Wonder where recent grads and people in their 20s go in the East Bay? We asked our leaders--other recent grads in the area--their favorite places to go. Here's some of the highlights that are worth checking out:
For the Foodies:
- Bartavelle (Emeryville): Craving upscale Californian cuisine with a killer patio scene? Bartavelle hits the spot. Their wood-fired pizzas and seasonal small plates are perfect for group grazing, and the atmosphere is buzzing with good vibes.
- Marzano (Rockridge): This cozy Italian gem serves up rustic pastas, delectable pizzas, and melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu. It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a catch-up with your besties.
- Vanessa's Bistro 2 (Walnut Creek): This is some insane Vietnamese food. They infuse Vietnamese cuisine with French influences, resulting in dishes like lemongrass-marinated lamb chops with mint pesto or crispy coconut shrimp with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Nature Vibes:
- Garin Park (Hayward): Hike, bike, or picnic your way through this sprawling park. Conquer the Skyline Trail, or take a leisurely stroll through the eucalyptus groves.
- Temescal Regional Park (Oakland): With hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and even a rock climbing area, there's something for everyone here. Highly recommend some picnic action as well.
- Albany Bulb (Albany): This hidden gem offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. Climb to the top for Instagram-worthy panoramas, then chill on the beach and watch a gorgeous sunset (when it's not cloudy).
Drinks Drinks Drinks:
- Hippies Brew (Berkeley): Need a caffeine fix? Hippies Brew is your answer. This cozy haven boasts delicious brews, friendly vibes, and a killer macaron selection.
- Yi Fang (Fremont): Craving something refreshing? Yi Fang's Taiwanese fruit teas are the ultimate solution. Bonus: they are packed with vitamins. We love health.
- Tiki Tom's Bar (Oakland): We know you're dying to sip on fruity concoctions and groove to island beats. This place is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get the party started.
- The Starlite Room (Oakland): Feeling fancy? The Starlite Room is your speakeasy heaven. Dress to impress, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and immerse yourself in the vintage vibes. This place is perfect for a special occasion or just a night of sophisticated fun.
Sweet Tooth:
- San Francisco Creamery (Walnut Creek): We don't need much convincing to go to an ice cream place. This one is worth checking out for sure.
- Smitten Ice Cream (Berkeley): This one is another ice cream place, but with a twist. Their gelato is churned fresh daily, and they even have unique toppings like olive oil and sea salt.
- Dorveille's Donuts (Alameda): Feeling some sweet carbs over ice cream? We'll take both. Dorveille's is a local institution, serving up fresh donuts since 1946. Grab a box to share (or devour yourself – no judgment) and savor the sugary goodness.
We can pretty much guarantee you'll like something from this list, if not all of it. If you want to check it out with some sick new friends, join an upcoming event. With other recent grads, we'll hit local hotspots and do fun activities together, while building lasting friendships that make your life better. Sounds like a good gig to us...
