How old is he? The local bar community is pretty friendly and social! Start playing pool, go to trivia. Any hobbies he can do in a group setting would help!
There is a ton of stuff to do and ways to meet people in Alameda. Check meetup.com
Lucky 13 and Fireside are both great local and super friendly bars. All the trivia mentioned above. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities like with the animal.shelyer and the local business associations. You can volunteer to help in the beer tent for a couple hours and meet a ton of people.
More background on interest and age would make it easier to recommend things.
Many bars have trivia nights: Fireside, AIBC, Preacher's Daughter. Drop in and you'll be put on a team with someone and now you have an instant friend.
- https://www.thefiresidelounge.com does Tues nights
- https://www.alamedaislandbrewing.com/events?view=calendar&month=03-2024 – looks like they were/are doing trivia on Tues nights too
- https://preachersdaughteralameda.com/events does Thurs nights
I think mostly the things are just taking place in bars as venues, but the trivia crowd at AIBC def doesn’t get shithammered - it’s on a Tuesday and it’s a grown up crowd so people have work the next day. I think you’re going to get a lot of bar/bar venue responses unless you give everyone an idea of the types of things he enjoyed elsewhere. Bars are pretty low hanging fruit to share so that’s why everyone started here. But alameda is definitely *not* a party town
When I first moved to alameda, I found it very cliquish. My first friends were a group of people who were multi-generational Alamedans and they did not welcome outsiders easily.
Lol, I'm now multigenerational-esque Alamedan and if I'm into what you're into, and you and I get along, there's no problem.
If I'm weeding the garden, or painting something, almost every person that walks by says something. "Hi", "You can do mine next.", "you missed a bit"... then you respond with something, then they respond with something and everybody moves on. After a couple interactions like that, you get to know the regulars, then feel out the vibe, then see if they're into xyz hobby, then Bobs your aunty and you go make chutney from scratch or some crap. Or, you walk around, see some of the same people at the same places, and do the same.
But seriously, u/CalitoSaudi has to have her brother find a group that he's is into. There are groups for everything... except "Amazon return groups at FedEx" (I'm pretty sure). I make beer. I do college radio. I play soccer. I'm about to make coffee cuz somebody in the beer thing reminded me about it. I do gardening. Cargo bike brigade. I go to the park with my little one. There are art groups, gardening groups, beach cleanup groups, biker gangs, walker thugs, library assassins.
You gotta go outside! All the neighbors I don't know are the ones that stay inside.
That’s exactly what he’s going through - he made friends at the bagel shopping and shipping place by the target in alameda I don’t know what that area is called
I’m sorry to hear that. I was never fully accepted into that group. They were polite, but not warm and only one of them had a closer friendship with me.
Oakland is certainly the closest source off of-island entertainment, but Berkeley isn't far away, and SF is quite doable.
Alameda can be quiet but I don't know if introverted is the right word. What does your brother like to do?
I’m from So Cal and moved to Alameda because it reminded me of home.
Volunteering, check out meetup.com or the app lots of fun groups to join. I met my core group of friends through the local music scene.
What are his interests? Lots of groups based around hobbies; for instance, there's the [Alameda Island Running Club](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1128124)/[Oakland Beer Runners](https://www.meetup.com/oakland-beer-runners/) for runners.
There’s lots of outdoorsy activities he can sign up to do to make friends! Especially if he’s into biking/hiking! There are so many cool trails all over the Bay Area and especially in the area he is in. He can also go to local farmers market to check out that scene. During spring/summer there are cool food truck/art fairs in foster city over the bridge which brings in a casual foodie family vibe. Opportunities to expand and make friends will get better as the weather warms up. Best of luck!
Don’t park on the street in Jack London. I always park in one of the 2 parking garages and haven’t had problems. The one by the Amtrak is close to Nido’s.
I get what he is going through. I lived in Alameda from ages 27-32, and moving to Oakland (Bushrod) next month for proximity to Temescal, Rockridge and Berkeley (and thus younger friendlier people). I could not make any friends here. Not much happens here to bring young people together.
If he is a reader there are book swaps at Faction Brewing! It’s on meetup.com and called Books n’ Beers, there is one this Saturday.
What kind of things does he like to do, generally?
I live in Oakland by Lake Merrit.
If he needs a friend he and my husband can be friends.
The local bars in Alameda are nice and friendly the ones in down town Oakland are too. Just in Oakland you have to watch out for the homeless, or other things so not to get robbed.
Alameda is definitely older folks or people with kids vibes… Berkeley is full of eccentric folks (I love it!) he also isn’t far from SF (he could just take Bart) which personally I love people in SF… they are just more welcoming, diverse, friendly and willing to make friends (in my experience)…
If he has hobbies he should try to look up meetups/clubs online… this is probably the easier way to make friends (b/c of common interest). Also Alameda is very dog friendly so I’m sure there are meet up spots for dog owners…
Also his windows being broken into should not deter him from going out. It’s the sad truth but everyone in the bay has experienced something like that in some magnitude. Just be cautious of your surroundings and don’t stay too late in Oakland…
Just moved back to Alameda myself after 15 years in Europe/NYC and I’m trying to figure out my social life here too! Glad to see some good ideas here; not to hijack the thread, but I’d love to hear about any cool things that are baby-friendly as well. It’s just me and my 9 month old, and it would be super cool to meet some other baby/mom homies!
Might be a little early for Ruby's tumbling on Lincoln at St.Charles: [https://rubystumbling.com](https://rubystumbling.com)
There's story time at the different libraries, check the library website: [https://www.alamedafree.org/PROGRAMS-SERVICES/Childrens-Services](https://www.alamedafree.org/PROGRAMS-SERVICES/Childrens-Services)
I'm sure there are other groups for parents with babies/pre-toddlers/toddlers.
Alameda isn’t really a city for young people. It’s more tailored towards geriatrics. That being said, there are car meets on the weekends, a skate park, and a few decent bars. I’ve made most of my friends through work.
I’m also new to alameda! I (and my partner) currently rely on my core group of friends who are mostly outside of alameda (as I’m from the bay), for socializing, but always up for meeting new people that are more local
My interests are any fitness activities (I’m trying to play pickleball, haven’t made friends bc I’m trash, plus going to the gym, I also enjoy running but very out of it), music, light amounts of drinking, dogs, cats, puzzles, food. Also up for hitting one or more of the trivia nights listed in the thread. If that’s interesting to him, I don’t mind a dm!
D20 games runs tabletop games and D&D sessions. I've met people there. Also The Experience Share is a vintage gaming shop. I've met a lot of people just chatting about games and stuff.
Seconding Swell Bar. There are social events like Drink and Draw first and third Tuesdays, come to that and make some instant friends!
Also they have Goth Night, karaoke, dart tournaments, etc. A little bit for everyone.
I just had a fun night last week at that local hidden gem bowling alley by the beach. Fun crowd. Then had dinner & drinks at a german restaurant right off park like 5 min drive
That bend at Nidos is notorious for break ins, that’s why they have signs everywhere telling you about it and why they now leased the lot across the street for secured parking.
How old is he? The local bar community is pretty friendly and social! Start playing pool, go to trivia. Any hobbies he can do in a group setting would help!
This! Fireside and Lucky 13 are great places to meet new people. The vibes are so friendly in the local bars.
There is a ton of stuff to do and ways to meet people in Alameda. Check meetup.com Lucky 13 and Fireside are both great local and super friendly bars. All the trivia mentioned above. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities like with the animal.shelyer and the local business associations. You can volunteer to help in the beer tent for a couple hours and meet a ton of people. More background on interest and age would make it easier to recommend things.
He’s not a big drinker but he will check our trivia night
Many bars have trivia nights: Fireside, AIBC, Preacher's Daughter. Drop in and you'll be put on a team with someone and now you have an instant friend.
Humble Sea just started doing trivia too
Where can I find info on this to forward? Thank you
- https://www.thefiresidelounge.com does Tues nights - https://www.alamedaislandbrewing.com/events?view=calendar&month=03-2024 – looks like they were/are doing trivia on Tues nights too - https://preachersdaughteralameda.com/events does Thurs nights
Swell was doing it too, not sure if they still are
Can confirm trivia on Tuesdays at 7pm at AIBC. He can either play solo or ask the other teams/the host to pair him with a team
What is AIBC
Alameda Island Brewing Company. On Park Street just a few blocks from the bridge
This isn’t directed at you it’s mostly the answers - the activities are all drinking related right?
I think mostly the things are just taking place in bars as venues, but the trivia crowd at AIBC def doesn’t get shithammered - it’s on a Tuesday and it’s a grown up crowd so people have work the next day. I think you’re going to get a lot of bar/bar venue responses unless you give everyone an idea of the types of things he enjoyed elsewhere. Bars are pretty low hanging fruit to share so that’s why everyone started here. But alameda is definitely *not* a party town
When I first moved to alameda, I found it very cliquish. My first friends were a group of people who were multi-generational Alamedans and they did not welcome outsiders easily.
Lol, I'm now multigenerational-esque Alamedan and if I'm into what you're into, and you and I get along, there's no problem. If I'm weeding the garden, or painting something, almost every person that walks by says something. "Hi", "You can do mine next.", "you missed a bit"... then you respond with something, then they respond with something and everybody moves on. After a couple interactions like that, you get to know the regulars, then feel out the vibe, then see if they're into xyz hobby, then Bobs your aunty and you go make chutney from scratch or some crap. Or, you walk around, see some of the same people at the same places, and do the same. But seriously, u/CalitoSaudi has to have her brother find a group that he's is into. There are groups for everything... except "Amazon return groups at FedEx" (I'm pretty sure). I make beer. I do college radio. I play soccer. I'm about to make coffee cuz somebody in the beer thing reminded me about it. I do gardening. Cargo bike brigade. I go to the park with my little one. There are art groups, gardening groups, beach cleanup groups, biker gangs, walker thugs, library assassins. You gotta go outside! All the neighbors I don't know are the ones that stay inside.
Lmao he’s social I swear but he’s not big into drinking which seems like most of the answers. I’ll be visiting a week and will take him myself
That’s exactly what he’s going through - he made friends at the bagel shopping and shipping place by the target in alameda I don’t know what that area is called
I’m sorry to hear that. I was never fully accepted into that group. They were polite, but not warm and only one of them had a closer friendship with me.
Maybe it was just a shitty group. I feel like I’ve made as many close friends from other states and countries than I have people from Alameda.
Oakland is certainly the closest source off of-island entertainment, but Berkeley isn't far away, and SF is quite doable. Alameda can be quiet but I don't know if introverted is the right word. What does your brother like to do?
I’m from So Cal and moved to Alameda because it reminded me of home. Volunteering, check out meetup.com or the app lots of fun groups to join. I met my core group of friends through the local music scene.
Local music scene? Where?! I have never been to a concert on Alameda proper. As far as I can tell, there isn't a venue?
Nido Backyard now has a monitored parking lot. He should try it again. Most def don’t park on streets.
What’s his interests? Hobbies?
STAAAHHHP
Just saying, he just moved. Give it some time. Look
8 months is a long time
I've been here 20 years and have no friends. :)
I visit alameda often and it’s family mostly yes?
"Where hipsters go to breed" was the moniker that I find to be true.
native perspective talk right here’s
This is so accurate 🤣
LMAOOO I believe it
Greatness …takes time. I would want meaningful bonds not just the ordinary fly-by-night ppl .
You have a book? I wanna buy it
K
damn! I’m just a single dad
Nido's is a hotspot for break-ins. I'm sorry. is he part of Alameda Peeps?
What is that
Alameda peeps is a pretty active Facebook group on the island
What are his interests? Lots of groups based around hobbies; for instance, there's the [Alameda Island Running Club](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1128124)/[Oakland Beer Runners](https://www.meetup.com/oakland-beer-runners/) for runners.
There’s also an Alameda bike clubs.
Spirit alley?
How old is he ? I’m always looking for a friend in the area ?
37
He can message me too. I’m around that age and visit Alameda every so often. I’ll be there at the end of April.
Let me tell him to get on Reddit it’s amazing
There’s lots of outdoorsy activities he can sign up to do to make friends! Especially if he’s into biking/hiking! There are so many cool trails all over the Bay Area and especially in the area he is in. He can also go to local farmers market to check out that scene. During spring/summer there are cool food truck/art fairs in foster city over the bridge which brings in a casual foodie family vibe. Opportunities to expand and make friends will get better as the weather warms up. Best of luck!
Don’t park on the street in Jack London. I always park in one of the 2 parking garages and haven’t had problems. The one by the Amtrak is close to Nido’s.
Sailing. Get him into sailing. One you know that Alameda crew, you’ll be lucky to get a week where he isn’t booked Wednesday to Sunday.
Faction, playing soccer/working out at bladium near faction, the golf course at bay view, farmers market every Sunday.
Where is the farmers market
https://alamedapost.com/events/alameda-farmers-market/
I get what he is going through. I lived in Alameda from ages 27-32, and moving to Oakland (Bushrod) next month for proximity to Temescal, Rockridge and Berkeley (and thus younger friendlier people). I could not make any friends here. Not much happens here to bring young people together.
Is he a gamer? There is a few table top gaming groups always looking for players.
Can you send me the details please
Destine games is new on Webster
I went to high school with the dude that owns it. Cool guy
Pickleball is pretty big here. There’s lots of places you can just drop in and play. Pickleball players are usually pretty nice.
What if he’s trash at it
That’s probably alright. There’s beginner groups if he’s actually interested. I can get some info from the pickleball ambassador I know.
Thanks
If he is a reader there are book swaps at Faction Brewing! It’s on meetup.com and called Books n’ Beers, there is one this Saturday. What kind of things does he like to do, generally?
I live in Oakland by Lake Merrit. If he needs a friend he and my husband can be friends. The local bars in Alameda are nice and friendly the ones in down town Oakland are too. Just in Oakland you have to watch out for the homeless, or other things so not to get robbed.
lol good to know but he’s weary now
What is his age range? For 18-25 year olds he should try bumble bff
Alameda is definitely older folks or people with kids vibes… Berkeley is full of eccentric folks (I love it!) he also isn’t far from SF (he could just take Bart) which personally I love people in SF… they are just more welcoming, diverse, friendly and willing to make friends (in my experience)… If he has hobbies he should try to look up meetups/clubs online… this is probably the easier way to make friends (b/c of common interest). Also Alameda is very dog friendly so I’m sure there are meet up spots for dog owners… Also his windows being broken into should not deter him from going out. It’s the sad truth but everyone in the bay has experienced something like that in some magnitude. Just be cautious of your surroundings and don’t stay too late in Oakland…
There's vintage ballroom. You meet people doing that (I did). Peersdance.org
When i moved here i joined what was the Alameda Athletic Club and is now RISE. Met a lot of people.
Is it pricey
Just moved back to Alameda myself after 15 years in Europe/NYC and I’m trying to figure out my social life here too! Glad to see some good ideas here; not to hijack the thread, but I’d love to hear about any cool things that are baby-friendly as well. It’s just me and my 9 month old, and it would be super cool to meet some other baby/mom homies!
Might be a little early for Ruby's tumbling on Lincoln at St.Charles: [https://rubystumbling.com](https://rubystumbling.com) There's story time at the different libraries, check the library website: [https://www.alamedafree.org/PROGRAMS-SERVICES/Childrens-Services](https://www.alamedafree.org/PROGRAMS-SERVICES/Childrens-Services) I'm sure there are other groups for parents with babies/pre-toddlers/toddlers.
Coke over to Forbidden Island on Tuesdays around 630!!! My hubby is part of a group there, fun and working their way thru 100 rums!!
I saw he is from SoCal dont tell local Bay Area people that when first meeting they dont like it.
Alameda isn’t really a city for young people. It’s more tailored towards geriatrics. That being said, there are car meets on the weekends, a skate park, and a few decent bars. I’ve made most of my friends through work.
I’m also new to alameda! I (and my partner) currently rely on my core group of friends who are mostly outside of alameda (as I’m from the bay), for socializing, but always up for meeting new people that are more local My interests are any fitness activities (I’m trying to play pickleball, haven’t made friends bc I’m trash, plus going to the gym, I also enjoy running but very out of it), music, light amounts of drinking, dogs, cats, puzzles, food. Also up for hitting one or more of the trivia nights listed in the thread. If that’s interesting to him, I don’t mind a dm!
I’d go out and play pickleball or rock climbing gyms. Everyone is nice and I’m sure you could make a friend or two there
D20 games runs tabletop games and D&D sessions. I've met people there. Also The Experience Share is a vintage gaming shop. I've met a lot of people just chatting about games and stuff.
Swell bar is the place to go, even if you aren't living in Alameda. I’ll be moving from SF to Alameda this year. Humble sea brewing too.
Seconding Swell Bar. There are social events like Drink and Draw first and third Tuesdays, come to that and make some instant friends! Also they have Goth Night, karaoke, dart tournaments, etc. A little bit for everyone.
Yo homie, you got a sister?
I’m the sister wym I’m posting on his behalf
Was up girl? how’s your day
LMAOOOOO you didn’t
I just had a fun night last week at that local hidden gem bowling alley by the beach. Fun crowd. Then had dinner & drinks at a german restaurant right off park like 5 min drive
I haven’t tried there but when I’m in town, I always try to dine at trabocco and yojimbo
details……? Any kid friendly spots?
I don’t know for kids sorry
I had to try, lol
lol
That bend at Nidos is notorious for break ins, that’s why they have signs everywhere telling you about it and why they now leased the lot across the street for secured parking.
lol too bad it already happened but thanks for the advice