36 Minutes in Rockridge

Image courtesy of Yelp. 

If you’re seeking charm near BART, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon than Rockridge, a bustling neighborhood in Oakland that’s home to adorable shops, bars, and restaurants.

From longstanding bookstores and record shops to vegan joints with excellent cocktails, there’s a little slice of joy that caters to just about anybody in Rockridge.

Most of the action here lies along College Avenue. Head either north or south down the street and you’re sure to find something that delights.

We’ll kick off our 36 minutes just feet from the station – at Rockridge Market Hall (5655 College Ave).  

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

Gourmand is the name of the game at Rockridge Market Hall, a purveyor of fine cheeses, freshly made pastas, and more culinary delights. The food hall is comprised of eight owner-operated shops, each serving something expertly crafted. Pick up a couple cheeses of your choosing, a fresh-baked baguette, and perhaps a can of local beer – then let’s get walking!

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

Now that you’ve loaded up on snacks, it’s due time for a little shopping. A fixture in the neighborhood since 1971, Pegasus Books (5560 College Ave) carries a selection of used and new titles that will certainly tickle your fancy. Grab a book – to read on your BART trip home, perhaps – and let’s keep walking.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

Your feet may be weary after all this schlepping, so drop into Tootsie’s (5525 College Ave), an adorable longstanding shoe store. With affordable styles – and knowledgeable salespeople – you’re certain to find a pair that makes you look and feel good. And if you’re on a budget, don’t miss the resplendent sale section.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

Let’s head the other way down College Ave now – to the groovy and ecologically minded Re-Up Refill Shop (6025 College Ave) that’s about an eight-minute walk from Tootsie’s. Bring your own refillable containers or purchase some on-site and load up on eco cooking, kitchen, cleaning, bath products – and more. The shop prioritizes local, minority-owned, high-quality products so you can shop more conscientiously.

Image courtesy of Yelp.

Just steps from Re-Up Refill Shop is another business with a mission in-mind. Millennium Restaurant (5912 College Ave) is a famed restaurant that offers plant-based fare in a fine-dining setting. If vegan isn’t your thing, at least drop in for one of the restaurant’s fantastic cocktails, concocted with house-made infusions and freshly squeezed juices.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

We’ve reached the end of our visit, and there’s no better way to put a capper on an afternoon or evening than a meal at the trendy Ramen Shop (5812 College Ave). Opened in 2013 by a Chez Panisse alum, Ramen Shop offers creative ramen concoctions – think Meyer lemon shoyu ramen and homemade pickles – in a cozy setting. You can’t go wrong with one of the ramen bowls from the changing menu – and maybe another fresh-made cocktail. Walk two minutes south and you’ll find yourself back where you started – at Rockridge Station.

See more neighborhood features in our 36 minutes series.

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