Explore Downtown Alameda during AIFF 2023
![[image: film festival]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AIFF-2023-Poster-web-215x300.jpg)
Alameda’s premier cultural event returns to the historic Alameda Theatre and Cineplex over President’s Day Weekend 2023. With 45 feature and short films from around the globe, AIFF 2023 promises to be a thrilling cinematic ride! Dozens of filmmakers will be attendance over four days of screenings, panels and parties, and we are honored to welcome you to Downtown Alameda!
Downtown Alameda is the commercial, cultural, and civic center of our wonderful island city and is your gateway to the Bay. It's a vibrant, urban environment where people live, work, and play.
The shopping, dining, and entertainment venues found along Park Street and adjoining side streets make Downtown Alameda a terrific destination for families and people of all ages. From boutique shops to friendly services, Downtown Alameda can keep shoppers busy all day. In addition, there's a wide array of restaurants that are sure to please all tastes.
Here are some suggestions for you to explore while you're in the district for AIFF 2033, including spots for drinks, dining and shopping experiences:
Downtown Drinks
If you're in need of a caffeine fix, try one of the district's local cafes including Highwire Coffee, Julie's Coffee & Tea, The Local or Coffee Cultures. For a post-film drink, these nightspots in Downtown Alameda provide plenty of festive fun. For some ideas, check out Town Tavern, Club House, Lucky 13, Wine & Waffles, McGee's Bar & Grill, or Alameda Island Brewing Company.
Highwire Coffee
1234 Park Street
Highwire Coffee Roasters is a small-batch coffee roaster devoted to the promotion of organic farming, sustainable practices, and creating a balanced cup of coffee. Established in 2011, Highwire pursues the straightforward goal of sharing the coffees it loves with the community.
Town Tavern
1437 Park Street
Town Tavern is preserving the art of the bar and hospitality in the heart of old Alameda. Since opening their doors in December 2018, they're proud to have quickly become an island favorite known for its craft cocktails in a laid back and casual setting, offering a wide variety of shareable plates with unique cultural flair. Try the Town Tavern Old Fashioned or the Always Sunny in Alameda!
Downtown Eats
While you're in the district, you'll find a wide array of restaurant options that are sure to please all tastes. Craving the best burger that was featured on Food Network? Check out Scolari's Good Eats. Want delicious Vietnamese with a beautiful view of the Park Street Bridge? Head down to Dragon Rouge. Some are right by the theatre (such as Cinema Grill or Pampered Pup) or some are just a few blocks down Park Street (such as Alley & Vine or Spinning Bones).
Also come back and join us for Alameda Restaurant Week, a ten day event celebrating the culinary delights our island city has to offer! From March 3 through 12, local foodies can enjoy special menus from participating restaurants. With dozens of participating restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries, you are invited to try new dishes and drinks throughout the week.
alley & vine
1332 Park Street #D
The menu at Alley & Vine showcases the bounty that California has to offer – beautiful produce, pristine seafood, livestock raised with care. You’re sure to discover a favorite among the small bites, sandwiches, main dishes, and desserts.
Additionally, each cocktail is handcrafted with a reverence for season and quality and the wine list is one of the most preeminent in Alameda, featuring both domestic & international options.
Spinning Bones
1205 Park Street
Spinning Bones is a contemporary rotisserie restaurant that specializes in roasted meats rotating on slow spinning spits. The food focus is on new flavors featuring koji chicken, peppered flank beef, barbecue pork ribs, and spicy pork shoulder. They recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the second year in a row, and were just featured on an episode of KQED's Check Please! Bay Area. Don't forget to ask about their secret menu, and if they have crab noods, just say yes.
Downtown Shopping
The merchants are here to offer you various shopping experiences to fit your needs and budget. Many are right by the theatre (check out Daisy's or Rocket Reuse) or else just a few blocks away (try Magpie & Thorn or the Katz Meow Antiques). Whether you're looking for antiques, books, flowers, music, or gifts, come explore everything we have to offer.
Magpie & Thorn
2305 Santa Clara Avenue
Magpie & Thorn is a purveyor of rare, strange, and unusual plants, pottery, garments, gifts, unique living arrangements, and interior plant-scaping services inside the very iconic, historic Towata Flowers building. Owner Maggie believe a shop should be like a special moment in time, a place to escape and feel peace and amazement. She invites you all into the eclectic, inclusive, and inquisitive world of Magpie & Thorn.
Rocket Reuse
1355 Park Street
Books, movies, music, vintage clothes, and more! Rocket Reuse has been a Park Street staple since 2010. The owners love the Alameda community and do their best to bring you exciting new finds at great prices every day. So come browse their carefully curated selection, blast off in our rocket ship of deals, step back in time through the phone booth dressing room, and see what’s playing on the old TVs in front.
Buy your tickets before they sell out: www.alamedafilmfest.com/buytickets
Check out this year's schedule and find out more about the features, short film blocks, events, panels, & special guests!
Coming Soon...
Downtown Alameda Whiskey Stroll
Sip and stroll your way through our historic downtown district tasting premium craft whiskeys served neat and paired with yummy bites at the 5th Annual Downtown Alameda Whiskey Stroll.
Enjoy an evening filled with food, drink, and entertainment while learning about the unique styles of Northern California distillers and local chefs.
Keep an eye on AlamedaStrolls.com for tickets!
