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Just the facts
Main strip: International Blvd.
Who dwells here: First and second-gen Mexican Americans
Population: 4,213
Founded: 1870s
Architecture: 1920s bungalows, Mission Revivals
Neighborhood giant: Fruitvale Public Market and the Village
Best ceviche: Mariscos La Costa
Where to mingle with locals: Mexican bakeries like Bakery El Sol
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
Start taco-hopping in the area that has the highest density of taco food trucks. Some hot spots are the Goodwill parking lot for Mi Grullense, and International Blvd and 22nd for Tacos Sinaloa.
If you only have three hours
Get a little taste of what a day at the Peralta Hacienda might have been like, way back in the 70s. In 1870, that is. The Italianate house that belonged to the Californios’ family is on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. Tours take place Wednesday-Saturday.
Boarding Fruitvale is Jingletown, an artsy neighborhood along the estuary. Here, the Chthonic Theater holds two annual parades that anyone can participate in. Or just be a bystander, if that’s more your style.
Spend an hour or so mural hunting along Rue de Merde, an open-street path with nearly a dozen vibrant murals and mosaics.
The Institute of Mosaic Art rotates exhibits and has a mosaic supply store. Take a class from a local expert.
How to get here:
Freeway exit: 1-880/Nimitz Freeway
BART stop: Fruitvale Station
Bus lines: 51A, 54, 14, 39 (more at ACtransit.org)
Events
shop local
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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.
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Faultline is an art gallery and studio space for 25 working artists.
Customers love their breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The egg, spinach, and cheese...
Mexican restaurant in the Fruitvale neighborhood.
East Bay Express writes: "Los Cocos Is living proof That Oakland's Fruitvale Neighborhood...
$30 Menu: 2 Pupusas (her specialty), 1 Baleada y pollo con tajada
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...
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Our family consists of generations of Oakland natives. We started this brand to show Civic...
Obelisco offers healthy, traditional Mexican meals using local and organic ingredients....
Dining Experience TBA.
Thanks to loyal patronage and support, Otaez Mexicatesssen continues to thrive and grow....
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...
The Bay Area's body positive community gym for all queer, trans, POC, big bodied and fat...
RED BAY COFFEE was founded in 2014 by Keba Konte a successful food entrepreneur with 10...
Caldo de gallina Iguana y garrobo Pupusas de maiz y arroz Desayunos chapines y...
Authentic specialty Mexican food - tacos are a local favorite.
El Farolito Taqueria serves excellent Mexican food
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.
Visit this taco truck for authentic Mexican street food. Customers rave about how...
Tombstone Western Wear offers cowboy apparel popular in Latino culture. Whether you’re...
What started as a business with two mammas in 2014, it now has a papa, who looks over his...
Crystal Wahpepah is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo nation of Oklahoma. She was born...