Off the Grid: OMCA

We love spending Friday nights at Off the Grid in Oakland! The atmosphere is full of light, laughter, song, and dance… it has such a good energy about it!
–Favorite food trucks include The Waffle Roost and Sanguchon Peruvian.
–The music is loud… but great! My toddler loves dancing to it.
–The museum itself is spacious, and well laid out, with intriguing exhibits.
— The outdoor courtyard is a wonderful space for families, as well as rambunctious children.
Go here!

Not the place for vegetarians/​vegans. I got the blandest korrito from Seoul on Wheels which was a majority rice, tortilla and steamed broccoli NO SAUCE (this was a bbq burrito) and should not be worth $ 10. This was my option after strolling all the trucks and there was literally no vegetarian options unless I wanted ice cream or fries. Please get a truck that specializes in veg/​an food. So sad too bad

GO. Just go. Don’t make excuses, don’t stop by the bank, just take the time out of your evening, take the dog bring your kids and wheel grandma out as well because you’re going to have a great evening. YES, you will.
I went for the Bacon Bacon truck and tried their California Bacon BBQ Burrito, I was a little nervous to be honest but how can you pass on a burrito? Glad it didn’t pass because it was a touchdown for me. Added bonus, I didn’t need to wait for the burrito at all it was ready as I ordered and as soon as I unwrapped the foil and took a bite all that warm flavor was in harmony. The burrito is packed with pulled pork, crispy pork belly and bacon, French fries, Cole slaw and BBQ sauce.
My gf and I went to the Streatery truck after for the lemon ricotta donuts, so good! My only regret is not ordering the lavender lemonade from their menu.
Waits can be kind of long and parking isn’t always easy to find but not even relatively as tough as finding a spot in SF. They play good music and offer some seating, the lake is not far at all if you want to find a place on the grass. Make sure your with good company and don’t come starving or you may lose your cool. Can’t wait to try some other trucks next time.

If you don’t like food trucks, you are a jive turkey philistine… Okay, that’s mean, I take that back. But what’s not to like? In one central area, you can choose from a crazy variety of tasty grub. I think every major metropolitan city has got their own version of a food truck meet. The bay area has Off the Grid aka OTG. Locations vary, but this here is the Oakland OTG review. Legggggggggo!
First off, this is one of my favorite OTGs to hit up. I don’t have to cross a bridge and deal with a crazy parking sitch. Wellllll, okay, maybe parking can be a bit of a pain, but there’s also a parking garage (or two?) nearby. That helps out a lot. So I have to say that this is the nicest most sizable one in the East Bay.
Speaking of sizable, you get quite the pick of the litter. Now, it’s not as wide and varied as, say, OTG at Fort Mason in SF. But, it’s definitely not something to bat your eye at. You get a great choice of vendors and I LOVE that Señor Sisig is here most of the time. You also get a great choice of burgers, fusion cuisine, asian, etc., and desserts. Variety, it’s the spice of life. Tons o’ variety.
What’s also pretty awesome is the live music that’s on tap. Lots of great local band pumping out great tunes, whether it’s latin, rock, or even covers. A DJ is also usually at the helm, playing some decent tunes in-​between band sets. And at the end of the night they play one of the greatest musical creations ever known to man: The Cupid Shuffle. It’s a good time had by all.
So, while this isn’t the biggest and best OTG, it is still a very good OTG to head to in the bay. If you’re an East Bay native, you’d be crazy not to hit this up a couple of times a month. Lot’s of great food and tunes, just ahead. Don’t miss it!

Not a pleasant first time visit— owing to the rainy weather, methinks.
Just a smattering of trucks out,& perhaps equal number of patrons.& we arrived early too!
What is a great idea is to visit the museum at ½ off prices beforehand, and then grub. There was a dessert truck called Sweet Spot? @ I’ve now confirmed it to be true– the Bacon Bacon dude really is friends with Lardo guy up in Portland– which I tried on Feb 1!

I shall destroy the world for some Señor sisig! Often come here when I am meeting up with others for an outing, a friday night on the town, when I don’t want to cook and I have nothing to do. OMCA off the grid reminds people why you moved to Oakland and the bayarea. The variety, the culture, the food trucks, and the music.
At times they play salsa Musiq. It also a fun night, even better when its a warm day!
The Sisig California Burrito is my go to! And the various custards or even cupcakes that are so moist and delicious.
The salsa dancing in the museum plaza is always popping, if you stay until 9 they usually end with the Cupid shuffle song. That seems to be the staple that gets everybody on the floor.
On the bottom stair there is a wine and alcohol selections, make sure you check the website out and see who is playing as far as a band or local entertainment.
Btw, Park in the parking garage or Über there… There afterwards lets go to The trappist!

True Oakland spirit, combining a Friday night food truck festival with a family-​friendly outdoor festival, complete with dancing and live music, at the Oakland Museum of California. There are usually 6 – 8 food trucks available every week, all combining to provide a good variety of tastes, and lines are rarely long, except for certain trucks that might have outsized reputations or followings.
Not only is there plenty of seating along the sidewalk where the food trucks are, but there’s also plenty of seating in OMCA’s outdoor amphitheater. Here, there’s always live performers, open dancing, and friendly bartenders from whom you can order some surprisingly well-​chosen beers and wines. OMCA may also provide some children’s activities to make the whole event extra family-​friendly.
Indeed, you’ll find a vibrant, friendly, smiling cross-​section of Oakland here every Friday night. Highly, highly recommended.

Very cool gathering of people that happens each Friday in downtown at the OMCA. There are several food trucks, music and live performances that go on at Oakland Off the Grid.
You can also get select wine and beer here for that added zing. They have Asian Food, Sould food Latin food, American food and a few others. The food will cost you more than you might expect but my burger and fries were worth it.
People come with their friends, kids or just by themselves. It’s a nice end of the week hello weekend celebration that was a really good idea. The music was nice, the food was nice and the people were also nice. I hella love Oakland and this was a great idea to bring people out and together at the museum to celebrate art in several different forms.

What a great event! Every Friday music, arts, food and more at OMOC! Food truck too. Fun event just hanging in the neighborhood. Bring arts out into community … Support!

If I am feeling like food truck eats on a Friday night, this one trumps Fort Mason any day. Partly because the weather is more bearable and lines are never that long (sometimes even quite warm). I think the longest I’ve waited is maybe 20min. A limited selection of trucks but my favorites are here on a regular basis — Señor Sisig, Chairman, Waffle Roost, Frozen Khusterd, Lobsta Truck — yum yum yum! Street parking is never an issue for me whenever I stop by. You might even be lucky and find free street parking before 6pm.
I really enjoy the lights and ambience. The live music is always so enjoyable and people really get into it and start dancing. Plenty of seating or you can hang out by the museum steps and people watch while listening to the live music.
As a bonus, admission to the OMCA is ½ off which is a great deal and a fun way to spend an evening. Nice place to bring a date: D

Off the grid at this location is so nice. I have attended this event four times now. It is perfect if you are looking for a chill evening with friends or a romantic spunky date night with your lover. The food trucks lines are always packed so you know the food is good. The entertainment is always lively. This event is right next to a museum so if you have children take a stroll and expose them to some interactive art.
If im with friends i prefer first fridays but when im looking for a chill vibe i would attend this event as its less crowded. You can get off at lake merit bart station and walk up to this event. Parking can be a hassle but you may get lucky parking at the bart station.

#74
The Crème Brule Place at Off the Grid
Have you ever tried this place? Okay, it is «mobile» here in my neighborhood on Friday nights, and I do not miss a chance to eat the Crème Brule. My usual is the salted caramel. After our meal at Off the Grid, we ALWAYS stop at the Crème Brule cart before we go home. I think it is right about after we do the «Cupid Shuffle.»
I absolutely love Oakland, I love Off the Grid, I love the Cupid Shuffle, BUT I really love this Crème Brule cart.
Stephani Smiles for Crème Brule ;)

I’ve long believed Oakland has a lot to offer. Lots of untapped fun potential. Off the Grid at Lake Merritt has put a spigot in downtown. This outdoor mini-​festival offers live music, soft drinks and adult beverages, a safe and relaxed environment (not ghetto) and various food truck options. All without the long lines of Fort Mason’s OTG. Had a great time eating sisig burrito and listening to live salsa music! An absolute must on warm Autumn Friday nights!
Parking is tough on nearby streets.

Oakland, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Where else can you take a lovely stroll around Lake Merritt and end up at the OMCA, dance bhangra with dozens of diverse adults and children, admire Day of the Dead art and ritual pieces, and eat amazing food truck cuisine?
Free art exhibits. We explored the local art of people paying homage to their deceased ancestors and loved ones. We perused the well-​edited gift shop and lusted over art pieces, jewelry, and books that we didn’t have room in our house for. We took fun Photo Booth pictures for free, wearing funny hats and making kissy faces.
Dancing. Each week, OTG features a unique genre of music. Today was Indian Bhangra. Painted ladies wearing silk saris and bangles, donned braided hair and flowers, and led the dance party. It was funny to watch tiny tots and adults of various shapes and colors jump around joyously! I felt alive and free while I danced, too.
Hungry, we made our rounds along the food trucks. Garlic and buttery aromas filled the night air. The lines were very long, however, so we decided to walk our hungry stomachs down 0.4 miles to Chinatown. Food truck lines can be quite annoying! Ah well, the art, dancing, and people watching were worth the stop tonight.

Literally my favorite event ever in Oakland.
Consistently super-​diverse and friendly and chill. Really fun dancing and music. Always few good options for us vegans. About as fam-​friendly (kids and elders alike) as it can get. You can also easily BYO picnic!

I went to this on Friday and it was way fun, a friend took me and I’m so glad she did because I loved trying new things and the DJ, music, and overall entertainment was a fun experience. I grabbed a burger from the bacon bacon truck, and lavender lemonade and even got to try a lemon ricotta donut from another food truck it was so great!

One of the best Off the Grid locations! It’s located directly across from the OMCA, which always has live music playing on Friday nights. Friday nights are the best nights to go to Of the Grid, and subsequently, the OMCA. It’s always a good time here.
I think the food trucks present changes occasionally but every time I’m there the crème brûlée truck, the Filipino burrito truck, and fried chicken truck is always there. Last time I went, I ordered an oyster po’boy from the Southern Creole food truck and it was superb! ‘
Lines aren’t extraordinarily long and those food truckers really know how to churn out yummy food!

I heard about Off the Grid in the Bay Area and I am glad to have had the chance to attend my first one at OMCA/​Lake Merritt. I was expecting major lines but it was bearable and moved along. This is one of the smaller ones and it does provide a sense of community.
Food: Had the chance to try the chicken masala burrito from Curry Up Now (recommended if you like Indian food), garlic noodles from An the Go (not recommended, very bland), and the Sanfrancigold from Crème Brûlée truck (sweet and light way to end).
Music: Loved that people were actually dancing and there was a live band.
Overall, good way to spend a Friday night and to come with friends, family, or a date.

On a cold and windy Friday — we ventured out to OMCA for OtG. We weren’t off to a good start. A line of trucks, a wall of concrete, a few folding chairs.. . it wasn’t super inviting given how cold we were.
The food and people were fantastic though; and once I took a trip to the bathroom and saw the dance party happening in front of the museum I was smitten.
I’ll be back! Hopefully on a warmer night.

The next time someone asks me why I moved to Oakland, instead of trying to explain the vast improvement in weather, or how it feels to have a lemon tree and a dining room, or my allergy to the new breed of mannerless Friscan import, I’m going to send them to Off the Grid Lake Merritt.
All Off the Grid events are a fun eating adventure, but the one at Lake Merritt is extra special, because this one…
Keeps it real: Much like Oakland itself, everyone is welcome, just as they are. So come on in, sulky teens in skull caps. Sit next to me, seniors in hemp pants. Hello, wobbly toddlers! Speaking English is not required, and I can even go in my corporate jerk outfits. Be fat, be short, be stylish, be a bear in a dress. No one cares.
Keeps it easy: Park within two blocks. Eat at the little tables outside, eat on the stairs, eat on the grass, eat inside at the picnic tables, the choice is yours. You’re a vegan married to a paleo? No worries, everyone gets what they want tonight.
Keeps it cheap: This is the most reasonable dinner and dancing date I’ve ever gone on. Because…
Keeps it fun: There’s a band! And plenty of room for the wobbly toddler, sulky teens, hemp seniors and a faux bizniz lady like me to all get out there and shake it together.
That’s my TOWN, yo. Come see it for yourself. When you do, you won’t wonder why I left my hometown across the water anymore.

I came here for the first time with some friends last night and I had a blast. I’ve only ever gone to the Off the Grid in San Francisco and I can’t emphasize enough how much better it is in Oakland where there are 10x less people.
There’s a pretty solid selection of food trucks here. Of the 10 or so trucks that were there, I ended up getting food from Chairman Bao and dessert at Johnny Doughnuts.
Chairman Bao has changed a lot since I’ve last tried it. Their baked BBQ pork belly bun used to be a lot smaller but now it’s pretty much a full size burger. In other words, if you can’t see yourself eating two burgers, don’t order two baked BBQ pork belly buns haha. $ 6.75 for a baked, $ 3.75 for a steamed. Expect the steamed to be a lot smaller, and you’ll definitely need to eat two to be full.
The best doughnut that I’ve ever had in my life came from a shop in Portland called Blue Star donuts. However, Johnny’s Doughnuts gives Blue Star a run for it’s money. The blueberry donut and the lime poppyseed donuts are absolutely *delicious*. Soft, fluffy, just the right amount of sweetness, and no gross oily aftertaste. If you’re looking for dessert, skip the frozen custard truck and get a doughnut.

There is a pretty good selection of food trucks at the OTG. I have not seen of them before, but perhaps that’s because I haven’t frequented many OTG since last year. I did not see some of the iconic ones that I am used to (The Chairman, KoJa) but perhaps it was the Friday I went to.
Overall, I find the one in Oakland to have trade offs compared to the one in Fort Mason. Fort Mason will have more seating and more food truck options, but with that in mind, you are going to have to wait longer (but the one in Oakland, you still have to wait quite a while …). Oakland’s is smaller, but a more intimate scene and there’s even live music right next to OTG, which is very nice. I find myself liking the Oakland one for different reasons than the one in Fort Mason.
I cannot comment on parking nearby. I would imagine very challenging, so plan ahead!

My husband and I have driven by this OTG many times in the past from my mom’s house on our way home to Alameda. We have never stopped to check the lines of food vendor trucks until earlier this evening.
Ambiance: Lively, with old school music playing… the kind that will have ya movin’ and groovin’. If ya feel like wavin’ ya hand in the air, like ya just don’t care, hey, hey, c’mon on and shake it on down to the ground. Music and plenty of food trucks with various offerings abound at this venue. It’s a PARTAY!!!
After strolling back and forth, trying to decide what we felt like having, we went for the Lobsta Truck. Then he wanted something else — another sammie from the Bacon Bacon truck. Lobsta roll was pricey ($ 14; extra meat $ 6 more). Even though the lobsta roll was delish, a bag of Cape Cod potato chips included with the sammie would have been nice. Cupkates truck was there, but I chose not to get the usual two cupcakes. I love their cupcakes, but they don’t love my hips. (I don’t need the excess baggage right now. If I were a size 6, yes on the cupcakes. My horse’s a** (I’m a Saj) is at a size 10… lol.) Besides, I don’t need my daughter calling me a traitor again on them cupcakes from Cupkates. She bakes cupcakes, too.
There will be more visits in the future to this OTG, especially when the time changes back to Daylight Savings Time on March 8, 2015. The days will be longer and the weather will be warmer.

Cool selection of food trucks on Fridays. I had been worried about the vegan options — there aren’t too many, but it’s definitely possible if you ask — this is Oakland after all. I ended up getting a mediterrian falafel thing — a bit too spicy, and could have used «something» — but passable.
Inside I got an OK ale, and there was a too-​loud DJ, but it was a good vibe in any case, and nice just to hang out on a Friday without the pressure of going to a bar. In any case, we did decide to go into the museum.
Will definitely go back, but probably not in a hurry — the experience is much improved in summer, when you can hang out in the courtyard and garden too.

I just found out this is every Friday. I just happened to be meeting a friend at Laney and heard the music. It was so live and energetic. The venue was festive and the People were everywhere with smiles and food. The food trucks were gourmet with great looking and smelling food. I was heading for dinner and drinks and was just really checking it out, so I was there for about 30 minutes and didn’t grab anything to eat this time.
They had performers at the museum, the crowd was into it, and the kids were dancing and having a great time. Some of the performers that performed were a bit dusty in their dancing/​pop locking, but the overall experience was really nice. I will make this a goto quick stop on a Fridays in the future.

This is the second time I’ve visited this Off the Grid location. I wish lines weren’t so long, and food not so expensive, so I can try more items!
I would recommend the fried chicken and donuts, the chicken adobo, and the tender pork belly steamed bao. All the items I’ve mentioned are from different food trucks. The steamed bao is from The Chairman food truck. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the rest of the food trucks’ names.
There is street parking available nearby. I recommend arriving at 6 since parking is free then. Lines are long at every truck since the location is so tiny, and they may have backed up orders. Prices are on the higher end for the amount you are paying for, but it is worth the experience. There is live music playing, people dancing, and just an overall warm environment for people to come together, socialize, and unwind after a hectic week.