This open and bright cafe is a favorite hidden gem amongst Uptowners. Uptown Cafe serves up all kinds of healthy and delicious meal options like salads, sandwiches, paninis and of course crepes, perfect for a light meal but you won't leave feeling hungry. Different varieties of crepes are named after different Oakland neighborhoods, bringing a real hometown feel to the place.

The Fox Theater in Oakland is a one-of-a-kind live entertainment venue that has been packing in cinema and music lovers since 1928. Originally a movie theater and theater, the venue switched to being primarily a cinema until 1966 when it finally closed its doors along with several other businesses in downtown Oakland. It was nearly demolished after it had been vacant for some time; however, the Fox Theater avoided demolition when it was declared an Oakland City Landmark. The venue reopened in February 2009 as a concert hall and music venue; it has a complete re-imagined decor with giant golden Buddhas and Middle Eastern architecture. The venue is general admission (standing room) on the ground level and stadium seating on the upper levels.

Flora, housed in a beautiful old art-deco building in Downtown Oakland is a wonderful mixture of casual comfort and elegance. A sort of upscale diner type theme, Flora conjures up "New American" cuisine, Bay Area style. With dishes on the changing menu like wild arugula and frisee with salt-cured duck liver and caramelized sugar plums, to more traditional diner items with a twist, like a House Ground Caramelized Onion and Chuck Burger with Fries and a Blue Cheese Salad, Flora is sure to twist your notions of what a diner ought to be. Don't miss out on cocktails either, Flora serves up serious, original drinks, and even does Absinthe the old fashioned way. There is also a comprehensive wine list.

The Historic Sweets Ballroom is a great venue for arts and entertainment shows and performances. Quality acts are just made better with the Ballrooms excellent sound system, space, with high ceilings, great fixtures and lighting, even a little fog-machine action and disco lights for that glitzy effect! The bartenders throw up a great cocktail too, so this can't go wrong as a venue for dances, proms, acts, performances and the like.

This place is like heaven for chocolate lovers. Located in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, this café offers an extensive list of chocolate drinks and delicacies. You can choose from over 150 chocolate bars from around the world, and indulge in European hot chocolate, American hot chocolate, spicy hot chocolate with a hint of cayenne pepper, chocolate Thai iced tea, cookies, brownies, macaroons and muffins.

Relax with your favorite espresso or coffee drink at this cute cafe on the corner. The large windows look out onto College Avenue, and the vaulted ceilings allow for an open and airy atmosphere. But the comfy couch, the mix of French art and movie posters for M and The Blue Angel and a few French country touches keep things quaint and homey. Find all the usual coffee and espresso drinks, as well as bagels, croissants and biscotti. Try the specialty coffee drinks like the Choco Mint Latte or Kathy's Mocha (with coconut Torani syrup...yum).

This little Irish pub has the distinction of having the oldest liquor license in the city of Oakland, since 1933. Inside you will find a large, comfortable bar with smiling bartenders ready to pour you a pint. Dozens of beers and ales are on tap. There is a pool table, video games, a fireplace and Irish pictures and paraphernalia adorning the walls, from pictures of JFK and early 20th century rugby players to advertisements for the Ulster Society picnic. The crowd is friendly and mellow. Come for a pint and catch a soccer or football game on one of the TVs.

Since 1931, this family-owned bar (a portrait of George's son-in-law is featured next to the big screen TV) has been a haven for serious sports fans. You will find an enthusiastic, though never rowdy, atmosphere that offers TVs in every corner, two pool tables, a jukebox, video games and faded pennants covering just about every inch of the wood-paneled walls. The friendly crowd consists mostly of neighborhood folk, with a smattering of college kids, and of course, Raiders fans. Relax, have a beer, and get ready to cheer!

Nomad Café delights and dazzles with its fair trade and organic teas and coffees and a mouthwatering platter of snacks. Dig into delectable burgers and sandwiches stuffed with fresh vegetables, cheese, succulent meats, eggs and delicious seasonings. Try one of the exotic coffees on offer and you will want to visit this eatery time and again. A bite into their signature pastries will have you hooked for life. Though the place is often littered with laptop lovers, the staff is attentive and the service, good. Certain weeknights present you a passel of musical entertainment and live gigs. Call for more details on current and upcoming events.

Mama Buzz is a hub. Neighborhood folk pop in for coffee and pastry in the morning, gourmet sandwiches at lunch and espresso and art openings in the evening. The front room features a long diner-style counter, the gallery space is perfect for bigger groups thanks to its numerous Formica tables, and the backyard patio is full of big comfy chairs. Though it is a neighborhood place, even in-the-know San Franciscans make the trek over for one reason in particular: the live music calendar. On any given night, this unassuming little cafe is known to play host to everyone from regional up-and-comers like Hardy Harr to international superstars such as Billy Childish. The food is fresh, the beverages (including local beer on draft) are cheap, the art is wild, and admission is nil. See website for event schedule and more.