Date Night in Jack London

Tag: Features

Where to go on date night in Oakland’s vibrant Waterfront Warehouse district

So you met someone special and you’re ready to hit the Town to spend some quality time together, but first you face the daunting task of deciding what to do and where to go. Lucky for you, we’ve taken the pressure off planning your first, second, or 100th date by rounding up some exciting date night ideas here in Oakland’s Jack London district. From breweries to wineries, restaurants to music venues, there’s plenty to do in our unique, urban, waterfront neighborhood.

Enjoy a picturesque waterfront dinner, then get your game face on!

Forge Pizza x Plank

Start your evening off with dinner at Forge Pizza, a staple of the Jack London Square waterfront since 2013. Looking to set the mood? Make a reservation and request outdoor seating for some waterfront views on their spacious patio. With 850 degree wood-fired ovens and only the best local, organic ingredients, Forge elevates pizza well beyond the norm. Their menu also consists of delicious shareable plates and a killer beer, wine, and cocktail list.

After you’ve gotten your fill, you're just a stone’s throw away from Plank! With over 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, you can’t miss this massive, waterside complex. At Plank, the fun never stops with 18 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, arcade games, and an outdoor bocce ball court. Plank also boasts 70 HDTVs for the ultimate sports-watching experience. This is an awesome place for you and your date to enjoy some lighthearted competition and a drink off their 48 taps of draft beer.

Sip on spectacular cocktails at this historic bar followed by a movie

Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon x Regal Cinemas

Meet your date at Jack London’s Rendezvous AKA Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon. Back in the late 1800s, writer Jack London frequented this historic bar and even used it as inspiration for scenes in his famous novels Call of the Wild and The Sea Wolf. With all-wooden-everything and a signature slanted bar top, this waterfront favorite was also a popular stop for sailors, serving as their first or last chance to get a stiff drink before or after long trips at sea.

After impressing your date with this rich historic knowledge over a tasty libation, it’s time to hit the movies! Grab some popcorn, candy, and sit back & relax together. Regal Cinemas Jack London shows up to 10 different movies at a time, with new movies every week. Cozy up and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey with your honey.

Meet for drinks at a local winery, then head to this Mexican restaurant for live comedy

Brooklyn West Winery x Nido’s Backyard

Cure those first-date nerves with a glass of carefully crafted California wine at Brooklyn West Winery. Paying homage to Oakland’s history of being the “Brooklyn of the West,” this laid-back, local winery epitomizes the creativity that makes Oakland so special. Winemakers Stew Epstein and Jeffrey Fiegel follow a winemaking philosophy of minimalist intervention: they allow the natural fl avors of their Sonoma County grapes to guide the journeys of their wines. Enjoy a tasting fl ight for just $20 during their tasting room hours, Thursday through Sunday.

After tasting some exquisite wines, mosey down Embarcadero West to the edge of our district for a beautiful dinner & a show at Nido’s Backyard. Specializing in seasonally-curated Mexican cuisine and agave spirits, this colorful neighborhood favorite is known all over Oakland for their delicious food as well as their community events. With movie nights, craft fairs, pet adoption days, and live comedy nights on Sunday evenings, there’s always something going on that’s perfect for date night!

Slurp up delicious Ramen, drink some Kava, and listen to your favorite records

Noka Ramen x Rootwater Kava

Some folks might think a rainy Sunday might not be an ideal time for a date, but ramen and vinyl is all you need to turn a dreary day full of “Sunday Scaries” into a cozy, unforgettable one. Meet your sweetie at Noka Ramen and you’ll be wowed by the gorgeous ambiance and decor. Before you slurp up some hot noodles and savory broth, make sure you order some shareable plates for you and your date such as their pork buns or Japanese fried chicken. With seasonal specials and creative cocktails, there’s so much to try at this vibey, new restaurant.

After you’re done “ooohing” and “aaahing” over your bowl of noods, walk down Broadway towards 3rd Street, where you’ll find Rootwater Kava. Kava is a traditional drink from the South Pacific Islands and naturally promotes relaxation, euphoria, and social connection. It’s a great alternative to alcohol and has recently grown in popularity here in the Bay Area. Starting at 4PM on Sundays, Rootwater hosts a “Bring Your Own Vinyl” night. Have a cozy yet chill Sunday by sharing your favorite albums with each other while sipping on some kava drinks.

Satisfy your seafood cravings before taking a stroll down Water Street

Seabreeze on the Dock x Jack London Square

There’s nothing more serene than being by the water. As Oakland’s original waterfront district, Jack London has no shortage of seafood or sea views. Visit Seabreeze on the Dock to treat your date to lobster rolls, Dungeness crabs, clam chowder, or raw oysters while taking in the views of the Oakland-Alameda estuary and SF Bay. With a relaxed ambience and beer on tap, this spot is casual with quality eats.

After lunch, walk along Water Street to take in the views and explore Jack London Square’s many offerings. Visit Jack London’s historical cabin, get dessert at Ben & Jerry’s, or stop by Oakland Supply Co. for locally-made gifts and souvenirs. Turn up the romance by walking along Water Street at sunset, when the sunset shines off the marina’s waters with hues of pink and purple.

Elevate your date with a champagne flight and world-class live jazz

Rosenblum Cellars x Yoshi’s

For a more sophisticated occasion, make a reservation at Rosenblum Cellars, a local winery that has been around since 1978. Known for their wide range of Zinfandels that helped put the wine style on the map, it’s no wonder the winery’s founder, Kent Rosenblum, is known as “The King of Zin.” Their tasting room overlooks the picturesque marina green and Oakland ferry terminal, with terrific views of the bay. Indulge in a charcuterie board and a champagne flight while soaking in the sun on their patio.

After refreshments at Rosenblum Cellars, catch a show at Oakland’s premier live jazz venue, Yoshi’s. What started out as a small Japanese restaurant in 1972 has evolved into a world-class music venue with roughly 500 shows per year. In addition to a variety of jazz music, Yoshi’s welcomes a diversity of genres, such as R&B, soul, comedy, and rock. Yoshi’s also offers a wonderful dining experience full of Japanese and fusion-style cuisine and reservations are recommended.