Dog-friendly bar · Lake Merritt & Grand Lake, Downtown & Lake Merritt
The Alley
Piano bar on Grand Avenue, open since 1933, where guests take turns singing standards from the Great American Songbook to a live pianist. Tens of thousands of business cards are stapled to the walls, and the kitchen serves dinner such as steaks and burgers.
More about The Alley
The room is built to look like an old saloon or alley, with wood shingles and diner-style booths, and twelve seats circle the piano past the main bar. Jody Kerr owned the bar from the 1940s until 1995; a relative, Jackie Simpkins, owns it now. Pianist Rod Dibble played there nightly from 1960 until his death in 2017. After a 14-month closure during the pandemic, regulars raised more than $100,000 to help it reopen.
Bringing your dog
Our sources say dogs are welcome, but not where in the place. Ask the staff when you arrive.
Grand Avenue piano bar and restaurant listed as dog-friendly.
Rules change and may apply only to part of the place. Call ahead if you are not sure.
Getting there
- Address3325 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA
- NeighborhoodLake Merritt & Grand Lake, Downtown & Lake Merritt
- TypeBar
More dog-friendly spots near The Alley
- Heart & Dagger SaloonBar · dogs allowed insideabout 0.2 mi
- Grand Lake Kitchen (Grand Ave)Americanabout 0.3 mi
- about 0.9 mi
- Two Pitchers Brewing OaklandBrewery · dogs allowed inside · dog menuabout 0.9 mi
- Bar CésarTapasabout 0.9 mi
The Alley: frequently asked questions
Is The Alley dog-friendly?
Yes, according to TrustedHousesitters. The sources don't say where in the place dogs can be, so ask the staff.
Can I bring my dog inside The Alley?
Our sources only mention that dogs are welcome. California law lets restaurants welcome dogs in outdoor dining areas, so at most places in Oakland dogs stay outside. Ask the staff if you want to sit inside.
What is The Alley like?
Piano bar on Grand Avenue, open since 1933, where guests take turns singing standards from the Great American Songbook to a live pianist. Tens of thousands of business cards are stapled to the walls, and the kitchen serves dinner such as steaks and burgers.
Where is The Alley?
The Alley is at 3325 Grand Ave around Lake Merritt & Grand Lake, Downtown & Lake Merritt, Oakland.
Are there other dog-friendly places near The Alley?
Yes. The closest one on our list is Heart & Dagger Saloon, about 0.2 mi away, followed by Grand Lake Kitchen (Grand Ave) (about 0.3 mi) and Cato's Ale House (about 0.9 mi).
All dog-friendly restaurants & bars around Lake Merritt & Grand Lake · All dog-friendly restaurants & bars in Oakland