In our second installment of Town Eats, we head to the southern border of Crocker Highlands to Lakeshore and Grand Avenues. One of Oakland’s most popular spots for shopping, dining and recreation, the Lakeshore/Grand hub is lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques and other everyday conveniences. We chose some of our favorite eateries—all just a quick stroll, bike ride or drive from Crocker. You’re bound to run into a neighbor or two while dining al fresco at Grand Lake Kitchen or waiting in line for a to-go pizza at Arizmendi. Don’t forget the Grand Lake Farmer’s Market every Saturday! In tru Oakland style, the neighborhood offers a diverse variety of cuisines served up by some of the friendliest staff around. Bon Appétit!
Shakewell
3407 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
shakewelloakland.com
(510) 251-0329
A Lakeshore staple, Shakewell offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes with influences from Greece, Spain, Turkey and North Africa. Chef Jen Biesty and GM Tim Nugent, both of Top Chef fame, locally source their food and beverages and, according to Oakland Magazine, boast the best happy hour in Oakland. Weekly specials abound including Wine Wednesdays, Oyster Thursdays and our favorite, Fried Chicken Tuedsays. Enjoy the family style friend chicken meal featuring either a half or whole fried chicken, two sides, pickles and cornbread. Cozy up to the bar for date night. Small plates and a super unique cocktail program make this a great spot for a romantic evening. Salud!
Photo Dean C.
Arizmendi Bakery
Arizmendi is a true community partner, as well as the best bakery in town. One of the last co-ops around, Arizmendi is run by its employees who support local causes including a scholarship fund for young college bound Oaklanders. Serving up fresh artisan breads, pastries and gourmet pizza daily, Arizmendi is not for the carb conscious. Enjoy a morning pastry and a strong cuppa joe or pick up the pizza of the day and head to the lake for picnic and people watching!
Grand Lake Kitchen
576 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
grandlakekitchen.com
(510) 922-9582
This is our go-to Brunch spot. Smoked fish tower? Savory French toast? How about the famous, oozy breakfast sando? Yes please! Brunch is offered every day from 9am to 3pm. If you get there during the busy hours, you may wait over an hour for brunch—hug up to the bar and sip GLK’s famous Salty Dog slushies while you wait! Their lunch and dinner options are just as sumputous. Don’t miss out on happy hour from 4-6PM and then again from 9PM to close!
Photo Irene Y.
Penrose
3311 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
penroseoakland.com
(510) 444-1649
For a swanky night on the Town head over to Penrose on Grand. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and brunch on weekends, Penrose offers a carefully executed menu of small plates, appetizers and mains. Just drinks? This is the place! Penrose has a killer drink menu and an amazing array of hard-to-find spirits. Whether you’re dining al fresco in the secret garden or sipping whiskey on a cold winter night, Penrose is sure to please.
The Star on Grand
3425 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
thestarongrand.com
(510) 843-7827
The Star on Grand has been giving local deep dish staple Zachary’s a run for its money since it moved into this gorgeous location on the corner of Grand and Mandana in 2013. We love ‘em both but it’s great to have options, right?! One major difference is The Star’s deliciously crispy cornemeal crust! Go deep or go thin—either way the pizza here is fantastic. It’s not just pizza on the menu either, the dry rubbed hot wings are amazing and the meatballs are just like nonna used to make. We have to mention the bar! The Star mixes up a vast selection of signature coktails and offers several local beer on tap. Great for date night or with the kiddos!
Photo The Star on Grand
