Much has changed since Jack London – the turn-of-the-century American author of “White Fang” and “Call of the Wild” – grew up on Oakland’s waterfront. But you can still drink whiskey grandley, sup on oysters and meander beside the docks just as they did in the 1890s in this waterfront neighborhood named after this literary star. The Jack London District has old school vibes everywhere – from the covered sidewalks and old time saloons that can be found in the historic Wholesale Produce Market to the warehouse cafes and bars that give this part of town it’s reputation as the “Beverage Belt”. That’s why this formerly industrial waterfront is perfect for anyone that is looking for a classic East Bay experience.
Located on the “Sunny Side” of the Bay, the Jack London District in Oakland is full of local spots and hidden gems. Stroll through the farmer’s market along Water Street and enjoy locally grown fruits and veggies. Hang out on the lawn, sipping wine, while watching or catching a ferry to San Francisco. Explore the murals and other pop-up art that has come to define a large part of the identity of Oakland. Tequila and trains mixed with “indie” vibes at Nido’s Backyard. Sushi and jazz together with “cozy” vibes at Yoshi’s. Curry, tamarind and lime provide a little spice along with “tropical” vibes. Explore this historic waterfront neighborhood with this guide to the best places to go in Jack London, sorted by vibe.
Looking for buzzing vibes?
For those who are searching for the popular spots, sightseeing landmarks and very energetic, high octane places where you’d be alert to all the colors, smells and sounds. These are the poppin’ places, like coffee shops, dive bars, patio happy hours, streets events, and popup markets – the places where you’re guaranteed to find everybody. Search Vibemap to find more Buzzing vibes in Oakland.
Looking for a vibe that is calm, cozy, and chill?
These are for people looking for sentimental and responsive reflections on the places and events around us. The spaces where we can express empathy and love. The relaxed, calm events and peaceful spots.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Coffee shop
- vegan
- love
- simple
- peaceful
Federation Brewing
Oakland’s brewery of tomorrow, today! Established yesterday.
Been weird for a minute now, huh? Are things better? Worse? It’s sort of hard to tell. Is the dull ache of familiar dread better than the acute spikes of fresh panic? Are the moments of beauty brighter for the stark relief? Hell, I dunno. I know we have beer. Would you like some?
- chill
- fun
- original
- nostalgic
Brooklyn West Winery
Brooklyn West winemakers Stewart Epstein and Jeffrey Fiegel have launched Brooklyn West Winery on Oakland’s Urban Wine Trail in Jack London Square to create an approachable, fun and unpretentious experience for sharing their award-winning, handcrafted wines that feels less like a traditional ‘tasting room’ and more like a contemporary ‘tasting lounge’ to winery visitors.
The head winemaker for Brooklyn West is Stewart Epstein, a 20+ year veteran of the California wine industry. Stew is a 15-time medalist at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the creator of the first Tempranillo in the US to earn a 90-point score from an American wine review publication. In 2016 alone, Brooklyn West earned three 90 point scores in Wine Enthusiast including an Editor’s Choice.
Stew is joined in his winemaking endeavors by Jeffrey Fiegel, a fellow graduate of the highly regarded CSU Fresno Enology program. Jeff brings best practices of the hospitality industry to Brooklyn West from his work for the Ritz Carlton Hotels and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
- dreamy
- afternoon
- airy
- vintage
Looking for a vibe that is magical, artsy, and mindful?
These are for those who are living the upscale dream, shining and living who they are out loud. For those who enjoy kicking back in beautiful artspaces, buying from cool shops and seeking out purpose-free experiences.
Looking for a vibe that is old school, retro, and nostalgic?
There are spots for those who are looking to explore folksy things and events that look at how the past influences the future. For those into landmarks, reviving older things, feeling retro, nostalgic, sentimental, traditional, and sightseeing at popular old spots.
Merchant's Saloon
Bar
- busy
- cheap
- dive
- friendly
Line 51 Brewing Company
Brewery
- unique
- drinking
- walk
- retro
Oakland United Beerworks
Oakland is and always has been a beer town; a place where hard-working people would gather together to enjoy locally brewed, fresh beer. As the local population grew, Oakland was affectionately referred to as the “Milwaukee of the West” for its numerous neighborhood-based breweries.
Founded in 2009 as Linden Street Brewery, we became the first community-based production brewery in Oakland since Golden West Brewery closed in the 1950s. In 2017, following the sale of our building on Linden Street to a new developer, we moved our operations to the waterfront Jack London District and rebranded as Oakland United Beerworks.
Under the stewardship of Head Brewer, Ian Powell, and with the support of a team of dedicated Oakland craft beer enthusiasts, Oakland United is proud to continue the great beer brewing tradition in Oakland.
- proud
- neighborhood
- local
- patio
Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon
Bar
- unique
- throwback
- drinks
- wild
Looking for a vibe that is playful, exciting, and adventurous?
These are for the passionate hobbyist, the content & confident, the curious & inquisitive. On the edge of sassy. Includes all ages activities where you can expect to be engaged, learn things, tinkerer, have adventurous distractions, break a sweat, DIY together, or have whimsical relaxation.
Looking for a vibe that is cultural, diverse, and open?
These are for people looking for mindful and conscious experiences, universally welcoming/loving experiences or places that put women, POC and marginalized groups front and center, that celebrate their contributions AND also help you find like-minded people in other arenas, like sober-curious and Black queer, welcomingness but also family bonding, friend making, — where you might even go alone and be expected to contribute or find friendly hosts. Positivity rules here! Lift up voices that have been left out or left behind.
Looking for a vibe that is centered on community, passion and belonging?
These are for those interested in warm, joyful places that bring us together. They have a familiar feel to them, so it is accessible to all. These are places where we “show the love” and where we show appreciation and connection. Good vibes and self love.
Peerless Coffee & Tea Company
Coffee shop
- neighborhood
- creative
- delicious
- atmosphere
Oakland Supply Co. (closed temp)
Quality American-made goods, the finest local wares, and other things we love. Featuring apparel & accessories from Levi’s, Fjällräven, Mollusk Surf Shop, Topo Designs, Stussy, WRK, Pendleton + jewelry, bags, leather goods, artisan food, candles, cards & other gifts and souvenirs!
Curated with love by Oaklandish. Made locally in Oakland, CA.
- proud
- dreamy
- art
- exclusive
Tiger’s Taproom
Bar
- fresh
- creative
- joyful
- explore
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