the Town's 1st Vaudeville

Grand lake Theatre, a "GEM" movie house near Lake Merritt and Oakland's 1st theatre. It was designed as a single auditorium theater by the Reid Brothers for West Coast Theaters, Inc. After it opened on March 6, 1926, it held music performance and silent movie showings, but with the arrival of "talkies" it began to exclusively show sound films. In 1928, the Grand Lake became part of the Fox Theaters chain, and in total, changed ownership five times until 1980. In 1980, the theater was purchased by Allen Michaan of Renaissance Rialto, Inc.
Although the theater has an almost Art Deco exterior dominated by a giant illuminated rooftop sign and a neon marquee, the interior is best described as neo-classical. Columns and urns line the main theater space and the ceiling is adorned with a crystal chandelier in the lobby and classical frescos in the auditorium.

Michaan uses Its marquee is now own personal soapbox, to the delight of most (but not all) patrons and nearby residents. The marquee may read: No War for Oil; Peace Is Patriotic; and IMPEACH THIS ADMINISTRATION.
They also fire up their very own, Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. (Friday and Saturday evenings only 10 to 30 min as time permits)

Still a great date spot! Plus theres an LIQ across the street, in case you wanna sneak a beer inside.