“This area has all that you could desire, from hip food spots to independent shops to meet your everyday needs.” (Culture Trip)

The Grand Lake district of Oakland is located just northeast of Lake Merritt and I-580, nestled between the Adam’s Point and Lakeshore neighborhoods. It is a 10 minute drive to downtown Oakland, a 15 minute drive to Redwood Regional Park, and a 5-15 minute walk to the lake. Grand Ave is the main thoroughfare, and is one of the busiest, most walkable avenues in the city of Oakland. The Grand Lake Theater sits at the corner of Grand and Lake Park Ave, and is a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

The Grand Lake area offers a mix of residential properties, multi-unit buildings, and a multitude of businesses. You’ll find bungalows and Craftsman style homes in the district. Most of the homes and buildings were built in the early 20th century. The neighborhood has seen a lot of revitalization since the 1990s.

Currently, on Grand Ave. you will find pizzarias Sister and The Star, popular brunch and dinner spot The Grand Tavern, Lynn and Lu’s Escapade Cafe, Mijori Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Shogun sushi and grill, and Cafe Romanat Ethopian cuisine. The Alley Piano Bar and Restaurant, founded in 1933, is a neighborhood favorite. You can order a steak and cocktail and enjoy the tunes.

Other shops and services in the area include Safeway, Ace Hardware and Garden Center, Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar, Uhuru Furniture, yoga and pilates, a bike shop, and a 7-Eleven.

A popular destination in the neighborhood is the Morcom Rose Garden, located off of Jean St. Here, you will see thousands of exotic roses, winding walkways, a reflecting pool, and fountain cascades.

The Grand Lake - Oakland Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9am to 2pm at Lake Park Ave and Grand Ave. It features over 40 local farmers, 30 specialty food purveyors, and local artisans selling everything from seafood and eggs to soap and jewelry.

The Grand Lake Theater, built in 1926, has been designated as one of the top ten vintage theaters in the nation. It was renovated and expanded in the 1980s. It has won “Best Place to See a Movie” in the East Bay Express reader’s poll from 2015-2018. It is a popular gathering spot in the area.

The Grand Lake residential neighborhood offers a combination of urban conveniences and well-established residential areas. It’s central location within Oakland makes it a popular location in which to live. The 19th Street BART is an 8 minute drive away and there is a casual carpool pickup on Lake Park Ave. The NX transbay bus picks up on Lake Park Ave as well. A commute to San Francisco is approximately 30 minutes by BART.