OAKLAND

To say “I live in Oakland” is just the beginning to sharing your experience living in one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Because, the city of Oakland - and the experience of living in Oakland - is vastly different depending on which neighborhood you call home. You can say “I live in Oakland” and have a serene, peaceful sprawling hillside home in the Montclair neighborhood that flanks Highway 13, or you could live in a stunning, bright, and exceptionally tall loft condo on Telegraph in the Uptown district just steps from the 19th St BART and the famed Fox Theatre. You could have a quiet single family home on a hilly backstreet behind Grand Avenue in the Grand Lake district or a swanky top floor flat overlooking Lake Merritt. There is every lifestyle to be had in the vast, wide-ranging communities of Oakland. Whichever you call home, you’ll experience some of the best weather and nicest people that the Bay Area has to offer.

Greggory’s Picks

Dining

  • Brenda’s Oakland - Living in Alamo Square in San Francisco, I’m only a couple blocks from Brenda’s on Divisadero, so I love grabbing brunch or dinner at Brenda’s in Oakland when I’m in town. It’s also a favorite to take clients - particularly those who buy in Piedmont! The cajon/creole menu and atmosphere makes you feel like you’re on Bourbon St in NOLA and the beignets seal the deal for the true southern experience. I just get the plain but go for the flight with wide-ranging types like crawfish and granny smith apple. Oh, and “Make your own damn sandwich”! (That’s the name of the build-your-own breakfast sandwich) or for lunch or dinner, I never go wrong with a Hog Heaven Po’ Boy.

  • Grand Lake Kitchen - A great place for brunch, lunch, or dinner in the Grand Lake district. I love the Steak Frites (a favorite choice of mine in many restaurants) but I also hear the Scallop Risotto is excellent.

  • Almond & Oak - Another great brunch spot in the Grand Lake District! A wall of windows that shine in on a stunning brick wall and huge oven in the exposed kitchen. High ceilings and high tables complete the casual but fun feel of this neighborhood staple. Enjoy a craft cocktail while you wait for your entree - I love the Hot Yachty!

  • Montclair Egg Shop - A great place for brunch with a few friends or with a family with kids! The trains in the restaurant fascinate and keep kids busy while the build your own omelette keeps adults focused on the delicious meal ahead. I love the Ham & Cheese potato pancakes

Places to Go

  • Lake Merritt - One of the best places to go for a jog or sit and have lunch on the grass and people watch. It’s a picturesque spot on almost any part of the lake to sit and take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown

  • Jack London Square - A great place to spend a date night or Sunday afternoon. Eat, drink, shop, see a movie - there’s so much to do day/night, weekday/weekend!

  • Oakland Zoo - Another great escape from the busy city life this huge park has over 650 native and exotic animals to observe. Terrific educational programs for children and adults.

  • Chabot Park - a great place for an afternoon hike. Head south on 580 and pack a lunch for an afternoon excursion into the wilderness at the base of the foothills that separates Oakland from San Ramon