36 minutes at 19th St/Oakland

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

BART’s 19th St/ Oakland station and the surrounding neighborhood is a bustling hub of commerce, activity, and transit centered in the heart of Oakland.

With all the activity going on above ground, it can be easy to miss the grandeur of the station itself, which is currently undergoing a $32-million renovation. The 19th St/Oakland Station Modernization will see new LED lighting and a new elevator from platform to concourse level, in addition to other improvements.

But the soon-to-be-updated station is another story. Up top, situated just a few minutes from the ever-popular Lake Merritt, the station is surrounded by vibrant restaurants, bars, and businesses. So, grab your walking shoes – here’s BARTable’s recommendations for spending 36 minutes (or so) around 19th St/Oakland Station.

To see more features in our 36 minutes series, click here.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

You’ll undoubtedly need some fuel in the form of caffeine for your walking trip. There’s no better place to grab a coffee than Tierra Mia (2001 Broadway Ave), which sits in the gorgeous patina I. Magnin building, the former home of the upscale department store I. Magnin. Try the creamy horchata latte or the Chocolate Mexicano Frappe – you’ll be fueled up in no time.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

Right next door you’ll find another historic building – the Paramount Theatre of Oakland (2025 Broadway Ave), which hosts live music, comedy, and performances. Opened in 1932, the building’s stunning interior and exterior are some of the most shining examples of Art Deco design in the U.S. still standing today. If you don’t have time to catch a show, the venue hosts tours the first and third Saturday morning of each month (Note: Tours are currently unavailable due to COVID-19). For a full list of upcoming performances, visit the Paramount Theatre website.

Image courtesy of Yelp.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of Art Deco, catch some modern designs at Taylor Jay (2355 Broadway Ave, Suite 1), a Black-owned business that sits just a seven-minute walk from the Paramount. The local and sustainable brand designs comfortable and stylish clothes with every body in mind. The goal, according to owner and designer Taylor Jay, is to make “every woman feel and look amazing.”

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, take some time for peaceful reflection in this hidden gem of a spot – the Kaiser Center Roof Garden (300 Lakeside Dr). Opened in 1960, the garden was considered the first “true” post-war rooftop garden in the U.S. – but even after all these years, it’s still an ideal place for strolling and sunbathing. You can access the rooftop by entering the parking garage here and taking the stairs or elevator to the top.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

All this walking will undoubtedly have you hankering for a snack – and Aburaya (362 17th St) is just an eight-minute jaunt from the garden. Here, you’ll find delicious Japanese fried chicken that comes in a variety of seasonings – all in a quaint eatery with an unmistakable punk-rock vibe. The restaurant’s motto? “Made with love and rock’n’roll.”

Image courtesy of Yelp.

Seeking a beverage with your fried chicken? Walk three minutes up 17th St to Hello Stranger (1724 Broadway Ave), a chic and cozy bar with finely crafted cocktails and frequent DJ sets. Hello Stranger closes at 2 a.m., so make sure you don’t miss the last BART train out of 19th St after too many beverages.

Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.

On your way out, look to your right to catch a glimpse of “Shifting Topographies,” an installation by artist Dan Corson. According to the artist’s website, the artwork was inspired by “the shifting patterns and colors of the rolling Oakland hills (green to gold) and at the macro scale the ripples of the adjacent San Francisco Bay (gray-blue-green).” The paint changes color depending on the angle of the sun, where the viewer stands, and the time of day.

Once you’ve stared at the swirling artwork long enough, head right down into the 19th St/Oakland Station – there’s an entrance beside the piece – and let BART carry you swiftly home.

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Did you head to 19th St/Oakland Station? Have a suggestion for our next 36 minutes feature? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.