After running the Hot Chocolate 15k in and around the famous Golden Gate Park, my wife and I decided to leave confines of San Francisco and find a brunch spot that rivals those found in the growing exclusiveness of San Francisco without the 1+ hour wait. After a lengthy Google search, we discovered Portal in Oakland, shortly off the Lake Merritt BART station. And we were glad that we did!
Portal Restaurant
1611 2nd Ave
Oakland, CA 94606
There wasn’t a lot of parking right around there, but there’s a Lucky store nearby that has a large parking lot, in addition to street parking off of East 18th.
The Portal Restaurant
Although the restaurant isn’t very large, the menu is quite expansive, capturing all of the sweet or savory taste buds that command you culinary decisions. Take a look at the brunch menu below, I challenge you to find something that you won’t want to eat or drink….especially with bottomless mimosas and an expansive beer selection.
The Portal Restaurant Menu
The view of Lake Merritt from the back patio
Looking back towards the restaurant on the back patio.
The Iron Springs Casey Jones Imperial IPA $6 and Portal Restaurant Menu
The “Corned Beer and Hash” Two eggs any style, $12. Washed down with a Fieldwork Moraine Brett IPA $8.
“The Cowboy” two eggs (Any Style) over grilled polenta, drenched in tomato chili sauce $11 with a side of bottomless mimosas $18.
From the great beer selection, like the Iron Springs Brewery Casey Jones Imperial IPA to the salty, beefy goodness of the Corned Beef. All paths lead to a fantastic brunch. So kick the concern about your calorie and sodium intake and indulge. After all, you only live once.
Neal’s Ratings:
- Atmosphere = B
- Service = A+
- Food = A+