The Dimond and Laurel Districts are two of Oakland’s most desirable neighborhoods. To the east is The Laurel, situated between the foot of the Oakland hills and Mills College. The Dimond is centered at the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Fruitvale Avenue in East Oakland just two miles east of Lake Merritt and north of the Fruitvale District. Here are just a handful of wonderful places and events that make these two neighborhoods so special.
Like so many events in 2020, the Laurel StreetFair was canceled, but it promises to be back! This admissions-free event is a music festival for all ages and provides a space to celebrate art, cuisine, dance and music from around the globe. Funds go directly back into the Laurel District community and help to provide public art projects, graffiti and trash removal, steet-scape improvements, facade improvements and to help promote the many wonderful small businesses that make the Laurel District so special.
Recreational
Anasa Yoga’s goal is to improve the health and well-being of their students by empowering them to live life more fully.
DJ's Martial Arts and Fitness is directed by Grandmaster Doug Jones, who has practiced his art for over 45 years. They offer programs for youth, adults and seniors in all levels of training and fitness.
At Tommy Young's Superior Martial Arts you’ll find Tae Kwon Do classes for all ages. Students learn to concentrate and focus their energy more constructively, resulting in higher academic performance and resiliency through a blend of traditional and contemporary martial arts.
Kids N’ Dance will allow your child to explore the different arts from musical theatre to parkour, dance and more. Even through COVID they are offering camp and day care options.
Local Eats
Sequoia Diner is a neighborhood “Mom & Pop” restaurant, serving homemade goods using high quality ingredients with a retro flair. Enjoy their menu full of housemade sausages, breads, jams and pastries.
Communité Table serves American comfort food. Savor the locally sourced cafe fare and deli items on their wood-decked space and patio.
The Laurel District’s independent beer pub, Degrees Plato, acts as a “third space” community gathering place. Focused on offering the neighborhood an inviting atmosphere, the pub brings people together over high quality, specialty brewer-focused craft beer and the fresh ingredients of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Fist of Flour Doughjo is a takeaway counter serving up wood-fired specialty pizzas and slices. They keep it local, fresh and tasty. You may even see their mobile rig which roams the streets of Oakland and the East Bay.
If you are looking for a taste of South East Asian cuisine, order take-out from Phnom Penh House Restaurant. There’s something for everyone including vegan and vegetarian options.
For some of the best soul food visit the ever-popular and well-known Everett & Jones BBQ. This family business with multiple locations is known for their finger-licking, homemade BBQ and has been an East Bay gem since 1973.
Got Juice opened in late July amidst COVID-19. So if you are craving something healthy and cool, head over to enjoy their delicious juices, shakes, acai bowls and smoothies.
Typically in October, the Dimond District hosts a family-friendly Oaktoberfest Craft Beer Festival. During a normal year, the community celebrates the history, the flavors, and the people of the Bay Area by welcoming thousands with 200+ different craft beers, delicious food, entertainment, arts, and ecology. Unfortunately, this year it’s been canceled, but mark your calendars for the years to come.
If you are interested in enjoying the outdoors, quench your desire by going to Dimond Park. There are creekside hiking trails, playgrounds, pool and recreational center. If you need a hiking trail that's great for kids, consider taking El Centro Trailhead and stroll along Sausal Creek.
Local Eats
In need of some Southern soul food? Make your way to Southern Café where you can find fried chicken, oxtails and collard greens.
Taqueria Los Comales, a family-owned taqueria, serves ceviche tostadas (on Fridays), build-your-own burritos, carnitas platters and other bites. You know it’s good because there’s usually a line out the door (even before social distancing).
For a cup of coffee, sandwiches and pastries, visit Hive, the Place to Bee, a casual yet modern coffeehouse with a beehive theme. The space was created to represent this diverse neighborhood and supports a thriving local economy through community building, local sourcing, local hiring and environmentally-conscious products.
For a hearty breakfast sandwich or an easy to eat breakfast burrito to get you through the day, try the Dimond Café.
If you are vegan, vegetarian or simply looking for some healthy comfort food, try The Veg Hub. With so many protein-rich, plant-based options you won’t only feel healthier but you’ll feel good knowing that you’re also helping the environment. They center everything off of a plant-based lifestyle and plan to offer cooking classes soon. Indulge in classic American sandwiches like vegan fried “chicken,” “cheesesteaks” made with yuba, and cashew-based macaroni and cheese.
Enjoy your take-out right away when you order from Grand Lake Kitchen in their outdoor dining area. There is an array of options like brunch, sandwiches and party packs to feed the whole family.
At Cafe Umami you can enjoy the rotating menu of customizable items with savory house-made ingredients. It’s a great spot for those with dietary restrictions as most of the bowls are vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free.
If you are craving a slice of pizza, visit Dimond Slice, a vegetarian pizzeria. Each day they offer a different pizza that’s quite delicious.
**Please note that some of the mentioned businesses and spaces may be temporarily closed during COVID-19. Contact these locations before you visit to make sure you have their most current hours.**
