Things To Do in the East Bay

First Fridays

The night before our wedding takes place on the first friday of the month. Oakland celebrates this monthly with a complete block party on Telegraph Ave. Art galleries in the area open up, vendors come out, food trucks are set up, low riders are parked and the people watching is insane. Stroll through with a tall can of beer and get a beautiful, eclectic and pointed view into everything that makes Oakland wonderful.

Hotel Shattuck Plaza

Where the wedding party will stay and where Friday welcome drinks will be. Click the TRAVEL tab to see details on our reserved block of rooms.

Blue Bottle Coffee

University of California, Berkeley

Where Lauren went to school and nerded out. For those staying at The Hotel Shattuck, the campus is a beautiful place to walk through and people watch very interesting folks. If you make it to the top, you'll get a sweeping view of the bay, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Cafe Mezzo

The best, and biggest, salad you will ever have is here at this Berkeley staple, right next to the UC Berkeley campus. Don't worry, they have sandwiches and beer too.

Comal

Delicious family-style, modern Mexican food. The family will have the rehearsal dinner here on Friday in a private room, but everyone is welcome to enjoy the restaurant that day too. The back patio is lovely and the margaritas are the best!

Eureka!

Casual but delicious burgers and beers.

Ippudo

Hot new ramen spot right next to the Hotel Shattuck.

Jupiter

Pizza and beers with indoor/outdoor seating, across the street from the hotel.

Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen

Delicious casual spot good for brunch or dinner.

Spats Berkeley

An old and big dive bar close to Hotel Shattuck.

Gather

Great dinner or brunch spot.

Revival Bar + Kitchen

Another bar/restaurant option that you can literally roll into out of the Hotel Shattuck.

The Avenue

A dive bar in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland where Ryan "wore Lauren down" with his pool skills.

Rockridge

Rockridge is a cute part of Oakland to walk around, poke around in shops and get coffee.

Zachary's Chicago Pizza

Chicago style pizza that's a oddly a local staple.

Lake Merritt

The lake is the heart of Oakland and provides for a lovely walk or run. The perimeter spans about 3 miles.

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill

This is the best view of Lake Merritt. If the weather is nice, sit outside on the dock and get a beverage.

Drake's Dealership

Pub food, woodfire pizzas and beers! This place has a lovely patio and good vibes.

Mua Oakland

A hip restaurant with good vibes and loud music.

Xolo

Our favorite burrito spot in town.

Swan's Market

This hub has several different restaurant options with casual open seating for brunch, lunch or dinner. Lauren's favorite spot here is Cosecha (Mexican food) and Ryan's is The Cook and Her Farmer (American/Seafood). Both places have their own yummy adult beverages.

Fort Green

Our go-to sports bar because well, it's the closest one to our apartment. But we also love the staff and have had many celebrations here. Tell the bartender you know the guy who jumped on the bar when the Vikings won the NFC North last year.

Tamarindo

TACOS AND MARGS!

Joaquin Miller Park

Our favorite spot for a hike in the Oakland hills with beautiful redwoods and views of the San Francisco bay.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Best coffee by the Hotel Shattuck

Grand Lake Kitchen

A hot brunch spot!

Ruby Room

Ryan's Oakland version of Liquor Lyle's. This dive is dark, lacks ventilation and is lit by eerie red lights. So obviously, it's a treasure and where our wedding after party will be.

Rock Wall Wine Company

A quick drive to the island of Alameda will bring you to the urban winery Rockwall that has outdoor seating, casual dining and views of San Francisco.

Bicycle Coffee

Ryan is basically a part owner here.

Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon

Arguably one of Oakland's most historic buildings, this tiny and crooked dive bar is a fun one to pop in. Fun fact, this is where Lauren met brother Jerod for the first time.

Dashe Cellars

One of several urban wineries in the Oakland Jack London Square area. Start here for a glass or tasting and the staff will help you pick some more walkable stops.