-
Things To Do
-
Events
-
Food & Drink
-
Stay
-
Oakland Style
-
Trip Planning
- Blog
-
Oakland.TV
Murals, pan dulces, and a constant celebration of Mexican culture and heritage abound in this part of town.
Just the facts
Main strip: International Blvd.
Who dwells here: First and second-gen Mexican Americans and other Latin American communities
Population: 4,213
Founded: 1870s
Architecture: 1920s bungalows, Mission Revivals
Neighborhood giant: Fruitvale Public Market and the Village
Where to mingle with locals: Mexican bakeries like Bakery El Sol or local food trucks
The vibe
This urban stretch at the base of the Oakland Hills that once a land of, you guessed it, fruit trees, became a center for the Chicano Movement in the late 1960s and 70s, including the Brown Berets. Today, the population is almost half Hispanic with a solidly preserved culture and village-y vibe centered around International Blvd. As you can imagine, Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos are big days on these streets. But visit any day of the week—you’ll find a vibrant community awaits you.
The inside inside scoop
Having once been a stretch of land covered in fruit trees, Fruitvale is now the urban center for first- and second-generation Mexican Americans. Embark on a self-guided tour to spots like Mi Grullense, Taqueria el Farolito, and Tacos Sinaloa food trucks. You can’t never go wrong with a taco (or five!).
If you only have three hours
Head to Fruitvale Public Market for a lesson in traditional Mexican ice cream. Order a mangonada, hand-churned ice cream with mango and chamoy (a sweet-savory chili sauce) from Nieves Cinco de Mayo. Check out James Beard nominated, Wahpepah's Kitchen for delicious Native American cuisine, or order the pozole at Obelisco Restaurant and snag a sweet treat at the family-run Bakery el Sol, all of which are located in Fruitvale Village.
For a dose of local history, check out Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. The six-acre park hosts the Peralta House Museum, where you can take a tour through multimedia exhibits on the history of California and Oakland. Cruise over to neighboring Jingletown to see colorful murals and mosaics along Rue de Merde. And be sure to visit the Indigenous Red Market, a semi-monthly event featuring indigenous artists, food purveyors, designers, and entrepreneurs.
How to get here:
Freeway exit: 1-880/Nimitz Freeway
BART stop: Fruitvale Station
Bus lines: 51A, 54, 14, 39 (more at ACtransit.org)
shop local
At Aguachiles El Tamarindo, their specialty is the exquisite aguachiles, a traditional...
Bakery El Sol is a small Mexican family bakery located in Oakland’s Fruitvale district,...
Cabalen Sweet & Savory brings homemade Filipino food to Oakland. Owned by two sisters, the...
Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant located in the Fruitvale neighborhood. Platano first opened...
Local neighborhood coffee shop that offers coffee, instant ramen noodles, bagels, donuts,...
In 2001 El Huarache Azteca opened its location at 3842 International Blvd. Beautiful...
Fruitvale Mexican Restaurant with hearty portions of food.
El Tio Juan is not just any taco truck; it's a mobile haven for taco enthusiasts craving...
Elizabeth's Fashion is the go-to place for all women’s formal celebration attire. Whether...
III Antiques & Thangs is a boutique vintage and thrift store that is nestled in a...
Customers love their breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The egg, spinach, and cheese...
Mexican restaurant in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
Great restaurant serving delicious Puerto Rican cuisine in Fruitvale.
East Bay Express writes: "Los Cocos Is living proof That Oakland's Fruitvale Neighborhood...
Mexican Restaurant in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
Authentic Mexican food. Their shrimp cocktail and ceviche are crowd favorites.
Mexican Restaurant in Fruitvale that sometimes has live entertainment.
The East Bay Express writes: "Luis Abundis doesn’t just plug in some machine to make ice...
Oakland's Own is a Black-owned and operated family business! The Ford Family, native East...
Obelisco offers healthy, traditional Mexican meals using local and organic ingredients....
Thanks to loyal patronage and support, Otaez Mexicatesssen continues to thrive and grow....
After popping up at locations around the East Bay, this technique-driven, vegan Mexican...
Specialize in making breads and rolls you will find in a traditional Central American...
Mexican Bakery in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
This six-acre park is the focal point of the historic 44,000-acre Rancho San Antonio,...
The East Bay Express writes: "Peña's Bakery is the Bread of Life in Oakland's Fruitvale".
Grab a cup of coffee with a tasty beignet or pastry from Powderface. It's right across...
Black-owned specialty coffee roaster serving Beautiful Coffee to the People! RED BAY...
Caldo de gallina Iguana y garrobo Pupusas de maíz y arroz Desayunos chapines y...
Ruco's Kitchen is a new and now operating Ghost Kitchen in Oakland, CA! Order now &...
Visit this taco truck for authentic Mexican street food. Customers rave about how...
Authentic specialty Mexican food - tacos are a local favorite.
El Farolito Taqueria serves excellent Mexican food
La Gran Chiquita is renowned for their barbacoa, served only on weekends. They steam the...
Mexican Restaurant in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
Taqueria Reynoso opened its doors in October 2005. A true “mom ‘n’ pop” shop, The Reynosos...
Classic Mexican food with a free chips and salsa bar.
Crystal Wahpepah is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo nation of Oklahoma. She was born...
At Willows & Pine, we believe that Creole soul food is more than just a type of...