Jack London Square’s Entertainment Opportunities
After a long, active day biking around the bay and walking the streets of the square, it might be time to relax. And, there’s no better way to relax after a tiring day than to seek out some passive entertainment. Lucky for you, Jack London Square has lots of music, film, and cultural opportunities, to keep you busy.
Yoshi’s Jazz Club: If you’d like a bit of a refined evening with some serious culture, check out Yoshi’s. This jazz club has been at the front of Oakland’s music scene since 1977. The venue regularly features blues, jazz, neo-soul, and Afro-Cuban music. If you’re hungry too, they also serve up modern Japanese cuisine.
Regal Cinemas Jack London: Feeling in more of a popcorn and blockbuster mood? You can see the latest popular movies in this large, stadium-style theater, located near the square.
Miss Pearl’s Jam House: This restaurant has a Southern-inspired menu and many live acts and events. Comedy shows, zydeco music hours, Mardi Gras festivals, and wine and cheese Fridays are some of the regular ones. Stop by, have a drink, and chill out.
Kimball’s Carnival: You can shoot pool, drink a cold beer, and listen to live music at this sports bar in Jack London Square. The ritzier part of Kimball’s has a dress code and bottle service, so be prepared if you’re trying to go to the club. The more relaxed pool area has large screen TVs, 18 pool tables, a jukebox, and a full service bar. Pool tables cost about $14 an hour to rent.
Tourettes Without Regrets: You can even find underground art and performances in Jack London Square. The shows at Tourettes Without Regrets frequently feature spoken word, burlesque, puppets, comedy, and an all around good time. Entry is usually around $10, and you’ll be sure to laugh, even if it’s just out of confusion.
The Silk Road Lounge: This Vietnamese restaurant and lounge can be good for a low-key but fun time. Order some spring rolls and sing karaoke on Friday, listen to the DJ on Saturday, or stop by for erotic poetry on Sunday. The place has a full bar and is good for a moderately priced dinner. It’s located on Broadway, between 2nd and Embarcadero.
Club X: This is the venue of the East Bay’s weekly newspaper, the East Bay Express. Expect rock, punk, and other alternative acts, with ticket prices around $20. The club itself is located on 3rd St., between Grove and Jefferson.
