Old Oakland

Old Oakland Review

In the shadow of the convention center and towering downtown hotels, Old Oakland was once a booming business district. Today the restored Victorian storefronts lining four historic blocks house restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, and a lively three-block farmers' market, which takes place on Friday mornings. Architectural consistency distinguishes the area from surrounding streets and lends it a distinct neighborhood feel. The Italian grocery Ratto's International Market (827 Washington St.) has been in business for more than a century. Stop in for a deli sandwich there, or head over to the genial Pacific Coast Brewing Company (902 Washington St.) for a microbrew on the patio. One of the best beer bars in California, the Trappist (460 8th St.) wins loyalty for its exhaustive selection of Belgian ales. Various pop-up boutiques throughout the neighborhood are reinvigorating the storefront scene.