PLAY | August 24, 2026
What's New in Uptown Oakland in 2026
Uptown Oakland continues to solidify its reputation as one of the Bay Area’s most dynamic urban centers. Driven by sustained residential growth, vibrant transit connectivity, and active street level placemaking, the district has cultivated a thriving commercial ecosystem where culture, culinary innovation, and nightlife converge. At the center of this transformation sits 1900 Broadway, positioned at the nexus of the city’s expanding pedestrian corridor.
The year 2026 has brought a distinct wave of retail momentum to the neighborhood. From acclaimed regional hospitality groups making their East Bay debuts to beloved local concepts expanding into upgraded spaces, the immediate block radius around 1900 Broadway has experienced a resurgence of morning to night foot traffic. Here is a look at the newly opened restaurants, bars, and specialty concepts shaping the everyday lifestyle of Uptown Oakland.
Cajun Claws Seafood Boil House
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Situated just around the corner at 1951 Telegraph Avenue, Cajun Claws Seafood Boil House brings a high energy dining experience to the heart of the district.
Taking over a prominent retail storefront, the restaurant delivers an interactive dining concept centered on authentic Gulf Coast seafood boils, signature house seasonings, and classic Southern fried baskets. The colorful interior design and lively atmosphere make it an immediate draw for neighborhood lunch crowds and evening group dining alike. Its arrival adds valuable street level energy to the Telegraph corridor, reinforcing Uptown as a destination for regional dining seekers.
Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant and Bar
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Adding rich Caribbean flavor and vibrant hospitality to the corridor, Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant and Bar relocated to 1707 Telegraph Avenue. The expanded location introduces an upgraded dining room alongside dedicated reservation spaces and a lively bar setting. Guests can expect award winning jerk chicken, slow simmered oxtail, fried plantains, and tropical cocktails served in a warm, welcoming space. The restaurant provides an essential evening anchor for the neighborhood, blending authentic comfort food with island culture just a short three minute walk from 1900 Broadway.
Bolo’s Bites
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Occupying the former Cafe Umami space at 25 Grand Avenue, Bolo’s Bites introduces an accessible, quality driven counter service option to the Grand Avenue dining strip. The fast casual concept focuses on elevated deli staples, offering classic reubens, house roasted turkey, pastrami, and custom subs crafted for busy professionals and area residents. With efficient service and high quality ingredients, Bolo’s Bites fills a key demand for quick, satisfying midday meals within a six minute stroll from 1900 Broadway.
Flour + Water Pizza Shop
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Marking a major milestone for Uptown’s dining landscape, San Francisco’s renowned Flour + Water Hospitality Group opened its first East Bay brick and mortar location at 271 24th Street. This vibrant pizza shop serves square slices, whole sourdough pies, chicken wings, and local draft beer. Utilizing slow fermented dough rooted in West Coast pizza traditions, the concept brings immediate brand prestige and steady foot traffic to northern Uptown, expanding the neighborhood’s walkable culinary radius.
Bugzo’s Lounge
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Adding sophistication to the district’s evening scene, Bugzo’s Lounge opened its doors at 1814 Franklin Street right across the street from 1950 Franklin and the 1901 Franklin Parking Garage. Located just one block east of Broadway, this sleek venue offers an intimate atmosphere designed for craft cocktails, curated music, and late night social gatherings. The lounge provides residents and night owls with a refined, walkable nightlife venue that enhances the after hours appeal of the Franklin Street corridor.
Taste of Safari
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Anchoring the eastern stretch of the 19th Street corridor, Taste of Safari Bistro & Grill brings a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean, African, and Caribbean cuisine to the district. Situated at 377 19th Street, the restaurant sits directly along the pedestrian path connecting 1900 Broadway with 1950 Franklin and the 1901 Franklin parking garage. Positioned less than a two minute walk from all three properties, it offers an exceptionally convenient option for office workers, commuters utilizing the 1901 Franklin garage, and local residents alike. The menu centers on bold spice profiles, featuring slow smoked brisket, signature smashburgers, party wings, and savory Jollof rice plates. Its casual, welcoming setting provides an accessible midday lunch or early evening dinner destination along 19th Street.
Arista
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Continuing along the same active block of 19th Street, Arista adds an elevated culinary footprint to the district’s retail core. Positioned just steps away from Taste of Safari, Arista shares the same strategic placement. Designed with sleek interior finishes and an open, contemporary floor plan, the restaurant caters directly to the area’s professional and residential community. The kitchen delivers seasonal dishes alongside a thoughtful wine program and artisanal cocktails. Its opening reinforces 19th Street as a primary dining thoroughfare, providing a sophisticated atmosphere within a short sixty second walk of the 1900 Broadway residences and parking at 1901 Franklin.
Harlow
Completing this trio along the 19th Street corridor, Harlow represents an upcoming addition to the immediate neighborhood footprint. Located on the same central block as Arista and Taste of Safari, the venue sits just steps from 1950 Franklin and the 1901 Franklin garage, only one block from 1900 Broadway. While full details regarding the concept are still under wraps ahead of its official opening, teaser text on the front door promises a space “where the town comes for burgers.” Its arrival will bring another dedicated food option to the 19th Street stretch, offering convenient dining for nearby office workers, parking patrons, and evening visitors.
Oakland Athletic Club
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Reopened under new local ownership at 59 Grand Avenue, the Oakland Athletic Club breathes fresh life into a classic neighborhood sports venue. The updated space combines modern interior finishes with an expansive display of screens, making it a premier venue for live sports coverage, local draft beers, and elevated tavern food. Its revival restores a key community gathering spot along Grand Avenue, perfect for after work happy hours and weekend game days.
Bar Skula
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Located at 542 Grand Avenue across from Lake Merritt, Bar Skula represents a thoughtful transformation of the former Sidebar space by the team behind Luka’s Taproom and Lounge. The venue blends a coastal raw bar experience with time honored neighborhood pub traditions. Featuring fresh ceviche, raw oysters, grilled entrees, and the beloved Luka burger, Bar Skula delivers a compelling food and beverage program that bridges the gap between Uptown dining and lakeside leisure.
Proyecto Diaz Coffee
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Establishing a strong morning routine for the neighborhood, Proyecto Diaz Coffee opened its newest specialty cafe at 2201 Broadway. Famous for its direct trade sourcing from small scale Mexican coffee farms, the bright, minimalist space serves precision pour overs, handcrafted espresso beverages, and fresh pastries. Positioned four minutes from 1900 Broadway, it has quickly become a favorite start for hybrid workers, residents, and commuters navigating the Broadway strip.
A Thriving Urban Ecosystem
The continuous influx of high caliber retail, beverage, and dining establishments highlights the enduring appeal of Uptown Oakland. As new concepts open their doors, the surrounding walkable neighborhood becomes increasingly convenient, varied, and vibrant for those who live and work here. For the amenity-rich 1900 Broadway, these additions reinforce a seamless urban lifestyle where world class dining, artisanal coffee, and active nightlife are always just steps away.
