome option for food to prepare, or "to-go" selections. Also has lovely gift shop with treasures from Japan. Really nice staff!
Importer of fine wine from France & Italy with a lovely selection of wines. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful...they can help in the best choices for your price point. $$
19 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant
1605 San Pablo AveImporter of fine wine from France & Italy with a lovely selection of wines. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful...they can help in the best choices for your price point. $$