ROCKRIDGE | OAKLAND

Hey Neighbor.

A day in Rockridge...

Living in the sought-after Rockridge neighborhood represents a lifestyle of easy proximity to an amazing array of amenities, schools, parks and transportation; a location where you can park the car and leave it for weeks without using it; a neighborhood brimming with activity and camaraderie, friendly neighbors, a community spirit. It’s a neighborhood where you can find a public library, three vinyl record stores, and boutique shops for everything from organic cotton clothing, Nepalese handicrafts, custom hats, craft chocolate, coffee, tea and ephemera from around the world, hardware, consignment clothing, antique rugs and so much more.

Start your day at one of Rockridge’s breakfast-oriented restaurants, like old-school Crepevine, Rockridge Café, or new-school Korean-accented Kitchen Story.  Chocolate Dragon Cafe and Bakery and that Bay Area darling, Philz Coffee, are caffeine hot spots on either end of College Avenue. Highwire Coffee Roasters serves one of the best lattes in the East Bay, and is right in the middle of the European-style Market Hall. Hudson Bay Café is a neighborhood favorite coffee shop just steps away from everything along College Ave. You can also find Taiwanese-style bubble tea at Boba Guys and RareTea.

For a casual lunch: Pan-Asian cuisine at United Dumplings, Asian-Mexican fusion spot Belly, tacos and a mean posole at La Esquinita, or put together a picnic with baked goods, to-go foods and imported cheeses at Market Hall. Wood Tavern for an upscale lunch, and Southie for supreme sandwiches and salads —both have legendary service and are deservedly popular.

The Rockridge shopping scene is unique and hyper-local; no chain stores here! Two bookstores—East Bay Booksellers and Pegasus— as well as three vinyl shops—Stranded, Groove Yard and Open Mind—provide a window into Rockridge culture and priorities. Stylish housewares boutiques Atomic Garden, Bella Vita Home, and Nathan & Co are great places to find imported linens, recycled and upcycled items, clothing and gifts. You can shop for designer clothes at CHIC, FIT, and local maker Lesley Evers, and secondhand items at Crossroads and Bambino Thrift Shop.

From divey Rockridge Improvement Club to Vietnamese restaurant and lounge Holy Basil, there are a multitude of drink styles available in Rockridge. A16 is a staple in the Rockridge neighborhood and it is well known for its martinis, and Enoteca Molinari provides a curated selection of Italian wines by the glass. Redfield Cider Bar & Bottle Shop offers a wide selection of apple-based tipples, while the Golden Squirrel Pub has a libation for every taste. If you’re a whiskey fan, don’t miss the 400-bottle menu at Beer Baron!