North Light

Imagine a place where the boundaries between a cozy living room, an intellectual bookstore, and a stylish cocktail bar blur. That is exactly what North Light is — a unique venue in the Temescal neighborhood that draws residents of Emeryville and the surrounding areas with its multi-format nature. Located in sunny California, USA, this establishment brings a cafe, bar, record shop, and bookstore under one roof.

North Light. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The concept of North Light is inspired by the idea of a "third place" — a space where it is equally comfortable to work on a laptop during the day or meet friends over a glass of wine in the evening. The interior design invites relaxation, featuring a classic bar counter, soft indoor seating areas, and a spacious covered patio for those who prefer fresh air.

The cultural component gives this place special significance. It isn't just a bar, but a magnet for music lovers and bibliophiles. Here, you can find a carefully curated collection of literature and listen to music played exclusively on vinyl record players, creating the unique analog atmosphere so highly valued by modern travelers.

For those planning a visit to this unique spot, we have prepared up-to-date contact information. You can book a table for a special occasion or check the availability of a specific record through the following channels.

A visit to North Light is always a multi-sensory experience. Foodies should take note of the menu by Chef Ronnie New. It serves sophisticated dishes with a Mediterranean flair: from hearty breakfast sandwiches with Manchego cheese to creative snacks like blue crab eggs or a whole roasted cauliflower for dinner. The drink list is equally impressive: try the lavender-matcha soda by day, and switch to signature amaro cocktails or wines from Europe's best regions by evening.

Music lovers can spend hours exploring the vinyl collection, personally curated by Pat Spurgeon of the band Rogue Wave. It’s a great chance to add a rare gem to your home collection. The establishment's bookshelf also deserves attention; the selection of literature is so high-quality that you will likely find an edition you'll want to take home as a souvenir.

Furthermore, North Light often serves as a venue for interesting events, hosting book launches, new album releases, and intimate, small-scale weddings. Even if you come alone, the atmosphere of the place encourages you to simply enjoy the moment, watching the neighborhood life through the windows or relaxing on the patio.

Finding the venue is quite simple: it is located at 4915 Telegraph Avenue. This is the main artery of the lively Temescal district, situated at the junction of Oakland and Emeryville. Telegraph Avenue is well-known and clearly marked, making it almost impossible to get lost.

If you prefer public transport, you can use the bus routes running along Telegraph Avenue or take the metro (BART) to the nearest station, followed by a short walk or a quick taxi ride. For those using Uber or Lyft, the trip from the city center will only take a few minutes.

For drivers, street parking is available, although spots can be scarce in the evening. It is recommended to use GPS navigation to find the most optimal route considering current traffic in the USA.

The history of North Light began quite recently — its doors first opened to visitors on January 11, 2019. The concept for this space was born from the personal desire of its owners, Dan Stone and Lee Smith, to create a place in their home neighborhood that they felt was missing: a harmonious blend of intellectual leisure and high-quality relaxation.

Dan Stone, a writer and founder of Radio Silence magazine, brought a love for literature and rock music to the project, while Lee Smith complemented it with his extensive experience in the music industry and event organization. This partnership allowed for the creation of a unique atmosphere where books and vinyl sit comfortably alongside a bar counter.

A whole team of professionals worked on the venue's visual identity. Architect Said-Jon Eghbal and designer Jill Rosenthal managed to transform the space into a cozy and stylish environment, while the recognizable graphic style was developed by renowned designer Jessica Hische. Thanks to such attention to detail, North Light quickly became the cultural heart of its neighborhood.

The length of your visit to North Light depends entirely on your plans. If you drop in to browse for a new book or a rare vinyl record while enjoying a cup of aromatic coffee, 30–60 minutes will suffice.

However, most guests prefer to linger longer. To fully enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine, take your time tasting signature cocktails, and listen to the music, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours. It is the perfect place for a leisurely evening in pleasant company or a quiet read in a cozy chair.

The establishment primarily caters to the evening hours, creating the perfect conditions for winding down after a busy day. North Light is open daily: from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, guests are welcome from 17:00 to 00:00, while on Friday and Saturday, the doors open slightly earlier at 16:00.

As the schedule may change depending on holidays or private events, we strongly recommend checking the official website before your visit to ensure the venue is open and ready for your arrival.

The area surrounding the venue is famous for its gastronomic culture and cozy spots for relaxation. A stroll through the neighborhood after visiting the bar will allow you to dive even deeper into the atmosphere of this Californian gem.

Here you will find many authentic eateries, pubs, and historical landmarks within walking distance. Below is a list of the most interesting sites nearby: