baby registry: STREET DATE San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

Though it was once a historic thoroughfare connecting Oakland and Berkeley to points east, San Pablo Avenue is more than just a faster alternative to Interstate 80 when the freeway is a parking lot. The street's retail offerings are constantly evolving, especially near Dwight Way in West Berkeley. Sandwiched between auto repair garages and international food markets, this stretch of San Pablo (dubbed "the Left Bank" by some business owners) may easily be overlooked, but its eclectic mix of vintage, clothing and home decor shops, cafes and restaurants -- as well as the East Bay branch of the sex toy mecca Good Vibrations -- makes this emerging neighborhood one to watch.

1. Hobbyhorse

2447 San Pablo Ave.: This hipster haven sells a mix of retooled vintage finds and handmade designs by shop owner Jess Feury. Its offbeat stock of clothing and accessories pairs well with the shop's whimsical decor, like an origami-bird window display. Hobbyhorse also hosts art exhibitions, craft nights and fashion shows. (510) 666-0570, www.ilovehobbyhorse.com.

2. Juniper Tree Supplies

2520 San Pablo Ave.: This store has everything a bath-product lover could want. DIYers can find everything they need, including tips from the helpful staff, to create their own candles, soaps, bath salts and lotions. For those more inclined to buy than make, Juniper Tree also sells beautifully packaged variations of all of the above, including Votivo and Voluspa candles, plus vanity-worthy perfume bottles and other pampering supplies. (510) 647-3697, www.junipertreesupplies.com.

3. Magnet

2508 San Pablo Ave.: At her trendy boutique, owner Camille Mason sells super-soft T-shirts and tanks, high-end jeans, stylish bags and other clothes from well-known labels like Corey Lynn Calter, Kasil and Talla, as well as those by local designers. (510) 848-1966, www.magnetboutique.com.

4. Sea Salt

2512 San Pablo Ave.: The proprietors of Lalime's, Jimmy Beans, T-Rex and Albany's Fonda bring sustainable seafood dining to West Berkeley. Cult favorites like the bacon, lettuce and trout sandwich, tuna tartare and fish and chips lure diners to this neighborhood haunt for both lunch and dinner, as do the newly heated and lit garden patio and the daily happy hour special: $1 chef's choice oysters from 4-6 p.m. (510) 883-1720, www.seasaltrestaurant.com.

5. Dollybird

2522 San Pablo Ave.: This funky boutique-gallery would be right at home on Haight Street or Telegraph Avenue. Rock 'n' roll baby clothes; a global array of kitschy gifts, from Day of the Dead mirrors to Japanese action figures and Uglydolls; and a well-selected assortment of handmade jewelry, bags and T-shirts line the brightly colored walls and shelves. Dollybird even offers a baby registry and Christmas wish list. (510) 540-7255, www.hellodollybird.com.

6. Ecology Center

2530 San Pablo Ave.: How Berkeley can you be? This center (also the organizational home of the Berkeley Farmers' Markets, Farm Fresh Choice and Terrain for Schools) is a treasure trove for the ecologically minded -- or those just curious. Here they can find books on environmental and social justice topics, info on home composting, pest control and sustainable living or take a class on everything from Beekeeping in the City to Permaculture Design for Women. (510) 548-2220, www.ecologycenter.org.

7. Caffe Trieste

2500 San Pablo Ave.: This corner cafe -- an East Bay outpost of the North Beach coffee shop -- bustles throughout the day, attracting caffeine addicts with strong espresso drinks as well as morning pastries, light lunch fare (panini and salads), gelato and happy hour beer and wine. Live music many nights of the week, and they have Wi-Fi. (510) 548-5198, www.caffetrieste.com.

8. Ohmega Salvage

2400 and 2407 San Pablo Ave.: For more than three decades creative homeowners, architects and contractors have come to Ohmega Salvage for unique finds. Vintage fixtures, Art Deco tubs, stone garden fountains and antique lighting are just some of the gems you'll find here. The stock changes often, but be warned -- some of these treasures don't come cheap. (510) 204-0767, www.ohmegasalvage.com.


GOOD TO KNOW
The Berkeley International Food Festival, a celebration of West Berkeley's diverse community, is held in late April, with food, live music and dance, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts booths and cultural presentations. www.berkeleyinternationalfoodfestival.com.


GETTING THERE
From either east or west Interstate 80, take the University Avenue exit and head east to San Pablo Avenue. The street is also served by a number of AC Transit lines.


PARKING
Free one-hour street parking from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Karen Reardanz, 96Hours@sfchronicle.com