This was a smaller and less intricate escape room than others I've been to but we still had fun. We…read morehad a group of 4 adults and 1 kid and everyone was able to get involved to successfully escape. We chose the spy room which was rated as the most difficult but we found it very doable and I probably wouldn't want a room any easier than that. I do wish there was a more involved storyline and more details in the room setups! There's street parking next to the location, a waiting lobby, and bathrooms. Overall I think it can be a fun first time experience for kids or for people new to escape rooms!

Well this was a pretty cool experience. Lot of puzzles that challenge your mind. We went as a group…read moreof 3 adults ans 3 kids, and we were able to finish it in just under an hour. They have different themes to choose from, and our guide (Sean) was very helpful. I look forward to going back again for another round.

This museum is so underrated!…read more There are plenty of exhibits to explore, along with interactive areas that make learning fun for kids. It's a great place to spend a day with the family, whether you're looking to learn something new, relax, or simply enjoy a beautiful day in Oakland. I especially appreciate that this museum participates in the Museums for All program, which helps make cultural and educational experiences more accessible to families. We had a wonderful visit and I'll definitely be coming back more often. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity that's both fun and educational, this museum is worth checking out.

I have been coming here for years. Specifically for their special exhibitions. They are always so…read moreinteresting and well planned out on display. The museum has three floors and their outdoor garden overlooking lake merrit. They have a little bit of everything, if you're curious about real history and wanting to learn more this is the place. Their annual membership is so worth. As they have several special events. Next to the museum they have plenty of parking. I take Bart as the stop is one block away. Chinatown is walkable for great restaurants. The Oakland library is close by too! There's a restaurant inside the museum while the food sounds great it's okay. I would recommend walking /driving to Chinatown or downtown Oakland for amazing food.

One of the absolute gems of Oakland and East Bay. Coming here is not just for the movie but for the…read morecommunity experience. - They show unique films: mainstream, old classics, camp, documentaries that you won't be able to find elsewhere. - seats that are couches, recliners, love seats, bean bags, etc. - Lots of free community events: karaoke, board games, crafts, trivia/bingo, etc. Or unique events like Saturday morning cartoons, World Cup games, Oscars, etc. - full kitchen on site. Not just popcorn with a huge self-seasoning counter, but also full course meals and many drinks, all delivered right to your seat. - tax and tip are included in all prices. What you see is what you pay. - they don't accept Tap to Pay, so bring a physical card or cash. - parking is hard to find but you have options within a 4 block radius. Busses stop right near it. - friendly staff and management!

One of the coolest theaters I've ever seen!!! My friend rented out one of their rooms for her…read morebday-- such an awesome experience! So grateful she introduced us to this community gem. Grungy, unique vibe-- from the reels of film tape festooning the lobby, to the eclectic assortment of couches and artwork in the open auditorium. Pays homage to Oakland quirkiness all throughout the space. Variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase at the cashier. Staff can be a bit aloof and the dishes were not super clean, but great atmosphere overall~~~

Came here for axe throwing after work and had the best time. Great vibes! Bring cash for the…read morevending machine.

This place was so fun! I took my teenager and her friend and we had a great time. It was well run…read moreand the gentleman in charge was very attentive.

I attended an event at Groundfloor and found the venue to be super cute and cozy…read more It's a short walk from MacArthur BART and has tons of private booths and plenty of seating to get work done. The kitchen area was nice and clean, as were the bathrooms, and overall I enjoyed the vibes of the space.

From the owner: At Groundfloor, we bring people together–whether to work alongside others, socialize at events, or…read moresimply hang out. It’s a place to build community and be in good company.

Wow, I made it. My train was late, but when I checked Rhonda made up for it…read more I got two tickets. One for the 7:30 show with early seating and for the 9:30pm show. After my last visit with the medical issue In the audience I didn't want to take any chances. Both shows of Kevin Ross are excellent. I didn't make my reservation, but Rhonda gave me table 4 & I sat with three other concert goers. I ordered the chicken teriyaki with broccoli & carrots over rice. Also got my usual of Kyoto Loco. It was satisfying after that long train ride. The house was packed & it was a great vibe. Kevin Ross is not only a singer, songwriter, composer, and producer; he is also a great entertainer. He was all over the stage. He want walked around the audience visiting fans way in the back. He stood on edges & serenaded a few females. One the second show, he grabbed my hand & gave him heart shaped sunglasses. If you seen Kevin Ross perform, then you know he always wears matching heart shaped sunglasses with his fits. I hope someone captured the moment. His Setlist included all his hits. I'm attaching the picture of that

I came here on a Thursday evening for Stella Cole with a party of 6. It was a cozy place covered…read morewith tables and even a tatami area! I ordered the Spicy Miso Chicken, Snow Monkey Roll, and a Gelato trio along with getting a bite of the Kobe beef skewers + rib eye. The chicken was pretty salty and felt the sauce was unevenly distributed but it paired well with the mash potatoes. The mash potato's were very creamy and flavorful! By default, the dish itself was just chickens and mash potatoes but I did wish it had some form of veggies as well. I'll probably keep note and just order veggies additionally. The ribeye and skewered were great! Super tender and flavorful. I definitely preferred it over the chicken, haha. The snow roll was good and the tempura in it wasn't overpowering. Gelato was pretty average, didn't stand out to me. I really liked the banana gelato. The jazz club was fun and cozy! Sound was super crisp and clear. Next time I come, I'd love to actively have a dinner AND a show because we ate first before going to Stella Cole.

NARRATIVE Approaching and passing the West Oakland BART…read moreStation giants and giantesses constructed from metal begin to fill the skyline. As the sun sets, fire tongues lick and leap from metal sculptures. Robots lumber and throw flames. Leather pants, and fire tools abound to the marvel and disbelief of the attendees and to the satisfaction of the artists and performers. CONTACT INFORMATION The Crucible 1260 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: 510-444-0919 Email: info@thecrucible.org HOURS Wednesday-Saturday, 2nd week in July 8 pm - midnight * Fire & Arts Soiree is held on Saturday. PRICE RANGE Luxurious (but worth it!) or ask to volunteer! SUMMARY After 7 years of watching this flaming spectacle from the freeway and that BART-way I finally decided to volunteer to get a grounds-eye view of the goings-on. From the gorgeous Serpent Mother to the stories upon stories of metal sculpture gods and goddesses surrounded by a flaming garden of spectacle, art, robotics, pyrotechnics, demonstration, and interactivity (DANCE DANCE IMMOLATION!), the entire site is alight with elements that entice and delight all ages. Last night I served as a youth escort and worked with another youth escort to introduce the little 5 years olds to the fire arts and explain how it all worked. Their eyes (as well as mine) opened wide at the wonder of so much fire, noise, music, performances, and characters that abounded on the grounds. The Fire Oddesey combines dance, theater, opera, live and recorded music, humor, acrobatics, aerobatics that filled the bleachers and held the audiences delight. All hail the Fire Arts Festival and the Crucible for an excellent event! SERVICE Awesome. Well organized from the layout to the volunteer experience and the participant logistics. RESTROOMS Port-o-potties with handwashing stations! (Always appreciated.) SUGGESTION More demonstrations of the how these pieces were created or perhaps a pre-festival gallery walk where we can ask the artists how these pieces were created!

So, there were some big improvements to the previous year's FAF. First, it is in a much larger…read morespace. You had to shuttle from Bart this year, but that looked very organized. I drove this year, and parking was very easy and the security for the event was on top of everything. Second, they do have a few new exhibits... not many, but the Pendulum of Fire, which I think is new, just rocked. On Saturday, it did full loops and it was amazing to photograph. Third, they did seem to improve the bathroom and food situations. Now, I'll speak from the photography side of things. First, I would recommend going on the earlier days as it is difficult to maneuver through the Saturday crowds. I love the ease of being able to get credentialed for the event, but you still have to battle people just walking in front of your shot. Since they paid the same price as you, you can't really get upset at it happening, but it did ruin some nice shots. Second, I did feel that I was repeating my shots from last year. The new exhibits were great, but after 2 hours of shooting I felt like I had exhausted my captures. Last, for some reason, I was not as impressed with the stage entertainment as I was last year. I can't really explain. Don't know if it was the acoustics or what, but it just seem to be off. I think I might be in the minority. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kicksaveandabeauty/sets/72157621569257643/

I've been going to Merritt Ceramics since 2019. I have worked in multiple shared-space ceramic…read morestudios over the years, and Merritt is hands-down the cleanest and most well-organized one I have found. ​The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and knowledgeable. I've taken everything at the studio from multi-week wheel throwing courses and one-on-one tutoring to special workshops with world-renowned artists, and I have been impressed with all of them. I am now a 'Daisy' member, which allows me to drop in and work anytime the studio is open. I have learned that I really enjoy sculpting animals. I love working here surrounded by other people who are just as deep into clay as I am. The space is well-equipped with supplies and tools, and the kiln turnaround time is fast. Come join us!

Great creative community, well established studio, very inclusive. Instructors are solid!read more