East Lake - Oakland, CA Area Guide

As part of the San Antonio district of Oakland, East Lake, formerly known as East Peralta, has one of the most diverse populations in the city, prominently including many Southeast Asian immigrants who contribute to the neighborhood's vibrancy in culture and food. San Antonio itself began in 1851, when J.B. Larue purchased the land and built a store and wharf from which the new community grew.

Nearby cultural institutions include the Oakland Museum of California, dedicated to art, history and natural science with over 1.8 million objects that tell “the extraordinary story of California.” The East Lake arts scene, with the advantage of being close to the historic buildings of Jack London Square, includes contemporary galleries and work sites, such as the Cricket Engine Gallery. The Eastlake Music Festival, an annual independent music and performance arts festival, features music, dancing and food trucks of all genres at local venues.

With its proximity to Chinatown, Downtown Oakland and the Grand Lake neighborhood, residents of East Lake have access to a world of diverse dining and nightlife opportunities. The Rockin' Crawfish has your Cajun and seafood cravings down with crawfish, oysters and crab. Water it all down with one of the restaurant’s domestic or imported beers, or try one of their more exotic lychee “Sakitinis.” But make sure to leave room for dessert. One of their Deep Fried Oreos will twist this dining experience from excellent to unforgettably good.

If you’re feeling like something cozy, convenient and affordable with a touch (or more) of spice, check out Chai Thai Noodles on International Boulevard for one of their daily specials, like Panang Shrimp, Chan Pad Poo (crab noodles) or Prarm Dern Dong, a delectable sautéed chicken or beef dish with basil, lemongrass and peanut sauce.

Want to try something "loco" local? Hidden gem Tacos Mi Rancho, a permanent food truck on First Avenue, delivers the Mexican flavor with the perfect lengua and carnitas tacos and juicy, 15-inch super burritos filled with your choice of meat, beans, rice, pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Wash it all down with a Mexican soda and work it off with a walk around nearby Lake Merritt.

For nightlife (bars, clubs, and music venues), residents can head just a fewmiles away to nearby Jack London Square, Downtown or the Grand Lake neighborhood.

Modeled after Old World pubs on well-worn cobblestone streets, The Trappist has the friendliest staff to transport you to a world of Belgian beers in a darkly charming 1870s Victorian building. With almost 150 brews to choose from, the front and back bars of this Old Oakland location look like an artisanal beer enthusiast’s dream straight out of Belgium, no passport required.

Nearby Jack London Square’s Haven serves modern American food and elegant, innovative and well-balanced cocktails, like the Yuzu Sour and the Hang Glider with gin, mescal, verbena and house violette. With happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, locals enjoy $2 off house favorites and classic twists on the Moscow Mule and Corpse Reviver in a gorgeous, modern setting with a view of the sparkling bay at night.

Decades old Yoshi’s not only serves up performances by some of the greatest contemporary jazz and blues artists in the world, but also kills it with its menu of sushi and contemporary Japanese with innovative dishes like the sea urchin and oyster risotto and the Double Ahiru Confit—duck legs, bacon, carrots, potatoes and persimmon-mirin sauce. With impeccable service and a warm, friendly atmosphere couched in a deep love for the arts, Yoshi epitomizes, with more than a touch of class, Oakland’s roots in cultural openness and diversity.

For those who want to stay in the neighborhood, head over to Portal. With a gorgeous outdoor patio, comfortable café setting and gourmet beers, Portal provides East Lake residents stunning views of Lake Merritt, pubhouse classics, such as burgers and meatball subs, with local ingredients and an unpretentious atmosphere.

East Lake residents have a staggering number of options in this transportation-friendly neighborhood with a nearby BART station, several AC Transit bus stops, proximity to the 880 Freeway, access to taxis and Uber and numerous amenities, like supermarkets and restaurants, within walking distance. Nearby Downtown Oakland provides plenty of public parking options.

Recreational activities abound at Lake Merritt with its over three miles of shoreline for walking, jogging, and biking, as well as bird watching, rowing and even dragonboating opportunities. Have a picnic on its grassy shores or just go for a stroll with the kids or your dogs. This tidal lagoon in the center of the city also hosts a superb collection of plants, including those within the Bonsai, Community/Edible, Mediterranean and Pollinator Gardens, all free to the public. At night, Lake Merritt becomes a glowing “necklace of lights” with hanging bulbs encircling it.

With a median one-bedroom rental rate of $1,479, the cost of living in East Lake is 5% lower than the Oakland average. The typical price of a beer at a restaurant in this area is between $5-7. The neighborhood gas average sits at 22% over the national average.

Major shopping areas can be found within a few miles in nearby Downtown Oakland and the Grand Lake neighborhood. Funky thrift stores and artisanal shops abound, with an emphasis on reasonably priced gifts, vinyl and handmade goods.

The Spoiled Boutique on Broadway offers a selection of fashion-forward women's clothing, accessories and footwear. The shop also has a deal of the day for customers.

For the lover of terrariums and neutral colors in you, check out Oak Common, which sells handpicked apparel, accessories, and home goods for women and men, from brands that include Baggu, Gentle Fawn and Pendleton. Get some product for your awesome bangs or shaggy beard and smell like a forest or the ocean when you walk out of the store with bars of soap from Portland Apothecary.

Need to shift gears? Check out Cycle Sports, with its helpful, knowledgeable staff that helps you find a high-quality bike (or fix up your old one) in no time.

Grocery stores in East Lake and in neighboring Chinatown include Lucky and Asian markets, including Sun Sang, for staples and affordable produce. If you're feeling a little more organic, Whole Foods happens to be just two miles away on the opposite side of Lake Merritt. The Old Oakland Farmers Market every Friday has all the local produce that you need for the perfect meal at home.