What's Happening

This year, while you are staying local for the holidays, consider spending local too. When you spend local, you are giving a gift to the community.

Buying gifts and meals in town supports our businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic, the same businesses that were always there for the community, supporting youth sports and community fundraisers throughout the year.

Here are six ways to spend local and shop safely in Alameda:

Shop local online. Several Alameda stores and restaurants have gone digital for convenient and safe online ordering while keeping it local.

Order curbside pick-up. Order in advance and pick-up safely out front. Who can beat that? Some stores also offer quick local delivery services.

Schedule a private shopping appointment at your favorite retail store. Many local retailers will make special arrangements for in-store visits and purchases.

Buy something extra when shopping. It’s a way to show our appreciation to local retailers, similar to leaving a generous tip at our favorite restaurants and coffee houses.

Encourage friends, neighbors, and relatives to support local businesses. Local businesses provide income and jobs for Alameda residents. When you suggest purchasing gifts locally to friends and relatives, they are supporting neighbors too! Be sure to share online about the items you find in town with #SpendLocalAlameda

Buy Alameda e-gift cards. This Alameda-only gift card is a great suggestion to out-of-town grandparents or relatives who are looking for family gift ideas. And many Alameda businesses offer their own gift card

For more information about Alameda’s spend local campaign, please visit www.alamedaca.gov/spendlocal.

Starting on November 21st, and while supplies last, spend $50 or more at a participating Alameda business, and receive a free gift bag of goodies.

When you spend local, you are giving a gift to the community, so the City of Alameda, in partnership with the local business associations, are giving you a thank you gift! The Alameda Strong goodie bags are filled with a cloth mask with filter pocket, hand sanitizer, and cleaning wipes to bring on the go.

RETAIL SHOPS
Alameda Bicycle
Alameda Natural Grocery
Bead Inspirations
Bonne Vie
Books Inc
Curated
D20 Games
Daisy’s
DeLauer’s Gift and Smokeshop
Katz Meow Antiques
Lauren’s Closet
Ozone
Park Street Wine Cellars
Rocket Reuse
South Shore Florist
Sumbody Spa
Tot Tank
Toy Safari
Video Factory
Watch Hospital

Effective December 7, communal outdoor dining areas are closed due to the latest Stay At Home Order.

The businesses in Downtown Alameda are joining together to create safe outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy, from individual parklets to communal dining areas.

Nearly half of Alameda Avenue is now closed to vehicular traffic to provide an expanded area for outdoor dining. You’re welcome to bring in food and beverages from any of our wonderful downtown eateries.

Here are a few tips to help keep the communal dining space clean and safe for all:

• Order In Advance… consider ordering online or by phone to avoid waiting in line at the restaurants or holding a table.
• Pack In, Pack Out… it’s important that everybody picks up after themselves and leaves the tables clean for the next users; garbage cans are conveniently placed within the area.
• Sanitize, Sanitize… it’s always a good idea to bring your own hand sanitizer when out and about and sharing public spaces.
• Six Feet Rule… remember to maintain a 6-ft distance from those not in your household or “social bubble.”
• Wear a Mask… please wear a face covering when not actively eating or drinking.
• Keep Dogs Close By… we love the company of our furry friends, but ask that dogs are kept on a short leash.

View a running list of downtown restaurants open for take-out: https://downtownalameda.com/open-for-business/

We look forward to providing this open street space as a welcoming resource for our community.

Updated August 2... Downtown Alameda restaurants are open with care for outdoor service. If you’re looking to meet up with a friend in your “social bubble” for dinner and drinks, or enjoy a meal out with the family, check out these favorite downtown spots:

Recently opened, Spinning Bones has created a new socially-distanced outdoor dining area for small groups to enjoy their take-out food and drinks. Located across the street from their restaurant, The Boneyard offers food, drinks, family, fun, sun,… all in one space. The outdoor space is open Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting.

Known for its German take on Alameda, Speisekammer provides a rotating menu that might include Schweinebraten, Sauerbraten, or Poached Salmon. Accompany a traditional dish with a light lager and you’ll feel like you’re in another land without traveling far. Speisekammer’s patio is open Tuesday to Sunday. Pickup and delivery is also available.

The outdoor patio at Cinema Grill is open for dining every night. Order a specialty pizza, burger, or daily special. Cinema Grill also continues to offer a Curbside Takeout menu with to-go specials that feed four and happy hour drinks. And don’t forget the popcorn!

Outdoor seating is now available at Ole’s Waffle Shop. Ole’s entire menu is available as well as wine from Wine & Waffles. The best part is it’s dog friendly so you can bring your furry friends and enjoy some great food and sunshine.

“The Gardens at the Tavern” (pictured above) is an outdoor oasis in Downtown Alameda. You’ll find the inviting dining area set up in the parking lot next to The Park Street Tavern. Come gift your tastebuds with made-from-scratch Greek & Italian inspired cuisine!

Alameda Island Brewing Company has a new outdoor dining area and beer garden. So grab a meal and pair it with a locally crafted beer. Favorites include Hef-D, Island Hazy, Sea Haggis, and a plethora of rotating flavors. Meal options are provided by Monkey King at the Brewery and Thai Noodle House of Alameda. (Note: A meal purchase is required to drink onsite.)

Other favorite spots ready for outdoor dining: American Oak, Angela’s Restaurant, Asena, Dragon Rouge, Hobnob, La Penca Azul, McGee’s, and The Star on Park.

View a running list of restaurants ready to serve you for outdoor dining, takeout, or delivery: https://downtownalameda.com/open-for-business/

Please be patient as our restaurants navigate the new rules with customer and staff safety top of mind. Check with individual businesses for their current schedules. And please remember that masks are still required while not eating. ⁣❤️