Oakland's Uptown District

There was a time when the arts and entertainment district that is Uptown was little more than an area where locals could find small businesses offering a variety of goodies. Today, those living in the Oakland waterfront apartments have the “hippest” neighborhood right outside their front doors.

Virtually rebuilt from the ground up, Uptown District now draws in visitors from all around the Bay Area with its upscale mix of fine dining, premier shopping, nightlife and more. Whether you’re new to the area or simply planning a visit, consider this your ultimate guide.

The Best Eats

Uptown is home to an eclectic collection of savory delights found in upscale restaurants, bars, pop-up establishments. You can find a decadent dinner or a grab and go specialty on nearly every corner of this neighborhood. Here are some of the best.

Itani Ramen

This is chef Kyle Itani’s (co-owner of Hopscotch) vision of innovative fusion fare. The restaurant features service at the counter, an ever-changing menu of Japanese fusion foods, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for dining after a long day’s work. The restaurant offers daily happy hour specials, as well as must-try desserts.

Calavera

In the mood for something more adventurous? Give Calavera a try. They offer unique dishes like baby pig tacos and grasshopper topped guacamole, all of which washes down nicely with their immense selection of spirits. There are plenty on less adventurous dishes, too, like cheese plates crafted with mezcal. Don’t forget to try their margarita specials.

Parlour

Parlour comes from the team behind Bar 355, offering a Californian-Italian blend. Roasted chicken, seasonal pizzas, and sourdough are all made in house via their wood-fired oven. Whether it’s date night or you just want to sit somewhere with a little class, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café

Rudy’s is owned by Mike Dirnt, the bassist for Green Day, and offers numerous vegetarian options complemented by booze-filled milkshakes. The décor is original and somewhat unorthodox compared to the usual Oakland feng shui, but it’s that kind of out-of-the-box thinking that make’s Rudy’s so successful.

Sweets and Treats

Uptown is also home to plenty of snack-friendly locations. Donut Savant, for instance, offers an immense and wonderfully delicious selection of gourmet doughnuts. Sweet Bar Bakery is another excellent stop for baked goods paired with tea. To really satisfy your sweet tooth, try one of the high-end flavors at Little Giant Ice Cream.

Craft Beers and Cocktails

There’s no shortage of watering holes in Uptown. You can find everything from IPAs to masterfully blended cocktails and elegant wines all within a city block. Telegraph Avenue, in particular, is home to the craft beer revolution.

You can take your pick of domestic brews at The Good Hop Bar & Bottle shop, hop over to the Lost and Found’s beer garden, and create your own special blend at Divine Dog Brewhouse thanks to their brew-on-premise program all on the same street. Yes, you read that right. Divine Dog provides everything you’ll need to create your own craft beer including custom labels. Give it a try.

For an out-of-this-world cocktail, head to Bar Dagwood. They’ve been serving up the best sprits in the area since 2011, but their recent Darling’s Elixirs expansion has the area talking. Here, you’ll find small-batch spirits mixed with house-made phosphates and lactarts.

Fauna offers a unique Art Deco experience with shaken and stirred cocktails, while the Era Art Bar is the place to be for live music. However, Bar 355 remains the prim de la prim of cocktail bars in the area. If you want perfection, that’s where you want to go.

As for wine, there are two locations considered worthwhile. Two Miles Wines is an artist co-op that offers small production wines all designed to pair with their menu. The Punchdown is your second choice. Their organic method to winemaking and tastings offered by savants are a delightfully refreshing experience.

Premier Shopping

Looking for unique items to fill your closet? Look no further than Uptown’s plethora of premier shopping outlets. You can find designer t-shirts at Oaklandish, minimalist designs at the Viscera boutique, and the nation’s most elegant sneakers at SoleSpace.

Head to Show and Tell for your fill of high-end jewelry made by local artists, making sure to stop into the Betti Ono side of the store for art galas and more. Two Jacks Denim is another popular spot, which features the finest in men’s jeans and clothing.

Arts and More

No area is complete without culture, and Uptown has more than most can handle in vast supply. Take the Art Deco Paramount Theater, a national historic landmark hosting movies and shows since the 1930s. Art Murmur on Telegraph Ave is another frequented spot with its immersive art and community street fair held on the first Friday of every month. Here you’ll find performers, galleries and more all within walking distance and complete with gourmet food vendors.

Oakland Waterfront Apartments

Uptown has quickly become on of the most coveted, interesting areas that Oakland has to offer. Fourth Street East, a community of luxury apartments, offers the chance to call this exciting locale your home. Complete with expansive views, private balconies, and carefully curated amenities, these homes have quickly become the Bay Area’s premier destination.

The top floor mezzanine loft spaces and private outdoor patios offer relaxation in the heart of the city, while high-end appliances and upgraded hardware prove the modern comforts of home. Co-working lounges provide workspaces for the entrepreneur, a club room with demonstration kitchen entertains your guests, and the resort style pool helps residents blow off steam after a hard days’ work in Uptown.

Hardwood floors blend seamlessly into expansive windows that allow for ample natural lighting. A state of the art fitness center helps you stay in shape, while the roof-level indoor lounge provides sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline.

Fourth Street East is redefining luxury living in Oakland. We invite you to experience all that Bay Area living can be in one of our 330 living spaces. Welcome to a new way to live it up in Uptown.