Best of Alameda 2025

Local galleries showcasing visual arts and exhibitions

Puts on shows, markets, festivals

Artists who create face painting designs for events and parties

Visual arts

Museums and cultural institutions in Alameda

Live performers

Theatre, dance, comedy

Local columnist, poet, historian, etc.

Auto body repair and collision services

Automotive repair and maintenance services

Car wash and detailing services

Logistics, event setup, mutual aid

Organizes, connects people, builds community

Housing, environment, disability access, whatever lane

Social clubs, organizations, and membership-based groups

Youth, career, arts, sports, etc.

The "everyone knows they help" award

Just a popularity contest. Must be a Peeps!

Shows up consistently, not a one-off

Adult who consistently supports kids and teens

Arts, STEM, enrichment

Youth sports, school teams, community leagues

Day camps and after-school programs for kids

Preschools and early childhood education programs

Counselor, librarian, office staff, paraeducator

Summer camps and programs for children and teens

AUSD, private, tutoring, adult ed

Programs and activities specifically for teenagers

Winter break camps and youth programs

Places to get fresh bagels

Bakeries offering fresh bread, pastries, and baked goods

Bars and cocktail lounges

Alameda's favorite BBQ

Boba tea shops and cafes

Restaurants specializing in breakfast and brunch

Restaurants known for their burgers

Burmese restaurants and cuisine

Places offering charcuterie boards and cured meats

Shops specializing in charcuterie and cheese

Chinese restaurants and cuisine

Coffee shops and cafes

Restaurants serving dim sum

Donut shops and bakeries

Restaurants specializing in fried chicken

Greek and Mediterranean cuisine

Restaurants and bars with great happy hour deals

Ice cream shops and gelaterias

Italian restaurants and trattorias

Japanese restaurants and cuisine

Korean restaurants and BBQ

Mexican restaurants and cuisine

Restaurants with great outdoor dining spaces

Pizza restaurants and pizzerias

Bars and pubs with great beer selections

Favorite spots for coffee and conversation

Top restaurants in Alameda

Family-friendly restaurants

Sandwich shops and delis

Sports bars for watching games

Best restaurants for take-out and delivery

Thai restaurants

Vietnamese restaurants and cuisine

Wine bars and wine-focused establishments

Acupuncture practitioners

Home care, elder support, disability support

Chiropractic care providers

Crossing guards and street safety advocates

Primary care doctors and physicians

Doulas and midwives for birth support

Firefighter, EMT, dispatch

Estheticians and skincare specialists

Doctor, nurse, therapist, PT, dentist

Massage therapists and bodywork practitioners

Orthodontic care providers

Physical therapy and rehabilitation services

Mental health therapists and counselors

Tree care and arborist services

Daycare centers and childcare facilities

Dental practices and dentist offices

General contractors for home projects

Gutter cleaning and maintenance services

Handyman services for home repairs

House cleaning services

Landscaping and garden services

Plumbing services

Roofing contractors and services

Organizations working on civic issues and advocacy

Nonprofit organizations serving the community

Organizations and places where you can volunteer

Services and programs for seniors

Rescue, fostering, TNR

Animal shelters and rescue organizations

Pet care services for walking and sitting

Pet grooming services

Pet supply stores

Veterinary clinics and animal healthcare providers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place

Best fitness center or gym in Alameda

Running clubs, paddling, hiking groups, cleanup leaders

Kid-friendly places and activities

Parks, recreation areas, and outdoor spaces

Yacht clubs and sailing organizations

Yoga studios and classes

Antique stores and vintage shops

Bicycle shops and repair services

Bookstores and book shops

Boutique clothing and specialty stores

Children’s Retail in Alameda

Clothing and apparel stores

Small shops and corner stores

Great places for date nights

Cannabis dispensaries

Dry cleaning services

Florists and flower shops

Gift shops and specialty stores

Grocery stores and supermarkets

Hardware stores and home improvement

Health food stores and natural markets

Jewelry stores and jewelers

Opened in 2025

Best places to find parking

Plant nurseries and garden centers

Pets that live in or frequent local shops

Small shops that specialize

Thrift stores and secondhand shops

Toy and game stores

Accountants and tax preparation services

Auto repair shops and mechanics

Contractors for construction and renovation

Financial advisors and planners

Nail salons and nail care services

Photographers for events, portraits, and more

Body piercing studios and piercers

Real estate agents and brokers

Tattoo artists and studios

Tattoo studios and shops

Barbers and hair stylists

Individual, not "best coffee shop"

Bartenders and mixologists

Chefs and culinary professionals

Human, not brand

Restaurant front-of-house MVP