Harold’s Heroes

Offers a mix of Ethiopian inspired breakfast and brunch options.  They are the only restaurant on Lakeshore between East 17th and this side of the freeway.  Over the last 5 years, our city council allowed for out of town food trucks and vendors to come in, not pay their fair share of taxes, and to leave the Lake littered with trash.  Cafe Lakeview has survived without city support, and has been the meeting place for hundreds of people and adding to the much needed fabric of our community.

A dozen years ago, Oakland was fast becoming the wine scene of the Eastbay, with a wine trail and a dozen wineries.  Brooklyn West is the last of the independents left in Oakland.

Located in the heart of the Jack London Square Warehouse District, this winery is a local hangout, in a space designed by award winning architect David Baker.  Depending on the season, you’ll find between a dozen and 20 different varietals, and they make mocktails too! And if that isn’t enough, it’s dog friendly, and Friday’s have hosted trivia nights!

Often voted the best Gallery and Frame Shop in Oakland, it’s easy to see why.  Galleria Scola is the standard. They offer a variety of frames and options with an amazing value, but what is most helpful are the staff who can help you in framing your own pictures.

Now Woody’s is double dipping because there are two distinct offerings back to back, but the importance cannot be overstated.  As a kid, a college student, and a decade ago, I remember the Park Blvd neighborhood having more restaurants and laundromats that have gone to the wayside, but Woody’s have held its ground.

Woody’s Laundromat is amazing, with a variety of machines to meet your needs, parking in a lot and on the street…and it opens at 6:30 am!

Woody’s Cafe is an institution; been around for over 60 years, updating it menu to meet the needs of the people, with an amazing coffee selection.