Cool History & Great Eats in Point Richmond

The Point is a waterfront gem with views, good food and old-school history to soak up!

When you visit Point Richmond — by biking the San Rafael Bridge, by car, or in a dream — you can’t help but feel the history of the place. From its railroad roots to its WWII shipbuilding heritage -- which turned Point Richmond into such a boomtown, there were so many bars that it’s said a man could crawl from one to the next.  That history provides a colorful backdrop for the rich selection of food available around The Point’s downtown square and the square’s outer orbit. Here’s where you can mingle with neighborhood Pointers, soak up the past and chow down at some great Point Richmond spots.

Raymond's Pizzeria. Some of the best pizza in the East Bay is clearly marked with a big, red neon-like sign saying “Free time travel consultations.” That little joke (a legacy of the previous tenant) marks the spot for slices, whole pies, and excellent bottled beer. But travel consulting?

Mayu Tagueria. Smack next to the “travel consultants” is the whole-in-the-wall taqueria that ranks among East Bay’s best with its salmon tacos, all-day breakfast burrito, and veggie burrito.

Up and Under. . Facing the pizzeria, turn left to the Up and Under Pub, “the first proper rugby pub.” The burgers, sandwiches, beer, and other food will satisfy an athlete’s appetite.

Masa. Travel just around the corner from the Up and Under and you’ll find Masa. Housed in a century-old brick building that was once a movie theater and earlier a boxing ring, Masa is now where Pointers go for tamales and a full range of other Mexican food.

El Sol Restaurant, a block up the street from Masa and across from the post office. This is the former home of the infamous Mariner’s Bar, where it’s said that the name Hell’s Angels was first uttered aloud. El Sol offers a wide variety of tasty Mexican food. For a sober adventure, instead of hard liquor, El Sol offers agua frescas.

Kaleidoscope Coffee. When the Starbucks down the block pulled out at the height of the pandemic, the independent and eccentric Kaleidoscope Coffee remained. Excellent coffee with a curated food menu of locally-made ice cream and luxurious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — a lunch and dessert in one.

Little Louie's  – On the north end of the square, Little Louie’s is the kind of deli every American knows with its menu of classic sandwiches, salads, cookies, etc. The place itself is picture-book glossy, tidy, and clean.

The deli inside Point Richmond Market. Over on the south end of the square, things get tastier. In one corner of this corner market, pick a sandwich listed on the chalkboard or have them make one to order — but you can also have a samosa, a falafel sandwich, and a few other treats of Southeast Asia origin.

Aky's  — For the family experience. the matriarch Aky (pronounced EKK-ee) dishes out  delicious food — sandwiches, lasagna, and other lunch food informed by her Persian-Italian palate — and also an old-school warmth.

Great American Hamburger  – On weekdays, you’ll find a good, juicy, high quality and bona fide old fashioned American hamburger just over the tracks.

Cafe Roma  — The coffee newcomer in town created by a veteran of Berkeley’s Caffe Roma. So far, there are nothing but good reviews for the food and the owner herself.

Fairy Houses   – Comic book artist and Point resident Jimmie Robinson has created an alternate Point just up from the town square. Walk up Washington Street from the square and you can’t miss them: a dozen or more tiny houses inhabited by fairies. Each house is lodged in front of a real house, which is reflected in a cartoonish style by its corresponding fairy house. The fairies’ lives are set in intricate detail. They eat, sleep, read, and hang out their laundry. There’s even a fairy house down on the square in front of the fire station--perhaps even fairies have fires

History walks  – As easy as it is to find good food to enjoy the historical backdrop, it’s not so easy to go deep into the town’s roots. For that, local historian Karen Buchanan leads history tours through the Point about once a month for “history nerds, people persons, hiking enthusiasts, and all around cool people.” Sign up at Meetup.com/Urban-History-Hikes.

Views of the Bay  – Starting at the square, go up any street and keep wandering until you see the bay, the bridges, Angel Island, and Alcatraz. Catch the setting sun just right and you’ll see downtown San Francisco gleaming.