Berkeley and Oakland grab most of the East Bay press, but Albany, California has a host of its own treasures to explore. Here's a look at some of the best diversions in this smallish yet appealing city.
One of Albany's nicest neighborhoods is on Solano Avenue, a bit east of where the inviting avenue meets the main thoroughfare of San Pablo Avenue. Highlights here include the wonderful and simply named Pub-a British-style hangout with outdoor seating, Montero's (an excellent Mexican eatery with lively weekend dancing) and the homey Albany Twin Cinemas, specializing in indie and foreign films.
Solano is also where you'll find just about all of Albany's best restaurants. Fonda, a hip and high-ceilinged Tapas-style cantina is possibly the best, but China Village can't be beat if you're seeking tasty Asian fare. Brunch-goers, who don't mind a wait, will love The Sunny Side Café, which has some outdoor tables perfect for people watching.
Albany's best bar for evening fun is without debate Club Mallard on San Pablo, boasting two levels, a Tiki-themed outdoor patio with blazing torches, and plenty of pool tables. An excellent bartending staff, pinball machines and authentic old-time wall murals add to the atmosphere.
Nearby, the Albany Bowl draws plenty of attention with its throwback neon sign and cheap rates. If bowling isn't your thing, no worries-the establishment also has a decent sports bar, plus pinball, video games and pool tables on the premises.
One of the finest places to watch a horse race in America, Golden Gate Fields lies on the Albany-Berkeley border at the west end of Gilman. The live racing here is seasonal, with the longest ongoing slate generally taking place October through early December, but simulcast betting is available year-round Wednesday through Sunday.
An offbeat attraction still unexplored by many East Bay denizens, the Albany Bulb is a stretch of land (well, landfill really) extending past Albany Beach that must be seen to be believed. A 10-minute hike through overgrown beach grass and driftwood brings you to a small shoreline that has become a makeshift outdoor art gallery, with elaborate paintings, sculptures and other imaginative creations.
An ideal way to end a day of exploring is soaking in an open-air hot tub at the Albany Hot Tubs on Solano, about a block west of San Pablo. While the service isn't always as warm as the water, the setting-beneath a star-filled sky in a large oak hot tub--doesn't get much better for pure relaxation.
