With so many restaurants and bars, independent retail and quirky art venues, there's a nearly endless array of options for winding down after work in Oakland.
We've winnowed it down to a half-dozen detours on your way home that will make your night unique (with or without the influence of alcohol).
The Layover, 1517 Franklin St.
The Layover is a laid-back music lounge and bar known for its signature organic cocktails. Decorated with reclaimed wood and fabrics, the bohemian-inspired venue frequently hosts live bands and DJs, who spin old school hip-hop and R&B tracks.
Once you’ve had enough of the dance floor, head over to the 'depARTure' gallery, which showcases work from local artists during monthly installations. Keep an eye out for unique pieces of art or furnishings, as they're up for sale.
First Fridays, Telegraph Ave.
Growing out of Art Murmur’s gallery crawl, Oakland First Fridays is a community art celebration that takes place on the first Friday of each month on Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th St.
The event transforms the KONO district into a street festival filled with food and live music. Culinary artisans, artists, musicians and galleries gather for an immersive experience that showcases emerging artists, as well as street performers and gourmet food vendors. The next First Friday event is on January 6, so mark your calendars.
Pan Theater, 2135 Broadway
As the East Bay’s oldest improv theater, Pan Theater has cultivated a community space that offers comedy shows (Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm) and improv classes designed for every skill level.
Those seeking an immersive training session can register for Improv 101, 201 or 301 classes, which are held throughout the week. Alternatively, visitors are also welcomed to drop-in for the Improv Dojo series that offers a more casual learning environment.
Good Mother Gallery, 408 13th St.
Established in 2014 by artists Calvin Wong, and brothers Ian and Jared Jethmal, Good Mother Gallery is a two-floor gallery that showcases young talent from the Bay Area and abroad.
Just half a block away from 12th Street BART, the creative hub also serves as a popular breeding ground for twenty-somethings, who frequently head there to check out art exhibitions, workshops, zine fairs, record swaps and music shows.
Make Westing, 1741 Telegraph Ave.
Located less than a block away from the Fox Theatre, Make Westing is housed inside an industrial space that used to operate as a jewelry store. Today, the gastropub includes an outdoor patio and two indoor bocce ball courts, which are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis. (There’s also a mysterious black safe at the back that piques our interest.)
The menu features tasty options divided into two categories: “Things In Jars,” like Roasted Bone Marrow and Dungeness Crab Dib, and things “Outside The Jar,” including the Roasted Mushroom Bahn Mi and Braised Oxtail Sandwich.
Souley Vegan, 301 Broadway
In 2007, Tamearra Dyson left her career in the medical field to open Souley Vegan, a vegan soul food restaurant decorated with candid family photos and images of musical legends like Ella Fitzgerald.
Alongside appetizers and individual entrees including Fried Okra and the Seitan “shrimp” Po' Boy, the casual eatery offers a “build your own” platter option, which allows you to select three items (collard greens, yams, vegan mac & cheese, etc.), paired with cornbread or green salad.
Next week: six more places around Oakland that will help you transition from work to play.
Did we miss any of your favorite places to destress after work? Let us know in the comments.
