Christopher & Alix
Our Favorites Nearby
Albany Bulb
We love to take strolls, watch sunsets, stick our toes in the sand, and explore the art along this gorgeous piece of land only minutes from our house. Great views of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Tilden Regional Park
There is so much to see and do in Tilden Regional Park (the same park we're getting married in!). You could hike for days, pack a picnic, drive on Grizzly Peak Boulevard for the most spectacular views (and sunsets!), visit the Botanic Gardens, ride on the steam train, go to the petting zoo....the list goes on! We highly recommend you spend some time here if you can - it's a gem and we're so grateful it's in our backyard. PS - If you're a hiker, check out the trail map for endless choose-your-own-adventures - https://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden
César E. Chávez Park
90-acre city park surrounded by the Bay.
Live Oak Park
Grab a book or make a picnic and head over to one of our favorite neighborhood parks!
Codornices Park
Another favorite neighborhood park. This one has some nice wooded trails and redwood trees. Right across the street from the Berkeley Rose Garden.
Jewel's Terrace Park
An adorable park with tennis courts and jungle gyms nestled into the streets of our neighborhood.
Berkeley Rose Garden
The roses should be in peak bloom around this time, so head up the hill for a visit, including some wonderful views of the Bay.
Ohlone Greenway
Run, walk, or bike on this multi-use, multi-mile trail.
The Green Yogi
Our local yoga studio offering an assortment of in-studio, outdoor, and virtual classes.
University of California Botanical Garden
The 34-acre UC Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species. To visit, make a reservation here: https://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/admission
Kensington Circus Pub
We frequent this place for dinner at least once a week! Our favorite neighborhood spot for garlic fries (trust us), cold beer, and friendly staff.
Kyoto Sushi
Want something quick? Delicious, affordable grab n' go sushi and other snacks at this wonderful family-owned market.
FAVA
Best falafel in town!
Gordo Taquería
A favorite taqueria with tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Bartavelle Cafe
Order your breakfast at the window on San Pablo and head to one of the nearby parks to enjoy it!
Sam's Log Cabin
A great outdoor breakfast spot with good coffee, homemade scones and biscuits!
Coffee Conscious
Need a strong cup of coffee? Look no further. After you pick up your drink, head for a stroll along the Ohlone Greenway, or a bagel at Berkeley Bagels. Both are steps away from the shop!
Berkeley Bagels
Grab a coffee at Coffee Conscious down the street and then walk down to this local bagel spot for sandwiches, bagels + cream cheese + lox, or fresh squeezed juice.
Pâtisserie Rotha
Breakfast pastries. Need we say more?
Kensington Farmers' Market
If you're here the weekend before or after our wedding, head over to the Kensington Farmer's Market, open every Sunday from 9am-2pm.
Berkeley Natural Grocery Company
Our go-to small, organic grocery store with a nice selection of snacks, prepared foods and self-care products. Right down the street from Coffee Conscious and Berkeley Bagels.
Monterey Market
Monterey Market was one of the reasons we chose to live in North Berkeley. We frequent this bustling market almost every day for fresh and varied produce! Note: Monterey Market is on the same block as Gioia Pizzeria and Northbrae Bottle Shop. There's also a cheese shop, a butcher, and a fish market on the same block.
Northbrae Bottle Shop
Our local wine shop (they also have beer and liquors). Friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them for recommendations for your picnic or dinner, and you'll be sure to get something delicious! Note: The wine shop is on the same block as Monterey Market and Gioia Pizzeria. There's also a cheese shop, a butcher, and a fish market on the same block.
Gioia Pizzeria: Berkeley
Pizza by the slice! Note: Gioia is on the same block as Monterey Market and Northbrae Bottle Shop. There's also a cheese shop, a butcher, and a fish market on the same block.
Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria
A Berkeley institution serving a pizza-of-the-day, only open Wednesdays - Saturdays.
Pegasus Books
Our neighborhood new and used book shop! You can usually find one of us perusing the stacks at least once a week. Check 'em out if local book stores are your thing.
Umami Interiors
This is one of Alix's favorite places to browse for funky jewelry, eclectic home goods, and lovely gifts for all occasions!
Acci Gallery Arts & Crafts
An awesome gallery for emerging and established artists to display and sell their artwork.
Pamana Plantas
My favorite shop for indoor plants. The owner is wonderful, and she will tell you all you need to know to care for your new friends. "Pamana Plantas is a plant shop inspired by our Filipino heritage and a family legacy of cultivation. That legacy is at the center of everything we do including uplifting other small businesses, empowering others to grow, and sharing our Filipino culture with the surrounding community."
Flowerland Nursery
This shop + nursery is gorgeous (though expensive). Grab a cup of coffee at their coffee shop inside the nursery and browse their beautiful assortment of greenery, home goods, jewelry, and more.
Berkeley Horticultural Nursery
Highly recommend if you like aimlessly wandering amongst plants/trees/shrubs/flowers/herbs as much as we do!
Schmidt’s Tobacco and Trading Co.
The coziest place for a beer or glass of wine. While they only sell potato chips and candy, you are allowed to bring in your own food, and there are many great restaurants on Solano to choose from. Please note: (1) Cash only. (2) They sell tobacco so the outside patios are smoker-friendly - if this isn't your jam, we'd say forgo it.
Fieldwork Brewing Company
A favorite brewery!
Gilman Brewing Company
A favorite brewery! They also have some delicious snacks and sandwiches.