If your dog’s like ours, she doesn’t care much for sitting still for long periods of time. Fortunately, Oakland’s environment is so stimulating she won’t have to, especially if you head to a venue like Plank, a new addition in Jack London Square sporting a huge, dog-friendly beer garden with bocce court. Also on the waterfront, Brotzeit Lokal Biergarten has a dog-friendly deck and a menu focused on locally sourced, house-made German food as well as a long row of taps pouring German beers.
Back at Jack London Square, stake a claim at other outdoor dining venues like Bocanova, where you can while away an afternoon enjoying Latin-inspired entrees such as day-boat scallops in Brazilian curry sauce or low-cal starters such as jicama wedges with chili and lime.
A nearby option is Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant, a family-owned establishment with Victorian décor, lots of memorabilia, a colorful history, dog-friendly umbrella tables and a menu heavy on pasta and seafood.
Lake Merritt, a large tidal lagoon in the center of town, is one of the Bay Area’s most popular jogging destinations and something of a restaurant magnet. Linger over an upscale meal at Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill. Heart and Dagger Saloon (cash only; no credit cards) is a locals’ hangout with a hip, Oaklandish ambience, a large dog-friendly patio with shaded tables and a jukebox covering every musical genre known to man and dog.
Photo Credit: @linsertorte
