Beer Revolution

Local flavor is what Oakland is all about, and the city’s urban wineries and craft breweries, many housed in renovated warehouse spaces, warmly welcome patrons with well behaved canine companions. Organize your tasting day by plotting an itinerary on the Oakland Urban Wine Trail, encompassing nine tasting rooms; or the Oakland Ale Trail, spotlighting 12 craft breweries, many within walking distance of each other. more »

Northern California’s love affair with craft beer and local wines just keeps getting stronger, with new breweries and wineries springing up all over Oakland and the Tri-Valley region. more »

Summer days are great for long, lingering meals on the tail end of an outing with your pet. Lake Merritt, the large tidal lagoon in the center of town, is one of Oakland’s most popular jogging and dog-walking venues and a great place to go for a leg-stretch. Linger over an upscale lunch or dinner at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar, a special-occasion venue; or indulge in Italian comfort food at Barlago Italian Kitchen, where heated outdoor tables take the chill off the often brisk marine air. Tuesday-Friday happy hours feature discounted draft beers, wine and antipasti specials. more »

Dog-loving residents of Oakland have it all: tons of bars and restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating; an overall welcoming attitude toward canines; and a wealth of open-space trails, many of which don’t require leashes away from developed areas. The city also has a hip, dog-friendly place to stay in the Waterfront Hotel in the heart of the vibrant Jack London Square dining, shopping and entertainment district. more »