Temescal is one of the oldest neighborhoods in north Oakland, named for Temescal Creek. California bungalows and stucco single-family homes comprise the bulk of housing in Temescal, which is popular with first-time Oakland homebuyers.
Temescal’s main thoroughfare is Telegraph Avenue, which runs from the MacArthur Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station to 55th Street. The highly walkable neighborhood has the feel of an urban village. Feeding the foodies of Temescal are Bakesale Betty’s, the wood-fired ovens of Pizzaiolo, and authentic Mexican restaurant Doña Tomás. The Temescal Farmers’ Market provides fresh produce, and food stands serve chai, crepes, and Blue Bottle Coffee. Wine lovers rave about The Wine Mine’s weekly tastings. Temescal Alley with trendy shops and the Temescal Barber is another popular destination.
Arts and culture make this neighborhood lively. The annual Temescal Street Fair showcases arts, crafts, and music by residents of all ages. Galleries feature up-and-coming young artists. The Temescal Arts Center hosts dance and musical performances and offers classes in everything from yoga to tai chi. Studio One Art Center, run by Oakland’s Parks & Recreation department, offers affordable art, photography, bookmaking, and yoga classes taught by working professionals. The Temescal Library, opened in 1918 with Andrew Carnegie’s foundation funds, is the only Oakland branch to offer books in Amharic and Tigrinya languages.
