After years of languishing in the shadow of City Center, Uptown Oakland is on the rebound.  Once Oakland’s main shopping district, many grand art deco buildings—once home to the likes of Capwells and I. Magnin—remain.  The Paramount Theatre on Broadway has consistently drawn crowds to the area, but until recently there was really no place to eat or reason to linger.

For the last year or so, new residential projects have increased foot traffic in the area, and there are now new restaurants, cafes, galleries and clubs springing up.  The following new hot spots were discovered during a recent stroll through the area:

Fox Oakland Theater Newly restored after 43 years of being borded up, this former “movie palace” hosts headliners such as Green Day and B. B. King.  The adjacent building is home to Oakland School for the Arts, a charter school with an arts emphasis.

Flora Just across the street from the Fox Theater, Flora echoes the glamorous style of the deco area.  Housed in the ornate Oakland Floral Depot building, this lively restaurant features “reinvented American classics.”  Caution:  one could get lost for hours in their cocktail menu, which features classics from bars around the world.

Luka’s Taproom & Lounge This Uptown favorite brings a Bay Area sensibility to the brasserie fare of France and Belgium.  Oysters and mussles, steak and frites mingle with free range meats and organic produce in an eclectic menu.  More than 16 beers are on tap.  Music and dancing every night.

Franklin Square Wine Bar A sister restaurant to Lukas, this newly opened wine bar has a delicious assortment of small plates and snacks to complement its more than 50 wines by the glass.  Tuck in at on the outdoor dining patio and enjoy a flight!  Be sure to ask about the Winemaker Dinners, which this month features Breggo Cellars.

Ozumo A sister restaurant of the Ozumo on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, this venu is becoming a happy hour favorite.  Delicious sushi rolls are complemented by an extensive sake list.  This place is lively most any night.

Uptown Oakland is located in the several blocks right around the BART station at 19th Street and Broadway.  Spend some time and find your own favorite places.