What's It Like?

San Pablo Avenue runs in a nearly straight line from downtown Oakland to its namesake, the city of San Pablo. Before the advent of freeways, the avenue was also known as the Lincoln Highway and then U.S. Route 40, and it served as the main thoroughfare along the east side of the bay. Old motels that spot the street speak of another, slower moving era.

In Berkeley, San Pablo Avenue stretches from the city's southern to its northern border, from just below Ashby Avenue to just above Gilman Street (map). It is along these blocks that several eclectic shops and restaurants have rooted themselves.

Trendy nearby Fourth Street and the wealthy hippie ambiance of North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto have overshadowed the unique goods and delicious foods of San Pablo Avenue. Yet, there are few other streets in the region where you can easily move from an Italian cafe to a Mexican grocery store to a Middle Eastern market to a Spanish shop to a Japanese seafood deli in a matter of blocks. And it may just have the most goat meat, both fresh and served in various dishes, per block of any avenue around.

On Gilman Street west of San Pablo, you'll find several remarkable one-of-a-kind stores, a concentration of outdoor equipment businesses, two very different music and dance institutions, several outlets and salvage places, and places to pursue beauty, from fine art galleries to do-it-yourself craft emporiums to home and garden destinations.

Also nearby, check out our guide to the Westbrae and Northbrae areas.

Sights & Culture

Ecology Center: If the Ecology Center didn't exist, Berkeley would have to invent it. Stop in to this vital and vibrant center to pick up books and DVDs on environmental issues, or to grab fact sheets on how to use less and reuse more. Also find home decor such as vases made from recycled materials and the safest, least-polluting interior house paints on the market. Projects based at the Ecology Center include the Plastics Task Force, the Bay Area Seed Interchange Library and the Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative. In other words, the Ecology Center has got it going on. 2530 San Pablo Ave., (510) 548-2240. (Web site)

For more on Berkeley parks, visit the City of Berkeley Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Web site.

Restaurants

Acme Bread: Started by a Cal student who baked bread for Chez Panisse, Acme has been making outstanding bread for over 20 years. Though you can buy their breads (now made with all organic flours) in upscale markets all over the Bay Area, it's fresher and tastier if you go to the source. The smell of the cinnamon bread in the mornings can make rational people slobber. All the food snobs agree: it's the best there is. 1601 San Pablo Ave., (510) 524-1327.

Bacheeso's Garden Bistro: The locals love this place, as a visit on the weekend will attest. Cruise the expansive buffet, which incongruously includes a roast turkey among such Middle Eastern fare as dolmas and moussaka. There are also several breakfast and brunch egg dishes to consider, and the sandwiches are both hearty and tasty. It's a very casual corner establishment that may appear a little run down to out-of-the-hood visitors, but it suits the neighbors just fine. 2501 San Pablo Ave., (510) 644-2035.

Café Fanny: This tiny cafe is named after Alice Waters' daughter Fanny and modeled on French cafe bars. Breakfast includes bowls of cafe au lait, Acme levain toast and some heartier items. Lunch means savory sandwiches and light salads. The tables overlook a parking lot and a busy intersection, and it's hard to find a place to stand or sit. Yet the long lines mean many people believe the food, or the cachet of being able to say they ate the food, is worth it. 1603 San Pablo Ave., (510) 524-5447. (Web site)

Caffe Trieste: The most welcome addition to the avenue in recent years has been the East Bay doppelganger of the much-loved North Beach Italian cafe. It's all here -- a worn wood floor, rich espressos and delish pastries and desserts. Buy coffee by the pound or stop by for the beer and wine happy hour. Some folks do both at once. With regular appearances by Pappa Gianni and the North Beach Band, this cafe already feels like it's been here a few decades or longer. 2500 San Pablo Ave., (510) 548-5198. (Web site)

Casa Latina: Without intending to do so, Casa Latina has become the anti-Picante Cocina (see below). It's small, the owners are usually in residence and the food is authentic enough to deter a child's sensitive palate. The customers consist of discriminating day laborers and devotees of true Mexican food. If you like thick Mexican cakes, sweet turnovers and flaky pastries, this is a great place for a pan dulce breakfast with coffee or espresso. The lunch menu of tortas, burritos and tamales will please any devotee of fine taqueria cuisine. 1805 San Pablo Ave., (510) 558-7177. (Web site)

Everett & Jones: Welcome to the first name in barbecue and the last name in dieting. Order barbecue pork ribs and links, chicken or beef, with a solid scoop of potato salad and a couple of slices of white bread. Two things get clogged here -- the line of barbecue fanatics and arteries. 1955 San Pablo Ave., (510) 548-8261. (Web site)

Indus Village: The inexpensive Pakistani food that Zahid Salimi is cooking up is a few belt notches better than his competition's. The halal menu features highly spiced, well-balanced Pakistani curries and tandoori meats, which pair well with the great naan. Two caveats: Not everything on the menu is available, and expect a wait if it's at all busy. (-SF Chronicle) 1920 San Pablo Ave. (between University and Hearst), (510) 549-5999. (Chronicle Review)

Jamaican Soul: This easy-going source for Caribbean cuisine will refresh your palate after partaking of the many Mexican, Pakistani and Indian restaurants in the area. The food is served buffet-style, with a dish of curry goat or chicken joining the menu each day. Staples include jerk chicken, veggie bean stew, rice and peas and plantains. Wash it all down with homemade ginger beer, sorrel and cucumber-pineapple drinks. 2057 San Pablo Ave., (510) 704-4083.

Jimmy Bean's: A great casual breakfast and lunch spot with terrifically delicious food. Run by the folks from the destination Lalime's up the street, Jimmy Bean's features egg dishes such as tortilla eggs and a lox scramble at breakfast, and sandwiches, quesadillas, roast chicken and pizza at lunch. The food is fresh and just creative enough; there are special items for kids. The atmosphere is not up to the food: service varies, it can get really hectic, and the dark, industrial open kitchen isn't eye-catching in the right ways. 1290 Sixth Street at Gilman, (510) 528-3435. 1290 Sixth Street at Gilman, (510) 528-3435. (Web site)

Meal Ticket: "Sunset" magazine collides with Route 66 diner -- film at 11! The repeated appearances of eggplant, artichokes and balsamic vinegar on the menu transform egg breakfasts and hamburger lunches into something unexpectedly delightful. The decor is vaguely Southwestern, the prices are insanely low and the staff is friendly. What else could you want except for that strong cup of coffee? 1235 San Pablo Ave., (510) 526-6325. (Chronicle Review)

Picante Cocina Mexicana: While Picante doesn't have authentic hole-in-the-wall street cred, it's got a lot going for it. It's big, it's clean, and the very Bay Area-style menu (think Niman Ranch meat and micro brews on tap) is fresh and tasty. You just find yourself going there again and again, especially if you live or work nearby, and/or have children. It's great for kids, offering food they will eat and enough space for them to go wild, which they sometimes do. There's a small patio and garden with a fountain in the back, perfect for enjoying breakfast/brunch on weekends. 1328 6th Street, 510-525-3121. (Chronicle Review/Web site)

Priya: The naan's all here, along with pakoras, dosas, biryanis, masalas and tandooris. Please your palate with cuisine from both the south and the north of India, in chicken, lamb, fish and vegetarian variations. The daily lunch and Sunday-only dinner buffets offer 40-plus spice-laden dishes to fill your plate and stomach. 2058 San Pablo Ave., (510) 644-3977.

Pyramid Brewery: Stepping inside the huge Pyramid brewery/pub/restaurant is like being transported to Wisconsin. The place is packed with incredibly clean-cut people wearing pressed sweatshirts, who are drinking decent beer and eating large plates of mediocre food. It just doesn't feel like Berkeley, but it's a good place to hang out and suck suds, especially if you're in a large group. Tours of the brewery are available. 901 Gilman Street, (510) 528-9880. (Chronicle Review/Web site)

Sea Salt: Casual but stylish, this seafood restaurant is a venture from the owners of Lalime's in North Berkeley and Fonda in Albany. Salads are fresh and local -- most of the produce is organic. Beer and wine are served. (-SF Chronicle/SF Gate) 2512 San Pablo Ave. (near Dwight Way), (510) 883-1720.

Sushi Banzai: Good sushi, udon, etc. tucked away off Tenth St. Sushi Banzai is a family affair, and feels like it: welcoming and cheerful. 1019 Camellia St., (510) 524-6625. (Chronicle Review)

For more Berkeley restaurants, check out these Chronicle reviews.

Shopping

Food

Country Cheese: Either leave your money at home or be prepared to give it over in exchange for some amazing cheeses. Dabble in blue Shropshire, red Leichester, vintage Irish cheddar, Spanish asiagos, bries, parmesans, fresh mozzarellas, and of course, swiss, cheddar and jack varieties. You can also donate a bit of your paycheck to the bulk dried fruits, grains, coffees and teas available here. 2101 San Pablo Ave., (510) 841-0752.

Halal Food Market: Anyone looking to cook an authentic -- nay, certified -- Islamic meal need look no further than Halal Food Market or Indus Village (see Restaurants). The lamb, goat and beef sold here are raised and slaughtered according to Muslim strictures. You'll also find an array of spices not seen on Safeway shelves -- ground lemon, ground sour grape and sumac among them. 1964 San Pablo Ave., (510) 845-2000.
Chronicle article: Foods that conform to Islamic law find a wider audience

Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant: A nice big red brick space for browsing among the (mostly) French and other European bottles. Kermit Lynch is an importer and travels to many of the wineries personally, making the depth of his knowledge impressive. Every wine here is extraordinary for the price; if you're looking for bargains you can find them, and if you want to splurge on something special you can do that too. 1605 San Pablo Ave., (510) 524-1524.

Mi Tierra Foods: ¡Que bueno! Not only can you stop by Mi Tierra for beautiful produce and basic groceries, but you'll also find such Mexican cuisine ingredients such as fresh masa and the herb epazote, used in everything from beans to tamales. And if you don't feel like cooking, the deli, AKA the in-store taqueria, will fix you up with tacos, burritos, tortas and cerviche. 2082 San Pablo Ave., (510) 540-8946.

San Pablo Poultry Company: If it looks like a Muscovy duck, if it lies in the refrigerated case like a Muscovy duck, then it's a Muscovy duck, especially if you are in the San Pablo Poultry Company. This extremely unassuming little shop will set you up with young chicken, frying chicken and roasting chicken. Or geese, duck, quail or pheasant. Rabbit, if you want it, and, lest we forget, goat. The helpful staff can also give you some cooking tips for whichever meat you ultimately decide to try. 2709 San Pablo Ave., (510) 843-6630.

Spanish Table: Ahhhhh. That's the sound customers make when they leave this place, overcome with fantasies of contented days in a Spanish villa. There seems to be something incredibly disorienting (in a very good way) about browsing shelves packed with churro and hot chocolate mixes, as well as abundant choices of olives and paprikas. The wall of tins of calamari, octopus, scallops, mussels and all sort of fish will make your head swim. The selection of turron, Spanish candies and nougats will leave you weak in the knees. Then there are the Spanish and Portuguese wines and cheeses, the Serrano ham and the cooking and travel books covering Iberian cuisines and locales. By the time you make it to the museum-like paella pan display, bliss has been accomplished. Ahhhhh. 1814 San Pablo Ave., (510) 548-1383. (Web site)

Tokyo Fish Market: Here since the '60s, Tokyo Fish Market has great fish including all sorts of sushi ingredients, unagi skewers, whole fish, and so on; but they're also an excellent general-purpose Asian market, with everything from fresh produce to rice bowls and ready-made teriyaki. The stock is mostly Japanese, though they also carry Korean, Chinese, Hawaiian and Thai ingredients, as well as other supplies like Acme bread, cioppino sauce and wine. 1220 San Pablo Ave., (510) 524-7243.
Chronicle article: Tokyo Fish Market to expand in August, 2005

Goods and Services

Alabama Chicken: A throwback to the golden age of thrifting (1988 in Venice, California, to be exact), before Goodwill and the Salvation Army ruined it all by charging $15 for 50 cent used sweaters. To any dedicated thrift shopper, entering Alabama Chicken (which you can only do on weekends) is like going home to those sad post-punk days of plaid dresses, ugly end tables and well-deserved ennui. It's hard to leave here without buying something you don't need. It just feels right. 1102 Gilman Street, (510) 914-7956.

Animal Farm and Wild Bird Annex: Shop for everything a cat or dog could need or want, and from an independently owned business. That's hard to beat, but there's more -- food and amenities for caged birds, rodents and aquarium fish. And next door is the Wild Bird Annex, where big bags of seed can be purchased for feathered friends that visit your backyard. Find several bird house designs, and best of all, houses built specifically to attract bats. Let the flap flap flap of leathery wings lull you as bats leave and return to these handsome domiciles at dusk and dawn. 1531 and 1527 San Pablo Avenue, (510) 526-2993.

Art's Automotive: Can "beloved" be used to describe an auto repair joint? Well, in this case it can because it's true, as the crowd at the counter attests. Art's specializes in Japanese cars, and has become a hybrid auto repair specialist. It is a certified Bay Area Green Business, which means Art's meets standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. The early morning clamor, when the mechanics are not quite awake and the customers are trying to explain their cars' injuries, is a bit much, but that's nothing when you consider the care and thought that goes into this business. 2871 San Pablo Avenue, (510) 540-7093. (Web site)

Good Vibrations: What else can be said about a store where the first thing you hear upon entry is a salesperson asking a customer, "Would that be for internal or external stimulation?" Good Vibrations is a Bay Area institution that nearly rivals Coit Tower. And it probably sells a condom to fit that landmark. Even if you are not in the market for a vibrator, an explicit how-to book or all sorts of lube, you aren't a Bay Area resident until you've slinked through these portals. 2504 San Pablo Ave., (510) 841-8987. (Web site)

Juniper Tree: If you've always wanted to make gifts for Christmas, Chanukah or birthdays, all excuses evaporate at Juniper Tree. Here you will find the basic ingredients and the additives for making your own soaps and candles. And classes in these arts are offered to ensure your efforts result in beautiful creations. Even better -- if you haven't the time to make presents, Juniper Tree sets out an entire room of already-made soups, bath salts, scented candles and other lovely gifts. Combine some handmade soaps and candles with a hot bath for that special friend, and you'll be popular for months to come. 2520 San Pablo Avenue, (510) 647-3697.

Kiss My Ring: Anyone looking for unique and wonderful jewelry should stop here first. The rings, earrings, bangles and bracelets in silver and gold simply aren't found elsewhere because shop owner and jewelry designer Melissa Rallis creates them all. Rallis also makes room for works by many other artists. Drop by to see the latest creations. 2514 San Pablo Ave., (510) 540-1282. (Web site)

Oak Barrel Winecraft: If you're a homegrown Dionysus, then you probably already know about this supply store for wine, beer and vinegar making. You can buy kits, fermenters, hops and lager syrup for brewing your brew. You'll also find grape pressers, corks, acid test kits and, of course, oak barrels for home vinters. The store even sells vineyard grapes during the harvest season, so you can order the fruit of cabernet, merlot, chardonnay and many other vines. There are books and small barrels for making your own vinegar. No self-respecting gourmand can go another day without exploring this place. 1443 San Pablo Avenue, (510) 849-0400. (Web site)

Home and Garden

The Caning Shop: They will repair your wicker furniture, but that's only part of what the Caning Shop is about. They have materials, tools and instruction books for traditional crafts such as gourd decoration, painted blown eggs, beading and basket work. It's just full of gorgeous supplies: python ribs, glass scarabs, dyes for leather and gourds, all sizes of gourds, and so on. They also offer classes in chair caning, gourds and other crafts. A remarkable and definitely one-of-a-kind spot. The Web site offers a virtual tour of the store and has some online ordering. 926 Gilman St., (800) 544-3373, (510) 527-5010. (Web site)
Chronicle article: Caner repairs works from around the world

Clay of the Land: Clay garden pots constitute the general merchandise here, but the specialty is pots for water gardening. These include generous-sized urns in various colors, along with the equipment and plants needed to get that self-contained pond going. Pots for simple container gardens also come in many sizes, shapes and colors. 2748 San Pablo Ave., (510) 843-2699. (Web site)

Dwight Way Nursery: Anyone hunting for bamboo or bonsai plants and supplies need look no further. Several species of bamboo can be found here in heights from four to 20 feet. You can also buy bonsai trees and shrubs -- look for the amazing bonsai oak trees if you go. Bonsai pots and starter plants, along with the appropriate tools, are sold for folks who want to create their own. Many flowers and seasonal vegetables are stocked, too, including several Japanese varieties. 1001 Dwight Way (1.5 blocks from San Pablo Avenue), (510) 845-6261.

East Bay Nursery: This nursery is regionally known for its dozens of varieties of Japanese maples and for having over 300 varieties of roses. There are also specimen trees and a bit of everything else here, all closely packed together in long, narrow aisles of cool greenery. At Christmas, the nursery shop is filled with hundreds of ornaments for sale. The staff is quite helpful all year around. 2332 San Pablo Ave., (510) 845-6490. (Web site)

Ethnic Arts: Art objects from all over the world, from silver jewelry to giant Indonesian carved and painted door lintels. And, of course, lots in between. The yearly sale is passionately loved. 1314 Tenth St., Berkeley, (510) 527-5270.

Gilman Trading: This salvage seemed up in air for a while and may have briefly closed; now it's open again, with an approach that's more antique store than salvage yard. Though they have some iron gates, most of the stuff is furniture, china and the like and has been cleaned up and oiled. If you're looking for bargains in junk you'll be disappointed, but if you're looking for pretty furnishings you won't. 808 Gilman St., Berkeley, 510-524-5500. (Web site)

Hida Tools: Any task is easier with the right tool, isn't it? Hida Tools is an absolute gold mine of beautiful, high-quality hand tools, Nothing is powered by anything but you. The tools are more expensive to start with, but they do what they're supposed to do, do it well, and last for a long time. Hida's stock includes tools for woodworking (fine and general-purpose construction), gardening (including bamboo, bonsai and flower arrangement) and the kitchen. They also carry everything you need to keep the tools sharp and rust-free, but will sharpen anything for you. And best of all, the wonderful people there will help you with any questions you have. 1333 San Pablo Ave., (510) 524-3700. (Web site)
Chronicle article: For knives and garden tools that are light but strong, think Japanese

Ohmega Salvage: From its two locations facing each other across the Ave., Ohmega Salvage provides amazing components for the authentic restoration of older homes and flats, especially those of Victorian and Craftsman architecture. The nicer pieces, like entire arched window frames, with the glass intact, pedestal bathtubs, fireplace mantles and ceiling medallions are at the 2400 address. You can also pick up various pieces of Indian and Asian religious statues -- there's a lovely stone Ganesh if you have $7,500. Across the street is a yard strewn with lesser elements, fixtures that are just not as pretty and prices that are a bit less painful. 2400 and 2407 San Pablo Ave., (510) 204-0767. (Web site)
Chronicle article: Enterprising homeowners find treasures among discards at salvage yards

Omega Too: Down the street from Ohmega Salvage, and related to it despite the spelling variation, is Omega Too. The emphasis here is on antique and reproduction lighting -- there are many lamps in this shop. Also offered are reproduction Craftsman doors and medicine chests for recreating the look of that era. 2204 San Pablo Ave., (510) 843-3636. (Web site)

Paper Plus Outlet: Paper, plus ... more paper. Find bargains on wrapping paper, cards, envelopes, craft paper, scrapbook paper, paper plates, paper cups, gift bags (made of paper), handmade paper ... you get the idea. To top it off, there's a Holiday Annex next door full of holiday themed cards and wrapping paper and paper plates and ... 1643 San Pablo Ave., (510) 525-1799. (Web site)

Reliance Antiques/Reliance Appliance: Reliance has two sides. The "Antiques" part specializes in big gorgeous chunky wood furniture, some antique and some made from antique wood: farm tables, armoires, hutches and the like. The "Appliance" part restores and sells 1950s Wedgewood and O'Keefe & Merritt stoves. They look good, they cook well, and they're cheaper than ugly modern versions that work worse. 830 Gilman St., (510) 525-7003. (Web site)

Smith & Hawken: Really nice stuff for your garden or for bringing the garden into your home. Top-quality tools, elegant garden furniture, loose linen clothing, lots of the sort of things that fit under the rubric of "decor," and other items to help you fulfill your fantasy of wandering the garden, secateurs in hand, culling blooms for opulent arrangements. The Smith & Hawken outlet, around the corner from the main store, offers some relief from the high prices though some of the damaged merchandise is bizarrely expensive. 1330 Tenth Street, (510) 527-1076 (store) and (510) 525-2944 (outlet). (Web site)

Traywick Gallery: A contemporary fine art gallery showing emerging and mid-career artists from the Bay Area and beyond. One of the few galleries bringing the serious stuff to the East Bay, Traywick intends to promote the development of both artists and collectors. Check the Web site for artists and exhibitions. 1316 Tenth Street, (510) 527-1214. (Web site)

Zia Houseworks: Contemporary home furnishings, with a more or less Southwestern feel. On the "more" side is the hand-painted furniture from Texas; on the "less" side, there are works by local artists, many one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and tchotchkes such as plastic ears and the Punching Rabbi. The store doubles as an art gallery; a side room called "Maine Cottage" has some more -- well -- cottage-y pieces. Expect bright off-colors, exaggerated angles and the odd branch motif. Everything is well-crafted, and though it isn't cheap it isn't a billion dollars either. 1310 Tenth Street (at Gilman), (510) 528-2377. (Web site)

Outdoor Equipment

California Ski Company: Only ski stuff, none of that snowboarding nonsense. And only downhill ski equipment, no cross-country. A small store means knowledgeable staff who will actually bother to help you, so you have a better chance of finding something that will fit your needs. 843 Gilman Street, (510) 527-6411.

Destination 1440: Geared toward the "next generation in sports," Destination 1440 sells equipment and clothing for snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. There's also a children's section and a giant room for golf. 1440 San Pablo Ave., (510) 526-PLAY. (Web site)

North Face Outlet: Bargains on North Face's high-quality outdoor equipment and clothing. They can easily outfit a climb up Kilimanjaro, but even if you're just going for a little hike in the Headlands, the North Face makes what you need. The space is huge, the selection is enormous. If the prices here don't seem super cheap, remember how much this good stuff costs retail. Occasional sales with even lower prices. 1238 5th Street, (510) 526-3530. (Web site)

REI: REI is a giant supermarket for absolutely everything outdoors. It's easy to get carried away, what with the climbing stuff, the camping stuff, the clothes, the bikes, the shoes, the sunglasses, the books, and so on. REI is a co-op so members get a dividend at the end of the year, helping them reconcile themselves to their excesses. REI also offers rental equipment, and classes and outings from hikes to expeditions. A room at the back has sale items. 1338 San Pablo Ave., (510) 527-4140. (Web site)

Royal Robbins Outlet: Outdoor and travel clothing that works just fine for around town, all for cheap. Periodic sidewalk sales offer some serious bargains. They also offer comfortable shoes (Birkenstock, Naot) and travel accessories. 841 Gilman Street, (510) 527-1961. (Web site)

Title 9: The only (so far) retail outlet for Title 9, a catalogue company offering sport clothing for women. These people really think about the benefits of everything they offer, and are especially conscious of addressing areas where the sports equipment industry has failed to meet the needs of women athletes. Sport bras are a specialty! 1374 Tenth Street, (510) 526-1972. (Web site)

Wilderness Exchange: If the upscale trendiness of the outdoors is getting to you, Wilderness Exchange offers an alternative. Good gear at good prices; what a concept! You won't turn heads, but if you're there for the outdoor experience instead of a fashion show, you may like it that way. New and used clothing and equipment for mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, cross-country skiing and camping. There's even a practice wall for trying out rock climbing shoes. Everything used is clean and in good repair, and the staff is extremely nice. They act as an outlet selling closeouts and seconds for too many good companies to list here. 1407 San Pablo Ave., (510) 525-1255. (Web site)

Nightlife

924 Gilman: A dance club for and by punk teens. It really is a club, with a membership fee required before seeing shows, and it's collectively run. The philosophy is to create a place free from all kinds of hate as well as drugs and alcohol, where people can get together and hear the music they want to hear. The crowd lined up outside is purposefully eye-popping, and wary of newcomers. If you aren't young and you aren't seriously into punk music it's probably not for you; but if you're either of those things it could become your home. If you're a parent, you might be interested in other parents' take on it. 924 Gilman Street, (510) 525-9926. (Web site)>

Albatross Pub: The word "pub" only scratches the surface of this public square with walls. Come by to toss a few rounds of darts or to laugh and shout 'round one of the many board games available for playing with friends old and new. Live music includes jazz and bluegrass, and there's a trivia quiz contest every Sunday at 8:30. There's also a rotating exhibit of works by local artists. The pub moniker is earned by the 14 brands of beer on tap and the 50 brews available in bottles. 1822 San Pablo Ave., (510) 843-2473. (Web site)

Ashkenaz: The best place to dance to international and local music, Ashkenaz has been concentrating on the essentials (one, music; and two, moving to it), since 1973. They're also something of a community center; the wooden building, anomalously located at Gilman and San Pablo, looks like it's been transported from a small town in the middle of the woods. They get lots of great bands, give dance classes, and serve food, beer and wine. Minors are so welcome that kids under 12 are free. Schedules and advance tickets are available on the Web site. 1317 San Pablo Ave., (510) 525-5054. (Web site)

Freight & Salvage: 'Tis the font from which singer-songwriters spring. Or at least an essential stop on any folk musician's tour. Traditional music from many cultures have been filling the bill for almost 40 years. Stop by for some acoustic guitar, bluegrass, Irish violin or Indian percussion in a smoke and alcohol-free space. If roots music is your thing, this is your place. 1111 Addison Street (just off San Pablo Avenue), (510) 548-1761. (Web site)
Chronicle article: Freight & Salvage is a folk music haven

Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub: Sometimes, heaven is a good piece of pizza and pint of beer. All the time, in fact, at Lanesplitter. There are two kinds of pizzas here, the thin crust Neapolitan and the thick crust Sicilian (or what we commoners call New York and Chicago style pizzas). The best part is that you can order by the slice, which means a pint and two slices do quite nicely for those of us on a budget. Calzones and lasagna are also on the menu. Even if you're not hungry, the big selection of bottle and draft beers from near and far is enough of the draw. And the back patio ain't so bad, either, on a warm evening. 2033 San Pablo Ave., (510) 845-1652. (Web site)

Updated by John Fall, special to SF Gate (5/05)