First it was Temescal, then “Uptown” Oakland, and recently West Oakland.  Now it is the Laurel District!  Ok, now I am sure there are those of you who will say that The Laurel District was already pretty cool.  But when food and shopping become an anchor, meaning, a reason to visit a neighborhood, that is when the area really takes off.  Fast forward from 2015 to 2017 and you will see amazing things happening in the Laurel.

I am sure you are reading this and thinking “So what’s coming?”

Ever since Sequoia Diner opened their doors in May 2015 there have been lines out the door.  This little mom-and-pop shop specializes in breakfast and brunch and makes everything from scratch.  They feature home-made breads, pastries, sausages and jam.  The biscuits are AMAZING!!  Definitely worth getting.  The owners have done a terrific job of really incorporating the style and feel of the diner into the neighborhood.  Located at 3719 MacArthur.

4505 Burgers and BBQ is taking their delicious, and wildly popular burgers into the Laurel District.  The bestselling burgers will take over an old school, retro hot dog spot, Glenn’s Hot Dogs.  The location will be at 3506 MacArthur Blvd.

The trendy homegoods and clothing store, “Therapy,” is another new addition to the neighborhood.  Located at 3731 MacArthur this store features everything from small novelty items to retro furniture and clothes.  Rosie and I walked in the other day and were blown away by the selection at this particular location.

Homestead Apothecary has a store in Temescal, and now there is one in the Laurel.  Located at 3807 MacArthur this quaint herbal apothecary provides affordable herbal education and showcases local artists and herbalists.

Opening any minute is Degrees Plato, a taproom and bottle shop catering to community-oriented gatherings.  The locally owned and operated casual dining restaurant will feature craft brews and small bites with a latin-flare.  This spot looks like it will be right up our alley!  Can’t wait to check it out.  4251 MacArthur @ High.

Speaking of beer, the Laurel Beer Garden is getting closer to opening.  There has been some pushback from the local community but looks like they have applied for the beer + wine license and are moving forward.  The beer garden will offer 20 beers on tap and local pub food.  Directly next to the Laurel Beer Garden there appears to be a chocolate gelato cafe, headed by Bramosia Chocolates company, in the works.  The owner of the building for both the beer garden and the chocolate shop is spearheading the project.  The beer garden and chocolate shop are located at 3721 + 3725 MacArthur.