farewell top dog lakeshore
sunny, mild weather on december 24 made for even longer lines than expected at top dog's last day on lakeshore avenue in oakland after 14 years.
scenes from top dog lakeshore on december 24. photo credit berkeley eats.
the remaining oakland outpost of the berkeley-born, counterculture, no-frills, addictive frankfurter and sausage shop closes on lakeshore avenue after service this evening, leaving only one final top dog – the original on durant avenue in berkeley, there since 1966.
the lakeshore location's posted good-bye note from owners richard and irene riemann was touching and true. "i think having provided a quality product at an affordable price and a friendly staff have made for your return visits. i thank you for that," says the note.
"it's a lovely neighborhood, like a village where people connect."
top dog lakeshore was at 3272 lakeshore avenue in oakland, and closes after service today.
please note that the original top dog location at 2534 durant avenue in berkeley remains open, beloved and busy after nearly 60 years.
december 24, 2025 (merry christmas to all who celebrate)