This post was written by Faustina Ngo, Business Outreach Intern.
North Oakland has a multitude of quaint, local businesses that offer a wide variety of goods and services to the surrounding community. In this blog post, we explore the Rockridge District and share our favorite recommendations around this neighborhood. Check them out and tell us about your favorites @shopoaklandnow!
Coffee
Craving to get your morning fix of caffeine? Highwire Coffee Roasters offers just that, along with their aesthetically pleasing decor and calm spacious store. Highwire has been in business for almost 10 years, and their founders have over 20 years of extensive experience working with coffee. Their store carries a wide selection of toast, sandwiches, and pastries, and what stands out is their nitrogen infused coffee. They also have an outdoor patio in case you want to soak in the sun while enjoying sips of your nitrogen cold brew.
Baked Goods
La Farine Boulangerie Patisserie has been offering the Rockridge and greater Oakland community amazing french-style pastries and baked goods for over 40 years. They’ve established businesses in three Oakland neighborhoods, but their original store was founded in Rockridge. A must-try is their fruit tart and chocolate croissant. La Farine also serves custom cakes, so if you have a birthday or special occasion coming up, this is the place to go!
Hobbies
Have spare time for a hobby or want to perfect your paper crafting skills? Head over to Taro’s Origami Studio for origami classes, drop-in sessions, and private lessons for kids and adults alike. They serve individuals with one-on-one paper folding lessons and also offer group classes to accommodate larger parties. Their colorful, dainty store has been in Rockridge since 2014, brightening up the neighborhood with intricate paper art. They also have space for hosting birthday parties available, if you want to spice up your next birthday event!
Lunch
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza offers Chicago-style pizzas with a unique California twist. They’ve been at their first store in Rockridge for 35 years, and have gained a steady fanbase that has supported their expansions to locations in other cities like Pleasant Hill and San Ramon. Zachary’s is 100% employee owned, and their store interior showcases plenty of artistic, pizza-related decor.
Liquor
Eddie’s Drive In Liquors is a neighborhood favorite, standing out for its old school vibes and authenticity. They offer a great varying selection of craft beer and are a local business–cheaper than your average chain retail store. Their location is convenient and staff are known to be friendly. Stop by if you want a good deal!
Dinner and Bar
Ben N’ Nick’s Bar & Grill has been in business for over 10 years, serving the Rockridge community yummy pub food with a gourmet twist. They boast fresh and local ingredients in every meal, and serve cocktails, beer, and wine in partnership with local breweries. They also host weekly Saturday karaoke and trivia Tuesdays, so you’re bound to have a fun time at their place.
Click here to find more small businesses in Rockridge.
