Things To Do
Jake's Favorite Restaurant - Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen
Headed by Baton Rouge, LA chef Brandon Dubea, Angeline's offers traditional southern food in the Bay Area. No twists, no fusion, just perfectly cooked and seasoned Cajun food. Start with the absolutely divine hush puppies, move on to the BBQ Voo Doo Shrimp or Wild Mushroom Jambalaya (Vegetarian!) then close with their knockout Banana's Foster Bread Pudding or signature beignets.
Shannon's Favorite Restaurant - Jupiter Pizza and Beer Garden
Sit fireside while sipping on some specially curated beer while having some of the best pizza of your life. A standout is the Xanthia pizza featuring thinly sliced potatoes, garlic, ricotta, rosemary, thyme and mozz on a think olive oil crust.
Best San Francisco Restaurant - Burma Superstar
Incredible Burmese food in San Francisco's Richmond district. Perfect for dinner. No reservations so get there early, put in your name and walk around the beautiful neighborhood. Maybe grab a drink close by at the Bitter End?
Best Ice Cream - Bi-Rite Creamery
Easily some of the best ice cream you will ever have. Hot tip, be sure to get the homemade graham cracker crumbles on top!
Best San Francisco Pizza - Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Originally from Jake's hometown of Castro Valley but now a San Francisco institution, this pizza spot was started by award winner pizza maker (and tosser) Tony Gemignani. Throw a dart at the menu and we guarantee wherever it lands will be some of the best food you can have in the city. Another spot that doesn't take reservations. Throw your name in and have a walk around our favorite neighborhood, North Beach.
Best Seafood - Scoma's Restaurant
An old-school seafood restaurant that sits right on the bay. Fantastic food with an incredible view.
Best Hot Dog - Kasper's Hot Dogs
A true blast from the past nestled in Jake's hometown of Castro Valley. Thin, juicy hot dogs that "snap." Highly recommend the chili cheese dog.
Best Burger - Val's Burgers
Eat like a local at Val's. Old fashioned diner with huge burgers and thick shakes. Attempt a Papa Burger for a free meal if you dare. 9 times out of 10 you will see the owner at the front register. He has been there greeting people everyday since Jake can remember.
Best Vegetarian Meal - Great Wall | Chinese Restaurant
Not only some of the best vegetarian food in the area, but hands down one of the tastiest Chinese restaurants. If you need a pick me up after you meal settles in, there is a Phillz Coffee right across the street.
Best Oakland Breakfast - Sequoia Diner
A quaint, newer restaurant in Oakland's McArthur area. Offers a fresh twist on classic diner fare. A spotlight is the goat cheese and leek omelette.
Best Sandwich - Say Cheese
A tiny, specialty shop that also holds some of the best sandwiches in the Bay Area. Grab a heft sandwich on some freshly baked dutch crunch bread, some artisan cheese and head to Golden Gate Park for a relaxing lunch.
Best Breakfast Diner - Vic's All Star Kitchen
Don't expect anything fancy, this is a delicious, greasy spoon diner with wall to wall framed pictures of local little league teams in the heart of Pleasanton. Not too far away from the winery and the perfect place for a "post party" recovery breakfast.
Best Local Hang - Porky's Pizza Palace
Located in "The Manor", Porky's is a no-frills pizza joint that has been around since the 70s. It's a family favorite and a local landmark. Pitchers of beer for cheap and very crispy pepperoni.
Best East Bay Bar - The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant
A true dive / piano bar with an outdoor, woodsy theme, and former haunt of local legend Rod Dibble. The third oldest bar in Oakland (1933).
Best East Bay Burrito - Taqueria Los Pericos
Come with an empty stomach. These burritos are HUGE and are some of the best burritos in the area / all of California! Free chips and salsa bar.
Best "Specialty" Record Shop - Econo Jam Records
This is for folks looking for some hard to find punk, experimental and local vinyl. Pricing is fair and the staff rule.
Best Record Shop - Rasputin Music
A music lover's paradise with a much better selection than Amoeba (in our humble opinion!) Multiple floors of vinyl, DVDs, VHS, Cassettes, CDs and every other type of media.
Best Movie Theater - Landmark's Shattuck Cinemas
Maybe you have some time to catch a movie when you're in town? Check out some independent films at this indie, "mini" movie palace. Free ranch popcorn seasoning if you ask!
Best ??? - Urban Ore
A wonderland of used and scrapped antiques. Part salvage yard, part thrift store, walk around and find vintage treasures for cheap or just wonder the different rows of curiosities.
Best Coffee - The Original Philz Coffee
Stop by, relax and have a cup of coffee at the original Philz. Every cup made fresh yet, not pretentious at all. San Francisco's greatest export since Sourdough Bread!
Best Local Hike - Lake Chabot
Take a light hike around the quiet Lake Chabot Reservoir, or rent a paddle / motor boat to relax on a hot summer day.
Best Driving Range - Redwood Canyon Golf Course
Hit some golf balls into the pond of Jake's first job. If you look closely, you can see the range kids out in a boat!
Best Family Activity - Castro Village Bowl
A bowling alley frozen in time. Perfect for a group or the family. For some grown-up time, grab some drinks at the classic Brass Boar Lounge connected to the lanes. Named after its novelty brass boar that proudly it by the fireplace.