If you're tired of squinting at your phone to smash the latest food game that some app offers, then get real about having fun in the San Francisco area and head to Oakland's hottest new playland: plank. 

With 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, plank offers fun on a scale no iPhone can manage. And if running and laughing all over plank gets you thirsty, then head to the beautiful outdoor beer garden, featuring more than 50 local, handcrafted beers.

Let the games of plank begin! — Photo courtesy of Aubrie Pick

Considering Oakland's famously fogless days and nights, plank's patio and beer garden is hard to resist. Complete with fire pits and three 60-foot bocce ball courts, the patio offers a gorgeous view of San Francisco Bay.

Inside, though, is where all the fun is. plank has twelve classic bowling lanes and 60 interactive sports, action and prize games, including some classic pinball games. For the sports fans out there, plank offers larger-than-life projection screens at the lanes and HD TVs throughout the bar areas.

And "The Boardroom" – plank’s 21-and-over ultra lounge – features six exclusive bowling lanes, a full-service bar, billiard tables and another outdoor deck overlooking the bay.

The Boardroom at plank — Photo courtesy of Aubrie Pick

“As a centerpiece of Jack London Square, the grand opening of plank brings an elevated level of excitement to the evolution of our dining, retail and entertainment offerings at the square,” says Will Miller, a partner at Ellis Partners, who with DivcoWest own and operate Jack London Square. 

“Plank has been a true team effort that will establish a new gathering spot for the Oakland community and beyond,” Miller adds.

Located at the foot of Broadway (98 Broadway), just steps from Jack London’s historic waterfront setting, plank has already become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a lively date night, a gathering place for families and friends, or an interactive venue for group events, plank has you covered.

Visitors can arrive at Jack London Square by public bus, BART, AMTRAK train or the ferry, or they can hop on the “FREE B” Broadway Shuttle for fast, free connections to and from Jack London Square.

plank is open daily for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

If you're visiting the Bay Area and need an excuse to visit the East Bay, there's no better reason than plank.