The young ones may be happy to just down a 40, but we suggest you try Drake’s Brewery. Opened in 1989, Drake’s has earned an excellent rep and a rabid fan base for their West Coast style ales and popular beer garden. The downtown Oakland spot offers some excellent food, too, combining locally-sourced, farm fresh, and seasonal ingredients (drinkdrakes.com).
A California landmark and icon nestled in the Oakland Hills, the newly restored urban resort offers breathtaking views, unmatched culinary experiences, and luxury galore. With amenities like eucalyptus steam rooms, saline whirlpools, and a 10,000 square-foot fitness center, Claremont is a must for business and leisure travelers alike. (fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley)
It started in a warehouse near the docks but today visitors to San Francisco often take the ferry ride across the Bay just to do a tasting at Rosenblum Cellars. The urban winery boasts a tasting room in Oakland’s Jack London Square and a wide variety of California-sourced zinfandels. (rosenblumcellars.com)
Two delightful pedestrian alleys in North Oakland offer a curated selection of locally owned and operated artisan shops, barbershops, and cafes. The charming Temescal Alleys play host to numerous events and artisanal, hand-crafted ice creams, apparel, and jewelry. (temescalalleys.com)
Named after founder Yoshie Akiba, the sushi bar and restaurant has built itself into one of the world’s most respected jazz venues. With a reputation as the Bay Area’s premier location for great Japanese food and live jazz, Yoshi’s marries state-of-the-art sound, cuisine, and talent. In December, you can catch R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! and in January, famed Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdés. (yoshis.com)