Portal

Brunch restaurant · Merritt

Portal

Brunch restaurant · Merritt

4

1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606

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Highlights

Stylish eatery with patio, brunch, burgers, & mimosa pitchers  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 Get directions

portaloakland.com
@portaloakland

$20–30 · Menu

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1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 Get directions

+1 510 663 7678
portaloakland.com
@portaloakland

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 20, 2025

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@infatuation

The 8 Best Brunch Spots In Oakland

"When you’re midway through an AM lap around Lake Merritt and start to lose steam, take a break at this American spot nearby. The big picnic tables and bar overlooking the water is exactly where you want to be with a pitcher of cranberry mimosa in one hand and a forkful of challah french toast in the other. Now that you’re fueled up with champagne and syrupy toast, you can get back to your power walk." - julia chen 1, lani conway

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-brunch-oakland
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@infatuation

The 23 Best Restaurants Near Lake Merritt - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"We head to this American spot on the edge of the lake to have weekend brunch and pitchers of mimosas on their spacious patio. Morning options include challah french toast, eggs benedicts, chilaquiles, and more. They also serve dinner, if you’re looking to eat something good and also get your fresh air quota later in the day. We like the solid "mini burgers" filled with fried chicken or pork belly, and the herbed garlic french fries." - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-places-to-eat-drink-near-lake-merritt-oakland
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@infatuation

Portal - Review - Lake Merritt - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"We head to this American spot in Oakland's Lake Merritt to have weekend brunch and pitchers of mimosas on their spacious patio. Morning options include challah french toast, eggs benedicts, chilaquiles, and more. They also serve dinner, if you’re looking to eat something good and also get your fresh air quota later in the day. We like the solid "mini burgers" filled with fried chicken or pork belly, and the herbed garlic french fries." - Julia Chen

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/portal
View Postcard for Portal
@eater

Oakland Patios Perfect for Dining and Drinking | Eater SF

"Simple gastropub fare — plus beer, wine, and cocktails — and brunch are on offer on Portal’s spacious patio six days a week. The wood bench-and-umbrella setup is pretty typical, but the view of Lake Merritt and downtown from the eastern side make it special. Kids are welcome, but not dogs." - Eater Staff

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-patios-outdoor-restaurant-oakland
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Jeremias Ibanez

Google
Had lunch here with my sister and we shared the steak and eggs which both were cooked to perfection! Came with a side of smashed home style potatoes which were crispy on outside and soft inside! Also had a side of the garlic knots which were okay but a good snack! Beer flights was affordable and perfect and pineapple mimosa was delicious! Would definitely be back. Also close to lake Merritt so beautiful for an afternoon or evening outing.

Dudy Bar-Tal

Google
We may have just found the best burgers in Oakland at Portal near Lake Merritt! Every bite was packed with flavor, and to top it off, the garlic fries and curry fries were absolutely incredible—easily some of the best we've ever had. But what truly made our visit special was the warm and welcoming experience from start to finish. The host set the tone with a friendly greeting, and the entire staff made us feel right at home. We can't wait to return! If you're a burger fan, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this spot. Highly recommended!

J H

Google
Good vibes here at Portal. Outdoor seating is the best place to be on a sunny day, but this time we sat inside since it was cold in the town. There are tv screens everywhere that has the games on there. It is perfect for Sunday footballs or early morning games mixed with brunch. The food was awesome and the drinks are great. The garbage bread was definitely one of the highlights for our brunch. It is a lot of food to share with the table. My favorite dish was the French toast. It had custard in between the toast. It was incredible. Servers were really nice and attentive. They all had a smile on their face as they helped us throughout.

Hungry C (YouCeeMe)

Google
Clear sky and the sun was shining, wanted to break bread with some old friend and we came across this place. Loved how this place opened up to a whole outdoor patio. Service was fantastic, food came fast (which I love), and the dishes were magnificent. I enjoy the little twist each place had, like the kimchi with the wings was a crowd favorite for me.If you’re in the neighborhood come pay them a visit, but I sure will.

Jensen Williams

Google
Amazing food, very well priced, however they were extremely understaffed the night that went (6/15). It took 20 minutes in between every single interaction, including grabbing drinks, placing orders, getting the check, coming back for the check, etc. the staff seems so cool and they are definitely over worked and I hope upper management can solve this issue!

J P

Google
Looked for local brunch places and I’m so glad we found this place! Everything was delicious! Highly recommend! Parking can be a bit tough to find though.

Jabal Engelhard

Google
Always LOVE this place. Tasty cocktails and delicious food...my beet burger was just right this afternoon while biking around the Lake. Great service staff and the relaxing patio really make this such a pleasant experience every time 😋✨🍸✨🌞

Davide Di Censo

Google
Not worth it anymore. I used to love this place but I guess things have changed. We waited for 1h for our food from the moment we ordered (which was 20min after sitting down). Not once the staff came to check on us, refill coffee or just apologize for the wait. When we asked we got attitude back. And at the end, the food wasn’t even good. Severely lacking salt and flavor and my eggs Benedict were overcooked. Not worth the hype and the wait anymore
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Emi Y.

Yelp
food: if you get anything here, let it be the crispy brussel sprouts! Loved how saucy and flavorful it was. :) i ordered the moon is made of cheeseburger n i realized I don't like blue cheese LOL but other than that, the crispy onions on the burger were especially yummy! service: food came out so quick, servers were v friendly ambiance: loved the outdoor patio area w the lights and heaters! it was still a little chilly bc we sat in the corner, so I'd recommend bundling up!
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paula c.

Yelp
My birthday landed on a Sunday so I decided I wanted to have brunch. Portal takes reservations for up to 10, and we had a great table on the enclosed patio with a lake view and heat lamps for the brisk January morning. The regular brunch menu has so many great options plus they had a couple specials. Many in our group had chicken and waffles. The chicken was GREAT with delicious crispy skin. The waffles were just ok. They were wanting to be fluffier and/or a little crisp and browned. The Corned Beef Hash, Cobb Salad, Stuffed French Toast, biscuits and gravy and UnBeetable Burger were all tasty. All staff were welcoming and helpful. The food came out as it was ready with very little wait time between the first and final order. Coffee and water was continually refilled. I can't wait to come back for lunch or dinner on a warm day, and enjoy selection of local craft beers.
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Luan M.

Yelp
We visited Portal Oakland on a Monday night and was pleasantly surprised to find it was trivia night. The host was incredibly engaging, keeping the energy high and the crowd entertained the entire evening. It was such a fun atmosphere! The food and beers were fantastic. The appetizers were a standout--Garbage Bread was an absolute hit, bursting with flavor, and the cauliflower and wings were equally delicious. We also tried the ribs, which were juicy, tender, and packed with taste. Overall, Portal is a perfect local spot for great food, a lively vibe, and a memorable night out. I'll definitely be back for another round of trivia and great eats!
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C C.

Yelp
Clear sky and the sun was shining, wanted to break bread with some old friend and we came across this place. Loved how this place opened up to a whole outdoor patio. Service was fantastic, food came fast (which I love), and the dishes were magnificent. I enjoy the little twist each place had, like the kimchi with the wings was a crowd favorite for me.If you in the neighborhood come pay them a visit.
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Ja M.

Yelp
We hit up Portal stright off a 6 hour drive from southern California and my family of 7 LOVED IT I am super glad we were able to enjoy amazing service, ambiance and food. I made reservations the day befor and I am so glad I was able to push back our reservation time. We arrived at 11:15am on the dot Saturday morning. We received a warm welcome and we were seated immediately. The menu had something for everyone. Everything was outstanding, we will definitely be back when we are in town! THANKS PORTAL
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Jennifer T.

Yelp
Came here after we did a hike in the area, was looking for a place that was dog friendly and this was a great spot! They have a patio in back that allows you to have dogs and they will provide a water bowl and a little treat if you want it. For food I got the Korean chicken sandwich and it was really good. We also had garlic fries at the table that were delicious. Now something to keep in mind is is that they do have alcoholic drinks however because they don't have a hard liquor license. Their drinks are made with wine based alcohol so it's a little different. I did try the hot toddy. It was good, but you're not gonna get that normal buzz that you would offer a traditional hot toddy. Overall, it was a great experience and if in the area would consider coming back.
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Alma L.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday afternoon, didn't think we'll be sat right away, but we were. Our server was super friendly, I regret not getting his name. When I looked at the menu everything sounds delicious but I ended up getting a Portal Burger, Garlic Fries, Garbage bread, chilaquiles with carne asada topped with avocado and to drink a Pineapple Express. Overall everything was actually good, the burger was juicy, we paired it with the red salsa that came with the chilaquiles, perfect match. The fries were crispy on the outside but soft on the inside with just enough garlic, the garbage bread was basically a pizza rolled up with marinera on the side, baked just right with enough toppings inside. now the chilaquiles were sooo good, I really did not expect them to be as good as they were, the chips were still crispy, tons of meat and cheese, came with extra salsa, beans, sour cream. The Pineapple Express was so delicious, made from agave wine. We were sat inside by the bar and not in the patio, I thought it was going to feel a little tight but it didn't. The service was great! Definitely worth coming back.
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Jonathan P.

Yelp
I've been a regular for years. Come in and get the same thing all the time, never looking at menu. Wings, garlic fries and brussel sprouts are good, consistent. I just looked at the menu and it's WAY different than years past. I look forward to branching out. Service is usually great, I sit at bar and get food to go.
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Tony S.

Yelp
I'm mostly writing this because of the pitchers of Mimosas. Yes, the food is superb and the service is excellent but the Mimosas are insane. For your $40 you get a pitcher the size of Lake Merritt with a very generous portion of sparkling wine. On the food side of things you can't go wrong with the garbage bread, chicken & waffles and steak and eggs. But honestly it's the Mimosas.
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Farah S.

Yelp
Admittedly we were a very large group. Not sure why our reservation was accepted if they could not accommodate us, our server was friendly, but we ended up waiting over an hour for our food. And our water pitchers weren't refilled consistently. That said, once they realized how hangry we were, service became much more attentive. The garlic fries were great. The burger patty could have had a bit more seasoning. The waffles were cold. The restaurant manager made up for that. The star of the show were the shrimp and grits. Most folks in our group had a taste of it and were very impressed. I'll definitely give this place another chance. Great vibe and close to the lake. Will go with a smaller group next time.
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Stephanie H.

Yelp
You get a great view of the lake from the patio! Please see photos attached. The patio is very spacious and additionally, there was festive music when we came on cinco de mayo. It was very lively on a Sunday! :-) The food was pretty good, I really enjoyed the GCCB, the crispy skins of the country potatoes were delicious. Also, the gravy sauce was creamy and the flavor to the sauce was definitely hitting. I would recommend this dish! However, I noted they used the same chicken for the chicken and waffles and then gccb dish. My boyfriend ordered chicken and waffles and we shared our dishes by splitting both in half. He also really enjoyed the GCCB. However, we thought the chicken from the chicken and waffle was lacking in terms of moisture! It was a bit dry. Additionally, it was crispy so it lacked flavor. The service was also very relaxed, I liked that they didn't rush us to leave, and we enjoyed the weather outside on a nice Sunday! Overall experience was around a 3.7/5, rounded to 4!
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Katelynn V.

Yelp
Portal Oakland is a gastropub with cool vibes with an amazing brunch selection! Love the cool art and interesting interior inside and the patio outside. The food here tastes delicious and they also have a great rotating beer selection. *They are dog friendly but are only allowed on the patio area. Service dogs can stay in the dining room. My boyfriend and I came on a Sunday just before brunch was going to end at 2:30pm. Happy hour is from 3-5pm. It was pretty busy but we happened to get seating inside quickly. * Chimichurri steak and eggs: This comes with two eggs (your choice of style), 10z steak topped with their house chimichurri sauce and their brunch potatoes. Their potatoes were seasoned so well and crunchy! I asked the for the steak to be medium well and it was juicy and paired so well with their house chimichurri sauce. I got my eggs sunny side up and they were cooked perfectly as well. Service is nice! Would definitely come back here again!
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Elaine G.

Yelp
Solid service and pretty good food. We arrived for a later brunch lunch. Unfortunately for us the patio outside was packed so we decided to dine indoors rather than waiting. There was plenty of seats so we picked some bar height tables and looked over the menu. The host and server and all the staff were so helpful and friendly. We ended up sharing an order of the garbage bread and the Chilaquiles. It was a bit heavier but the portion sizes were good and we got to eat our fill and have some leftovers. Overall a pretty solid choice by the lake. I can see why it comes up so easily on yelp.
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Simon C.

Yelp
Saw this place while walking my dog. What a cool spot on lake merrit. Out door seating is a plus with plenty of room and dog friendly! We had salads and the garlic bread Ceaser salad 5/5 Cobb salad 4/5 Garlic bread (had another name forgot it) 4/5 it was good but really filling like a main course Service was wonderful Cant wait to come back and try the other food
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Megan J.

Yelp
Location of Portal is just decent. It's close to Lake Merritt so parking can be difficult at times. There is a corner view of the lake if that's your vibe lol. I've been for brunch and dinner more so just cause the coincidence of being in the area. The menu is fairly small and there isn't a large variety of options here. $39 mimosa pitchers and $7-12 brews.. Most recently, I stopped by for brunch at 12P on a Monday and was told to self seat as they were not busy at all. Service is ok, could be better. Ordered 2 plates which took well over 40 minutes to be served. Weirdest counter here was a time I visited in the evening and closed my tab with a card however remained seated as my table still had a pitcher of mimosa left and the waiter walked by, didn't see a tip written on the receipt and stopped our conversations within to ask about why she was not getting a tip. Don't know about everyone else but I usually don't tip until I'm ready to leave or just in cash but that time I guess the waiter just expected it immediately. Portal Plate $16 -- I chose over easy eggs and spicy chicken sausage. The sausage was overcooked and dry. Potatoes were the highlight of this plate though. Chicken & Waffles $18 -- partner says it was good. Looked good but wasn't catching my attention to give a try. Would I come back again after the previous weird encounter then my recent visit? Eh. Maybe not. Just aren't too impressed with the restaurant overall.

Gabbi S.

Yelp
The food here is not anything special, but the ambiance and vibes are immaculate. They have the most lively brunch in Oakland in my opinion, but sometimes service can be slow due to the volume of patrons and they do not have bottomless mimosas. They are very chill in the evening and have a pretty good cesar salad.
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Rachel G.

Yelp
Dank brunch! Great beer list. Vibey patio. This is one of my favorite brunch spots in Oakland. I love their biscuits and gravy and their breakfast potatoes. They have lots of vegetarian friendly options which I greatly appreciate. Servers are always kind & on top of things.
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P A.

Yelp
Docking 1 star due to long wait times at tables I visited Portal on a random sunny Saturday. The place was packed with a 25 minute wait time for a party of two - yikes! Nevertheless, we waited. The outdoor patio space is fixed with plants, beautiful wood furniture and ceiling posts. It has a large tv which they play Raider and Niners games on. Here is where it got tricky...we sat for 5+ minutes without a menu or water. No biggie. Once we got menus and water, it took 20 minutes to order our food and an additional 20 minutes to get our food. We ordered the mini chicken burgers with fries and the half pound Portal burger with fries and a Star Pink Lady. The mini burgers didn't stand a chance! The half pound burger was good but nothing to ride home about. I'd love to come back and try the fried chicken Cesar, Portal plate, and Chilaquiles! Would I come back? Absolutely Would I recommend it to a friend? Without a doubt!
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Donovan H.

Yelp
I've always enjoyed the feel and vibe with gastropubs as it combines the ambiance of a bar complete while filling your tummy up with some comfort food. And that is just what you get at "Portal" in Oakland, CA. Located only steps away from Lake Merritt, this place has been serving up some amazing craft beers with a ton of comfort classics dating back to 2012. Location-wise, this place is as good as it gets being directly on the corner of Foothill Blvd & 2nd Ave with Lakeshore Ave only being a block away. Parking was surprisingly easy to find during my visit which was on the afternoon of Saturday 10/7/2023. I arrived roughly at around 4:30pm and much to my delight, they had Happy Hour going on (weekends from 4-6pm and weekdays from 3-6pm). In addition to this, this place offers special events such as "trivia night" on Mondays, "live jazz night" on Wednesdays, and "comedy night" on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month. And with this, this place is a full-on bar with a ton of beers on tap. To top it off, they also offer an extended brunch menu and a very generous dinner menu. When it comes down to it, Portal has everything going for it from a dining/drinking/entertainment standpoint. However, the real highlight of this place is their large outdoor patio. Once outside, you are taken to a completely different world from the bar that is adjacent to this place. The layout almost feels as if you're in a friends backyard. Here you will find large wooden benches complete with umbrellas to shield out the sun. There is also a large video board with all the beers on tap. And the real winner is a view of Lake Merritt. I came on an unusually hot day in Oakland (we're talking 88°F) on 10/7/2023 so it was the perfect vibe for a few cold beers. Since my group and I were starving, we decided to go drinks; I tried the "Moonlight Death & Taxes" dark lager ($5 Happy Hour price) while my friends all went with their own beers of choice. We all took advantage of the $5 Pub Bites menu items as I ordered an "Angus Beef Slider" and pub sized "French Fries" while my friends ordered "Hot Wings", and "Beer Mac & Cheese". Our drinks came out quickly (less than 2 minutes) but there my slider/fries took longer than normal (up to 30 minutes) while everyone else in my group got their food within 15 minutes. The server apologized so he ended up giving me another slider on the house! Overall, the food here is very good as my slider was delicious and filling. Even more so when I get a second one at no cost. I tried one of my friends wings and that too was delicious with a ton of chicken meat on the wing itself. I do have to say that the service here was good as a variety of different waiters and servers made sure we were taken care of; even more so after my food was delayed. The young tattooed man was also very accommodating from start to finish. All in all, "Portal" Oakland is an above-average place worth checking out for the beer menu and view alone. My rating, four stars.
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Salam A.

Yelp
Came with a large group for a birthday brunch and had a decent time. Service was great and our food came out fast but the food was mediocre at best. I had bites of all of my friends food and it just fell flat. I ordered the french toast based off the many recommendations on Yelp but I was quite disappointed by it. I didn't taste any ricotta and it was just bland. Some of the egg dishes come with polenta which is an interesting decision but not my favorite lol. The steak and eggs was a standout dish - I'd recommend that forsure. We got mimosas which were delicious and strong. They sang happy birthday for my friend which was really sweet! Overall, I just wish there was more effort being put into the food!
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Eryn H.

Yelp
Brunch at Portal was the bomb!! It is packed so make reservations or get there early. Apparently they are known for their beer, I am not a beer person but the hard cider I had was good. I really enjoyed the stuffed French toast and steak and eggs. My sister enjoyed her dish called the cowboy. I would definitely be back to try more brunch items and I also want to try the dinner. I hear they have a really good happy hour and you can go to lake Merritt right after !
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Lisa G.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday with a larger group (8) of friends for a surprise birthday brunch. And even though the place was quite busy, the staff were so kind and went out of their way to make the breakfast special. They took our cake into the back and came out with it and sang after we ate and were just excellent. But only that, but everything we ate was delicious. They suggested we get a couple pitchers of mimosas and recommended the blood orange flavor and it was the perfect choice. Just the right amount for our group and it struck the perfect balance of juice to bubbly in my opinion. We also tried out the garbage bread (highly recommend) and I personally had the gravy covered chicken and biscuits which I'd definitely come back to have again. Thank you too the Portal team for making the day so fun and special!
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Philip H.

Yelp
This was my first visit I love this place! The ambience hit me as soon as I walked in and on to the large rear patio. I was greeted with a warm welcome as soon as I arrived ... friendly smiles from several staff before Id even found a table! I had a somewhat traditional brunch off poached eggs and added sliced avocado ,,& mushrooms, washed down with a delicious & refreshing IPA (sorry...don't recall the brewery name). Service was flawless and even the size of the bill was a welcome surprise...Very reasonable prices in these days of high-priced everything. I'll be back, for sure....
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Tatiana C.

Yelp
I always wanted to come here and I finally did. First off when I went it was mid day so it was kind of empty. Me and my friend got sit out on the patio which was nice! We ordered the garlic fries, fried Pickles, sliders, and BBQ chicken wings. Honestly the food was super good! The fries were super good & the slider was off the hook! I also ordered two drinks almost tasted like a mai tai. A place with good food & drinks.
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Sierra B.

Yelp
It was super busy when we went on a Saturday so we were glad we had made a previous reservation. The food was good and well made and the prices are what you expect for a brunch spot. The staff were friendly and refilled our water several times, however it took a very long time to get our check. It was over an hour after we had finished eating before we flagged a server down for our check. The parking is all street so be prepared for that as well. It was cutely decorated and clean as well, the inside is a bit small so I recommend the patio for larger groups.
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Denny P.

Yelp
Great service. Great food. Relaxed atmosphere. Two thumbs up!! We left the Lake Chalet to come here. So glad we did.
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Russell R.

Yelp
Ian provided great service. Here for happy hour. The slider disappointed. Paper thin burger was over cooked, dry. I did request that it not be well done (medium/medium rare) and Ian took note but server can't check internal temp. Good happy hour beer selection. Cloudy IPA was refreshing. The 11/glass Chardonnay I could have passed. The wings were too sticky and over sauced. Better to let me dip. Fried pickles had nice flavor and crunch but were too bready. A less thick batter would have been better. I did like the vibe and prices. But the food quality uneven and a bit too ordinary. -- workingman's"s gourmand.
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Brenda T.

Yelp
Good post hike spot. Very pet friendly. I don't have anything else to say, so I'm writing this to fill the min characters.
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Alex S.

Yelp
Creative menu with a variety of new American dishes, all making for a delicious brunch. Very friendly service and nice view of the lake as well.
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Vanessa G.

Yelp
The burgers are great! Not a fan of the drinks, they don't carry any hard liquor, but they have a nice beer selection if you like that. Price point is nice, good location. The restaurants clean, staff friendly and service is excellent.
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Vida M.

Yelp
omg went here for mimos (mimosas) and brunch for my besties bday--amazing. It was worth the wait. The mimosas were a bit expensive for a pitcher -- but they absolutely did the job LMAO I ordered the chicken and waffles which I found to be delicious! Should be coming back come another occasion. They were able to seat 6, with a reservation prior.
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Stuart B.

Yelp
We decided to try Sunday brunch at this spot, just a short 10-minute drive from our place. It's always nice to head down near the lake on a Sunday, and the diversity of the crowd adds to the lively atmosphere. We arrived around noon and had to wait about 20 to 30 minutes for a table, which wasn't surprising given the rush hour. The restaurant was bustling, especially indoors, where it can get quite loud. We opted for outdoor seating, and once a few noisy parties left, it became much more peaceful, allowing us to enjoy the outdoor space. The service was decent; our host was patient and our waiter was laid-back, although a bit slow to attend to some tables around us. Indoors there were lots of flies buzzing around, which might not only be distracting but also affects the overall sanitary conditions of the dining area. The indoor space also felt a bit crowded compared to the more spacious outdoor patio. On warmer days, especially as summer approaches, it's advisable to arrive early or expect a wait. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that there's only one bathroom available, and the upkeep could be better. At times, there's a line, which can be a bit inconvenient, especially during busy hours. We were fortunate to snag a nice corner seat for two on the outdoor patio, where we could enjoy views of the lake and people-watch. Our waiter was relaxed, and while the service was a tad slow initially, the food arrived promptly. My chicken and waffles were good but nothing extraordinary, lacking a unique seasoning. Next time, I might opt for the stuffed French toast. However, my wife thoroughly enjoyed her corned beef hash, which she highly recommends. As for drinks, they were enjoyable, although they use wine-based spirits instead of hard liquor, resulting in slightly lower alcohol content. Nonetheless, they still packed a punch. The Irish coffee and rosé were particularly tasty, as were the Moscow mules. Overall, it was a pleasant Sunday brunch experience, and we would consider returning. While the service was decent, it's clear the staff aims to be friendly and accommodating. So, if you're in the mood for a brunch spot with decent food and drinks, this place is worth a visit. We'll be back for sure.
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Bill V.

Yelp
Just stopped in for brunch and it was incredible. The stuffed knots set the table for the chicken sandwich that was amazing. Osby, our server was on the ball and very friendly. Talk to him about the show Landman and watch him light up. It won't disappoint...
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Shawna E.

Yelp
Went here with a friend for brunch & loved it. There's patio seating but we decided to sit inside as it was a gloomy day. I was OK but my friend was freezing as there was a strong draft from the front door being open. Staff was nice & although it was very busy, service was very timely. We started with the shrimp croquettes which were AMAZING. Seasoned well but not salty, the remoulade sauce was delish & they were fried to perfection. We had a pitcher of the Pina colada mimosas, also good as the champagne didn't taste cheap & provided a nice buzz. Our main courses were the waffle plate & shrimp n grits. My waffle was a little more done than I like but was tasty. My BFF loved the shrimp n grits but did not like having to peel her own shrimp. More of a preference, not a complaint. All in all, nice ambiance & a good bunch spot. I highly recommend it & we'll be back!
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Denzel T.

Yelp
Recently visited Portal for the 3rd time. I ended up going with the steak and eggs which came with brunch potatoes. The steak was perfectly seasoned and the eggs were just the right consistency. The potatoes were also crunchy and very tasty. I really like brunch vibes here. I'd highly recommend checking Portal out on a sunny weekend morning and sitting on the patio if you can!
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Cynthia S.

Yelp
Looking for an early dinner not wanting to cook on a hot day, we were so lucky to be near Portal! Props for being open on a Monday with happy hour menu to boot! Michael Todd gave exemplary service. House salad, grilled fish taco and Korean hot fried chicken "burger" really got the spot. Love the vibe of this gem with Lake Merritt views from the patio.
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Shmike Z.

Yelp
Portal has great a rotating beer selection and a pretty popular brunch, for weekend brunch though the crowds usually mean a wait time but other than easy to come and get a table. For me, the real draw is the "Garbage Bread" stromboli - the most flavorful I've tried, loaded up and served with a side of marinara and pesto for dipping. Perfect! Out back there's a chill beer garden overlooking the lake for when the weather's nice. Overall, a solid Oakland gem
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Maya O.

Yelp
Go to brunch spot. Good vibes and good food, plus the back patio is nice in good weather. Jazz night is also great.
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Susan T.

Yelp
Always our favorite for burgers but last night had the updated Cobb Salad and it was really delicious. Fresh ingredients, crunchy and just lovely. Our server Michael Todd is excellent. We've enjoyed his service now a few times. Also the steak is really good too. So enjoy portal for it's full menu and terrific service.
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Dianna H.

Yelp
What a popping brunch spot! My party of 3 came for a girl's brunch on a Saturday around noon and it was packed! They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and luckily we got seated in their outdoor patio. It was a nice sunny day so that's exactly what we were hoping for. They told us it'd be about a 10-15 min wait, but I got a text within minutes that our table was ready. They have a decent cocktail / alcohol selection for brunch, but we skipped that since we were hungry!! The brunch selection here is pretty good. I got the corned beef hash ($16) and it was delicious! Portions were also ginormous. I only managed to finish 2/3 of the dish and had to take the leftovers home. My friends tried the Cowboy and the Unbeetable Burger (it was my first time seeing a beet-based veggie burger!) and both liked their dishes as well.
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Liz Q.

Yelp
We really enjoyed our brunch cocktails, outdoor patio space and good vibes, not too busy and staff were accodating of our pup
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Dray S.

Yelp
Everything I got was gas . Mimosas were steak breakfast chilaquiles It's got a lot of motion for a reason. If I'm back in Oakland I'll be going again
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Arielle C.

Yelp
It's always a good time at Portal for brunch service! I've been here a few times with family and the food is always good. I love that they have a moveable canopy now instead of umbrellas. The location is quaint and a minute walk from Lake Merritt. Be weary of street parking especially on Thursdays and Fridays for street sweeping! Everything at Portal is delicious. They have both sweet and savory food options and a full bar. I ordered the medium rare steak and eggs but the steak was cooked well originally so the staff happily took it back and remade it. Please be mindful of the community around Portal and be kind to those living in the encampments nearby.
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Chaya B.

Yelp
It was my first time there and the food was great, but not happy with the mimosa pitcher! We got a prickly pear pitcher, and the sparkling wine must not be very good quality?! I'm fact I guess they don't have a hard liquor license. We sat inside and I would suggest sitting outside, there was a nice big patio. Inside was a bar, very small. I'd say skip the mimosas and enjoy the food! Right near the East side of the Lake.

Cecilia Q.

Yelp
Food: Excellently cooked and prepared brunch. The chicken and waffles were generous in the portion. The grilled fish tacos (and the sauce) were amazing. The mini burgers is a great option for those who are indecisive/wanna try two different styles. 5/5 Service: Staff was very welcoming and quickly greeted us. However, I wouldn't say they were attentive (in refilling water) or asking if everything's good but the latter is actually something I don't mind/expect more casual restaurants to do. However, it was initially unclear that we pay for the check upfront since there was nothing said to us about this. 4.5/5 Ambiance: Rustic outdoor courtyard with an indoor seating and bar. We sat outdoors, and it was nice especially when the sun is shining. I will have to say, it's not a quiet place (with it being close to a big intersection) if you are looking for something like that. Wonderful choice for a casual lunch with friends 5/5
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Moanii Y.

Yelp
Stopped here for our friend's Bday Brunch and it was wonderful. We got outside patio seating and the decor/art/vibes were on point! A unique spot with a great view and our server got all our order in and back so quick. I ordered the chilaquiles and they were sooo BOMB!! It was perfect portion for the price and I would definitely get them again, my boyfriend got the portal burger and he says it was a good burger just a bit too much special sauce for his liking.
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Raquel Y.

Yelp
Pros - ambiance, cute outdoor brunch spot, close to lake, dog friendly Cons - overcooked steak, gave me regular milk when I told them I'm lactose and wanted oat milk. The last one was my biggest gripe. No restaurant should mistakenly give you something you're allergic to. Im glad I checked and I'm not deathly allergic, but it could be very dangerous if this was mistaken for those who are.
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S A.

Yelp
Great spot for breakfast. Great service even when busy. Waffle is bomb and the chicken is hitting! Good drinks too. Great location!
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Haley B.

Yelp
I hate leaving less than four star reviews, but here we are. We came here with a group of 7. The ambiance was nice, and the restaurant was busy. Service was friendly, but really slow. I'm guessing they were understaffed because we had to ask for our bill after already being done with our food for over half an hour. My sister ordered a Paloma but it didn't taste anything like one, so she had to have it replaced. Three of us ordered the chicken and waffles and while the flavor was good, we were sorely disappointed that the chicken looked literally nothing like any of their photos. And the portion size was so small. For what it cost, you'd be expecting big, crunchy pieces of chicken and we got pale chicken nuggets basically. Outside of that, we ordered a side of fries to go with our burgers (which was supposed to be around $3). Instead they brought us a basket of fries, which we didn't realize until we got the check and were charged $8 for them. Overall, for me and my husbands portion, it was $70+ for a coffee, soda, and two dishes. We'd expect higher quality and better portions for what we paid. We won't be back.