The Oakland City Center is always super clean!! The 12th Street Bart Station is located just down the stairs, and this place is right in the middle of Downtown Oakland. Old Oakland and Oakland Chinatown are just a few blocks away. Lots of small places to eat here, although most are closed during the weekend. You can tell this is a major lunch area during the week for businesses located here and the surrounding area. I think if they promoted this place a little better, it has the potential to be a very popular place, mostly because it is so aesthetically pleasing!! read more

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A nice plaza just outside the 12th Bart station. It's just across the federal building and other government offices. It's very clean and well maintained. Plenty of benches to sit on. Lots of beautiful plants in flower beds and more in big pots. Very cool fountain adorned with a colorful sculpture. Security guard on duty to maintain peace and order. Pretty good selections of shops for your coffee runs or quick bites. Many restaurants to choose from. It gets quite busy though during lunchtime. I saw long lines in subway, Popeyes, Panda Express and Starbucks. Looks like these are the go to places for employees on their lunch breaks. I didn't dine here but I had a cupcake which I enjoyed while sitting in the patio in front of the water fountain. Had a quick chat with the security guard. Overall, nice ambience and atmosphere in here. I don't mind hanging around again when in the area. read more

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Shout out to the maintenance crew and security team at Oakland City Center. I go into Oakland a few times a week for work, and regularly have coffee or lunch at City Center. There is a consistent and friendly security presence there. I feel safe when I'm there and am usually greeted or acknowledged by the guards. It's great that they are personable and friendly, and not just stand-off-ish. The facilities are also very clean, at least when I go there. In the morning, you can see the crew cleaning the grounds, making it welcoming and presentable for the daily patrons. They also quickly repair any damaged flooring tiles in a very safe and efficient manner. They take a lot of pride in their facilities and work! read more

It's sell is Bartable, Walkable and Shopable. Architecturally beautiful. This complex is surrounded by government buildings and office towers. You would think with such occupied office spaces, there would be a healthy cashflow for vendors to sustain their businesses. But, there are vacant shops and turnover here. We enjoyed walking through Walgreens. Will look for Starbucks and Popeyes on our next stroll. Oakland City Center is an office, shopping and hotel complex in Downtown Oakland. The complex is the product of a redevelopment project begun in the late 1950s. It covers twelve city blocks, between Broadway on the east, Martin Luther King Jr. Way on the west, Frank H. Ogawa on 14th Street on the north side of the complex and the Oakland Convention Center and Marriott Hotel extend south to 10th Street. An hourly parking garage is located beneath the complex's shopping mall. The mall features an upscale fitness and racquet club, in addition to numerous take out restaurants and other stores. The complex is conveniently served by the 12th St. BART station. read more

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I will start this review with the good. This is a good place to sit out, eat, people watch, or enjoy the live music and events often going on throughout the year. On the ground level is where you will find a few shops, places to eat/drink, and a really cool fountain & sculpture surrounded by seating. On the upper floors and levels are offices that overlook the City Center. There is also easy access to 12th Bart or the Busses/Free Shuttles on Broadway Street. Overall the food is good, the people are friendly and the place is nicely landscaped and maintained. The Terror of the City Center: When it rains or the tile is wet, it becomes a hazzard to walk across. They often wet the ground early mornings which blows my mind. I have slipped many times over the 10 years of walking through here to and from work, but actually fell last year and hurt myself pretty bad. There is a form of indoor tile outside and instead of replacing or sandblasting the ground they place yellow caution cones out that can prevent you from taking legal action. Watch your step when the ground is wet! I try to avoid this place when its wet otherwise you walk across like a cold, nervous chihuahua. I can't give Cheers when I busy walking...no cigar for that slippery tile people! read more

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Oakland City Center feels the pain of nearby retailers. there's no there here. witness the steady turnover of tenants. note: top dog, Max, civic center burger no longer here, likewise others. tenants: -Ladle and the Leaf -Core Kitchen, Modern Coffee. Peet's -Starbucks, 2 sitdown cafes -japanese to go, Panda Express -mexican (2), -Peter's Kettle Corn -Popeye's, Organic Coup -Cove cupcakes, North Beach Deli -Penelope -Specialty bakery & Cafe also: flowers, sundries, banks/credit union, bagels, pizza, jamba juice, gnc, walgreens, tax, take 5, Fed Ex. shopping notes: -dead after 5 and weekends. few must go eateries unless is in area and hungry. -many garage nearby along with metered parking. read more

Before the Elihu M. Harris State Building officially opened back in August 1998, the Oakland City Center was already in existent (the early 90's). Places to have lunch at the time were Pasta Cuisine (gone and replaced by Panda Express), Max's, Noah's Bagel (gone and replaced by Bagel Street Cafe), and I believe Fountain Cafe. McDonald's was right where the San Francisco Soup Company is now. My fav places to dine at lunch time was Pasta Cuisine - I loved their soups and pasta - and Tia Maria. The employees at Tia Maria hooked me up on their nachos, which was enough to share with another person. La Salsa was okay, but not authentic enough for Mexican food. This was a nice gathering place for people working in the buildings surrounding this center for an afternoon lunch outdoors. There were times I just brown bag it and had my lunch, reading a magazine and doing some people watching. They had concerts Wednesday afternoons. Some of the concerts were fine; then some were a bit loud for my ears. However, I was thoroughly entertained by a very classy black gentleman (who was a sharp dresser) at Quizno's, singing "when you're smiling...the whole world smiles on you." Then there was this other black man there signing people up for subscriptions to the Oakland Tribune...yep, he and I used to do the "mini me" from Austin Powers to each other (little finger at the corner of the mouth)...hahaha. When I left the Oakland State Building in mid-January 2007 for the San Francisco State Building, this was the one spot I missed the most for lunch, shopping and walking from Clay Street to Broadway and return. Since I am retired now and the weather has been nice, very nice, these past few days, I decided to just sit and relax at the Oakland City Center in the shade right before the entrance to the 12th Street Station, sipping on a hazelnut frappuccino, which I purchased from Starbucks. There was hardly anybody sitting where I was at the time. It was quiet and peaceful - no drama - aahhh...very nice. The only drawback I had with the Oakland City Center was walking during the rainy season. The tiles were extremely wet and slippery. Like Bill Murray in the movie, What About Bob, it was baby-steps from Starbucks to Popeyes to Jamba Juice to City Center Grill. read more

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You know the best thing I love about this place? They have free wi-fi.The city square is up the street from my hotel in Oakland. I was looking for a radio shack because I left my I-touch charger at home, so I searched online before my battery ran out. I was pleasantly surprised to pick up the wi-fi signal from here. Totally a life saver! The place has nice seating areas, it's clean with beautiful potted flowers and an abundant of inexpensive cafes and other places to eat. read more

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Oakland City Center covers four city blocks in downtown Oakland with the mall located in the middle of the center extending from the 12th Street BART station City Center entrance to the Oakland Federal Building. I feel fortunate to be able to walk through this mall to and from my office from and on my way to BART rather than the Oakland streets. Guards are stationed around the Center overseeing the safety of the Center and its visitors. The Center has an extensive list of dining options, though mainly of the franchise variety including SF Soup Company, Quinzos, Popeyes, La Salsa, Panda Express, Jamba Juice and Starbucks, though Tia Maria, Bagel Street Café, Fountain Café and City Center Grill make up a few of the local small eating establishments. A florist, dry cleaners, sundries, a couple of banks, GNC, Radio Shack and FedEX store also make the Center their home. The Center is busy during the lunch hours and many people sit out in the available seating areas to enjoy their food. During the summer, the Center hosts lunch time concerts. The nice East Bay weather affords the opportunity to dine in the open air for many days of the year. One flaw in the Center's design was the selection of the tile flooring. It is very slippery when wet due to puddling of water. Take small steps and walk slowly or you'll slip. Sorry to say I have first-hand experience. Besides the slippery tile flooring, the Center is a nice place. read more

You know what? I've lived in Oakland over 3 years and never ventured into this spot. Sure, I've walked around Ogawa Square during occupy, around Lake Merritt numerous times, lived in Jack London Square and Rockridge, up and down Broadway endlessly, but I'd never been into the city center until I worked close by. This is probably because it's mostly dominated by lunchtime restuarants. Anyway, it was a real suprsie first time I went - Fountain Cafe is definitely my go to place, with numerous vegan options on the buffet, but I'm working my way around the other places, although I expect I'll be giving Panda Express a miss, and some of the places simply have no vegan options at all. But it's great that we're spoiled for choice walking distance - not only the city center itself, but nearby Chinatown, and JLS isn't an impossible lunchtime stroll, or uptown either. As for the fountain and crazy people - well, you get those in every city, and Oakland's flavor of crazy is much preferable to San Francisco's. read more

Oakland City Center - Wednesday concert - Shopping Centers Near Me - Oakland, California

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First thing I want to say - be VERY careful when this place is wet. The builders used some kind of strange tile that is beyond slippery when even slightly damp. Stop paying attention for half a millisecond and you will bust your face. Seen it a lot. Thankfully haven't done it. Otherwise, nice place. Lots of food choices. Even some clothing stores (though i can't figure why anyone would come in here looking for clothes, maybe for the out of towner who is in a pinch?). Banking terminals. Entertainment during the week at lunch time. And usually more than a couple big surly looking "guards" standing around to keep things peaceful. Jam packed during the warmer months, everyone out "sunning". read more

Before I head back to San Francisco which was yesterday... I still had some time to shop around at the Oakland City Center... The Oakland City Center has a lot of interesting places for you to shop at and not only that... It also has a lot of restaurants for you to eat at the Oakland City Center for me is a really cool place to chill and forget about your worries!!! read more

Oakland City Center - The Oakland City Center Map!!! - Shopping Centers Near Me - Oakland, California

Who knew such a place existed in oakland? It's right off the 12th street bart station and it's an amazing site coming out in the morning. It's surprisingly clean and well maintained. In the mornings, I get off from bart and make a beeline for the Starbucks Coffee location. They actually have other off-brand coffee shops that are super delicious, but I just happen to be avid user of the starbucks gold card. This place has a lot of great quick lunch options. I usually just grab my lunch and sit near the fountain (where they provide cushions) and enjoy the sunshine. List of places I like to waste time at: Walgreens Starbucks PopEyes Quiznos Other mom and pop shops Unfortunately, most of the stores are not opened on weekends since this place is more for employees around the area. Overall: i would definitely recommend people to check this place out! read more

Ishmael is a gem! Got me my key card quickly, showed me the ins and outs and was on my way! Great energy and attitude :-) read more

I was surprised to find this nice shopping mall in Oakland. I guess I have been away a while. It was a nice to walk around this shopping area and see all bright colors! It was really pleasant to see a nice change in the area I used to live in. I guess I will have to come back for a walk around the area. Too bad I did not get a chance to totally explore all the shops and restaurants! I will return for another visit! read more

3 stars for having a decent selection of quick lunch spots, for always being exceedingly clean, and for its location directly over the 12th Street Bart stop. Minus one star for housing the eternal rip off better known as radio shack. Minus one billion stars for playing host to the worst weekly concert series on earth. After enduring what seems like the fourth dentist office-style easy listening jazz/muzak concert in a row, all the good will that I previously had for this Shorenstein run office complex/outdoor shopping center where I spend the overwhelming majority of each day has totally evaporated. ---------------------------------------------- 11.28.07 Update: I'm currently trying to draft a motion while listening to a horrendous gospel choir sing a christmas version of that awful song from the lion king, I am now officially sick of Christmas. read more

Wow.... what a treat! One of my accounts took me here and I was surprised to find an oasis of shopping, dining, and culture!!! The City Walk carries cafes, restaurants, salons, etc. My favorite part is the center that has concrete seating area supplied with comfy cushions!!! AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! from noon-1pm on most weekdays, they supply music.... like an outdoor concert... *sigh* It was perfect for that gorgeous day. A nice getaway from your everyday blah.... read more

If this was the only place you visited in Oakland, it would be hard to look past the stereotypes. There are crazy people, and junkies, and young moms hanging out on the pavement doing a whole lot of nothing with boogery nosed kids. It helps to remember that they're people too, who are unluckier than you or were hit harder by their poor choices than you. There 's lots to do--places to eat, places to shop, places to work, city government. I happen to like it a lot, warts and all. read more

Service was excellent, they were very helpful the whole staff is on point. I wanna give Marika Johnson, Jasmine, and Erin a special thanks for walking me through the process of the services I needed. They even went the extra mile to check on me at home, giving me a lot of encouragement in a rough time. I would recommend patelco to anyone. read more

It's close by the office so I come here often to grab lunch. Convenient but somewhat overpriced with limited options. It's like the college cafeteria --you're glad it's there but would probably go somewhere else if there was a choice. Recently noticed that there are a lot of retail space vacancies here. They do a good job of upkeeping this place. It's clean, there's lots of foot traffic and overall doesn't feel ghetto. However, during lunch time, there are always solicitors and advocates on the Clay Street side of the center (near Starbucks and San Francisco Soup Company). People stand in front trying to get petition signatures or donations for their cause (i.e. gay rights, save the rain forest, donate blood, etc). Nothing against any of that but it's just annoying when I am trying to get a quick lunch. read more

Haven't been downtown Oakland in quite some time, one of my friends invited me out for late lunch, told me to meet her at city center. Was was like "what" "where" She said take Bart get of 12th st Oakland see you soon trust me you'll love it! And hung up! Ok......... To my dismay I was pleasantly surprised! A cinch to get there! Tons of variety of food great atmosphere I loved walking around outdoors, grab lunch a drink good food and company in a nice place loved it! Hardly waiting to go back holiday time. My friend says it's beautiful, I will definitely trust her on her word! read more

Sometimes I feel this particular dread standing in front of the vending machine. Only when the first Clif Bar is Sierra Trail Mix. I review the rows of snacks, as if I didn't know: the other ones all expensive or chips. I had chips for breakfast one time and it wasn't good. Spending my money on a Clif Bar I don't want. I flatten my dollar bill indignantly into the machine and chase it with quarters. And a dime. The nickel I get back has a weight-to-utility ratio that makes me miss my dime. The next bar is Double Almond Fudge. It shares most of the same ingredients with the newly-dropped offering behind the door called "Push." But it has nothing in common with Sierra Trail Mix. nothing in my life ever looked more like escape. read more

Pretty nice plaza/square, near BART. A lot of different places and options of food --- Peet's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, SF Soup Company, Panda Express, Quzinoes, Popeyes, Mexican, etc. I mean yeah they're just your average franchises, but at least you have options right? I like how they have cushions on the concrete rounds for you to sit, however I guess they're not too helpful on a sunny hot day! read more

That time of year: Sunshine summer bands. Safe clean area to get a bite and hang out during business hours (break times) read more

Oakland City Center - Facing City Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Oakland, California

Last night at around 9pm, I was sitting quietly in the Oakland City Center, and the security guard sat so he was pointed directly at me, and started telling me to "s*ck d*ck". And refused to communicate with me when I asked if he was talking to me. Creepy. So I left. Today I went and tried to talk to the security guard at Oakland City Center, and it was a different person. He refused to tell me the name of the security agency. Creepy. Instead, he told me to talk to his manager who is there on Mondays. But, Honestly, you can't get me to talk to the manager of an agency that won't identify itself. read more

I work in the heart of City Center. Some okay shops and restaurants. It's a ghost town here in the evening and weekends since a majority of the businesses cater to the work week. I'm lucky to be able to work in a good spot for people watching. Helps make work go by faster. There are definitely some characters here. My favorite was from recently. A guy walking in City Center with a fat blunt and a full wine glass. Just walking around like it's a normal thing without a care in the world. Also, they need to update the neon City Center sign above BART stat! read more

I don' t understand this place. It took them 3 years to install escalators and they shut them down before 7pm. Then, while you wait for your tardy AC Transit bus on Broadway, there is a guy noisily cleaning around the plaza, off Broadway and 14th St, with a water jet spray, in the evening. It might be ok for the lunch crowd with a bit of sun - there are tables in the center of the plaza - but it is dead to the evening crowd, maybe besides Panda Express which seems to be open somewhat late. It does not feel too safe either, especially around the ATM' s so let' s be careful out there. Not a place I would like to hang around too much, especially at night. read more

This place rules. Helpful staff, great location! And they still carry electronics parts! A+++

I love this city center a lot. I don't come here that often. But I have been here before. I love it that there is a Quiznos Sub, Radio Shack and a Starbucks here. I would come back here for lunch if I were here during the afternoon on the weekdays. I wish there was a Philz Coffee here. Because people need choices of coffee shops other than Starbucks. I also like it that the 12th street BART station is nearby. read more

Specific to this place! City Square The STG Group 500 12th Street, Suite 110 510.628.9170 I called this number to verify employment, the lady was nothing but rude when she told me that person did not work there. I verify employments for potential tenants, so I asked if they could simply send back the fax i sent and mark no where it asks is this person currently employed with you? I needed something back to take my next step with the application. She told me that was not a problem and she could do that. A few days go by and I call to follow up (since I would prefer something in writing for my file) and she rudely replies that she is not sending anything back she already told me that that person didn't work there and to loose their number and not call again. That is all I remember but there was more to rude response! I was very shocked at her response... VERY RUDE!! Just a couple days ago she or whomever the manager is there said they would fax back the form I needed, they weren't rude they were understanding and nice about it. The lady that answers the phone has a straight up attitude and sounds miserable answering any phone call that comes thru! She irritated me so much that I made a yelp account just to leave a review! Im not sure this is the right spot to leave it but I hope so! WORST SERVICE EVER EVER. THERE IS NOT NEED TO TREAT ANOTHER HUMAN OR TALK TO THE WAY THAT SHE DID. Hope your Mental stability lightens up because it aint healthy to be that grouchy! read more