My friend celebrated her birthday with a class with many friends. We all had a great time creating…read moreall different fused glass projects. Several of us want to go back to do more fused glass and or mosaic and stained glass projects. Ja Ing is a very kind and encouraging instructor!

I took the 4-hour stepping stone mosaic class with my 10-year old niece and we both had a lot of…read morefun. First time, taking any class at the Alameda Art Lab but not a newbie to mosaics or the arts. I used to be quite artsy and crafty back in the day and now, it seems like a luxury to find time to do something creative and take a break from adulting! All supplies of cutters, nippers, stepping stone and glass provided with a quick introduction to using the tools with some guidance and instruction to start your art piece. JaYing, the friendly and patient owner/instructor will walk around to assist if needed, check your progress and guide you to ensure you get your item complete. Item is left for grouting and student called when ready. A great class to bond with a friend(s) or family and make a day to get in creative mode and have fun. Personally, it allowed me to take time to enjoy something I really love as I find art very therapeutic along with spending time with my niece. The time flies by... :) The Alameda Art Lab offers a variety of classes from stained glass, mosaics, glass fusing and jewelry making and other fun things. Items are available for purchase for yourself or as a gift. Highly recommend trying out a class!

We had a birthday celebration for our daughter at the Village Kids Club, and it was a very nice…read moreexperience. The staff was helpful with set up and cleanup. The facilities and convenient, with lots of fun toys, bean bags, etc. for kids. There is plenty of space, tables, and chairs for some activities and for the food.

We held our child's birthday party here and it's a very nice venue for the kids! The staff wasn't…read morethe most attentive to the kids though. The website advertised "Actively supplies and instruction from our party helper is included." The supplies were provided but the staff just hung back and that was about it. The parents had to do most of the work. It was still a fun place and the kids enjoyed themselves, we just expected a bit more involvement and interaction from the staff.

I came here many years ago for a play that my uncle was in. It was good, and a bonus? I ran into a…read morefriend of mine from college. He dropped out for his acting dream. I tried to keep in touch and he was closeted so that didn't happen. But the first floor was beautiful. My school had graduations there and we went up to the fourth floor where there was a "smaller" stage and less room for the audience. I say smaller because it is smaller than the bottom floor, but it's not tiny. Again, it was very nice. The issue? The parking lot is abysmal. It's so small so I arrived a few hours early to get a space because street parking is a joke. Someone else I know parked in a lot and carpooled it in. Another issue? I'm not fat, I'm heavier than I was in high school and college when I was underweight. But I'm a normal sized person and the seats are so tiny that it's uncomfortable to sit in them. I had to be on the floor, I forget why and when told that I could sit in the teacher section, I said, "That's OK. I can sit down here with the students." Why did I say that? Well, it's because I was in a folding chair and there were no sides to rub against or crush my sides. I know that I'm not the only person experiencing that. I'm surprised that they didn't have a standing room only section for people too big to sit in the seats. I don't know how they plan to work on this, but that's no my problem. I'm with a K-8 school this year. But it's sad that whenever someone mentions that something will take place in the Scottish Rite Center my first thought will be of the discomfort of sitting in their seats, rather than the beauty of the auditorium in which I'll be sitting.

Attended an event here for UC Berkeley Labor Center. Built in 1927 overlooking Lake Merritt, this…read morefacility is owned and managed by the Scottish Rite of Freemasons. A huge location to host several type of events from small receptions to large conventions of a few hundred. A historic building with classic architecture makes for great photos.

The good people of Alameda were shaking some fierce ass this past Saturday at the Kofman…read moreAuditorium. Every year, this venue plays host to a very special performance by Beatles cover band, The Sun Kings. The proceeds go to Toys for Tots, and the band plays Beatles hits for a good 2 hours--much longer than the Beatles themselves ever played for. All of the action happens in the little open area at the base of the stage which serves as a dance floor for most of the Sun Kings' show. Good thing water--sold at the entrance--is exempted from the no food and drink policy. And it's not just nostalgic baby-boomers cutting it up down there, either. Everyone from 7 to 70 was having a blast dancing to live Beatles songs. I almost forgot what it was like to to shake it somewhere where dancing isn't defined as dry-humping everyone within a 5-foot radius. The seats, like the building itself, are creaky and old...but not run-down. It's actually Alameda High School's auditorium. While it's not as new and large as the Berkeley Community Theater on Berkeley High's campus, it is more intimate and holds its own as a venue for a medium-sized show in the East Bay. Beneath the ionic columns towering in front of the auditorium are little metal plates embedded in the ground and engraved with the years of various graduating classes. I was informed by a graduate of Alameda High that embedded in the concrete beneath these are time capsules! Hopefully he wasn't just blowing smoke up my ass. Also, Mrs. Fields (of Mrs. Fields Cookies), Danny Chauncey from .38 Special, and (briefly) Jim Morrison school here and most likely attended school functions in this very same building.

Nicely remodeled since I went to school here. Chairs don't squeak like crazy. Love coming here for…read morethe Alameda chorus concerts held biannually, and for the AHS musicals. Parking along the street is free at night after 6pm.

Candi and Byron at the Terrace Room helped make our wedding reception a memorable, elegant, and…read moreeasygoing event. We started the process early (18+ months), and they supported us in navigating meal options, laying out the floor plans, and creating an atmosphere filled with warmth. Everyone involved in our reception was exceptionally professional, passionate and dedicated to creating a memorable (even if ephemeral) night. We are so thankful to Candi and Byron who shepherded us through every micro decision (linens, hors d'oeuvres, music, decorations, vendors, etc). Without them the reception wouldn't have felt unique to us. If you're looking for a venue that brings history, classic architecture, unbeatable views, and a dedicated staff, this is the place!

What a beautiful venue for a formal wedding or reception, for us it was the icing on the cake for a…read moregrand ceremony. The atmosphere here is amazing with its old Lake Merritt antique flavor. We were greeted with class and charm by the staff at all times,and the food was delicious and the bar staff was very polite and welcoming. Located on the corner across from the lake in a nice neighborhood of Oakland. As for parking there was no problem with the street parking it was ample for a Saturday afternoon.

The food and atmosphere along with the Italian heritage is fantastic…read more This was a men's birthday dinner and later this month will be a co-ed dinner so bring a female friend or spouse,daughter niece your choice or all are invited

Great club for family . Lots of different options. Wonderful to place to socialize with friendsread more

When the invite initially arrived I was not thrilled thinking it was an indoor jump house (from the…read morename). I am an elementary school teacher so this is my weekend nightmare. I was SO wrong! This is a rare Bay Area gem for kids and families, every city should have one. All the attendees were impressed with the genius of the space, organization, cleanliness, and huge outdoor area. There are multiple indoor and outdoor "zones." The building is a duplex- home, when you enter there is a craft room with multiple round tables with crafts set up, in the center is a book/play area with tons of toys and cute furniture, a side room with a free personalized photobooth (email not printed) which is where the food was set up, and two bathrooms. Outside there was another bathroom. Down the ramp was a patch of fake grass where the party set up a piñata. Next to that, toddler equipment on wood chips. In the center, a huge table for kiddos to eat. Then the back corner has a large play structure and a fun bike ride where multiple kids could ride at the same time. This said, it's important for folks to consider that the two adults provided from Twirl are not enough to supervise an entire party. So keep this in mind as you are planning your party. This wasn't an issue at all for our group as the parents were all very hands on. The party I attended was from 10:30-12:30. I was so impressed with Duponte and Bella's ability to jump in- give the kiddos tattoos, help with the cake, clean up, and transition to the afternoon party. This is the PERFECT place to host your toddler- 2nd grade birthday party!

We hosted my son's 3rd birthday party at the Whimsy location and it was magical, even the planning…read moreprocess was effortless! The staff were so kind, accommodating and caring. I've been at birthday parties where you have to ask the staff the help but not here. Both Duponte and Emma were looking for opportunities to engage. Emma played with the kids and attempted to keep the group entertained with crafts. They both helped set up; Duponte even lifted heavy coolers filled with drinks out of my car (and then reloaded when the party was over). Both staff hung up banners and helped with random set up tasks that I asked to be completed before guests arrived. The morning of our party it had rained at it looked like the weather was cleaning up so both Emma and Duponte wiped down the outdoor play equipment so the kids could spend some time outside. Everyone here loves kids, and it shows. We also received lots of compliments from friends and family truly impressed with the space and the activities available. It was the best place possible to host a birthday party. Thanks to everyone at Twirl for making my son's day so special and my day so easy. We can't wait to come back!

I highly recommend taking a sourdough class at Saffron Studio! Athena is incredibly knowledgeable…read moreand a wonderful teacher for all experience levels. I walked into the artistic scoring class with zero experience and left with an adorable (and delicious) Miffy bunny loaf! I also love that you get to take home something you've created at the end of class. Their weekly preorder loaves are fantastic as well, so many imaginative and delicious flavor combinations. Always a treat!

Picked up my first bread order the other week. I ordered the Saffron Pistachio Barberry Bread. I…read moreabsolutely loved it! Athena is the sweetest and I can't wait to order more bread from her!