Jason F.
Yelp
It doesn't get more iconic in Oakland than the Jack London Square and Waterfront, which has served the local dining scene along the beautiful waterfront that makes up this historical port, where for generations served port workers such as longshoreman, produce marketers, fishermen, and journeymen alike. Opened almost seven decades ago, back in 1951, when Oakland's Board of Port Commissioners named four blocks of waterfront area after one of its most famous former residents as novelist Jack London worked in the area and spent time at a saloon in the square during his youth, which helped draw much inspiration for his novels.
Jack London Square may have seen its ups and downs in the few decades with businesses from book stores to restaurants opening and closing, but in the past few years, several popular restaurants have opened on its waterfront making it a prime destination for locals looking for a solid bite to eat in a sublime location. With plans for a food hall that are constantly in flux and the possibility of a new A's stadium on port land nearby, this area may finally become the "waterfront dining destination" that Oakland officials hoped it would be when they first dedicated it to the famous author. Seven decades ago, Oakland officials assumed the London name would help attract tourists and build a destination similar to that of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. While the hope of it growing into to kind of popularity in the other city by the bay, Jack London Square has had some unique dining and drinking destinations that has kept me coming back.
Parking can be a bit challenging around the area as a number of apartment and condominium towers have begun sprouting up around the area, but if parking isn't an option there's always the free Broadway Shuttle, run by the city of Oakland, it provides complimentary bus service from downtown Oakland all the way to the waterfront, so taking Bart to the Square is as easy as that. One of my favorite things about the square is the growing number wine tasting rooms that have opened around the neighborhood, that and the increasing number of breweries and old-time saloon has made this the reason of why I go down to the square. I have do have a fondness for walking around the area, looking to see what new businesses are popping up, including the expansion of one of my favorite Thai restaurants in the Bay Area, Farmhouse Kitchen, with patio dining along the wharf, in my opinion, they provide the best dinner in the entire square. Not as if there is a lot of competition out there in the area, as the recent downturn and current events have led to the full-time closure of Lungomare, Kincaid's and Il Pescatore and the temporary closures of Scott's Seafood, Dyafa, and Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon. One could consider this closures a sign of the times, as Jack London Square once had such businesses as Barnes & Noble, Old Spaghetti Factory and Tony Roma's.
What can't be denied is the potential that remains in Jack London Square with its centerpiece currently being the Plank bowling alley and bar, which proves that new businesses can thrive here, and a bold future should the Oakland Assembly food hall ever make it to realization. This addition, as well as additional hotels and apartment buildings, with retail on their ground floor could really prove that crucial turning point that Jack London Square is so desperately searching for. Only time will tell if smaller independently owned shops and restaurants will thrive here as well, as the area remains a vital ferry terminal and train depot where travelers pass in and out of. Where else can you spend a weekend afternoon enjoying kayaking and canoeing in the estuary then shop for produce from local vendors at Farmer's Market and then watch a movie and enjoy dinner and drinks, all in one four block radius. Not many as far as I can see, even in the eclectic Bay Area, so enjoy Jack London Square in its current state while you can.
