Places to Go for a First Date in Oakland, CA
Oakland is a vibrant and diverse city that offers many options for a fun and memorable first date. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a drink, a lively venue to dance the night away, or a delicious restaurant to savor a meal, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in Oakland. Here are some of the best places to go for a first date in Oakland, CA.
The Best Date Night Clubs in Oakland
If you and your date love music and dancing, you can’t go wrong with one of these popular night clubs in Oakland. They feature live performances, DJs, cocktails, and a great atmosphere to get your groove on.
- Somar Bar and Lounge: This trendy spot in Uptown Oakland is known for its diverse music selection, ranging from hip hop and R&B to salsa and reggae. You can enjoy happy hour specials, art shows, karaoke nights, and more at this lively bar and lounge. The website is https://soundclubmag.com/city-vibes/most-popular-clubs-in-oakland/
Address: 1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
- New Karibbean: This Caribbean-themed club in Downtown Oakland offers a taste of the islands with its tropical drinks, authentic cuisine, and upbeat music. You can dance to soca, dancehall, reggae, and other genres at this colorful and festive club. The website is https://soundclubmag.com/city-vibes/most-popular-clubs-in-oakland/
(510) 251-0769
Address: 1408 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612
- Level 13 Ultra Lounge: This upscale lounge in Old Oakland features live music every Friday, poetry spoken word, and some of the Bay Area’s most diverse DJs on other nights. You can relax on the plush couches, sip on craft cocktails, and enjoy the views of the city skyline at this elegant venue.
Phone: (510) 839-1999
Address: 341 13th St, Oakland, CA 94612
The Best Date Bars in Oakland
If you prefer a more casual and intimate setting for your first date, you can check out one of these cozy bars in Oakland. They offer a variety of drinks, snacks, and entertainment options to suit your mood and style.
- Ruby Room: This dive bar near Lake Merritt has a dark and mysterious vibe that makes it perfect for a romantic date night. You can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, live music, DJs, and healing services at this eclectic spot.
Phone: (510) 444-7224 Address: 132 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
- Kona Club: This tiki bar in Piedmont Avenue transports you to a tropical paradise with its bamboo decor, exotic drinks, and Hawaiian music. You can sip on mai tais, zombies, scorpion bowls, and other classic tiki cocktails at this fun and quirky bar.
Phone: (510) 607-7143 4401
Address: Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
- The Double Standard: This cocktail bar in Northgate has a beautiful outdoor patio with fire pits, string lights, and plants. You can sample their creative cocktails made with fresh ingredients, or choose from their rotating beer selection. They also host comedy shows, trivia nights, and live music events. The website is http://www.doublestandardbar.com/
Phone: (510) 879-7601
Address: 2424 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
The Best Date Night Restaurants in Oakland
If you want to impress your date with a delicious meal, you can’t go wrong with one of these highly rated restaurants in Oakland. They offer a variety of cuisines, flavors, and ambiances to suit your palate and preference.
- Gogi Time: This Korean restaurant in Downtown Oakland specializes in barbecue and hot pot dishes that you can cook at your table. You can choose from different meats, seafoods, vegetables, sauces, and broths to create your own feast. They also have vegetarian and vegan options available. The website is http://gogitime.com/
Phone: (510) 834-5757 Address: 2600 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
- Bocanova: This restaurant in Jack London Square serves Pan-American cuisine with influences from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and more. You can enjoy dishes like ceviche, empanadas, paella, lamb chops, and churros at this waterfront spot. They also have an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. The website is https://bocanovaoakland.com/
Phone: (510) 497-1111 Address: 1111 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
- Shan Dong Restaurant: This Chinese restaurant in Chinatown is famous for its hand-pulled noodles and dumplings that are made fresh daily. You can savor dishes like beef noodle soup, pork buns, scallion pancakes, and spicy chicken at this authentic and affordable spot. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The website is http://shandongoakland.com/
Phone: (510) 839-2299 Address: 328 10th St #101, Oakland, CA 94607
Movie Theatres for Date Night in Oakland
If you want to watch a movie with your date, Oakland has several cinemas that offer different features and amenities. Here are some of the most popular movie theatres in Oakland:
- Grand Lake Theatre: This historic theatre dates back to 1926 and features four screens with ornate decor, comfortable seats, and state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. It also has a classic marquee, a pipe organ, and a rooftop sign that displays political messages. It shows a mix of mainstream, independent, and foreign films. The address is 3200 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. The phone number is (510) 465-7586. The website is http://www.renaissancerialto.com/.
- Regal Jack London: This modern multiplex offers 12 screens with stadium seating, digital projection, and Dolby Surround Sound. It also has a concession stand, a game room, and a parking garage. It shows mostly new releases and blockbuster films. The address is 100 Washington Street, Oakland, CA 94607. The phone number is (844) 462-7342.
- The New Parkway Theater: This unique cinema offers two screens with couches, tables, and chairs instead of traditional seats. It also has a cafe that serves food and drinks that can be enjoyed during the movie. It shows a variety of films, from cult classics to documentaries to indie gems. It also hosts special events such as trivia nights, karaoke nights, and live comedy shows. The address is 474 24th Street, Oakland, CA 94612. The phone number is (510) 658-7900. The website is http://thenewparkway.com/.
Outdoor Venues for Dating in Oakland
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air of Oakland, there are many outdoor venues that are perfect for dating. You can explore the parks, lakes, islands, and hills that offer scenic views, recreational activities, and wildlife encounters. Here are some of the most popular outdoor venues for dating in Oakland:
- Lake Merritt: This large urban lake is surrounded by a three-mile path for walking, jogging, biking, or roller-skating. It also has gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a bird sanctuary. You can also rent boats or kayaks to paddle on the lake or take a gondola ride with your date. The address is 550 El Embarcadero, Oakland CA 94610. The phone number is (510) 238-3187. The website is Lake Merritt.
- Redwood Regional Park: This scenic park covers over 1,800 acres of redwood forest in the Oakland hills. It has over 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. It also has picnic areas, campgrounds, and a visitor center with exhibits on the park’s history and ecology. You can also spot wildlife such as deer, coyotes, hawks, and owls. The address is 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland CA 94619. The phone number is (888) 327-2757. The website is https://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood/.
- Jack London Square: This waterfront district is named after the famous author who lived and worked in Oakland. It offers a variety of attractions and activities, such as restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and entertainment venues. You can also take a ferry ride to San Francisco or Alameda, or join a cruise or a sailing tour on the bay. The address is 472 Water Street, Oakland CA 94607. The phone number is (510) 645-9292. The website is https://jacklondonsquare.com/.
- Oakland Zoo: This family-friendly zoo features over 700 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, monkeys, and bears. It also has a gondola ride that takes you to the California Trail, a 56-acre exhibit that showcases native wildlife and plants. You can also enjoy rides, games, and shows at the Adventure Landing area. The address is 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland CA 94605. The phone number is (510) 632-9525. The website is https://www.oaklandzoo.org/.
Other Venues for Dating in Oakland
If you want to experience the cultural and artistic side of Oakland, there are many other venues that are ideal for dating. You can visit the art galleries, museums, and historic sites that showcase the diversity and creativity of the city. Here are some of the most popular other venues for dating in Oakland:
- Oakland Museum of California: This museum is dedicated to celebrating the art, history, and natural sciences of California. It has a permanent collection of over 1.9 million objects, as well as temporary exhibitions, interactive displays, and educational programs. It also has a cafe that serves local and organic food and a store that sells unique gifts and souvenirs. The address is 1000 Oak Street, Oakland CA 94607. The phone number is (510) 318-8400. The website is https://museumca.org/.
- Chabot Space & Science Center: This center is a learning destination for all ages who are interested in astronomy and space exploration. It has a planetarium, a giant screen theater, and three observatory telescopes that are open to the public. It also has exhibits, workshops, camps, and events that cover topics such as the solar system, the moon, the stars, and the universe. The address is 10000 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland CA 94619. The phone number is (510) 336-7300. The website is https://chabotspace.org/.
- Children’s Fairyland: This whimsical park is a storybook-themed attraction that is one of the best places to visit in the area for families with young children. It has over 60 fairy-tale sets, such as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Cinderella. It also has rides, puppet shows, animals, and gardens. The address is 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland CA 94610. The phone number is (510) 452-2259. The website is https://fairyland.org/.
- Paramount Theatre: This historic theatre dates back to 1931 and features a stunning Art Deco design with lavish details and motifs. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark. It hosts a variety of events such as concerts, musicals, comedies, and film screenings. The address is 2025 Broadway, Oakland CA 94612. The phone number is (510) 465-6400. The website is https://www.paramountoakland.org/.
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