San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante:
Rolling hills covered with trees, a twisting road and the San Pablo Reservoir provide stunning views on the way to this semirural, unincorporated community that’s less than 3 square miles. Here neighbors know one another and mom-and-pop businesses bustle
1. San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area
7301 San Pablo Dam Road: The San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area features open space, paths and trails. Next month, the San Pablo Reservoir opens for the season, and its visitor center offers fishing licenses, bait and tackle and kayak and picnic site rentals. Check site for entry fees. (510) 223-1661. http://bit.ly/1dYmB4Y.
2. Sam’s Dog House
3857 San Pablo Dam Road: Family owned and operated for 30 years, Sam’s serves up a variety of classic dogs such as Angus beef, turkey, Polish and hot link versions, accompanied by a warm greeting and friendly conversation. Top it all off with a freshly made milk shake, float or freeze. (510) 223-8870.
3. The Pedaler Bike Shop
3826 San Pablo Dam Road: In 1978, Jeff Jerge opened his shop to encourage using bicycles as an alternate mode of transport and to establish a supportive environment for cyclists. The staff works to match riders with the appropriate bicycle and its inventory ranges from budget to high performance models. (510) 222-3420. www.theped.com.
4. Costume Corner
3820A San Pablo Dam Road: In addition to supplying leotards, shoes and accessories to the dance community, Costume Corner makes a useful resource for imagining, originating or interpreting a character for a performance, party or Halloween with its costumes, theatrical makeup, wigs, beards and boas. (510) 222-9200. www.costume-corner.com.
5. Champa
3550 San Pablo Dam Road: Presenting Thai, Vietnamese and Creole fare, the dishes at this family owned spot include chicken curry, spring rolls and gumbo. It also hosts live music. Next up: The Polka Cowboys, 7 p.m. Jan. 22. (510) 222-1819. http://on.fb.me/KmaB5h.
6. Bottles
3550 San Pablo Dam Road: In addition to stocking international craft beers, California wines and spirits, Bottles features a bar with beer on tap. For a fee, customers sample beer and wine at tastings 3 p.m. to closing Friday-Sunday and play pool for $1 a round. (510) 275-3454. www.bottlesonline.org.