Lower Hills District - Oakland, CA Area Guide

Like much of the land in California, the Lower Hills district was originally populated by Native American tribes later to be held by Spanish governors and military officers. Parcels of land were deeded to different Spanish citizens, then later sold to early settlers. The canyons, hills, ranches and homesteads became the cities we know now through hard work and the love of the land. Piedmont, Claremont, Montclair and Oakland's building boom began in response to soldiers returning from World War II. The neighborhoods evolved from veteran's post-war starter homes to larger, more charming homes in the style of California Bungalow, Spanish and Craftsman architecture. The growing need for more housing spurred more modern construction as homeowner families grew and communities became more affluent. Today Lower Hills is home to a cross section of professionals, artists and artisans, families and singles to unite as a richly diverse demographic.

Lower Hills' restaurants, pubs, dance clubs, cinemas and community theater keep the entertainment as diverse as the people who live there. The most popular restaurants and bars the locals frequent draw discerning diners from around the bay area. San Franciscans and Silicon Valley diners drive the distance to eat and drink here. Piedmont Avenue, Grand Lake, College Avenue and Telegraph are a few of the areas with the trendiest restaurants, bars and clubs.

Explore Boho College Avenue and treat yourself to a meal at Oliveto Cafe' and Restaurant. Oliveto is actually two restaurants in one serving traditional specialities from Northern Italy. The ground floor café has a fun and unique vibe, and the upstairs has a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for romantic dinners. If you are craving a great traditional American burger, try Barney's Gourmet Hamburger's on Piedmont. You are not limited for choice; thick beef patties, chicken and turkey burgers are available, or you can get a veggie or tofu patty on the grill. While Barney's is a chain, that doesn't mean you can't get a terrific burger. Diners who savor a South American flavor save the cost of a plane ticket and go to Rumbo Al Sur. On Park Boulevard, RAS serves plates typifying the cuisine of Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Peru. The name means "journey down south," and the food takes you there in an ambiance designed to add flair to flavor.

You don't need to cross the bay to find exciting nightlife. Locals find that Oakland's Uptown District, China Town and Jack London Square have some of the best bars and clubs of the Bay Area. The beautiful art deco Paramount Theatre on Broadway showcases the finest in ballet, symphony, musicians and stand-up comedy performers. Anyone living or visiting here loves the Fox Theatre, a live concert venue that is also home to the Oakland School for the Arts.

Hang out in Jack London Square, where the Make Westing bar has a twist. This is more bar than restaurant, so it's for over 21s only. The full bar has gourmet noshes, and the industrial decor pays homage to Oakland's heritage. You can have a cocktail and play bocce ball as well. The lanes are free, and aficionados line up to take turns.

The New Easy serves a continuously changing selection of craft cocktails until 2 a.m. daily. For a special treat visit on Saturday for the lounge's Farmer's Market drink menu that features a different original cocktail line up each week. To complement your drink, the New Easy serves a full menu of bar food.

Oakland also has a huge following of jazz lovers, while Yoshi's on Embarcadero West has presented the best of jazz legends and local groups for over 25 years. Yoshi's has the finest in Japanese dining as well; you need to get there early if you want dinner and music, because this place is always packed.

Shoppers and diners enjoy great walking experiences throughout town. Bike riding lanes are clearly marked and widely available everywhere in Lower Hills and Oakland proper. An excellent bus system provided by AC Transit will get you from one neighborhood to the next cheaply and quickly. BART train stations link every neighborhood in Oakland and can get you to anywhere in the bay area, including San Francisco and both SFO and Oakland Airports. There are several cab companies with plenty of cabs on the street, and it's easy to hail one down. Uber does not serve Oakland. Street parking is available and fairly affordable, but keep in mind time restrictions to avoid parking citations. If you do drive, it is wise to use any one of the many city parking lots or garages. Residents save the hassle of driving, parking and cost of gas getting around town and commuting by public transportation. Major freeways run through and around Oakland, making access from the lower hills a snap. Freeways 880, 24 and 80 will get you to San Francisco, San Jose, the Tri-Valley cities 30 to 60 minutes then link you to major interstate highways.

Residents of Northern California are privy to an extensive network of city and regional parks, and the Lower Hills of Oakland are no exception.

A popular venue for locals is Roberts Regional. Families use the park year-round, as do walking and jogging enthusiasts. Roberts Regional Recreational Area has 82 acres of lush grounds and fragrant redwoods. Activities include swimming in a 25-yard heated pool open April through October. Rates for private parties, group or individual swim lessons vary, so inquire with the Parks Department for current charges. Picnic sites are equipped with picnic tables, barbecue pits and water fountains. There are eight reservable picnic sites available for group parties or weddings and day camps. Individual tables are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so claim your table early. The beautiful hiking, jogging and biking trails connect with neighboring Redwood Regional Park, making this a popular venue. There are many other parks providing green space and outdoor amenities for all residents. East Bay Parks District has a comprehensive list of parks and services.

East Bay Parks has many on-leash walking trails with trees, creeks and lovely views at the end of the trails, but there are enclosed dog parks dotting the Oakland area. Two of the most popular are Joaquine Miller Dog Park on Sandborn Drive and Hardy Dog Park on Hardy Street. Joaquine Miller is a fenced, off-leash park with separate areas for large and small dogs. Big trees, shade and water with parking just outside the park make this a good local dog park. Hardy is larger, with over two acres along Hardy and Claremont Avenue. There is plenty of shade and water and located out of the way from main street traffic, which means your dog can bark to his heart's content without disturbing the neighbors.

The Lower Hills district has a higher cost of living than the city average. Gas prices are in line with Oakland and California. A pint glass of your favorite beer will cost between $8 and $9 at the neighborhood pub, and a typical one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,500 monthly. Getting around town is easy and affordable on public transportation. A single trip local bus adult fare anywhere in town is $2.00 with significant discounts for kids, seniors or bus passes.

One of the more enjoyable shopping districts runs along Piedmont Avenue between MacArthur Boulevard and Pleasant Valley Avenue. There are local designer clothing stores alongside vintage shops and used book stores. Antiques and craftsman furnishing stores can be found amid various boutiques and home stores. You can shop and eat in this eclectic and vibrant area before catching a matinee of a first run or classic movie.

If you love boba tea, dip your straw into the vast selection at The Green Bubble. Free Wi-Fi and refills keep regulars coming back, while the crunchy popcorn chicken, board games, neat interior design and a competent, friendly staff delight visitors and locals. Pimlico Place specializes in Englishware but offers so much more. A combination of jewelry, home decor, fashion accessories and gifts is arranged in a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. Every surface is covered by something eye-catching. Jewelry and accessory pieces for both sexes are always distinctive in design and quality. There are antique or vintage pieces for your home, art and ornaments, and gifts to keep or give as gifts. Owl and Company Books is a rare bird indeed. This shop is straight out of a children's book, and it looks and smells like an old-fashioned library, complete with library ladders. You can pick from a great selection of hardbacks on an astonishing variety of subjects. There are also book collections with beautiful bindings. Comfy armchairs invite you to sit and read before you buy.

All major grocery chain stores populate the district, but there exist many unique grocery stores specializing in organic, ethnic and health-based foods. Farmer Joe's Market on Fruitvale Avenue sits between the Lower Hills and Dimond districts and specializes in organics. Fruit, vegetables, meats and dairy-sourced from local growers, it features a full deli and stocks natural beauty and home care products. Piedmont Grocery, opened in 1902, has evolved with the time and neighborhood and provides local foods, gourmet and take-out deli in a sparkling and friendly environment.

The Grand Lake Oakland Farmer's Market operates Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, come rain or shine. Located between Grand and Lake Park Avenues, this spot hosts over 70 local farmers bringing the freshest ingredients for your table. The Old Oakland Farmer's market on 9th also serves the community, providing the same in fresh produce, food, bakery and flowers.