Temescal

Fast Facts About Temescal

Main strip: Telegraph Avenue (between 40th and 51st)
Who dwells here: Young families, Gen Y, LGBTQ+, grads from nearby California College of the Arts
Population: 4,100
Founded: 1870
Main architecture: A medley of pre-war duplexes and bungalows, with a Victorian thrown in
Neighborhood giant: Temescal Alleys 
Where to mingle with locals: TallBoy, Wise Sons, Pizzaiolo, Kingfish

The Local Vibe at Temescal

Early origins of Temescal stretch farther back to the days of horses (the original stables—now renovated into shops). Immigrants populated Temescal as did artists from California College of the Arts lured by the lower cost of living and bungalows. It draws the young, hip and former pop-up business. Storefronts along tree-shaded Telegraph and Shattuck are mostly new-gen dedicated to the art of one thing, whether that’s mac n’ cheese, bagels, craft beers, pizza, or doughnuts. That’s how this neighborhood rolls.

The inside inside scoop

Food writer Sarah Henry oftentimes leads three-hour food tours of Temescal with Edible Excursions. They kick off at the Sunday farmers market, then trace immigrant routes through bites: Italian, Ethiopian, Korean, Mexican and Hipster.

If you only have three hours

Temescal Alley:  Also known as hipster alley for the unusual number of pre-prohibition mustaches and fedoras, and, no kidding, an apothecary. Here you can find Curbside Creamery, Crimson Horticultural Rarities, among others.

Around the corner from Temescal Alley you can eat fried chicken sandwiches off ironing boards at Bakesale Betty. Doors open at 11:00am and close once the sandwiches sell out so be sure to get there early. You may also visit Forma Bakery, a bakery using French baking techniques and Mexican-inspired flavors to create a rotating menu of hand crafted baked goods. Their menu also features many plant based options!

Hungry for more? Temescal is home to amazing, award-winning restaurants! Named the Best Restaurant in America by Food & Wine, Burdell offers nostalgic and delicious soul food. You can also head to a few MICHELIN-rated restaurants all located in this neighborhood! FOB Kitchen serves amazing flavors of Filipino food, Tacos Oscar offers impressive tacos and Bird & Buffalo features authentic casual Thai food. Other highlights include Smokin' Woods BBQ, Homeroom, Burma Superstar, and many more!

For more information, visit the Temescal District website.

Getting to Temescal: Directions & Public Transit

Freeway exit: From 1-80 E, take the CA-24 exit from 1-580 E

BART Stop: Rockridge or MacArthur

Bus lines: 1, 1R, 12, 800