The Neighborhood
Located just across the 110 from Downtown Los Angeles and south of Echo Park, The Bellwether is surrounded by some of the best places to eat, drink and rest in LA. Here’s a list of our favorite nearby spots.
Recommended Hotels
The Metric Hotel – 285 Lucas Avenue (213) 433-6700
Ace Hotel – 929 South Broadway (213) 623-3233
citizenM – (
Double Tree Hilton Downtown – (
Hotel Figueroa – (
InterContinental LA Downtown – (
Mama Shelter – (
The Line – (
Restaurants
The Virginian
333 S Boylston St
PHONE NUMBER COMING SOON
www.thebellwetherla.com/venue-info/the-virginian/
Enjoy food and drinks before every the show at The Virginian. The Virginian is a sophisticated bar located inside the venue and open to the public typically an hour prior to doors time. Our gourmet menu and specialty cocktails await!
Aburaya
362 17th St
(510) 502-7743
www.aburayaoakland.com
Aburaya is a punkrock influenced restaurant specializing in Japanese fried chicken and seasonal izakaya plates. Everything is freshly made in house, from marinades to sauces and seasonings. Produce is sourced fresh from local weekly farmers’ markets and organic and natural products are used as much as possible.
Agave
2135 Franklin Street
(510) 288-3668
www.agaveuptown.com
Conceived from a love of food and community, Agave Uptown made its debut in June 2016 at the Kapor Center for Social Impact in Oakland, CA. Located in the heart of Uptown Oakland, Agave sets the standard for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in the area.
Belly
1901 San Pablo Avenue
(510) 839-0000
www.bellyuptown.com
Expect Korean-Mexican fusion influence by Los Angeles street food: kimchi-stuffed tacos, steak and French fry burritos, and tempura-topped burgers, plus house-made lemonades and potent truffle fries.
Calavera
2337 Broadway Street
(510) 338-3272
www.calaveraoakland.com
Working to provide the very best Mexican region-inspired cuisine, combined with the rebel spirit of Oakland, Calavera creates an eclectic experience unmatched in the town.
Curry Up Now
1745 San Pablo Ave
(510) 858-7475
www.curryupnow.com/
Think tikka masala burritos, deconstructed samosas and sexy fries. Curry Up Now takes traditional Indian flavors and present them in a friendly, recognizable way. Their obsession is amazing tasting food, but we’re just as passionate about making sure our guests have an incredible experience the moment they walk through our doors or step in line at our food trucks.
Drake's Dealership
2325 Broadway Auto Row
(510) 568 2739 x 40
www.drinkdrakes.com
This classic brick building on Oakland’s historic Broadway Auto Row was once the parts and service department of an old Dodge dealership. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza and sample our fresh beer brewed right here in the East Bay. Kick back and welcome to the Drake’s family.
Duende
468 19th Street
(510) 893-0174
www.duendeoakland.com
DUENDE is a collaboration between Chef Paul Canales and strategic visionary and style maven Alexandra Vorbeck and tech whiz and food enthusiast Tony Siress, born from a common passion for creative soulful food, artisan wines, beers & spirits and eclectic improvised music and art. The space is housed in the historic and ornate Oakland Floral Depot building, considered by many to be the Art Deco jewel of the Uptown/Downtown scene.
Emporium Oakland
1805 Telegraph Ave
(773) 697-7922
www.emporiumsf.com/oakland
Emporium Oakland, sister-site of Emporium SF, is an arcade bar that boasts a huge collection of pinball games, arcade games, foosball, skeeball, and more! Emporium also features a variety of craft beer on tap, an innovative cocktail program, a full bar, live DJs and special events.
Home of Chicken and Waffles
444 Embarcadero West
(510) 836-4446
www.homeofchickenandwaffles.com
Immensely popular Oakland soul food hotspot Home of Chicken and Waffles (HCW) opened its doors in May 2004. From residents of the neighborhood’s luxury lofts to club-goers looking for a delicious way to end their night, Home of Chicken and Waffles is a hands-down favorite. Originally a franchise of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, the family-owned HCW implemented an upscale thematic flair and re-branded itself with a 60’s diner image.
Hopscotch
1915 San Pablo Avenue
(510) 788-6217
www.hopscotchoakland.com
Hopscotch is an upscale diner serving seasonally inspired cocktails and regional American food with Japanese sensibility in Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood. Yonsei Ramen Shop is the savory after-hours shadow of Hopscotch, open every Friday from 11pm to 2am.
Ike's Sandwich
2204 Broadway
(510) 338-6789
https://www.ikessandwich.com/
Ike’s Sandwich first opened its door on Halloween of 2007. The man behind the sandwich, Ike Shehadeh, always puts his customer's happiness first. That is what sets Ike’s Sandwich aside from the rest. The bread is baked fresh to order and their soon to be patented “Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce” is spread on every sandwich and baked right in the bread, and another layer is spread on afterwards to give it that extra flavor. Mmmmm… are you hungry yet?
Itani Ramen
1736 Telegraph Avenue
(510) 788-7489
www.itaniramen.com
Itani Ramen is an izakaya for everyone. At Itani Ramen Chef Kyle Itani offers Uptown Oakland delicious ramen, rice bowls, sushi, and housemade gyoza alongside cocktails, sake, and an extensive selection of Japanese whisky. Conveniently located across the street from the Fox Theater. Open daily for for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 11:30am-8:30pm, and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Daily happy hour from 3-5:30pm!
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
1520 Lakeside Drive
(510) 208.5253
www.thelakechalet.com
The people that rocked San Francisco with the beloved Beach and Park Chalets have opened their follow-up in Oakland -- the Lake Chalet, a 425-seat, multimillion dollar seafood behemoth in Lake Merritt's newly renovated boathouse. The seriously classed-up premises are awash in painted blue wood, blackened steel, and mahogany, and are made up of several distinct dining zones including two fireplaced private eating rooms, an 80-foot marble bar that looks out at the lake, and a dockside patio.
Le Cheval
1007 Clay Street
(510) 763-8495
www.lecheval.com
East Bay Express Readers' Choice for Best Vietnamese/Southeast Asian for 21 years running, Le Cheval's style incorporates the French, Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking concepts of preparing wholesome, nutritious and special dishes that emphasize quality with quantity.
Make Westing
1741 Telegraph Avenue
(510) 251-1400
www.makewesting.com
Make Westing is located in the thriving Uptown district of Oakland. Wood, iron, and slate make up the décor that resonates with the industrial heritage of the city of Oakland. Make Westing is equipped with a full bar, a variety of gourmet bites, an outdoor patio, and two indoor bocce courts.
Mua
2442a Webster Street
(510) 238-1100
www.muaoakland.com
The cozy bar opens to an airy two-story dining area full of eclectic art that can be transformed into a dance floor or performance space as needed. The upstairs is intimate and lounge-like. The menu focuses on international comfort food such as BBQ pork buns, butternut squash soup, lamb tagine with couscous, and fried chicken.
Nikkei Sushi
1736 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 788-7489
www.nikkeioakland.com
Chef Kyle Itani's new dine-in and take-out sushi restaurant, Nikkei Sushi, is now operated under the same roof as its sister restaurant, Itani Ramen, located across from The Fox Theater. Enjoy quality sushi at a reasonable price any day of the week. Open daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 11:30am-8:30pm, and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Daily happy hour from 3-5:30pm!
Parlour
357 19th Street
(510) 451-1357
www.instagram.com/parlour_oakland
Parlour the latest labor of love from the partners behind the iconic Bar 355. Linda Bradford, Travis Dutton, and Patrick Lynch have been planning a restaurant since the beginning of their partnership, and had a vision of a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that draws upon the bounty of top-quality local producers. Parlour’s Italian influenced, Bay Area cuisine showcases the beautiful wood-fired oven that is the centerpiece of the open kitchen, while the bar offers classic and modern cocktails with an assortment of carefully curated spirits, wines, and beer.
Pho 84
354 17th St
(510) 832-1338
www.pho84.com
Oakland’s oldest Vietnamese restaurant! Pho 84 serves traditional Vietnamese pho & other regional staples using the freshest high quality ingredients.
Shinmai
1825-3 San Pablo Ave
(510) 271-1888
https://www.shinmaioakland.com/
Yingji Huang became fascinated with Japan after traveling to Tokyo at age 15 for a summer vacation that turned into a three-year sushi chef apprenticeship. Eager to bring his newfound skill set to the States, Yingi moved to Los Angeles, where he owned Kippa in Beverly Hills and established Asia De Cuba Restaurant Group’s sushi program. A decade later, Yingji’s aspirations became a reality, as he partnered with friend and former colleague Andy Liu to open sushi bar Kakui in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood. At his newest restaurant project, Shinmai, Yingi unites with Andy again to bring a lively izakaya experience to Uptown Oakland.
Tribune
401 13th Street
(510) 285-6451
www.tribuneoakland.com/
An American Brasserie from partners Omri Aflalo and Darrin Ballon, located in the iconic Tribune building, 401 13th & Franklin Streets. Ingredient driven brasserie favorites, exceptional service, and warm hospitality. Recently named “The Hottest New Restaurant in the East Bay” & “The Hottest New Cocktail Bar, in Oakland” from @eater_sf. The food and cocktails merge classic taste, with local style.
Xolo Taqueria
1916 Telegraph Avenue
(510) 986-0151
www.xolotaqueria.com
Xolo Taqueria is Restaurante Dona Tomas' new "mission-style" taqueria located in downtown Oakland across the street from the historic Fox Theater. Xolo is a casual, cool and kitschy taqueria featuring a simple menu of unusual and delicious tacos and burritos plus a few other items like the "Danger Dog", a Mexican-style bacon wrapped hotdog, vegan pozole and hot bite-size churros. Beer and wine is served along with house made horchata and seasonal aguas frescas.
The Virginian
333 S Boylston St
PHONE NUMBER COMING SOON
www.thebellwetherla.com/venue-info/the-virginian/
Enjoy food and drinks before every the show at The Virginian. The Virginian is a sophisticated bar located inside the venue and open to the public typically an hour prior to doors time. Our gourmet menu and specialty cocktails await!
Aburaya
362 17th St
(510) 502-7743
www.aburayaoakland.com
Aburaya is a punkrock influenced restaurant specializing in Japanese fried chicken and seasonal izakaya plates. Everything is freshly made in house, from marinades to sauces and seasonings. Produce is sourced fresh from local weekly farmers’ markets and organic and natural products are used as much as possible.
Agave
2135 Franklin Street
(510) 288-3668
www.agaveuptown.com
Conceived from a love of food and community, Agave Uptown made its debut in June 2016 at the Kapor Center for Social Impact in Oakland, CA. Located in the heart of Uptown Oakland, Agave sets the standard for authentic Oaxacan cuisine in the area.
Belly
1901 San Pablo Avenue
(510) 839-0000
www.bellyuptown.com
Expect Korean-Mexican fusion influence by Los Angeles street food: kimchi-stuffed tacos, steak and French fry burritos, and tempura-topped burgers, plus house-made lemonades and potent truffle fries.
Calavera
2337 Broadway Street
(510) 338-3272
www.calaveraoakland.com
Working to provide the very best Mexican region-inspired cuisine, combined with the rebel spirit of Oakland, Calavera creates an eclectic experience unmatched in the town.
Curry Up Now
1745 San Pablo Ave
(510) 858-7475
www.curryupnow.com/
Think tikka masala burritos, deconstructed samosas and sexy fries. Curry Up Now takes traditional Indian flavors and present them in a friendly, recognizable way. Their obsession is amazing tasting food, but we’re just as passionate about making sure our guests have an incredible experience the moment they walk through our doors or step in line at our food trucks.
Drake's Dealership
2325 Broadway Auto Row
(510) 568 2739 x 40
www.drinkdrakes.com
This classic brick building on Oakland’s historic Broadway Auto Row was once the parts and service department of an old Dodge dealership. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza and sample our fresh beer brewed right here in the East Bay. Kick back and welcome to the Drake’s family.
Duende
468 19th Street
(510) 893-0174
www.duendeoakland.com
DUENDE is a collaboration between Chef Paul Canales and strategic visionary and style maven Alexandra Vorbeck and tech whiz and food enthusiast Tony Siress, born from a common passion for creative soulful food, artisan wines, beers & spirits and eclectic improvised music and art. The space is housed in the historic and ornate Oakland Floral Depot building, considered by many to be the Art Deco jewel of the Uptown/Downtown scene.
Emporium Oakland
1805 Telegraph Ave
(773) 697-7922
www.emporiumsf.com/oakland
Emporium Oakland, sister-site of Emporium SF, is an arcade bar that boasts a huge collection of pinball games, arcade games, foosball, skeeball, and more! Emporium also features a variety of craft beer on tap, an innovative cocktail program, a full bar, live DJs and special events.
Home of Chicken and Waffles
444 Embarcadero West
(510) 836-4446
www.homeofchickenandwaffles.com
Immensely popular Oakland soul food hotspot Home of Chicken and Waffles (HCW) opened its doors in May 2004. From residents of the neighborhood’s luxury lofts to club-goers looking for a delicious way to end their night, Home of Chicken and Waffles is a hands-down favorite. Originally a franchise of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, the family-owned HCW implemented an upscale thematic flair and re-branded itself with a 60’s diner image.
Hopscotch
1915 San Pablo Avenue
(510) 788-6217
www.hopscotchoakland.com
Hopscotch is an upscale diner serving seasonally inspired cocktails and regional American food with Japanese sensibility in Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood. Yonsei Ramen Shop is the savory after-hours shadow of Hopscotch, open every Friday from 11pm to 2am.
Ike's Sandwich
2204 Broadway
(510) 338-6789
https://www.ikessandwich.com/
Ike’s Sandwich first opened its door on Halloween of 2007. The man behind the sandwich, Ike Shehadeh, always puts his customer's happiness first. That is what sets Ike’s Sandwich aside from the rest. The bread is baked fresh to order and their soon to be patented “Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce” is spread on every sandwich and baked right in the bread, and another layer is spread on afterwards to give it that extra flavor. Mmmmm… are you hungry yet?
Itani Ramen
1736 Telegraph Avenue
(510) 788-7489
www.itaniramen.com
Itani Ramen is an izakaya for everyone. At Itani Ramen Chef Kyle Itani offers Uptown Oakland delicious ramen, rice bowls, sushi, and housemade gyoza alongside cocktails, sake, and an extensive selection of Japanese whisky. Conveniently located across the street from the Fox Theater. Open daily for for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 11:30am-8:30pm, and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Daily happy hour from 3-5:30pm!
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
1520 Lakeside Drive
(510) 208.5253
www.thelakechalet.com
The people that rocked San Francisco with the beloved Beach and Park Chalets have opened their follow-up in Oakland -- the Lake Chalet, a 425-seat, multimillion dollar seafood behemoth in Lake Merritt's newly renovated boathouse. The seriously classed-up premises are awash in painted blue wood, blackened steel, and mahogany, and are made up of several distinct dining zones including two fireplaced private eating rooms, an 80-foot marble bar that looks out at the lake, and a dockside patio.
Le Cheval
1007 Clay Street
(510) 763-8495
www.lecheval.com
East Bay Express Readers' Choice for Best Vietnamese/Southeast Asian for 21 years running, Le Cheval's style incorporates the French, Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking concepts of preparing wholesome, nutritious and special dishes that emphasize quality with quantity.
Make Westing
1741 Telegraph Avenue
(510) 251-1400
www.makewesting.com
Make Westing is located in the thriving Uptown district of Oakland. Wood, iron, and slate make up the décor that resonates with the industrial heritage of the city of Oakland. Make Westing is equipped with a full bar, a variety of gourmet bites, an outdoor patio, and two indoor bocce courts.
Mua
2442a Webster Street
(510) 238-1100
www.muaoakland.com
The cozy bar opens to an airy two-story dining area full of eclectic art that can be transformed into a dance floor or performance space as needed. The upstairs is intimate and lounge-like. The menu focuses on international comfort food such as BBQ pork buns, butternut squash soup, lamb tagine with couscous, and fried chicken.
Nikkei Sushi
1736 Telegraph Ave.
(510) 788-7489
www.nikkeioakland.com
Chef Kyle Itani's new dine-in and take-out sushi restaurant, Nikkei Sushi, is now operated under the same roof as its sister restaurant, Itani Ramen, located across from The Fox Theater. Enjoy quality sushi at a reasonable price any day of the week. Open daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 11:30am-8:30pm, and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Daily happy hour from 3-5:30pm!
Parlour
357 19th Street
(510) 451-1357
www.instagram.com/parlour_oakland
Parlour the latest labor of love from the partners behind the iconic Bar 355. Linda Bradford, Travis Dutton, and Patrick Lynch have been planning a restaurant since the beginning of their partnership, and had a vision of a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that draws upon the bounty of top-quality local producers. Parlour’s Italian influenced, Bay Area cuisine showcases the beautiful wood-fired oven that is the centerpiece of the open kitchen, while the bar offers classic and modern cocktails with an assortment of carefully curated spirits, wines, and beer.
Pho 84
354 17th St
(510) 832-1338
www.pho84.com
Oakland’s oldest Vietnamese restaurant! Pho 84 serves traditional Vietnamese pho & other regional staples using the freshest high quality ingredients.
Shinmai
1825-3 San Pablo Ave
(510) 271-1888
https://www.shinmaioakland.com/
Yingji Huang became fascinated with Japan after traveling to Tokyo at age 15 for a summer vacation that turned into a three-year sushi chef apprenticeship. Eager to bring his newfound skill set to the States, Yingi moved to Los Angeles, where he owned Kippa in Beverly Hills and established Asia De Cuba Restaurant Group’s sushi program. A decade later, Yingji’s aspirations became a reality, as he partnered with friend and former colleague Andy Liu to open sushi bar Kakui in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood. At his newest restaurant project, Shinmai, Yingi unites with Andy again to bring a lively izakaya experience to Uptown Oakland.
Tribune
401 13th Street
(510) 285-6451
www.tribuneoakland.com/
An American Brasserie from partners Omri Aflalo and Darrin Ballon, located in the iconic Tribune building, 401 13th & Franklin Streets. Ingredient driven brasserie favorites, exceptional service, and warm hospitality. Recently named “The Hottest New Restaurant in the East Bay” & “The Hottest New Cocktail Bar, in Oakland” from @eater_sf. The food and cocktails merge classic taste, with local style.
Xolo Taqueria
1916 Telegraph Avenue
(510) 986-0151
www.xolotaqueria.com
Xolo Taqueria is Restaurante Dona Tomas' new "mission-style" taqueria located in downtown Oakland across the street from the historic Fox Theater. Xolo is a casual, cool and kitschy taqueria featuring a simple menu of unusual and delicious tacos and burritos plus a few other items like the "Danger Dog", a Mexican-style bacon wrapped hotdog, vegan pozole and hot bite-size churros. Beer and wine is served along with house made horchata and seasonal aguas frescas.