Count music, arts, history, and delicious food among the offerings within a few short blocks on Alameda’s West End.
Blocks from Alameda’s Crown Memorial State Beach, you’ll find the charms of Webster Street. Beyond the Pacific Pinball Museum and neighbor boutique Feathered Outlaw, take an afternoon on the Island to explore the shops, discover rare collectibles, indulge in good eats, and enjoy community vibes. Whether you want kid-friendly spots or a refreshing adult beverage, Webster Street has got you covered.
Shop
Step into sun-filled Aria Market and Bakery on the corner of Lincoln and Webster and be greeted by Johnny Turcinovic or one of his parents. The family-owned specialty grocery and deli serves classics like fresh-made sandwiches, espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, homemade pastries and baklava, and scoops of Mitchell’s ice cream. But there’s a bonus —Turcinovic sells his homemade pita breads (so light and dreamy it’s hard to believe), and the grocery is stocked with top-notch selections of imported Balkan foods. Open your eyes to new flavors and possibilities. Since 2007, the family has offered treats like Ajvar (a savory red pepper spread that’s deliciously versatile) and other impossible to find imported foods from the Balkans. Discover staples, sweets, and specialty drinks. 1200 Lincoln Ave., Alameda, 510-769-4838.
Visit the fine, book-loving minds at Tavistock Books and discover rare finds, collectibles, and antiquarian books. From signed, first edition Charles Dickens to modern authors like Alice Walker, Tavistock is a collector’s dream. In addition to rare editions, find antique photographs, historic publications, and more. Owner Vic Zoschak also offers book appraisal, collection development, and purchasing of fine books. Visitors are welcome, but do call for an appointment. 1503 Webster St. Alameda, 510-814-0480, TavBooks.com
Want to sell a collection or add to your treasures? The Silver Baron is a trusted resource for buying and selling coins (and specializes in silver), sports memorabilia, stamps, bullion, and other fine collectibles. Feast your eyes on the vintage movie posters gracing the walls or request an appraisal of your grandmother’s collection. Estate appraisals and house calls provided as needed. 1553 Webster St., Alameda, 510-865-7600, SilverBaronAlameda.com
Play
Stop by Studio 1.6 Art School on June 8, 6-7:30 p.m. during the Second Friday Art Walk for a free, interactive art workshop. Visiting artists teach everything from water painting to video game design. If you’re ready for a deeper creative dive, take semester-long studio art, drawing and sketching, or painting classes. Great news for parents: Anita Sulimanovic and the other Studio 1.6 instructors also offer Summer Camp Art School. Keep your creative child, tween, or teen artistically engaged while school’s out. 1509 1/2 Webster St., Suite D, Alameda, 510-473-8940, studio1point6.com
Find fun-loving community at The Fireside Lounge, an ultra hip hangout for all. In addition to artisan cocktails, specialty sodas, local craft brews, and a nightly happy hour, The Fireside hosts a wide range of musical and community events in its welcoming space. From trivia nights to open mics to ukulele jams to karaoke hour, there are interactive evenings galore. If you’re more voyeur than exhibitionist, catch live music shows that run the spectrum from rock and blues to DJs and jazz. 1453 Webster St., Alameda, 510-864-1244, TheFiresideLounge.com
Martial arts for adults and kids, afterschool care, and summer camp all in one sunny location. To hone your health, strength, and discipline, the International Chi Institute offers Kung Fu taught by Shaolin Master Yan, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi. The Sunshine After School program includes Kung Fu lessons, academic tutoring, and Mandarin classes. Enjoy private lessons if you’re extremely focused or just plain shy. 1532 Webster St., Alameda, 415-832-0118, IntensityMartialArts.com
Eat
Siblings Linda and Ty Do bring Cambodian cuisine to the Island with Phnom Penh House. Originally opened in Oakland’s Chinatown in 1986, the Do family restaurant relocated to Webster Street last July, hooray. Cambodian cuisine is rich in herbs, such as the lemongrass sauce made with turmeric and galangal. Flavors are similar to Thai food, but not so spicy and (even more?) divine. Try the refreshing and bright papaya salad and the addictively unique traop ang — a smoky garlic eggplant topped with seasoned pork and shrimp. 1514 Webster St., Alameda, 510-893-3825, PhnomPenhFouse.com
Come to work, brunch, relax, be nourished, sip wine, or just to get a good espresso buzz. WesCafe welcomes you in with style, locally sourced food (thanks to the Alameda farmers market), and a cozy vibe. Generous wi-fi and friendly smiles make this a great meeting place. 1518 Webster St., Alameda, 510-522-1700, WesCafeAlameda.com
Get ready for a day at the beach with a stop at Domenico’s Italian Deli. Eat in or, better yet, take your purchases to go for the perfect picnic lunch. Classic sandwiches, deli salads, made-to-order pasta (and homemade meatballs), bagel dogs, desserts, and a cooler full of drinks can satisfy even the hungriest belly. The folks at Domenico’s make their turkey, Italian beef, roast lamb, corned beef, and so much more in house, so you know it’s the real deal. It has been serving up goodness since 1982. 1407 Webster St., 510-865-5558, DomenicosItalianDeli.com