Learn the best gems from a local.
Michael Schiess founded the Pacific Pinball Museum more than decade ago on Webster Street with quite the unique idea: to showcase the history of pinball machines since 1879, including a selection of 90 still-playable trophies ranging from the 1930s up to state-of-the-art Sternbrand computerized/fiber optic pinball models.
But more than a museum boasting a rare 19th century Parlor Bagatelle game, and an arcade of ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s wedgehead machines, Pacific Pinball has a mission — the nonprofit organization acts as an art center, featuring ten huge pinball back-glass murals by Bay Area artists, and rotating displays from Schiess’ collection of more than 400 working games.
The volunteer group offers classes using pinball to educate about history, science and art, and encourages families and friends to socialize and bond over the game.
As an exhibit designer for San Francisco’s Exploratorium and a 30-year resident of Alameda, Schiess is a master of what’s intriguing, whimsical and joyous.
“I love the old houses, the vintage cars, the friendly people and the fantastic weather here,” Schiess said. “My street especially, Central Avenue, is literally a tree-lined street from one end of town to the other and since it was once a main highway, it still has loads of old Victorians to admire.”
Here are his picks to make the most out of a visit to Alameda.
Go-to breakfast spot: Ole’s Waffle Shop. “This is one of the last real diners left, so the ambience makes it especially tasty,” says Schiess, of his favorite pancake meal with bacon and fresh orange juice.
The vintage, neon marquee leads into a Victorianmood coffee shop setting featuring subway-tile trimmed walls, cozy banquettes and a chef dressed in whites plus an oldschool towering tall toque.
Dig into monster platters of corned beef and hash, pecan pumpkin waffles, chicken fried steaks swimming in cream gravy, and at lunch, an
open face roast beef sandwich on white bread best paired with a stick-yourspoon-straight-up thick milkshake. (1507ParkSt., (510)522-8108,www.face book.com/oleswaffleshop)
Architectural gem: City Hall West. Designed by San Francisco architects Frederick Hamilton and George Percy in 1895, the red brick, National Register of Historic Places building impresses with a grand staircase, arched entry and Romanesque style.
“There are many beautiful Streamline Moderne buildings in this area, too, and a plaque on the flag- Above: Michael Schiess is the executive director and founder of the nonprofit Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda. Right: Ole’s Waffle Shop features corned beef and hash, pecan pumpkin waffles and chicken fried steaks swimming in cream gravy. pole lawn dedicating the spot as the original, farthest west end of the Transcontinental Railway,” notes Schiess. “The twin Art Deco Pegasus sculptures are hidden gems, too — see if you can find them.” (CityHallWest, 2263SantaClaraAve., (510)747-7400, www.alamedaca.gov)
Find fun: High Scores Video. It’s no surprise that Schiess knows owners Shawn and Meg Livernoche well.
The couple opened their mighty collection of more than 400 playable classic games in 2013, blessing the community with romps through ’80s classics like Pac-Man, Frogger and Donkey Kong, plus ’90s titles like Street Fighter II. The jukebox, meanwhile, cranks late ’70s and ’80s tunes. (1414Park St.,www.highscores arcade.com)
Favorite lunch: Island Taqueria. “Alejandro and Temo Martinez have been cooking up the comida sabrosa (tasty food) since I moved here (it was formerly Alameda Taqueria),” says Schiess. “The carne asada super burrito and chile rellenos are better than what I’ve found in Oakland or San Francisco.”
The tiny, colorful, Mexican tile-trimmed spot also
sends out first-rate chicken tamales, chile Colorado, and vegetarian tacos. (1513ParkSt.,(510)7497018,www.islandtaqueria. ezlocal.com)
Lounging: Lincoln Park: “The magnificent wrought iron fence and gate is worth the trip alone, but the grounds and unique trees and landscaping make it magical,” Schiess says.
Locals gather at the 7.8-acre park here to play baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, bocce ball and shuffleboard. Rose gardens, shaded picnicking lawns and well-outfitted kids’ playground bring more al fresco diversions. (1450HighSt.,www. alamedaca.gov/recreation)
Dinner: Yokohama: “It’s relatively unknown, but proving to be one of the best in the Bay Area and starting to get popular,” Schiess shares. “I love the
hamachi sashimi dinner and they have really good, real wasabi.” Authentic bites in the wood-and fish-tank accented space include sweet raw shrimp sushi with deep fried heads, saba shioyaki, katsu donburi and grilled yellowtail cheek. (1427Webster St.,(510)522-2945, www.yokohamasushi.com)
Late-night snack: Crolls Pizza: As Alameda’s oldest pizzeria, it serves and offers take-out until 9:30 p.m., a bonus for Schiess. “My favorite is a custom pizza the Puertas family makes for us called the Lucky JuJu — we have it every Monday night when we fix machines at the pinball museum,” he says.
A new addition is 12 craft beers on tap, plus weekly specials based on organic, seasonal ingredients from local farmers’ markets. (705CentralAve., (510)864-2828, www.crollspizza.com)