Jack London Square

Named after a great American author who spent his boyhood on the Oakland waterfront, Jack London Square is an Oakland landmark. A working waterfront to this day, Jack London Square once woke to the hustle and bustle of seafaring folk in the shipping and agriculture business. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon catered to these laborers in 1883, and today, hard-working 9-5’ers can still pop by the historic bar for a cold beer at the end of the day.

While Jack London Square is rich with history and significance, it is also a modern-day hub for dining, shopping, relaxation, and entertainment. In addition to hosting the speedboats lined up at the dock and the maritime activities managed by the Port of Oakland, Jack London Square is home to a range of restaurants and cultural events.

There’s Mexican cuisine at Cocina Poblana, Italian seafood at Il Pescatore Ristorante, Caribbean fare at Miss Pearl’s Jam House, champagne and jazz at Scott’s, and live, world-class performances to accompany your sushi orders at Yoshi’s.

Weekends are always a good time to discover something new on the Square. Every Sunday, the Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, locally caught seafood, and hand-crafted products, while the Oakland Artisan Marketplace presents a bazaar of locally made treasures on Saturdays and Sundays.

The 9-Plex movie theater shows the latest releases, while the Oakland Underground Film Festival presents independent music and arts through the spring and summer.

The summer months are a great time to check out the Square, because this is when a host of free activities take place, including live musical performances in the afternoon, ballroom dancing under the stars on Friday nights, pet adoption days sponsored by the Oakland SPCA, and much more.

The schedule is always evolving, much like the Square itself. The Square will soon introduce a new Jack London Market, inspired by the San Francisco Ferry Building, but with fresh food, panoramic views and a wide range of culinary offerings on an even grander scale.

HelloSanFrancisco Tip: If you’re heading to San Francisco or Marin from the East Bay, Jack London Square has a convenient ferry stop, with thin crowds and easy access to parking.

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.