Up & Under Pub and Grill

2 W Richmond Ave., (510) 778-1313. L-D daily; $$.

This atmospheric pub within a flatiron-style building dominates a corner in Christmasy red-and-green splendor.

exterior of Up & Under Pub and Grill in Pt. Richmond, California

Inside, the Up & Under Pub and Grill is a woodsy den, with a variety of seating. I like best the main room where the bar is.

interior of Up & Under Pub and Grill in Pt. Richmond, California

Of course the beer selections are primo, and the menu features nicely battered halibut fish & chips

fish & chips at Up & Under Pub and Grill in Pt. Richmond, California

and both ahi and regular burgers.

ahi burger at Up & Under Pub and Grill in Pt. Richmond, California

Fries can be limp, and cole slaw is a bust, but the onion rings are worth a go. Everything from salads, a Caprese sandwich, and BBQ is also available. Several flat-screen TVs present sporting events.

You'll find these shops and more just around the corner:

Mom & Pop Art Shop

24 West Richmond Ave., (510) 730-1154.

exterior of Mom & Pop Art Shop in Pt. Richmond, California

This small shop multi-tasks. It features an inventory of well-priced art supplies and items from local crafts people,

merchandise at Mom & Pop Art Shop in Pt. Richmond, California

and it devotes an entire room to an art gallery that features rotating shows of works from artists around the world, including that of the artist-owners. An “Imaginarium” table provides creative activities, puzzles, and toys for children to try out.

art gallery at Mom & Pop Art Shop in Pt. Richmond, California

Outback

139 W. Richmond Ave., (510) 237 1199. Sun 11-5, M-Sat 11-6.

Over the past 30 years this unusual clothing boutique has developed a loyal following. I first discovered Outback in the outback of Oakland, and have since visited it in many more locations. Currently it also has outlets in Berkeley and Ashland, Oregon. You never know what you’ll find--most of the items are closeouts from wholesalers and some are designer labels--and you need to be prepared to try on your selections in a shared dressing room.

exterior of Outback in Pt. Richmond, California

interior of Outback in Pt. Richmond, California

More things to do in Pt. Richmond.

More things to do in nearby Richmond.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

October 18, 2016

Pt. Richmond: Golden State Model Railroad Museum; things to do

80 North

Golden State Model Railroad Museum

900 Dornan Dr./Garrard Blvd., (510) 234-4884. Apr-Dec; closed Jan-Mar. View layouts only, W 11-3 & Sat 12-5; free. Trains operate only on Sun 12-5; $4, 63+ & 4-11 $2, families $10.

The immense layout of the Golden State Model Railroad Museum is operated by the East Bay Model Engineers Society, which started in 1933 and is one of the oldest continually operating model railroad clubs in the country. Club members are seen popping up here and there like meerkats amid the 10,000 square-foot layout, which is the largest in Northern California and which incorporates three scales of toy trains--O, HO, and N--traveling through a miniature California. My grandkids quickly found the wrecked trains in a gully and injured play animals--one had lost its head. Oddities abound. When you arrive, ask for a scavenger hunt worksheet so you can try to find items in the display such as a haunted house and an occupied outhouse. Theme days occur on the fourth Sunday, and an exciting annual Wreck Day in November finds trains derailing and havoc reigning.