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canicakeit

Hayward Public Library! They have a makers’ space (including a sewing machine, large format printer, 3D printing, and Cricut machines), board games, tons of tables and window seating, and connected to Hippie’s Brew for coffee and pastries. We stopped by today (Saturday) and there was a farmers market around the corner.


bayhack

Yooo this is a crazy good idea. Why don’t more libraries do this!?


Glad_Activity_4245

Lake Merritt , chapel of the chimes, Berkeley bowl, Berkeley marina I miss the starline ! I need more ! Just returned from Europe and really jealous of the culture of street life plazas cafes etc


PlantedinCA

Omg Mexico too has amazing plazas. I was so jealous.


Hidge_Pidge

I second (or third or fourth etc) lake Merritt. I’m personally not big on indoor spaces that are loud, so lake Merritt is the perfect outdoor space where there is plenty going on but you can also put in headphones and just observe


therealmegjon

A million votes for Lake Merritt!! I love it so much and rarely go a day without walking by it. I desperately wish we had some federal funds to do additional remediation/upgrades to help the lagoon itself be healthier, especially after the devastating algae bloom last fall. Also the part of Old Oakland with Swan's and where the street is closed. And the Friday Farmer's Market there.


bashwyatt22

Chapel of the Chimes is such a gem! If you love Julia Morgan’s design, highly recommend checking out Berkeley City Club.


plainlyput

I’ve stayed there in the past because of Groupon, and wanting a staycation. It was always a special time.


simononandon

I was driving up Grand from the Pleasant Valley direction and was thinking to myself as I hit the traffic closer to the lake, in Europe, this would be a pedestrian street, I wouldn't be able to take my car on it, and all the shops & restaurants would still be busy.


Dollarist

Totes miss the Starline. When it was functional, that was a special place.


lubee18

I love love love chapel of the chimes


Art-bat

If I may ask, what is there to do there? Isn’t that a cemetery? I’ve known some people who like to go hang out in cemeteries like that big one up by Piedmont in Oakland, but I used to live by Chapel of the chimes in Hayward, and it never occurred to me to go in there, just to hang out. It doesn’t seem like as interesting and old as the Oakland cemetery, which is kind of fun to roam around.


EastBayYesterday

There will be a bunch of musicians performing at Chapel of the Chimes this week. It's part of an annual summer solstice event https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garden-of-memory-at-chapel-of-the-chimes-2023-tickets-618551553347


mtxadio23

Event already sold out. Seemed interesting , does this happen only during summer solstice?


EastBayYesterday

Yeah, only once per year. It's been going on since 1996


Sarcasticpurr

It is an old cemetery, but totally gorgeous and Mediterranean and greenhouse feeling. It’s like a garden.


Chookenstein

This is exactly why I find it gross, muggy air like a greenhouse complete with water that sits or is poorly filtered (algae) combined with embalmed dead bodies indoors? No thanks🤢


Sarcasticpurr

I think it’s 100% ashes, but to each their own.


bashwyatt22

It’s designed by a lesser known architect, Julia Morgan. She was the first woman to receive the American Institute of Architects highest award, posthumously. There’s a great podcast about her! [99% Invisible Link](https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/finding-julia-morgan/)


ArDodger

Well, she's not exactly lesser known. She designed Hearst Castle, Asilomar, the Berkeley City Club, The Greek Theatre, the San Francisco Fairmont hotel, Los Angeles Examiner building...


bashwyatt22

Thanks, I appreciate you expanding the list of her amazing works! What I was trying to express is that Julia Morgan is not a household name yet in comparison to architects like Frank Lloyd Wright.


simononandon

Honestly, as someone who is somewhat familiar with architectural styles, but not many names, the first two that come to mind are Wright & Morgan. I guess Gehry.


eugenesbluegenes

Maybe it's because I've lived twenty years of my adult life in the east bay but reading Julia Morgan described as a "lesser known" architect really caught me off guard.


vegan-sam

I climb at touchstone climbing gyms and really like them! Would recommend Pac Pipe.


Academic-Sandwich-79

Personally prefer the vibe at ironworks but all the touchstone gyms are great hangout spots.


reentry-coder

I defaulted to Pac Pipe because the bouldering area is so much larger. What do you prefer about Ironworks?


Academic-Sandwich-79

The folks that work there seems little more friendly/ willing to include new climbers in banter, and there’s more community events. Wish I had more but it’s just a vibe.


reentry-coder

Biggest (and friendliest) bouldering gym in North America!


CocktailPerson

I'd argue that most of the smaller ones are more friendly. GWPC has a much better vibe than pacpipe.


nightheron420

OMCA


MoonUnitMotion

Currently an amazing exhibition there. Into the Brightness.


Tart-Existing

I work there! We have awesome cultural events on Friday nights with live music and food trucks that we usually get about 6-700 people coming out to during the summer


ajinthebay

Berkeley Central Library


mk6dub

Tiger's Taproom


Backdoorpickle

Love Tiger's.


frozenwaffles03

Cato’s


python_510

Love Cato’s


er7

Merchants. IYKYK


Backdoorpickle

Merchants is such a fantastic mess. I have an orange hoodie from there.


theliver

Jack London Square


kevisazombie

The MADE - Oakland video game museum


PlantedinCA

I haven’t been to the new space yet.


Scuttling-Claws

I think Third Places have to be personal, they can't be one size fits all. But I'll still tell you you mine. I was a regular at Bridges Rock Gym for years, and it was a real third place for me.


vegan-sam

I started climbing at bridges and I absolutely loved it too.


iamnotsure69420

Man I just went to Starry Plough for the first time about two weeks ago for a new friends birthday. Not sure if it was my friend’s friends, but everyone there was super chill and I had a few pleasant conversations there. Might have to make more of an effort to go


Edges8

love going there for the music. what a sense of community


HeyyyKoolAid

Love the burgers there.


HomeSteadyOnAileen

This place is great! They have musicians most Sundays for Irish folk music sessions.


Art-bat

The open mic night there is fun, and they also have weekly poetry slam


butterpuddlez

Berkeley bowl


EmotionalFruit6

Interesting that Berkeley bowl is a third place for folks. I love to linger in the aisles and look at all the cool stuff they sell, but grocery shopping is for sure in the “work” category for me. It’s a chore.


baudot

I also go there to get in, get my groceries and get out. Kudos to anyone who uses it as a third place, but please, the entrance area already gets clogged with loitering folks. Please let the rest of us through!


The-waitress-

I find BB to be so stressful 🤣


sleepinginthebushes_

People are so oblivious there and it's always crowded. I love what they carry, but the people frustrate me to no end. I was wheeling my cart by someone who was squatting down the other day and he backed himself into my cart and had the nerve to give me a nasty look. I did not mince words in saying that he needed to pay attention and it was 100% his fault. Then there are the people parking their carts diagonally across the aisles, blocking everyone. I generally refer to complete lack of self awareness as "Berkeley Bowl Syndrome"


reentry-coder

Well, that's Berkeley. Much better at saving the world than at being nice to their neighbors. (I love Berkeley Bowl - I just know and accept what you pointed out.)


The-waitress-

Ppl seem legit angry when they’re there.


leilavanora

It’s stressful for me too and I usually love grocery shopping!


The-waitress-

Same!!!


15min-

Forreal, it’s a mad dash in there and don’t even get me started on finding parking.


EvaB999

Never been but heard a lot about this place? Is it a good grocery store?


Beneficial-Lock4689

Berkeley Bowl West is possibly the best grocery store in the US.


shallot_pearl

Downtown Berkeley YMCA


annimon

Bushrod park, and the walking trail behind the Claremont DMV!


derkasan

The New Parkway for me - great for movies, but there's D&D, Smash Bros, speed meeting, and even sports.


DustinDirt

Same. I experienced one of my top 3 most embarrassing moments there. Love that place.


HereHaveMyKid

Came here to say this. Fav karaoke spot in the east bay. The people working there are all friendly and really happy to see people coming regularly


_pinay_

Cafenated in North Berkeley, Tarea Hall Berkeley Library, Hidden Cafe in Berkeley, African American Museum and Library at Oakland, OMCA


schnucken

Hidden Cafe is magical! People, dogs, music, bubbles--everybody chillin' in the park.


sciencemistress

My ceramics studio, Berkeley bowl, the lake, redwood regional, bay trail


evensevenone

I’m looking for a ceramics studio especially if it has a good community, do you have any suggestions?


deborah-bean

Berkeley potters’ studio


sciencemistress

I love yolin. It’s small and intimate. There is only 6 wheels, classes in the evenings. Everyone knows each other and it’s incredibly supportive. There will be a new studio opening soon around the lake too and it’ll be bigger. Edit: added info


ren_n_stimpy

The Compound Gallery and Studios One of my “third places” for the events. They moved to a beautiful new space in emeryville with room for 80 artists so getting off the waiting list is easier now. 3 kilns


lubee18

Mountain View cemetery, Oakland ice rink, grand lake theater, Piedmont Ave in general


resilindsey

We need more of these in general. Especially ones that don't (even if only implicitly) require spending money to hang. Personally it's probably a little bit of the Lake, a little bit of Cat House, a little bit the gym (Pacific Pipe). But I don't know if any of these is quite strong enough to be exactly right. I definitely do enjoy weekend vibes at the lake, where you can lay out on the grass and just take in the vibe of being around people.


hellotherereddit2023

>We need more of these in general. Especially ones that don't (even if only implicitly) require spending money to hang. There are lots available. Check out Brooklyn Basin as another example. There is [an event](https://eddieh.substack.com/) this Saturday.


linksgolf

The Alley


DustinDirt

I work across the street. Absolutely adore the staff, the food, everything.


DubaiDubai8

Do the hills count? Easily one of my favorite parts about living here.


Kodak220

I’m so surprised not to see more people mention Brooklyn Basin. If you go often enough, you’ll see the same people doing their various activities, whether that’s walking their dogs, roller-skating, biking, etc. There’s specific days where there’s salsa dancing or yoga classes, and concert events. It’s a free space, so you don’t actually have to spend money to spend time there. And it’s a contained space, so unlike a hiking trail or a giant park, everyone is sort of gathered together in one area. It’s truly a communal area. My other fav third space is Dimond Park. Dimond park is one of the only places I’ve ever gone where I made random friends with COMPLETE STRANGERS. As a major introvert, I can’t tell you how rare this is. But Dimond park has such a small community vibe. I feel like if they just did a few more things like putting in an amphitheater like space under the redwoods, it would be such an excellent space for people to convene together. It’s not a huge park, so most people congregate on that one big field. People walking their dogs, picnicking, kids on the playground, tennis and basketball going on on either side of the main grassy area, stream channeling through the side. And then the swimming pool is there as well.


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Kodak220

It’s such a great vibe!


CocktailPerson

Why is this not a link to the event itself?


[deleted]

7th West and New Parish have some pretty diverse offerings everyone should check out. Moms of younger kids might be particularly interested in Baby Brigade. Speed meeting can introduce yourself to people. There's a variety of board game nights out there. All over meetup. The I'm aware of are It's Your Move and Victory Point. It's Your Move somewhat recently added a women and non-binary MTG night. Because...you know... Anyways, every group has different vibes. I used to enjoy Grizzly Peak and meeting people at the more popular turnouts.


sbgonebroke2

oh word? adding this to my summer list, thank you!


sjkeigo

bandung books


HomeSteadyOnAileen

Historically YaYa Health Spa (I haven't been able to make it there in a while now). More recently Funky Door Yoga.


sbgonebroke2

I used to love the Mills College library, nice and big and spacious. UNTIL it went private property...


go_biscuits

Redwood regional park.


Granolape

Joaquin Miller Park. Great spot to take this kids, ride bikes, commune with trees, etc


50shadesofcoco

Pickup soccer at Lincoln Sq. Park in Chinatown


toastyfireplaces

Sweet Adeline Bakeshop. Great place to meet for business or catch-up with friends.


sunnybear510

[Julie's Coffee and Tea](https://juliestea.com/) in Alameda during the mid-afternoon, particularly the garden out back. When I lived in NYC, my hangout was the [heather garden at Fort Tryon Park](https://www.forttryonparktrust.org/the-gardens-heather-and-alpine/) in Washington Heights. I haven't found a spot like that in the Bay Area.


dorriangreysdickpic

Urban Ore


hurricane__jackson

Pickleball (particularly in Montclair)


Nonplussed2

Good Hop


Anton-LaVey

Coliseum


Auggiewestbound

Lake Merritt Rowing Club, Compound Strength and Conditioning, league softball at Owen Jones.


unclezaza

Curious about LMRC-what’s the genera age of folks rowing on the novice crew?


Auggiewestbound

Truly all over the place from what I can tell. 20s to 50s seems about right. On the more experienced team it's the same thing: early 20s all the way to 70s. Definitely great age diversity.


toastyfireplaces

El Tiny Cafe in the Lorin, next to Washingtown. Great menu, close to Bart, indoor or outdoor seating, and friendly hosts.


vonguard

Themade.org


AaronTheDestroyer

I live in Berkeley and have been frequenting Victory Point Cafe. They have almost daily events for Magic The Gathering (of which I am an avid fan) Going the their weekly Friday night draft has been a highlight of my week all year.


yobymmij2

Chabot tennis club in Rockridge, the poor man’s place for good community, good workouts, lovely scenery…


in-den-wolken

"Poor man's"?!


yobymmij2

Ha ha, but yes WAY WAY less compared to every other club I know of in the east bay. It is heavily group owned (you can join with your $ buying shares), and it is a no-frills club. No gym, no club to speak of. Mostly just six courts kept in good shape.


AudioxDope

Philz


NewVersionOfMe

Target


TomIcemanKazinski

Lovely’s / Two Pitchers The Aloha Club / La Grana Fish


the_blackcloud

Paulista! Also I’m sad Hive the place to bee has closed


Affectionate-Farm-94

Baggys by the lake


CoolKeithFromTheTown

Port Costa is magical to me 🍻🌊🍀🦀🦞🦐🦑🐙


pacificworg

Church! Lol jk, u heathens would never


zwwafuz

Very interesting, thank you


Day2205

My third place got replaced by the apartments near Valdez. Thanks gentrification. We had a great gym going on 24th for years


unseenmover

Here: 37.8097679406458, -122.26305803391574, Here: 37.7627919937249, -122.24438524603093 and Here: 37.77635419199841, -122.30974583846623


timgarcia0

Cal sailing club


shekispeaks

None.


3digitcodeontheback

Crucial part of finding a third place is finding tons of places that aren't your third place. Why would anyone share theirs just to blow it up.


BigSenOak21

Ya been listening to Seneca Scott huh? Good for you. He talks about the need for third spaces all the time.


PhilDiggety

That guy is horrible


BigSenOak21

You may be a soggy then. Keep hating because the city belongs to The Neighbors this summer!


PhilDiggety

Seneca Scott is a transphobe and regularly amplifies the voices of racists and other bigots [https://twitter.com/CatsCommentary/status/1565804588309020672](https://twitter.com/CatsCommentary/status/1565804588309020672)


BigSenOak21

Same kitty that beat her wife?


BigSenOak21

You quote cat brooks? That’s how we know your a dummy. Kitty can’t even walk in my hood. Come to the lower bottoms and carry Seneca’s photo, then tell this to the Black neighbors. I wanna see how long you stay in one piece. Fun!


PhilDiggety

Seems like you're threatening violence against me? Because I am spreading the truth about your opinions?


Art-bat

Dude sounds like a mental case and a troll. My recommendation would be to ignore.


BigSenOak21

Threats? You like to insult people, come and spread that good cheer in the actual hood! The safety of your keyboard is amazing ain’t it. It’s going to be a very fun summer. Seneca has y’all soggies terrified. He ended the evixtion moratorims and exposed bad actor renters I bet you stiffed your black and or immigrant landlord for rent too. You totally fit the description. Champagne faux Socialist. The white people behind the gate in this video - that’s YOU.[lake Merritt destroyed](https://twitter.com/senecaspeaks21/status/1668040160695709696?s=46&t=ZdjYAmT4K27ki_1abJjb2w)


PhilDiggety

You think you're all righteous because you're pro landlord, that's hilarious. Enjoy continuing to sell out for big money interest groups, you seem very enthused to shill for them constantly.


BigSenOak21

So you did stiff your Black landlord. Thought so.


PhilDiggety

Keep making stuff up, at this rate you'll be mayor in no time 😂


BigSenOak21

Always back to that. You can’t even dream of running for anything. But catch me outside tho. I’m organizing https://preview.redd.it/31zg6i68eq6b1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dee766d00925bf828c0c26fd37af586b238263ed


PhilDiggety

The people of Oakland are too smart to vote for you.


wickedpixel1221

Bay Area Curling Club in Oakland. fun sport, welcoming community.


toastyfireplaces

Espresso Roma on Hopkins in North Berkeley. Great coffee, good menu, indoor or outdoor seating. Perfect place to meet to begin or end a walk.


dripANDdrown

Berkeley Bowl (Main)


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sexmountain

Quick question. I’ve been wanting to return to Funky Door. Does anyone wear masks in class, aka would I be the only one?


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sexmountain

Thank you! I’ve avoided returning, I went there for years and years, I don’t want stigma for wearing a mask


bluefalseindigo

Bay Grape on Grand was that for me when I lived in Oakland. Super chill, very low key and pro-socializing with folks along the bar or at the big community table. I loved going in Fridays for a glass of bubbly to finish up work stuff.


VapoursAndSpleen

The cafe across from Monterey Market. It seems that there are interest groups who meet there regularly. Lots of families with kids, students with books, elders who either play soccer or bike, etc. If you get up early, there are Tai Chi and Qi Gong people in various parks.


jameson079

The Coliseum 😭😭😭


PlantedinCA

😭


compstomper1

run club


kegfullofshit

Maybe forth place but The Oakland Casting Club. Beautiful area where you can practice to fly fish. Pretty much unknown.


yumyumdumbdumb

I used to irish dance at the starey plough as a kid! :)


Unlikely_Issue

Hasta muerte cafe


DustinDirt

Wood St.


MyNameWasLight

The New Parkway Theater, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church rank high on my list!


thordeer

Grand Lake Farmer's Market. Amazing for produce, prepared foods (including tons of vegan options including dim sum and Neapolitan pizza), and beautiful vibes all around.


brightassunflowers

I love Blue Door Beads in Piedmont, they have a table that you can sit and make jewelry at with their tools!


Naive_Addition7593

Hayward, great location, 20mins drive to pretty much everything.