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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Temescal

Unique spots

You have no interest in the usual chains and only look for places that offer something genuinely different.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated May 2026
01
Tallboy image 1
Tallboy image 2
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Horseshoe-shaped bar creates a vibrant queer energy with a mix of fancy and divey styles. Cocktails offer incredible unique flavors that stand out. Music from live bands to DJs keeps the lively dance floor buzzing on weekends.

Cocktails stand out with incredible, unique flavors. Food and drinks both offer distinctive tastes that differ from the usual.

People are saying

"Their cocktails are incredible, unique, and delicious."

"Their martinis are solid and seasonal."

"I found the drinks here to be unique and really tasty."

Good to know

1

The Thursday night drag show is popular; arrive early for good seats.

2

Tallboy is known for its vegan menu, appealing to plant-based eaters.

3

The bar gets very crowded on weekends; consider visiting on a weekday.

02
Forma Bakery image 1

Chic bakery blends French techniques with Mexican flavors in a cozy spot featuring blue wall seating. Creative vegan pastries sell out fast, making it a unique and delicious choice for all tastes.

Chic Mexican bakery offers a great variety of unique pastries and breads. Options stand out for being both super unique and delicious.

People are saying

"The vegan pastries here are creative and executed with serious skill."

"The chocolate croissant was flaky, buttery, and damn good."

"The pastries here are super unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Forma Bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am to 2:30pm.

2

They sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

3

There is no interior seating, but a couple of tables are available outside.

03
Poppy Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Small shop buzzes with a buzzy atmosphere and a spacious outdoor patio where kids and dogs roam safely. Bagels shine with unique flavors and fresh ingredients, paired with a distinct sandwich selection that shows real craft.

Variety of flavors and unique combinations stand out. Bagels show craft and distinct taste, paired with a unique selection of sandwiches.

People are saying

"I'll get the green bagel again next time I'm in town."

"The back patio is a spacious, safe place for kids to run around."

"The Whitefish bagel's dill and chives balanced the fish salad's brininess."

Good to know

1

Expect about 20 minutes for your order to be ready.

2

There is limited indoor seating due to construction on the patio.

3

The outdoor patio is a nice spot for enjoying bagels on sunny days.

04
Bird & Buffalo image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy space with rustic Southeast Asian vibes and an open kitchen creates an intimate feel. Unique dishes offer distinctive flavors that stand out from typical Thai food. Lively atmosphere with R&B and Soul music completes the authentic experience.

Many dishes feature unique flavors that stand out from typical Thai food. The menu offers several distinctive items that feel both comforting and delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and skillfully cooked."

"I found the fried chicken spring rolls to be delicious."

"I found the food to be unique and very delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot shared with a neighboring business.

2

Street parking is also available nearby, but can be limited.

3

The restaurant offers a specialized menu during Oakland Restaurant Week.

05
Sushi Salon image 1
Sushi restaurant

Tiny sushi salon with intimate atmosphere offers an 18-course omakase featuring unique seasonal dishes. Fish flown from Japan twice a week ensures fresh, delicate flavors. Soft jazz and clean white space create a low-key, charming vibe.

Real omakase features unique seasonal dishes with delicate, flavorful fish preparations. Ingredients include small batch vinegar, soy sauce, and special cuts of fish flown in from Japan twice a week.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is the best sushi I've ever had."

"You can try so many unusual fish flown in from Japan."

"The fish preparations were delicate, flavorful, and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the omakase experience to ensure availability.

2

Expect to pay a premium for high-quality fish sourced from Japan.

3

The restaurant does not serve traditional rolls, focusing instead on authentic sushi.

06
Burdell image 1
American restaurant

Rustic dรฉcor with stained glass windows sets a warm tone. Soul food shines with waffle and chicken liver dishes. Unique wines from a sommelier add a special touch. Funky music keeps the vibe nostalgic and stylish.

The cuisine blends haute NorCal soul food with unique dishes like waffle and chicken liver. A sommelier offers distinctive wine selections, and the atmosphere shows careful attention to detail.

People are saying

"The American Food's duck was intensely flavored, almost unrecognizable."

"The cornbread here is buttery and the best I've ever tasted."

"The decor's eclectic vibe feels like a cozy grandma's house."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect to pay around $30-50 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant can get crowded during Sunday lunch hours.

07
Daytrip image 1
Restaurant

Casual spot with intimate atmosphere and unique flavors shines for groups sharing plates. Dimmed lighting and cozy backyard seating create a relaxed vibe. Excellent wine selection pairs well with distinctive plating and zesty dishes.

Dishes showcase a unique blend of flavors with zesty and memorable tastes. Presentation stands out with distinctive plating and some recipes use unique concoctions sold at fair prices.

People are saying

"The wine selection here is fantastic and thoughtfully curated."

"The flavors here are totally unique and surprisingly inventive."

"The wine bar's cozy ambiance and impressive selection of local wines felt amazing."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

2

The corkage fee for bringing your own wine is $25.

3

Expect higher prices compared to similar dining options in the area.

08
Snail Bar image 1
Wine bar

Cozy wine bar blends Parisian ambiance with lively DJ nights. Unique dishes like oysters with passionfruit shine alongside an excellent natural wine selection. Local-inspired menu adds a special touch to the inviting vibe.

Oysters with passionfruit stand out as a unique dish. The wine selection offers a distinct variety, and the local-inspired menu adds to the special atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, delicious, and made with love."

"The wines here are superb and pair well with the dishes."

"The dishes here are so unique and inspired."

Good to know

1

Homie nights feature guest chefs and fresh ingredients, happening at least once a month.

2

Reservations are recommended on busy weekend nights to secure a table.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to every bill, so check your total.

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Temescal, Oakland

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