An atmospheric river is headed for the Bay Area, but gloomy weather needn't keep you house-bound. There are plenty of places in Oakland to seek refuge from the expected downpour.

Betti Ono Gallery | Photo: Facebook

Betti Ono Gallery, 1427 Broadway

Betti Ono Gallery stands as an "experimentally minded space" dedicated to celebrating the voices of underrepresented artists around the world. The venue, which includes two galleries and a retail shop, presents media exhibitions, workshops and community events every month.

Eli’s Mile High Club, 3629 MLK Jr. Way

There are many reasons to pay a visit to Eli’s Mile High Club aside from its 4pm - 7pm happy hour; once a blues venues in the 70s, Eli’s has since transformed into a dive bar and restaurant known for its cheap drinks and huge back patio (not that you'll be spending much time there this weekend).

Inside, patrons will find several pool tables, graffiti-covered walls and the occasional punk, garage rock or heavy metal show taking place.



Photo: Dr. Comics & Mr. Games/Facebook

Dr. Comics & Mr. Games, 4014 Piedmont Ave.

Comic book buffs can seek solace inside Dr. Comic & Mr. Games, a North Oakland fixture since 1988. Store shelves are stocked with board games, figurines and graphic novels.

Make sure to ask about its rental program, which provides a selection of pre-tested and staff-approved board games — just in case you succumb to cabin fever.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Grab a brew at Blue Bottle Coffee (4270 Broadway), set inside Oakland’s historic W.C. Morse building, which once served as the East Bay's first truck showroom. You could settle in with a book, but brew classes are also offered here. The next one takes place on Thursday, January 12th from 1pm to 2pm.

Outside The Alley piano bar in Oakland. | Photo: Binksternet

The Alley, 3325 Grand Ave.



As one of Oakland's last remaining piano bars, The Alley is noted for its saloon-style interior, decorated with fake roofs and windows. Head there for Rod Dibble, the legendary pianist who plays the accompanying tunes for nightly singing sessions headed by enthusiastic (and slightly buzzed) patrons.

Photo: Chabot Space Center/Facebook

The Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd.

The Chabot Space & Science Center is where folks of all ages come together to explore the wonders of the universe. This month's exhibitions include Beyond Blastoff, which delves into the life of an astronaut, and Touch the Sun, a spotlight on the star that sits in the center of our solar system.

Walden Pond Bookstore, 3316 Grand Ave.

Oakland's largest independent bookstore has been around since 1973. It offers old, used and new books, including a selection of radical/leftist works. Peruse the store, then head next door to Boot and Shoe Service (3308 Grand Ave.) for thin-crust pies and seasonal cocktails.

What are your rainy day plans? Make sure to send us a tip or text us at (415) 200-3233.