Established on Claremont Avenue in 1920, this bar is one of the oldest in the Bay. When news that the bar's lot had been sold and a condominium complex would take the landmark's place, the public was outraged. Luckily, the bar's owner was able to transport the small, shack-like structure 35 meters to its new location on Telegraph Avenue, keeping it completely intact. Outfitted with shuffleboard, jukebox, and free popcorn, this community watering hole is here to stay.

Traditional Filipino flavors are served in a vibrant, contemporary setting at FOB Kitchen, one of Oakland’s buzziest new restaurants. Formerly a popular San Francisco pop-up, FOB Kitchen serves family-style dishes like pork adobo, lechon, and lumpia at dinner and rice plates topped with runny eggs at brunch. Cocktails channel the tropics with help from Cali Gold of Beretta.

Situated on the corner of 51st and Telegraph sits one of Temescal's most popular lunch destinations. Betty's thriving business is centered around one central food item: a buttermilk battered fried chicken breast, atop spicy jalapeno slaw on an Acme torpedo roll (also available with fried tofu). Chips, baked goods, and canned drinks are also available to eat at the makeshift tables fashioned from old ironing boards. And though the line might look long, it moves fast — this place is a well-oiled machine.

There are a few Ethiopian restaurants to choose from in this stretch of Oakland, but Abesha has the edge for its exemplary kitfo — raw beef tartare with cottage cheese, greens, and spices — and lunchtime build-your-own veggie combo. Don’t miss the mushroom tibs.

Opened by two artists, Rose's is a relaxed gathering place for beers brewed on premises and a selection of snacks. Beers run the gamut from kolsch to saison to coconut porter served with lime. Food is a snacky array, with bread from neighboring Pizzaiolo, charcuterie from Duende, and more. The entire place is painted a warm peachy pink, intended as a welcoming space for beer lovers of all kinds, including families. It’s now offering seating on the new back patio, which used to belong to Doña Tomás.

Gourmet ice cream in charming Temescal Alley is the pitch for Curbside Creamery, though that sort of undersells its many virtues. Those include pie, rotating soft serve (a vegan and non-vegan flavor at all times), and simple seasonal ice cream flavors (again, many vegan). A big seller: Ice cream sandwiches on several kinds of cookies, from gingersnaps to chocolate shortbread.

One of SF’s best Hakata-style ramen shops expanded to Oakland with this Temescal location (there are also outposts in Irvine, Redwood City, Del Mar, and Frisco). The 20-hour tonkotsu broth is the more popular, but the chicken paitan is also not to be overlooked, and an off-menu vegan option has everyone covered. You might have to spend some time tooling around the neighborhood while you wait for them to text you off the waitlist: This one draws a line.

The term "dive bar" takes on new meaning at The Avenue, a no-frills watering hole in the heart of the neighborhood. A metal theme pervades, complete with a pair of skeletons above the sign, foam stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and plenty of chains dangling throughout. Pool tables, PBR, and friendly tattooed bartenders make this the ideal, darkened hangout on a sunny afternoon or late into the night. There's also a working fireplace, for those cool Bay Area evenings.

Serving Korean comfort food and seasonally changing banchan since 1999, Pyeong Chang Tofu House is a great family-run restaurant on Telegraph Avenue. Tofu soup, seafood pancakes, and bibimbap are all popular orders here, though there’s also Korean barbecue, cold noodles, and ginseng stuffed whole chicken to be had on the extensive menu.

Named after the owner’s aunt, a master at Southern comfort food, this spot specializes in a brunch that delivers just that. The inviting space also offers a selection of house-made pies and baked goods. Try a yeasted grits waffle with fried chicken on top, or the lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote.

The Warriors or A’s might be the main reason to go get a drink at this sports bar that opened in 2018, but the MVP is Smokin’ Woods, chef James Woodard’s barbecue pop-up that serves some of the Bay Area’s best brisket.

Throwing traditionalism to the wind, classic and quirky combinations of the cheesy, all-American favorite are the allure here. Build your own mac n’ cheese with a myriad of toppings or try some of the classics like the Hawaiian with ham and pineapple, or the buffalo chicken that uses Frank’s Red hot and grilled chicken. With a list of wine and draft beers, there really is something for everyone. Homeroom-to-Go, located just around the corner, is now completely dedicated to delivery.

Bohemian and funky, Copper Spoon is a neighborhood spot that feels appropriately Oakland. The eclectic menu jumps around from Japanese to Mediterranean influences with dishes like deviled eggs with togarashi and a lamb merguez burger, but plenty of people stop in purely for Vita Simone’s strong cocktails. Mezcal fans will be pleased here.

More than 40 years ago, George Marino opened this beloved neighborhood spot in an old Chinese restaurant at a time when breakfast wasn't the spectacle it is today. Unable to afford cosmetic changes to the interior at the time, Marino left the now iconic Chinese accents throughout the restaurant. Despite a change in ownership, this community-minded cafe continues to offer locally sourced breakfast and lunch classics, though regulars know the more eclectic specials are where it’s at.

Beauty's was a neighborhood favorite for Montreal-style bagels, before Wise Sons purchased the shop in 2020, to form a new bagel-and-pastrami superteam. They kept the sign and name, and although the bagels have definitely changed, they’re still kettle boiled and made with locally milled flour. And the upshot is that the menu got meatier, with pastrami reubens, smoked trout salad, and matzo ball soup.