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Where to Eat and Drink in Oakland's Northgate-Waverly Neighborhood

It's above Uptown and below Temescal

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Just above iconic Uptown and right below Temescal sits a neighborhood that combines a Korean identity, an emerging arts district, and a busy stretch of Telegraph Ave. It's a nebulous area that is identified as Northgate-Waverly-Koreatown (depending on who you ask).

While smaller in boundaries than other neighborhoods, this area houses First Fridays, which has become a monthly festival that allows food and art vendors onto streets closed to traffic, to make way for an emerging art scene. Whether checking out some art galleries, enjoying a good old fashioned punk show, or sampling from the diverse dining scene, this neighborhood is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Check out Eater SF's guides to eating and drinking in Temescal and Uptown Oakland.

Note: points are mapped alphabetically, not ranked. Did we miss your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments.

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Blind Tiger

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Blind Tiger’s underground (literally) space is what late night eating and drinking in Oakland is all about. Located down a flight of stairs under Korean favorite Gogi Time, the hip and modern decor and pan-Asian theme is executed throughout. Enjoy the crowd pleasing massaman curry fries topped with braised beef, or step out of your comfort zone and try the fried Szechuan Pepper Frog Legs.

Calavera

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Oaxacan specialties like chapulines (spicy grasshoppers), huitlacoche, or sikil pak (a nutty pumpkin seed sauce) are some of the highlights at this stylish spot. An open kitchen, large bar, and pleasant patio keep things casual and lively. A serious mezcal collection and creative cocktail menu are not to be missed.

Dan Sung Sa

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Dubbed the “Porno Palace” and named after a Korean theater, this late night spot honors the drinking and eating culture that Seoul natives would be proud of. Entering the warmly lit space you’ll find wooden nooks offering the “soju bang” (translates to “soju rooms”) experience that create a lively atmosphere. The food ranges from Korean street food to traditional dishes like the unconventional “porno fries” topped with spicy pork or classic seafood Korean pancakes (Pajeon).

dosa by Dosa

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The fast casual spinoff of Dosa is now open on the corner of Broadway and Webster serving its signature dish alongside South Indian-spiced cocktails. It's roomy and high-ceilinged, with ample seating inside, and a small patio outside. The menu offers wraps, salads, rice bowls, small plates like samosas and stuffed naan — most importantly, however, breakfast brings egg dosas and other flavorful ways to start the day.

Drake's Dealership

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Drake's Oakland outpost features 32 of the brewery's favorite beers on tap, as well as some lesser known experimental brews. Equipped with a woodfired oven, drinkers can order from a menu of pizzas, and sandwiches like the east bay muffaletta with mortadella, sopressata, and hot ham, or snacks like the popular red eye pretzels served with bacon fondue and spicy mustard. The spot often features live music so check the calendar to see whats playing.

Firebrand Artisan Breads

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Supplying a multitude of restaurants, and coffee shops throughout the Bay, owners Matt Kreutz and Colleen Orlando are offering their own expression of Bay Area bread, featuring Highwire Coffee, and an all day menu from newly appointed head chef Tommy Schnell (Coi). Sandwiches with roast meats, salads, and soups are at the core of the hearty menu.

Firebrand Artisan Breads

Gogi Time

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One of Oakland’s premier hot pot and Korean barbecue spots, Gogi Time is always filled with hungry East Bay locals getting their fix of kimchi, and grilled meat. If barbecue or hot pot isn’t your thing, you can choose from the full list of a la carte classics like bibimbap, bulgogi beef, or soju (it’s almost required).

Stefanie Tuder

Humphry Slocombe

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The only East Bay post of SF’s popular Humphry Slocombe offers scoops, sundaes, and pints of both classic and notoriously unconventional flavors. Since it’s located inside a shipping container in the middle of the Hive complex, there’s only a handful of outdoor seats, so plan accordingly.

Kingston 11 Cuisine

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Named after a neighborhood next to Trenchtown in Jamaica, owner Nigel Jones’ restaurant is an homage to his grandmother “Miss Gwen." Jones has created a balance between delicious food, spot on cocktails, and a lively environment for dancing, dining out or just coming together. Try the classic jerk chicken, black pepper tofu, or the super tender oxtail. Check out their website for nightly bands and DJs.

New Parkway Theater

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Local and independent movies are shown here, with the added bonus of comfy couches for viewing, and a full cafe with craft beer and wine for in-theater dining. Choose from pizzas, sandwiches, and starters like ricotta toast with butternut squash and lime; veer traditional with concessions, including popcorn, milkshakes, and sodas.

Stork Club

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For decades now Micki Chittock and her husband have sustained Stork Club as a breeding ground for varied genres of shows often serving younger crowds of locals. Chittock’s affinity for Christmas decorations shows in the lights that adorn the crowded bar, along with her collection of vintage Barbie dolls, which somehow blend in perfectly with the alternative crowd. A juke box, pool table, and live music are part of the draw to this funky Telegraph Avenue bar.

Sweet Bar Bakery

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Housed in the Historic Macfarlane’s candy and ice cream building, the light and airy space serves baked goods, sandwiches, local beer and wine all day long, even doubling as a meeting space for the community, hosting spoken word events on Monday nights. Check the events calendar for rotating entertainment.

Telegraph Bar and Beer Garden (aka Beeryland)

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This outdoor "Beeryland" brought some much needed late night food and solid beers on draft to the Uptown/Northgate food scene. It's outfitted with picnic tables, over a dozen beers on tap, a full bar, and graffiti-covered walls. Feast on an array of burgers and sandwiches like the Kono Burger (add kimchi), a delightful veggie burger, a vegan green bean sandwich, and the now infamous 2FAT2SK8 Burger, which combines the 5150 patty (half Angus beef, half bacon) and comes topped with grilled mac and cheese.

The Double Standard

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Less than two years in existence, Ali Tahsini’s rough exterior bar has evolved into a hidden gem in a neighborhood that is still a little rough around the edges. Stepping into the bar you’ll find a selection of beers as well as house cocktails on tap, and craft cocktails. There is also an outdoor patio flanked by dreamy hanging lights, picnic tables that are dog friendly and three coastal redwoods that make you forget you're in Oakland.

The Good Hop Bottleshop

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This low-key spot combines a well stocked bottle shop and craft brew bar that allows patrons to buy beer to-go, or crack it open and enjoy it there. With an array of over 450 bottled and canned beers and 16 constantly rotating beers on tap, there's something for everyone. The experience here is most enjoyable in the late afternoon, where you’ll find beer aficionados sipping and talking shop.

Blind Tiger

Blind Tiger’s underground (literally) space is what late night eating and drinking in Oakland is all about. Located down a flight of stairs under Korean favorite Gogi Time, the hip and modern decor and pan-Asian theme is executed throughout. Enjoy the crowd pleasing massaman curry fries topped with braised beef, or step out of your comfort zone and try the fried Szechuan Pepper Frog Legs.

Calavera

Oaxacan specialties like chapulines (spicy grasshoppers), huitlacoche, or sikil pak (a nutty pumpkin seed sauce) are some of the highlights at this stylish spot. An open kitchen, large bar, and pleasant patio keep things casual and lively. A serious mezcal collection and creative cocktail menu are not to be missed.

Dan Sung Sa

Dubbed the “Porno Palace” and named after a Korean theater, this late night spot honors the drinking and eating culture that Seoul natives would be proud of. Entering the warmly lit space you’ll find wooden nooks offering the “soju bang” (translates to “soju rooms”) experience that create a lively atmosphere. The food ranges from Korean street food to traditional dishes like the unconventional “porno fries” topped with spicy pork or classic seafood Korean pancakes (Pajeon).

dosa by Dosa

The fast casual spinoff of Dosa is now open on the corner of Broadway and Webster serving its signature dish alongside South Indian-spiced cocktails. It's roomy and high-ceilinged, with ample seating inside, and a small patio outside. The menu offers wraps, salads, rice bowls, small plates like samosas and stuffed naan — most importantly, however, breakfast brings egg dosas and other flavorful ways to start the day.

Drake's Dealership

Drake's Oakland outpost features 32 of the brewery's favorite beers on tap, as well as some lesser known experimental brews. Equipped with a woodfired oven, drinkers can order from a menu of pizzas, and sandwiches like the east bay muffaletta with mortadella, sopressata, and hot ham, or snacks like the popular red eye pretzels served with bacon fondue and spicy mustard. The spot often features live music so check the calendar to see whats playing.

Firebrand Artisan Breads

Supplying a multitude of restaurants, and coffee shops throughout the Bay, owners Matt Kreutz and Colleen Orlando are offering their own expression of Bay Area bread, featuring Highwire Coffee, and an all day menu from newly appointed head chef Tommy Schnell (Coi). Sandwiches with roast meats, salads, and soups are at the core of the hearty menu.

Firebrand Artisan Breads

Gogi Time

One of Oakland’s premier hot pot and Korean barbecue spots, Gogi Time is always filled with hungry East Bay locals getting their fix of kimchi, and grilled meat. If barbecue or hot pot isn’t your thing, you can choose from the full list of a la carte classics like bibimbap, bulgogi beef, or soju (it’s almost required).

Stefanie Tuder

Humphry Slocombe

The only East Bay post of SF’s popular Humphry Slocombe offers scoops, sundaes, and pints of both classic and notoriously unconventional flavors. Since it’s located inside a shipping container in the middle of the Hive complex, there’s only a handful of outdoor seats, so plan accordingly.

Kingston 11 Cuisine

Named after a neighborhood next to Trenchtown in Jamaica, owner Nigel Jones’ restaurant is an homage to his grandmother “Miss Gwen." Jones has created a balance between delicious food, spot on cocktails, and a lively environment for dancing, dining out or just coming together. Try the classic jerk chicken, black pepper tofu, or the super tender oxtail. Check out their website for nightly bands and DJs.

New Parkway Theater

Local and independent movies are shown here, with the added bonus of comfy couches for viewing, and a full cafe with craft beer and wine for in-theater dining. Choose from pizzas, sandwiches, and starters like ricotta toast with butternut squash and lime; veer traditional with concessions, including popcorn, milkshakes, and sodas.

Stork Club

For decades now Micki Chittock and her husband have sustained Stork Club as a breeding ground for varied genres of shows often serving younger crowds of locals. Chittock’s affinity for Christmas decorations shows in the lights that adorn the crowded bar, along with her collection of vintage Barbie dolls, which somehow blend in perfectly with the alternative crowd. A juke box, pool table, and live music are part of the draw to this funky Telegraph Avenue bar.

Sweet Bar Bakery

Housed in the Historic Macfarlane’s candy and ice cream building, the light and airy space serves baked goods, sandwiches, local beer and wine all day long, even doubling as a meeting space for the community, hosting spoken word events on Monday nights. Check the events calendar for rotating entertainment.

Telegraph Bar and Beer Garden (aka Beeryland)

This outdoor "Beeryland" brought some much needed late night food and solid beers on draft to the Uptown/Northgate food scene. It's outfitted with picnic tables, over a dozen beers on tap, a full bar, and graffiti-covered walls. Feast on an array of burgers and sandwiches like the Kono Burger (add kimchi), a delightful veggie burger, a vegan green bean sandwich, and the now infamous 2FAT2SK8 Burger, which combines the 5150 patty (half Angus beef, half bacon) and comes topped with grilled mac and cheese.

The Double Standard

Less than two years in existence, Ali Tahsini’s rough exterior bar has evolved into a hidden gem in a neighborhood that is still a little rough around the edges. Stepping into the bar you’ll find a selection of beers as well as house cocktails on tap, and craft cocktails. There is also an outdoor patio flanked by dreamy hanging lights, picnic tables that are dog friendly and three coastal redwoods that make you forget you're in Oakland.

The Good Hop Bottleshop

This low-key spot combines a well stocked bottle shop and craft brew bar that allows patrons to buy beer to-go, or crack it open and enjoy it there. With an array of over 450 bottled and canned beers and 16 constantly rotating beers on tap, there's something for everyone. The experience here is most enjoyable in the late afternoon, where you’ll find beer aficionados sipping and talking shop.

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