Fewer undergraduate students walking around Oakland means heading there for a bite to eat or something to drink is much less of a headache compared to when the school year is in full swing.
Excited by the prospect of exploring Oakland but not sure where to go? Get to know this Pittsburgh neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a coffee shop to a bubble tea joint.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Oakland, using both Yelp data and our own secret formula to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Redhawk Coffee
Topping the list is the small, independent coffee shop Redhawk Coffee, which occasionally moonlights as a food truck. The establishment, which is located at 120 Meyran Ave., serves coffees, teas and more. Redhawk Coffee is Oakland's the highest rated business, boasting five stars out of 107 reviews on Yelp.
Not sure what to order? People are talking about Redhawk's Golden Milk Latte (milk, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, pink pepper, honey), the cold brew and the Caramel Macchiato, to give you a few recommendations. It's also located next to a Peace Love and Little Donuts if you're craving something sweet.
2. Dave & Andy's
Next up is Dave & Andy's, a spot to score ice cream and frozen yogurt, situated at 207 Atwood St.. With 4.5 stars out of 249 reviews on Yelp, it's a proven local favorite.
Dave & Andy's has a reputation for its custom-made ice cream cakes, its waffle cones and its creative ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors. (Pro tip: the sweet treat destination is cash only, but there's an ATM on site.)
3. Las Palmas
Next up is Mexican spot Las Palmas. Yelpers give the business, located at 326 Atwood St., 4.5 stars out of 189 reviews.
Yelper Sarah W. explains how the operation works:
"After you buy your tacos from the cashier inside the grocery store, you go outside and show your receipt to the cook. He then heats up the double-layered corn tortilla right in front of you along with your chosen meats, and the aroma is delicious ... Load them up with toppings at the toppings 'bar' right next to the taco stand."
4. Mount Everest Sushi
Mount Everest Sushi, a sushi bar and Asian fusion spot that offers poke, is another much-loved Oakland go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 140 Yelp reviews. Head over to 128 Oakland Ave.. to see for yourself.
Not only is Mount Everest a popular destination for sushi and poke enthusiasts — it's equally popular with frugal-minded eaters. The restaurant has one dollar sign listed on Yelp, which means that most menu items are less than $10.
5. Fuku Tea
Rounding out the list is Fuku Tea, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 116 reviews on Yelp. You can find the coffee, tea and bubble tea joint at 3800 Forbes Ave.
"Possibly the best bubble tea place in Pittsburgh," wrote Yelper Anjalie F. "Mostly because of the quality of their tapioca, and the way you can customize the flavor, sweetness, type of tea, and toppings in your drink."
