Merritt Badge
On the Dock Side of the Lake

It's been hard not to notice that the Oakland dining scene is on a roll.

At first it was slow and steady, with Camino and Adesso. And then Commis opened…and now you're keeping Oak-town on your radar.

So you'll want to check out a new waterfront stunner dominating Lake Merritt with surf-and-turf classics, handcrafted cocktails and microbrews—welcome to Lake Chalet, soft open now for your shoreline enjoyment in the East Bay.

Located in the historic, century-old boathouse (heavily renovated to the likes of La Mar Cebicheria standards) and brought to you by the same group that owns Beach Chalet and Park Chalet, this lakeside outpost is your destination for unmatched waterfront views to go along with all-American staples all prepped by a former One Market chef.

Soak in the majesty of the lake set out before you at the lengthy marble-topped bar. And as you gaze out through the giant windows, order a 19-ounce house beer like the Pumphouse Wheat paired with a dozen oysters freshly shucked at the raw bar. If you decide to move to a table, we like the ones in the Lake Room that jut out into the water offering views that make you feel like you're on a dinner cruise (but thankfully you're not).

After the grand opening in a few weeks, Lake Chalet's new dock will become the sunny East Bay equivalent to Sam's in Tiburon. Look for weekend barbeques, Beach Chalet's signature brews and even authentic Venetian gondola rides…

Try to find that in the city.