48 Webster Street in Jack London Square
Oakland CA 94607
510-839-6761
http://www.firstandlastchance.com
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Why You Should Go: Connection to Jack London, oldest surviving example of Gold Rush era saloon.
Sitting prominently in Jack London Square on the Port of Oakland, is one of the oldest and most well preserved bars on the West Coast, and even in the whole country: Heinold's First and Last Chance.
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This bar was opened by German transplant Johnny Heinold in 1883 and has been serving continuously ever since. It is most famous for helping to launch the career of one of America's most beloved authors, Jack London.
London practically grew up in this bar, and would frequent it from the age of 10 years old. He was befriended by the owner who bought him his first dictionary and even lent him money to attend the University of California.
This place could be a museum. It's full of artifacts and relics that reflect its 113 year history as a bar, including items from both world war and general California period history.
The best part about it though, is that it's still a bar--serving drinks to locals and tourists a like. It gets crowded. It can get rowdy. But it is definitely a place to put on your bucket list!
Been here before? Going here soon? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Did you have a good time? Beer too expensive? Not what you were expecting?