46 Places
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Andi’s 5-star review: From their website: Kinetic Steam Works is an educational arts organization working to preserve and promote steam powered heritage, artifacts, and technologies through the restoration of vintage steam engines. From me: The annual KSW Roll Out is (literally) a blast, featuring steam engines, gizmos galore, the always-popular Snail Car, food (steam-powered margaritas!) and entertainment for the whole family. It's a colorful, friendly crowd and the steam folks are very approachable. If I have more free time, I might just drop by on a Wednesday night and see exactly what I can do with a wrench. -
Andi’s 5-star review: I was very impressed with Fairyland. I imagined it would be much more rundown from people's reviews. The kids went nuts running around and climbing on stuff and RIDING ON A TRAIN!! Admission was reasonably priced ($6 for anyone over 1 year), and snacks ran about $3 or so (we brought our own). There were plenty of staff on hand, so attentive to keeping the park clean that they collected a napkin the very minute we accidentally dropped it! I'd much rather take the family here than some corporate theme park. We will be back. If any of you "we don't have kids" whiners want to join us, PM me. You'll get to see the park, and we'll have an extra set of adult hands for corralling the critters. -
Andi’s 5-star review: The old pirate leaned in to give me directions... "Cross the bridge, go down by the railroad tracks, look for the windmill, and meet us at the old lighthouse..." And because I'll do almost anything for a good sea chantey, I did. OK, so I went on Friday instead of Thursday, but I had a good time. (And will definitely head back on a Thursday next time!) The pub upstairs is exactly as it should be. Signage saying "If you're drinking to forget, please pay in advance," peanut shells all over the floor, a raucous crowd and a long beer list. Hell, yeah. Downstairs is nice too. Tranquil views of the water and docks, standard surf and turf menu (with some veggie choices), waitresses that have likely worked there 20+ years calling you "hon." And you're eating in an old lighthouse, for crying out loud. What more do you people want? -
Andi’s 5-star review: I looooooove the tall ships! When are they coming back??? -
Andi’s 5-star review: The place looks like a defunct body shop outside and a rundown speakeasy inside. I didn't see any food being served, but they do have Boddington's on tap and serve beer by the pitcher. If I lived closer and got out more often, I'd be here all the time. -
Andi’s 5-star review: I went here to get some fancy outfits for the kids, and was super pleased with the results. The lady that helped us (I assume she is the owner) was very helpful. She knew the inventory by heart, helped us pick out ridiculously adorable outfits that fit the shorties perfectly, and even suggested accessories that made the outfits yet more adorable. Prices were quite reasonable, some of the items were on sale, and she gave me a little additional discount and even tossed in an extra goodie here and there. I left feeling like I got more than what I wanted at a discount. That, my friends, is excellent customer service. Bravo. -
Andi’s 5-star review: One of the nicest things that ever happened to me at a restaurant happened at Lois. It was a cold, drizzly Sunday morning, and there was a wait. One of the servers came outside with hot coffee for us all to drink while we waited -- *and* brought refills, all on the house. That is true hospitality! The food here is just as pleasant. It's my absolute favorite breakfast spot. -
Andi’s 5-star review: Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. It was zen all right. Clean, high-tech and just what I needed. I wish the jets in the whirlpool were a little stronger, but other than that, I wanted to bring in some snacks and stay for the weekend. Note: zen is cash-only. -
Andi’s 5-star review: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Please don't close!! Noooooooo! -
Andi’s 5-star review: If I had 500 stars, I'd give them all to Rosie the Realtor. An acquaintance recommended her after we fired our dud realtor, and we were wary. Could she work around our limited schedule and deal with ever-present, ever-loud twins in the background? Could she really find us a liveable house in our price range, in a good neighborhood, with good schools? Thanks to Rosie, I'm now a homeowner. I never thought it could happen! And Rosie was there every step of the way, with a smile and an efficient can-do attitude. Even in our bargain basement price range, she treated us like we were million dollar clients. She saved us from a number of pitfalls, helped us where others failed, and never ever wavered in her communication. With her blackberry, she was practically available 24x7! Rosie exceeded every expectation I had, delighted me in areas I didn't think to have expectations, and was a bulldog when she needed to be, badgering sluggish paper-pushers to make sure we closed as quickly as possible. I cannot recommend Rosie more highly. Call her, and you'll be pleased. Go with the service providers she recommends -- they are all true professionals as she is, and won't want to let her down. I own a house! Thank you, Rosie!!!
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Andi’s 5-star review: Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! You really can't go wrong with any kind of cold dessert treat on a hot day with toddlers in tow. But this was even better than I expected. The sorbet was almost gelato-like -- creamy, bursting with flavor, yet light and refreshing. We got the lemon-buttermilk and kiwi, and the kids could not get enough. (Awww, kids. So cute!) The Scream guys were super friendly, and offered tastings to anyone that stopped by. I thought it was sweet how they made sure folks tried the flavors in a certain order for maximum effect, ala wine tasting. I liked that they use ingredients I can recognize and that the bowls and spoons were compostable. They're only at the Jack London farmer's market for now, but it's worth a trip. Bring the kids! -
Andi’s 4-star review: I'm opposed to zoos in principle, but I think Oakland Zoo does a great job of giving the animals a livable space that feels more nature than captivity (to me, mind you). They have a good selection of the usual suspects (giraffes, elephants, monkeys, meerkats), plus some great bonus critters like those enormous bats. It's nice to walk around in the woods and up and down hills, and kids love it here. Tip: If your kid falls in the lily pond, there are restrooms conveniently located on the side of the Bug House closest to the lily pond. (Although there's only so much you can do with a hand drier.) You can enter the rides area for free, but each of the rides cost a ticket or two. I also really like the website -- lots of info about the animals, photos, and videos of them doing their thing. ps. I once came here on a volunteer project and am pleased to report that the staff and operations behind the scenes are top notch. :) -
Andi’s 4-star review: Great for kids! It's right by a little playground and creek for stomping, it's fun to watch what's happening at the valet dog parking, there are lots of free samples, and plenty of food vendors for grabbing lunch. Plus, Blue Bottle Coffee for the grown-ups! -
Andi’s 4-star review: I guess if you have to take 2-year old twins to the emergency room, Children's is a good option. I can't speak to the check-in or assessment process, since I came in for the second shift. I missed the excitement when Little Guy fell off the x-ray table, but did get there in time to see the new light-up toys they were both thrilled with. And the dual IV installation, which was loud, but gotten over quickly, thanks to individual TV sets and Sponge Bob. The staff I met were very friendly, reassuring, and professional. They really listened to me and explained how things were going to go. I felt like the kids were in good hands at all times I was there. I know they're not connected to the hospital, but the dual ambulance teams were great at interacting with the kids and getting us to our second location without incident. (My EMT was also thrilled with the new light-up toy!)
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Andi’s 4-star review: Sometimes you just need a lot of cake. Maybe you have a reason, maybe you have a few, but there's nothing that isn't better with cake. At least nothing I can think of right now. Celeste was professional, easy to work with, able to transform my ideas into cakes, and delivered on time. The chocolate cake was "nice," but could have been more moist and intense. The citrus cake was a standout and my personal favorite. And the allergy-free cake? The one sans wheat, egg whites, soy, peanuts? Outstanding. *And* pretty. The leftovers of all three cakes were gone much too quickly. My only complaint is that the final bill didn't match the prices I was given initally. I expected them to shift after our design discussion, but thought I'd be notified if they did. I had some sticker shock when I got the final invoice (although prices were still very reasonable). Just confirm your total with Celeste as you're placing your order and it should be fine. -
Andi’s 4-star review: Sadly, I didn't get to spend as much time here as I'd hoped. I was hoping to be selected for a jury, but it didn't pan out. (I know it sounds crazy, but compared to my work life, having only one meeting and a guaranteed lunch sounded like heaven.) The Courthouse s right by Lake Merritt BART, so it was easy to get to. The security guards and court personnel were friendly, funny, and respectful. Restrooms were clean and well-stocked. Our judge gave us a little speech about the legal process and the big opportunity we were missing to see justice and the court system in action. Cute. I'd definitely go back. (But enough with the 8:30am start times!)
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Andi’s 4-star review: Old Oakland pleasantly surprised me, and Tamarindo kept me out late. Yummy top-shelf cocktails and Mexi-tapas were very tasty. Service was impeccable, and I wanted to take the decor home. It was a spendy night, but at least it felt worth it. -
Andi’s 4-star review: OK, so I couldn't stop Gilbert & Sullivan from running through my head, but that's probably just me. Looking for a solid diner experience? Fried meat and fried potatoes and meat and iceberg lettuce and cheap white wine and meat? Here's your Buttercup, right by the waterfront. If she was in SF, you'd pay an arm and a leg. In Oakland, just the leg, please. I cannot wait to come back either late-night drunk or shiny brunching with the kids. They say they have stacks 'o highchairs and serve breakfast all day -- ask for the BLUE menu. Or just for another comfy down-home dinner. Bring a group -- they have those cool connecting tables that connect 2 booths. For I'm called Little Buttercup -- dear Little Buttercup, Though I could never tell why, But still I'm called Buttercup -- poor little Buttercup, Sweet Little Buttercup I! I've snuff and tobaccy, and excellent jacky, I've scissors, and watches, and knives; I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces Of pretty young sweethearts and wives. I've treacle and toffee, I've tea and I've coffee, Soft tommy and succulent chops; I've chickens and conies, and pretty polonies, And excellent peppermint drops. Then buy of your Buttercup -- dear Little Buttercup; Sailors should never be shy; So, buy of your Buttercup -- poor Little Buttercup; Come, of your Buttercup buy! -
Andi’s 3-star review: I don't think you could be any safer in Oakland than at this Buttercup. Legions of police folks are here at any given moment. It's more upscale than Buttercup in Jack London Square, but it's the same stuff on the menu. I was hoping it would be more loungey, but I think all the uniforms present cut down on that possibility. -
Andi’s 4-star review: I'm not a skater, but give me a beer and a seat on the sidelines of the Bay Area Derby (BAD) Girls anytime! Seems like the place is well run and has the amenities you'd want for skating. As a venue for a crowded event, it held up well. There's plenty of street parking within a few blocks of the place. There was a good selection of beer and snacks, although the line for the 3 ladies' bathroom stalls was crazy long. UPDATE 3/07: The Fire Marshall has closed the Dry Ice arena, saying it was structurally unsound. This, a mere 2 days before the BAD Girls bout. Boo! -
Andi’s 4-star review: This is a decent getaway spot, whether you're a business traveler or a local burned-out mom. The hotel features waterfront views, private balconies, and a hotel bar downstairs (only open on weeknights). They also offer free parking, high-speed cable internet, and continental breakfast (which I slept through). My room was clean and quiet, and just what I needed. -
Andi’s 4-star review: Nice park, but it gets really crowded on the weekends. Some of the structures make it hard to spot your teetering littles, but overall it's a much better use of real estate under the highway, which normally would be filled with not so family-friendly people and stuff. -
Andi’s 4-star review: (See my Tumble & Tea reviews here for historical context: http://www.yelp.com/biz/tumble-and-tea-cafe-oakland-2.) We went on a rainy public holiday, and feared the worst. Surprisingly, we did not find it. I think the makeover has made a difference. Good: * The kids had a great time! * No waiting to use the potty. Bathrooms were large and clean. * The coffee drinks were ready right away, although I'm not a fan of the roast itself. * Food was ready quickly, and was better than before. The roasted yam panini sounded odd and looked unappetizing, but was quite the unexpected treat! * More toys available = happier kids. I saw multiple trains -- woo! * Floating staff were on hand to direct play and offer assistance, both in the play and dining areas. * Song circle was a nice way to break up chaotic free play. * Other parents were friendly and more in touch with what their kids were doing than previous visits. * More allergy-free options on the kids' menu -- a step in the right direction. Not-So-Good: * It's icky to go to a public bathroom in your socks. * People still bogart tables, which is unacceptable when it's that crowded. I vote that management implement a policy where unattended tables are cleared after 15 minutes of inactivity. * Parents that don't watch their kids. The rest of us felt bad when your crying tot couldn't find you, and were annoyed when your kid would not go down the only slide for 5+ minutes. * Supply lockers in the bathroom should be locked so your critters don't pull out all the supplies. I'd also like to see a tall lock on the door so the critters can't escape when you take a turn on the potty. Good job, Sadie Dey! We'll be back. -
Andi’s 4-star review: Nice brunch, diverse hipstery crowd, pleasant service. It's the ace up your sleeve. -
Andi’s 4-star review: OK, I haven't been back yet, but a reliable source points out that my business info needs updating. Please note: The park is actually located on Alice Street (but it no longer goes through between 10th and 11th Streets). -
Andi’s 4-star review: After seeing a show at the Paramount, an old pal and I wanted to catch up over a drink. We ended up here, and were pleased we did. It has all the decor of a hotel lounge, but the bar staff gave us upscale service and expertly crafted cocktails. I was intrigued by the bourbon tasting flights, but those will have to wait for another night...
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Andi’s 4-star review: Boy, has this little corner of Oakland cleaned up nicely! This is a bustling place, full of interesting people and faded brick walls. Our server was very attentive in his laid-back way, and the food was yummy. The Caesar salad was one of the best I've ever had, and the margarita pizza (with egg!) was quite tasty. I noted that they have a nice patio out back and a big stack o' highchairs if you're dining with young'uns. Notes for my perfect thin-crust pizza search: The crust was thin and crispy, but a little on the dry side - 3 stars The sauce was fresh and flavorful, a little on the spicy side - 4 stars Nice basil flavor throughout and the egg was a nice touch. I'd like to have seen a little more cheese, but overall, toppings merit 4 stars.
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Andi’s 4-star review: We went here again this year, and I'm still a fan. They have plenty of folks working there, so you never have to wait for help with your tree. Or carry it anywhere until you get home. -
Andi’s 4-star review: OK, we're picky. We want cute furniture that's comfy and supports our tired backs. We have specific dimension requirements and a very limited budget. Easy, right? I think we sat on every couch at Kantors, cute or not. And we found the perfect couch, loveseat/"chair-and-a-half" -- and a bonus $99 rug. We got free shipping, and voila! New furniture. It *was* easy!
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