Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood is in the northeast area of Lake Merritt, named after the communities of Grand and Lakeshore Avenues. There is plenty of shopping and restaurants in the area for visitors and families. With great outdoor space around Lake Merritt, the neighborhood is perfect for weekend gatherings and activities.
Eat & Drink
Grand Lake Kitchen
576 Grand Avenue
A popular neighborhood restaurant offering one of the premier brunch experiences in Oakland.
Open 7 days/week. Brunch, dinner, full bar, take-out, catering, delivery, dog-friendly patio.
Portal Beer Garden & Restaurant
1161 2nd Street
Portal features unique appetizers, entreés, and contemporary beers. Our glass-enclosed patio is one of a kind in that features handmade wooden benches and tables in a serene environment overlooking stunning views of Lake Merritt and the surrounding area.
Merritt Bakery
500 Lake Park Avenue
Established in 1952, we have been part of the Lake Merritt community serving delicious comfort food every day of the week. Our philosophy is simple, make it like Mom. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We are open every day of the year.
Lake Chalet
1520 Lakeside Drive
Located in the historic Oakland Boathouse, Lake Chalet's offers dining directly over the water out on the Dock, stunning views of Lake Merritt in our Lake Dining Room, an 80-foot marble bar complete with floor to ceiling windows and more. Contemporary Californian cuisine with a focus on seafood.
There's also plenty of delicious restaurants to enjoy in the Grand Lake Neighborhood. Find the full list here.
Do
Lakeside Park
666 Bellevue Avenue
This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.
Grand Lake Farmers Market
Lake Park
The Oakland Grand Lake market features over 40 local farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a handful of local artisans. The Oakland farmers market is open every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine, from 9am to 2pm.
Boating on Lake Merritt
568 Bellevue Avenue
Enjoy a view of Oakland from the water as you paddle a pedal boat, kayak, or canoe on the lake, or, if you are a sailor, let the wind power your voyage. The protected waters of Lake Merritt are perfect for new or experienced boaters, and the boating center has life jackets for all ages to allow for family explorations
Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Avenue
A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer.
Children's Fairyland
699 Bellevue Avenue
Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park. Summer: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other seasons: hours vary.
Oakland Museum of California
100 Oak Street
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA's groundbreaking exhibits tell the many stories that comprise California with many voices, often drawing on first-person accounts by people who have shaped California's cultural heritage.
Shop
Urban Indigo
3339 Lakeshore Avenue
A boutique gift shop offering an eclectic mix of good from stationary, housewares, to clothing and jewelry.
Michael Mischer Chocolates
3352 Grand Avenue
Upscale boutique confectionary with artisan chocolates and sweets.
Alchemy Bottle Shop
3256 Grand Avenue
A boutique filled with wine and craft spirits, this store is every mixologists’ dream. Stop in to learn about the different types of cocktail ingredients, tools and methods to stock your at-home bar.
Oak Common
3231 Grand Avenue
This cool and trendy clothing store sells boutique designer brands in a chic, rusty storefront. Selling ready-to-wear fashions and accessories, stop in for a taste of Oakland style.
Oaktown Spice Shop
546 Grand Avenue
A must for the culinary aficionado, pick up spices and herbs for your next home-cooked meal. Pick up DIY kits for a customized pack of flavors!
