Roosevelt - Fresno, CA Area Guide

The City of Fresno was founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad Company on land adjacent to the wheat fields of A.Y. Easterby. Fresno was subdivided into 20 40-acre tracts of land by 1903. Historically, Fresno thrived as an agricultural community producing fruits and nuts, and it still does to this day. The Roosevelt neighborhood experienced large growth in development through the 1950s and '70s.

Residents of Roosevelt and visitors alike come to visit the Discovery Center Museum of Fresno, a children’s science museum established on five acres of land that was once Estella Blanca Vineyards, a Brandy vineyard founded by F.M. Roessler in 1892, which closed after prohibition took effect and the land became “Reedy Park.”

Hungry Roosevelt locals enjoy a generous offering of local restaurant options speckled through the neighborhood. Every pocket of the community supports small independent establishments that serve up a variety of dining experiences to satisfy almost every craving. Hidden gems are often found tucked into a shopping plaza, serving amazingly flavorful food behind unassuming storefronts. One such example, Churrasco Grill, serves zesty Mediterranean cuisine from a small office park, a location that would be easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for. Once you spot the cluster of patio tables and have a seat, however, outstanding classic Kabob dishes and hummus platters await you. Casual and quick, you can stop in for a quick business lunch or pick up take-out. Churrasco can be very busy at peak dining times, so be prepared to wait for a table.

On the far east side of the Fresno Airport, Maw n’ Paw BBQ serves up classic Kentucky style smoked barbecue Monday through Friday. Only open from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., Maw n’ Paw’s huge plates of seasoned and smoked meats are perfect for a quick weekday meal, or you can bring some home to enjoy around your own table. Maw n’ Paw serves its own original recipe barbecue sauces ranging from sweet and smoky to too hot to handle. The bravest patrons take the NuclearQ Sauce Challenge and attempt to devour a sandwich with four ounces of NuclearQ sauce, a secret recipe made from ghost peppers. If contestants succeed they receive a trophy and bragging rights with their name posted on the wall of fame.

For a no-frills night out enjoying a pint or two with friends, O’Sullivan’s Sunny Side Lounge on East King’s Canyon Street provides the perfect setting. Order bangers and mash, a Reuben or the lamb shank and pair it with Guinness or a Smithwick’s, or maybe even a shot of Jameson’s to put you in the mood for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

The Roosevelt neighborhood enjoys quick access to Highways 168 and 180, connecting motorists to the rest of the Central Valley and California. Ample free street parking is available as well. Fresno Area Express local bus routes travel through the neighborhood every 30 minutes allowing for car-free travel within Fresno as well as adjacent towns of Pinedale, Clovis and Malaga. All buses are equipped with bike racks so bicycle commuters can bring their bikes along.

Pedestrians have a difficult time getting around Roosevelt for more than just an afternoon stroll, as the widespread layout means walks to major destinations take long periods of time. Most of Roosevelt has well-maintained sidewalks and crosswalks, but some areas do not offer them, so be prepared to rely on a car in these instances.

Parks in Roosevelt provide open space for running around, fields for the local recreation leagues to practice in and play structures for kids to climb. Each cluster of city blocks has a small park within walking distance, so no one is too far away to enjoy community fun. The Melody Neighborhood Center on East Shields provides residents with a larger open space than the other local parks in the region, as well as barbecues and picnic areas to reserve, a computer lab for residents to use, skate park, tennis courts and public restrooms. Summer programming is available for kids, and cultural events are held on the grounds year-round.

Historic Sunnyside Country Club serves Roosevelt and all of Fresno with comfortable accommodations and a beautiful 18-hole golf course. Membership is required for use of the grounds and golf course.

Residents of Roosevelt enjoy a lower cost of living than the rest of Fresno. Renters can expect to pay about $645 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment in Roosevelt, much lower than the $750 per month Fresno average. Expect to fill your gas tank at prices that run about 7 percent higher than the national average. Fresno Area Express public transit fares cost $1.25 for adults regardless of the distance traveled. A visit to a local pub for a pint of beer with friends will carve a $3 hole in your pocketbook.

Weekend shopping excursions in Roosevelt will often bring you to East King’s Canyon Road, where Home Depot, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Walgreens and many other major retailers are located. There are multiple options for grocery stores in the area, including Grocery Outlet on East Belmont.

When you crave international cuisine, Mexican grocery El Mercado Super on East Belmont Avenue provides authentic Hispanic foods as well as standard grocery items. Don't pass on the prepared foods made in store, such as the vegetable burritos and sopes. Likewise the Asia Supermarket on East Tulare Avenue stocks traditional Asian foods you just can't find anywhere else. Asia Supermarket also stocks quality imported fabrics along with Hmong, Lao, and Thai clothing.

Fresno’s agricultural roots lay the foundation for many local farmers markets, with one almost every day of the week. The closest location for Roosevelt residents is the Downtown Farmers Market, which opens 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays year-round.

Roosevelt shoppers can browse the racks at Ross and Walmart to update their wardrobes. When you want a more unique shopping experience, visit the Sunnyside Swap Meet, open Sunday mornings on East Olive Avenue. For just a $2 parking fee, you can browse dozens of vendor's booths and discover the rare find at a bargain price you can’t find anywhere else. Vendors offer produce, clothing, furniture and antiques to the Swap Meet, so bring a sense of adventure, because you never know what you could bring home with you.