Head downtown to Downtown, an industrial-chic, loft-like space, incognito off Union Square's Maiden Lane. The store showcases sophisticated and exclusive men's and women's fashion. Find everything from bomber jackets to evening gowns by international designers like Alessandra Marchi, Guidi, LGB and Aguri Sagimori. Also sells unique jewelry and a selection of footwear. Free shipping on purchases and free in-store alterations.

This exuberant 1886 Queen Anne-style Victorian is the only intact private home of the period open regularly as a museum, complete with authentic furniture and artifacts. The house has elaborate wooden gables, a circular corner tower and luxuriant ornamentation. W and Sa noon-3 pm, Su 11 am-4 pm. One-hour tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes. All visits to the house must be guided. Reservations not required.

It's always a party at this playful, carnival-themed joint that serves up dishes like the ringmaster (a ground chuck patty, between two glazed doughnuts), fireball (cinnamon siracha buffalo wings) and the fried chicken-n-waffle monte cristo. L, D (daily), brunch (Sa-Su).

This sleek new bar and restaurant in Uptown Oakland serves up stellar martinis and classic cocktails alongside eclectic bar fare, like the chicken and waffle sandwich, green chili burger and Asian nachos. Happy hour 5-7 pm.