Hello everyone and happy Friday!

I’m sure many of you can agree with me when I say it is somewhat anti-climactic to return to your childhood home following your college years. Although practically born and raised in Alameda, I’ve found this town to be quite different from what I remember as a child. To put it lightly, the things you do for amusement at seven are quite different from the things you do for amusement at 27.  Now armed with a bank card, a driver’s license, and no curfew, I’ve spent that last few years re-discovering my hometown. While a bit of a “sleepy town” in the shadow of a big city, Alameda is home to quite a few gems. I’ve put together a quick list of my favorites today, and hope to elaborate a bit more as time goes by. Let me know if you find this helpful, dear readers, as I’m hoping to continue on with a guide to my favorite places in the whole East Bay as well.

Breakfast/Coffee Time!

• Blue Dot Cafe & Coffeebar. For the most delicious chai lattes and scones. 
  
• Cafe Jolie. Amazing eggs benedict and breakfast with a French twist.
• Julie’s Coffee and Tea. Choco-chai. Need I say more?
• Jim’s On the Course. Good, old-fashioned breakfast with a view
• The Beanery. In the Alameda Markethall
• Little House Cafe. A bit of charm for your day.
• The Red Onion. Delicious eggs and waffles. 
• East Ocean Seafood. If you’re in the mood for Dim Sum…

Lunch!

• Yellowtail Japanese Bistro. For the freshest sushi lunch around
• Jay’s Coffee, Teas & Treats. Fantastic sandwiches, wrapped up in a bow.
• Jonathan’s Sandwich House. Your mom & pop sandwich shop. Owned by the loveliest family.
• House of Bagels. Home of my favorite veggie sandwich. 
• Sushi King. The best take-out sushi of all time. Also fantastic for dinner.

Dinner!

• Dragon Rouge. Waterfront Vietnamese food. Delicious
• Burma Superstar. Can’t recommend their Rainbow Salad enough! Beware of the long lines!
• Five Guys Burgers. When you have to have a cheeseburger.
• Scolari’s. For late night, grab-and-go dinners. Don’t let the size fool you!
• East End Pizza. In the Alameda Markethall. One of my newest favorites! Delicious thin-crust pizza.
  
• King of Thai Noodle. My favorite, inexpensive Thai restaurant of all time. Have been known to come here over a fancy dinner elsewhere. 

Drinks!

• Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge. I’ve celebrated many birthdays (and Mondays) here. Not a bad drink on the menu.
• Lucky 13. For a no-frills glass of beer.
• The Hobnob. Fantastic truffle fries to accompany any cocktail
• Habanas. Home of my favorite happy-hour, and delicious mojitos.
• Rock Wall Winery. Alameda’s very own winery on the historic naval base
• St. George Spirits. A distillery unlike any other. Take a tour!
• La Penca Azul. Anytime a margarita is necessary. Don’t miss their $8 bottomless mimosa Saturdays!

Have a good weekend!

EVA♥