Grand Lake Theatre

4 screens 1,619 seats Built in 1926 by West Coast Theatres with 1,700 seats in its single auditorium, The Grand Lake Theatre was opened March 6, 1926 with Matt Moore in “The First Year”. It was equipped with a Wurlitzer Hope Jones Unified Orchestral Organ which has 3 manuals and is still played today. Built as a vaudeville and silent movie house before switching to an all-movies format, the Grand Lake Theatre was bought and sold five times from 1926 to 1980. The most recent owner, Renaissance Rialto Inc., purchased the Grand Lake Theatre in 1980 and spent $3.5 million renovating the worn movie palace. Part of the renovation also added a second screen in the former balcony on June 19, 1981 which has 450-seats. On July 12, 1985 storefronts were converted into two more screens, bringing the total seating capacity to 1,600. The new screens are designed in an Egyptian Atmospheric style and a Moorish style. It suffered damage in the 1989 earthquake, and repairs were carried out. The main curtain in the original auditorium is the center section of the house curtain originally installed in the Fox Theatre San Francisco. The main original auditorium is equipped to screen 35mm & 70mm films as well as twin 3D capable film projectors as well as digital projection. Despite the changes, the Grand Lake Theatre has retained the charm of its original appearance and its original illuminated roof top sign. It still screens first run movies. In August 2018 it was sold to its leaseholder Allen Michaan.

Definitely one of the most beautiful cinemas in the entire country. Not only does it have good pricing and cheap snacks, but the theatres are absolutely breathtaking, and make you feel like you're traveling back in time. A must see for anyone in Oakland.

This theater is amazing.....but really shows it's age. The attention to detail is astonishing. Unfortunately the layout to get to the restrooms is not fun....because it's upstairs. .

The art deco design, velvet covered seats and Wulitzer Organ, are nice if you like those nostalgic touches. I also like that the theater offers 70mm viewing..

Wonderful experience. We attended the Noir Film Festival. Loved the black and white film in a full sized theatre experience. Gorgeous organ center sage.

Went here and had a great time. The snacks were not too pricy. There was open seating but the seats weren't to great. The ambiance of the while cinema is great! It's really old with a lot of detail.

This was such a great experience! If you miss movie theaters from days long ago, you must visit. Beautiful venue and has that lovely historic feel. It’s much cheaper than modern movie theaters but plays all the new releases too. Friendly staff, popcorn was yummy, no complaints and we’d definitely go back!

There are so few places that you can visit where there are so few places that you can visit where there is this unique of an atmosphere. It's beautiful and the live organ player was great! However the floors were a mess, but I know that a lot of that also comes from the people who visit. It's a shame that a lot of people don't clean up after themselves.

This is my favorite LOCAL theatre. The location is great, being next to the lake with a bunch of shopping options nearby. The theater seating is spacious with a lot of leg room. They have little historical artifacts all around, which is a nice touch.

This was, and still is, a beautiful theater. I understand that maintaining something like this costs a fortune and so some of the slight tatty rundown vibe comes with the territory. Although I will say when compared with the theater in Alameda, the Alameda Theatre is doing a much better job. I think my biggest issue was with the concessions... That's where theaters make all their money and I'm always happy to spend mine to support a locally own theater like this. But they had a very bare minimum offering, and it's just not keeping up with the times. Invest in the concession experience and try to spruce the place up a little bit. All of the upscale theaters now sell beer and wine at a minimum. I couldn't even get a bottle of water because they were out. Some guy was trying to order a hotdog and they were out of that too. Ridiculous. I'll give them points for ambience and movie choices (we saw Casablanca, which was amazing!). But I'm dinging them a point on the concessions and overall general feel of a slow decline into neglect.

It's a bit run-down, but a very cool experience! I was in theater 3 and loved the Egyptian theme and starry ceiling. The seats were pretty comfortable, and I didn't have a hard time finding one with a good view (tip: ground floor has better seats than balcony). Not to mention, the Large Popcorn was great. I kept eating it, yet there was still so much left!

I visited the Theatre for the first time this week and I loved every moment. It is such a beautiful space (I wish I took more photos of the interior), and wish I had visited here sooner. I was there for the BraveMaker Film Festival for a screening of Punk Kids. The theater itself was very large inside was many seats. The screen was big as well. The snack counter was cute and classic. Recommend for a standard, nostalgic movie experience.

Great old time movie house. Been coming here for 40+ years. Great deal on matinees. The popcorn is fresh and the craft soda are reasonable compared to the mega plexes. I usually find parking the neighborhood across the street by the freeway.

What a beautiful place. We came here for the queer flex film festival . It was a great experience. The staff here was so friendly and welcoming. I will definitely come back here.

The Tuesday matinee can't be beat. And the staff are super nice. Willing to sacrifice reclining seats to keep this old theater alive.

I love the Grand Lake Theatre! I lived in the Lake Merritt for more than 10 years. The theatre has retained its original elegance and charm. I appreciate the theatre serving popcorn with real butter. AND I love the political messages often posted on the marquee.

What a gorgeous place! First time visiting was nostalgic of classic movie nights I've heard of. What a joy. Being so old, the theatre is very limited in space outside the four theaters themselves on both the first and upstairs floors. We saw Oppenheimer on 70mm. Theatre 1 is large. Wow, has it been a long time with so many people there to enjoy the same experience. Loved it! The seating was older but fit fine. It would be nice to see the seating renewed. Not with all the recliners and tables that many places do as it would not fit the overall classic motif of the building. Restrooms are very dated, small, and not as obvious to find. There is a sign on the staircase that says upstairs. Didn't check out the ADA restroom on the first floor, but the Gender-neutral was roomy and also on the first floor. The interior could use some sprucing up to be less "basement" like. Parking is a challenge for all the businesses in this vibrant downtown area. Go early to avoid stress of missing movie time. We got lucky with a parking spot that opened up behind that block the theatre is in. This was after navigating around four double parked cars without drivers. I assume Door Dashers doing pick ups for customers. But it was Friday night, so not unexpected. There is a bus stop right outside the lobby so consider that to save gas, possible parking fees, and stress. What a great vibe overall. Wish I had gone all these years I lived in the Bay Area. I will be back!

Longtime favorite theater! Great selection of current movies as well as unique releases and local events like film festivals. Nice, refurbished, vintage designs in each theater. The Wurlitzer organ on weekend evenings in the main theater is a must-see! And, of course, affordable ticket and treats :)

This place is a Bay Area gem. I love you guys. Forever my favorite theater. In the evening showing in theater one; there is an organist that plays before the movie. I hope you stay open forever. Love love love this place and the people.

This theatre boasts four screens: two expansive ones reserved for the latest blockbusters and two more intimate venues, ensuring there's always a seat for everyone, even on busy weekends. A unique touch is the organist serenading audiences with nostalgic melodies before evening shows on weekends. Additionally, it offers the most competitive matinee prices in the Bay Area during these times. We usually go on a Sunday when there is plenty of free parking on the streets or in the parking lot underneath interstate 510. However, the cleanliness and upkeep of the theater occasionally leave something to be desired, detracting from the overall experience. Moreover, the cinema's tendency to display political messages on its marquee is a point of contention. Many patrons, seeking a respite from the outside world, might prefer a more neutral stance from their entertainment venues.

Great theatre, but the bathroom smells terrible because they used too much chemicals.

This is one of the few old Grand theaters left. Built almost 100 years ago, it truly is a landmark in Oakland. My local guide tells me of going here as a child for 25 cents admission for kids movie in the early 1960's. For years this theater showed only "G" rated Disney movies, then shockingly decided in the summer of 1974 to show an "X" rated movie, Flesh Gorden. Oh My, was THAT a controversy in the day! Granted "X" rated back then would only be "R" rated today ... like Midnight Cowboy was "X" rated when it came out ... now it's available streaming! Today the Grand Lake Theater is mostly mainstream showings. What is amazing is the interior has been kept in the original art deco style. There used to be originally a balcony seating area that was converted to another screen back when all the big theaters were split of to smaller screen. But today the balcony is restored. There are smaller multi screens available here as well as the main big screen. All the businesses surrounding this iconic theater have changed over the years, even the KFC that was next door for decades has gone as well as the closing of Lakeview Elementary school across the street. This theater really is a piece of local history.

Beautiful theater, good popcorn, seats are decent, staff is ... OK. What I don't like is the constant political messaging on the marquee. We go to the movies to escape reality. Not to be reminded of it in large red letters.

I love the beauty of this theater. But having child relatives of the employees watch a movie unsupervised is not a good idea. It is a great way to keep people from coming back. The 10 kids talked, were on their phones, and went in and out throughout the entire movie. It was annoying enough that I don't plan to ever come back. Seriously, I don't think 5 minutes went by without one of the kids getting up to grab more soda or snacks. And they constantly talked throughout the whole movie. And it was clear that by them going in and out to get more snacks every 5 minutes, they were related to the people running the concessions. When stuff like this happens, it pushes people away, and then everyone wonders why or how the local theater closed down.

If you've never been here, try selecting a showtime where they open with the organ player- it's a very special thing to see! I love how this place is such a cultural landmark to Oakland, and how well preserved the building is. Love coming here, will come back soon

I wish a cinema like this existed in LA if someone knows of one please dm me! Beautiful theater & can't beat the Tuesday deal

Date: 7/18/2021 Time: 12:00 PM 70° Sunny Finally, the Grand Lake Theatre is opened for movie goers. It's not often I go to the movies. The last time I visited the Grand Lake was in the mid 90's. The movie was To Wong Too Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar. Grand Lake is a historic movie theater built almost a century ago. I enjoy this movie theater's art deco design. Besides, who can forget the Wurlitzer organ being played before the showing of movies in the main auditorium on Fridays and Saturdays? Another thing I enjoy is reading the political messages on their marquee. Also, Stomper (statue of the Oakland A's mascot) stood proudly close to the front entrance about three years ago. The movie of the day for my sister and me was Summer of Soul. I highly recommend watching this documentary about the Harlem Cultural Festival during the Summer of '69. It brought many memories of my teen years in high school. I can foresee more visits to the Grand Lake not only for the movies but also the numerous eateries close by. A movie and dinner afterwards make for a fun outing.

Always a pleasure to visit the Grand Lake! An Oakland treasure. I always look forward to Tuesdays.

Sooo I love this place!!!! Movie times are convenient! The popcorn is fresh n great!!! Drinks were from local suppliers, that's are sweet n bubbly! Servers are quick n friendly! The theaters are huge screens with wonderful surround sound. The restrooms are clean! There's plenty of street parking, also across from a parking lot.

A nice historic theater to watch modern movies in. Because it is an older theater, The seats are not extremely comfortable and it seems that there are parts of the theater that are falling apart. The ambience is quite cool though. Their tickets are sold at a discount on Tuesdays so you can watch box office movies for $6 per ticket. it really is a steel, considering the cost of ticket prices at movie theaters nowadays. Parking is easy and free if you are willing to walk a couple blocks into the residential area.

Such a glorious vintage theater! Grand Lake Theater is beautiful, well-kept to stand the test of time. I had the pleasure of watching Turning Red during its special single-week in-person showing. Really can't compare the experience to watching it at home on Disney+. For COVID safety purposes, masks and proof of vaccination are required. We were able to easily find parking on a side street. I purchased virtual tickets off of Fandango, which were scanned upon entrance. The seating is very intimate. Seats don't recline and are packed quite closely to each other. Audio and visual quality are actually better than expected. Not IMAX-level, but still quite crisp and clear. Note: not many restrooms, and the ones available aren't particularly accessible... Very small, cramped, and some are up a huge flight of stairs. True to the era, nothing is built with thought for disability. It would do them good to update these. Otherwise... the old-school, art deco glamor is unparalleled. We spent some time wandering the building and marveling at the architectural design. So grateful this piece of history has been so carefully preserved.

Favorite theatre! Snacks are healthy and diet friendly. I highly recommend watching a flick at this historic spot.

This is a very beautiful building on the inside. I would have to research but you can tell that there is some history behind it or at one point it represented the cities culture. I have only ever watched movies in the main theater. Plenty of seating options and as the rest of the theater very beautiful. Pros: as mentioned beautiful interior, friendly staff, reasonable prices Cons: Not sure where the main funding come from but there is some work that needs to be done on the building, their snack stand is a little run down, bathrooms could be fixed up. Main reason why I will probably not come back - audio. both times I have been here I had issues understanding the characters when they spoke. the volume is there but sometimes I found the audio unclear.

It's a beautiful theater but your car is a guaranteed target to get broken into there now :( only go if you can walk there.

I came here to watch Avatar 2 in 3D after hearing that the experience here is better than other theaters. I'd have to agree - usually my boyfriend and I get headaches and need to take a break while watching 3D movies. In this case, we didn't need to. Even though I'm still not used to 3D, the images were pretty crisp and I could sit through the whole 3 hour movie without taking a break. The staff was also very nice and helped us out when we didn't know how to get our tickets after purchasing online. With the cool historic building, cheap tickets ($7.50 for any ticket for matinee!), and a great movie experience, I'd recommend it for anyone, especially for their next 3D movie!

$5 movies every Tuesday! I have been meaning to see "Little Women" since the Oscars and finally set a date to see it with my girlfriends at the Grand Lake Theater. How did I never know about their $5 ticket deal?!? Every Tuesday, ALL movies at the Grand Lake Theater are $5! Such a score to find a movie ticket than my go-to latte!! This theater is located next to Lake Merritt and just off the 580 freeway. Depending on your showtime, parking can be hard to come by, so I recommend you give yourself an extra 15 minutes to park/walk from a nearby residential neighborhood, or just plan to take public transit. The inside/outside of the theater is full of character, with playful detailing and neon lights throughout. At nearly a hundred years old, the theater holds a regal-dignity that is manifested in the small touches (for example, the ceilings inside the theaters have been made to look like the night sky filled with stars)! Will definitely be coming back for more Tuesday night movie viewings!

As a lifelong Oakland resident, the Grand Lake has been a staple in our family's lives for quite some time. Prices are reasonable, location is fairly easy to get to, and the selection of movies is always the best. Going to the movies has become a big luxury, and at times a headache. With ever increasing ticket and concession prices, we find ourselves going out less than before the pandemic (when ticket prices were already high). Each time we have a family outing to the Grand Lake, we always feel like it's money well spent- no matter what we see. The staff is also consistently nice and the building itself is magnificent.

Very cool old world style theatre. Screens are not as large as new mega complexes but the price is fair.

Horrible ADA policy. Received the nastiest treatment when their captioning device broke, and they made us give up an ID as collateral which is unacceptable. Also they have the worst possible popcorn bags.

Worst movie theater out here literally so many other choices then to go to this horrible movie theater. I found a Roach in my food this place is disgusting the employees were really rude when I showed them and only offered me my money back. Never again. Never ever again.

It's still grand, ain't it?? And it's a damn shame I don't come here more often because I do loves me a big old-fashioned movie palace, and that's what warrants it to be my 4,700th Yelp review. Jamie W. and I came here on a Sunday afternoon after a very long pause to see "The Last Black Man in San Francisco". It was being shown in the main auditorium. Like the Castro, there's a Mighty Wurlitzer that rises from beneath the floor, though unlike the Castro, the balcony became another theater long ago. The interior is mostly Art Nouveau. The outside has that classic rotary contact sign that lights up in the evening on the weekends. It's a particularly impressive sight as you circle Lake Merritt on foot. The theater has also been enjoying a local renaissance with a burst of locally made quality films popping up in a recent wave, and "The Last Black Man in San Francisco " is one of them. I also enjoy the blistering messages on the marquee criticizing the current administration. For a brief time in my mid-twenties, I lived a. block away from it. This place brings me joy. RELATED - Looking for a local landmark in the Bay Area? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2FrlWQl

Because this is a historical theatre and architecture is timeless and located in an awesome area of Oakland I am giving this movie theatre 2 stars. I went to see the Avengers on a Thursday evening. We purchased our tickets on line and that process was easy and seamless Trying to find parking was horrible there is not a private parking garage or designated parking area so you are stuck driving around in circles till baby Jesus blesses you with a parking. As I stated we purchased tickets on line. There was no wait to get in we got our tickets at the door and walked in. Once we got in we were immediately hit with a line for for their very limited snack bar. The entire lobby was dirty. There was popcorn all over the floor. The line to purchase anything was long. All they offer is popcorn hotdogs, candy and soda. That's it I guess I'm spoiled by the more modern theaters that sell wine and other alcohol items not to mention nachos, pizza, slurpies (baby cakes wanted a slurpee) The movies seats are old school they do not recline or even tilt a little bit back. I would think twice before coming here again especially due to the parking situation

I mean... such a beautiful theater. Great big screens, ornate hand painted interior, and quick and friendly staff. Only complaint is I SO wish that the seats were slanted just a little bit more. Hard to see sometimes.

Enjoyed my visit...the concession service was excellent the popcorn tasty and the movie was good

I've worked with Oakland's #1 (& only) movie palace - due to its historically preserved, old school charm & prices (with real butter/craft soft drinks). Plus righteous marquees & cool as heck movies! Exhibiting in digital, 3D, 35 or 70mm with dolby surround sound - thoughtfully curating 1st run studio releases & indie filmmakers in distinct, elegant auditoriums - with many talented locals crossing over to the big leagues, it's where cinematic memories are made. An anchor in the community and cultural landmark - people get to rub elbows with beloved regular patrons, be served by dedicated longterm staff and most importantly, support a neighborhood theater

Went here for the Avengers Endgame movie in 3D. Way more fancy and timeless than I was expecting. I felt like I should've dressed up to go to the theaterrrrrrr! Pretty easy to get tickets. I ordered online with Fandango ahead of time. Then just went to the front desk with the confirmation code and they printed out my ticket. The place is huge. You have to go up two floors for the bathrooms. Concessions is just a no. Unless you're going midday in the middle of the week, I wouldn't recommend it. Purely cuz I didn't feel like waiting in line for 40 minutes. No matter how good the service or food, there's no way you're getting it fast with the amount of people that come here. Seats are very comfy, plush, velvet color. Honestly this place is built for a play, not a superhero movie. But I was excited to enjoy nevertheless. And what an amazing experience it was for such a huge movie like this! The audience was fully into it, even applauding, hooting and cheering at times. We were all on the edge of our seats and with that big a theater, it felt like a crazy ride. You really get swept up in the drama and action with 100 of your closest fellow fans haha. Truly good sound too. They weren't blasting the music and dialogue nor was it whisper quiet where you had to lean over to your neighbor to ask what was happening. Definitely recommend this place for opening nights and big blockbusters.

Best Bay Area theatre. Beautiful old building. Delicious popcorn-the best of any theatre. Great movies showing here, community events. Excellent.

Substandard movie selection. Management has to put some more thought into what they offer. Hint - if you show at least one film that is suitable for young kids, you'll rake it in. Otherwise, a lovely place to view a film.

Such a charming, gorgeous theater in the heart of Oakland. Whenever I enter, I feel like I'm going back in time. It's been around for a long time (since the Vaudeville days) and it has been named top ten vintage theaters in the nation, and "best movie theater" by East Bay Express annually. It's no wonder with the beautiful location, characterful interior, lower prices ($12 GM, $8.50 Child/Senior, $6.50 matinee and how can you forget $5 Tuesdays?) I've seen several movies here and plan to for a long time.

Thought I would give them another go. :-( More politics = less business for all of us. As a local business owner, I'm surprised they continue to display angry partisan political messages next to their feature film advertising. With all the crimes and cars broken into, we can't afford to turn away paying patrons from our businesses. It's a theatre. They need patrons! I left without watching the movie. I hope they stay in business but won't be surprised if they're not screaming for support when they're losing money.

This historical Theatre is still the most beautiful and community lived place in the Bay Area. I've been going here since childhood and the popcorn and hotdogs are still yummy and good quality. Although the prices have gone up they are lower these other theaters. The matinee prices can't be beat and I will be a forever patron.

Came here to watch Justice League, which was aiggghhhtttt. It's fun for what it is, its not fare to compare it to a Marvel movie... but anyway onto the review. I really like this place, I love the old style theatre, especially the HUGE main theatre!! it fits like 600 people! But for some reason I always find myself asking if its crowded. NOPE. The main theatre is cool, there's someone playing the piano before the movie starts and when the flick starts the piano goes into the stage. awesome. I like the old style feel to it, it even smells old! Anyway, they play all the hit movies and its right down the street from my place, so if I could I'd give it like 10 stars but I can only do 5, so that's that. And the price?!?! its great, its not super expensive either.

This place has really gone downhill. It's filthy inside and out. I don't even feel safe walking to and from my car to see a movie. People sleeping on the sidewalk outside too.

Grand-lake Theater... we could never repay you for your beauty, longevity, and historic loveliness you bring to the city of Oakland. Born and raised in Oakland for my full 24 years of life..this remains my favorite theatre. It is absolutely stunning with its Neoclassical architecture, it truly is to be appreciated. I am a regular here and each time is better than the last! Inside of the theatre it looks like an old opera building, upon the movie starting thick red curtains are opened like in the olden days and there is even an older gentlemen who plays the piano before the show! The ambience is very 1950's, there are beautiful chandeliers hanging from multiple ceilings throughout the theatre, and large paintings on the walls. This theatre does not hide its age, there are many visible wear and tears on the ceilings and walls, which makes it all the more beautiful! If you are looking for a modern theatre, with leather/recliner seats, reservation of seats, and total chaos, this is not the theatre for you. Tickets are moderate, $11 general admission, matinee prices are very cheap! I always get a large popcorn ($) and a Ginger beer :) (The Ginger Beer is absolutely amazing, so fresh). The staff is always super friendly, and if you come here often enough you will begin to recognize all the workers, as they've had the same staff members for years. The theatre is cozy and rich in Oakland culture, I definitely recommend this place to tourists and other Bay Area residents outside of Oakland. You will not be disappointed!

I love Grand Lake Theatre. It's incredibly beautiful, I love the historic decor. The seats are comfortable and the snacks are daily affordable. The popcorn butter actually tastes real. I like the variety of beverage options. I truly appreciate the community support and political messages on the outside sign.

One of my favorite places in Oakland. Have seen numerous movies here and love the $5 Tuesdays deal and matinees as well. Staff is friendly and helpful. Inside is just beautiful. Old school charm with tasteful decor and interior design. It's like you are transported in a different era all together once you step foot inside. I've been to 3 different showrooms and they are pretty decent and chairs are comfortable enough. They show 2D and 3D movies here. Oh yea, and popcorn is always lovely and a must really :) Bathrooms are clean which is always a pleasant surprise! But most of all, it's a neighbourhood gem so got to love the Grand Lake Theater, so close and so conveniently located!!!

I absolutely LOVE the Grand Lake Theatre! It personifies "old skool" in every sense of the word, and that is its charm. Here the frills are dedicated to fans like myself who appreciate the huge main screen, live organ music greetings, 3D films, and films that aren't always the most commercial (including documentaries). I'm so proud of the owner(s) for keeping the lights on, the doors open, and the prices reasonable. At times the parking can be daunting (no private lot), but I went yesterday while the farmers' market across the street was in full swing and we somehow parked on the street directly beside the theater. Thank you Parking Gods! No matter what day or time patrons are venturing to this cinema palace they're better off affording at least an additional 10 to 15 minutes for finding a park just in case there's a normal to busy flow of business traffic in the surrounding neighborhood. If you need fancy assigned seating (reserved), an extremely overpriced concession stand, and exorbitant ticket prices you can head over to AMC Bay Street and pay more than double during matinee hours. I did that once or twice but going forward I refuse to pay more for the same movie. Besides, according to Wiki the 94 year lease for the Grand Lake Theatre ends in 2023. That's reason enough for me to support this Oakland marvel.