Grease Box

The food here is delectable! I had the almond waffle with eggs. The food is top notch. Good coffee. The staff are friendly and easy going. This place is a hidden gem in Oakland.

I really want to like this place. Really really. I’m gluten free — they are gluten free! I live around the corner, they are around the corner!
However… I’ve been there 5 times, and I just can’t anymore. One time about a year or so ago, maybe a little more, a friend brought a chicken sandwich over for me, from them — and it was really good! So with that in mind I have gone back only to be disappointed time and time again. I’m afraid today was probably the last straw. (definitely avoid the crepes! Salads and standard breakfast items are ok — eggs and bacon for example… haven’t tried the waffles or burger…)
The server and chef were lovely, the snax on the counter looked amazing, but my sandwich was sooooo disappointing. The chicken part of the sandwich was tiny, like maybe a quail breast tiny — maybe closer to a half of a chicken thigh small. The menu does just say «breast» so maybe a really really tiny tiny chicke??? So while I could get about 8 bites of just bun all the way around before I could find the tiny chicken in the middle. Also the bun was really sweet to me — almost cookie sweet?- Maybe because I’m not a sweets fan? I really liked the previous bread option, more like a dark rye. The leftover breakfast potatoes were ok, but…
$ 14 + tax and 20% tip and I threw almost all of the bun out.
I’m sad.

Let’s all be fair. While one star is very close to appropriate, I’m feeling generous today so I’m gonna go with two stars.
Pancake, juice and coffee… $ 28.
The feeling of getting the shaft by a subpar «chef» and prices even a Saudi price would call
unreasonable… Priceless
I get it, gluten free, four day old baked goods tossed on a dirty plate with sludged Folders quality coffee might be your shtick but at least give me a smile when I walk in and relatively fair prices.
n response to the owner’s comment, I live two blocks down the street from this establishment. Truly though, it makes you wonder at some point wouldn’t the owner own up to the bad quality of service and food they provide evident of numerous bad reviews? Just own it and improve the quality or at least reduce the ridiculous prices! Thank you

Finally made it into Greasebox after a year of walking by and drooling… the food is great! I hardly ever eat out, as most people who suffer from celiac will tell you it’s not worth the chance of getting sick, so this was a rare treat. We went on MLK day, and even with the holiday it wasn’t too packed. I had the fried chicken lunch box and my friend got the fried chicken sandwich. Very good, especially the cornbread. I love that it’s not a GF/​vegan/​health food place. You can get donuts and apple muffins and greasy yums. That’s what I like:)
The young lady who served us was very nice as well. And it’s in my neighborhood, so I’ll definitely be back. Thanks Grease box!

Places like this restore my faith in HUMANITY. Certainly not a hit with discerning people who like to write bitchy reviews on Unilocal and never think outside the box, it’s a weird gem you’ll love because of the food (f-​ing delicious), the staff (groovy, down to earth, free of pretense) and the atmosphere (on its own bizarre triangular block nestled between homes of Paradise Park and the art-​industrial buildings across Stanford Avenue — it looks a bit like something out of a John Waters movie). The burger (yes, grass-​fed), fried chicken, salads and cornbread are all dynamite.

I went here with several friends for brunch on New Year’s Day. Not the best way to start of the New Year, but it makes for a funny memory: «remember that time we went to that dirty restaurant, but were so hungry we just toughed it out?»
We were greeted by a friendly server and we were told there were no seats so there would be a small wait– but actually there were. We found them ourselves because she didn’t realize they were there. Okay, here is the deal with this place– as other reviewers have stated the place is unsanitary. There were dirty plates on tables everywhere, when they did clean them they used a dirty rag. SCARY! There were ants (YES, ANTS) all over the counter where the desserts are displayed. YIKES! We waited a very long time for service to the point that I had to go fetch the server. He apologized and came over 10 minutes later after we already waited 20 minutes. He didn’t bring water or silverware with him. That’s 101. Some of the servers don’t seem to understand multi-​tasking or personal hygiene. I have no idea why this place hasn’t been whipped into shape –guess there are no health inspectors in Oakland.
You REALLY have to be okay with overlooking how flat out UNSANITARY this place is, and how inefficiently it is run to be okay with stepping inside. A good waffle is not worth it people!
p. s.: the menus are filthy.
Explanation of two stars:
1 star –because the servers were very nice and did apologize for our experience — and give us a discount on our food.
1 star-​because I had the chicken and waffles which were pretty good –but very over priced– two pieces of chicken and a waffle for $ 18– ridiculous. But still a star for being good.

12/​28/​2015 3pm
No.
Chef complained about some kid taking cookie, then continued to complain about it to everyone who would listen, the server, other employee getting food, other customers. Even some other customers who have their kid with them!
«I just can’t tolerate that kind of behavior — of course I made them pay for the cookie!»
Why are the cookies in reach of children? Also, speaking as a parent, bringing children out to restaurants is hard but necessary. Hard, and stressful, and at times embarrassing.
Don’t blame. Don’t make it about them. Don’t make it even more embarrassing than it already is. Just give them the cookie, and figure out why that situation happened in the first place.
Then he complained about some other customers to current customers. Then went to the kitchen and sat on the phone complaining about customers and cooking while on the phone.
Yo. I feel you. Service is hard. I was in it for several years. This is not the place or the time to complain. Take a break, or wait until after your shift.
Kid’s parents had them put on music to try to drown out the angry phone chatter. Chef comes back in front of the house and swore in front of child — «Are you kidding me? I fucking love this album.» Wow.
Food took nearly an hour. It was okay. Eggs over-​cooked. The server, who seemed new, was really nice and apologized for the wait.
There are ants. That’s a whole other thing.
I won’t be coming back.
UPDATE 12/​30/​2015
«12÷29÷2015 All of your Unilocal reviews are one star… A little suspicious, don’t you think?»
Oh. That’s really sad, actually. My sympathy to you.

Fantastic, Grease Box is amazing!
In my day to day life I am gluten free. No, not for fad dieting purposes or I obviously wouldn’t be chomping down on major gluten free doughnuts! I have a gluten sensitivity so I stay away. Yeah there are tons of gluten free options, but when you miss doughnuts and bread and yummy stuff that takes more time and finesse than you can allocate yourself in the morning, well this is the place to come.
Quite small, but cool. It works.
Servers are all totally awesome.
Super North Oakland in Décor. Love the painting on the wall hanging over the to go coffee station.
Had the hangover cure #1, delish!
Had the Red juice: apple, ginger, beet, mutio bem!
Tried the cinnamon sugar doughnut, a plus, plus!
Really, come check this place out. Staff is very nice.
I totally slipped while going out the door though. Omg, I was so embarrassed, played it cool though. It was raining so be careful going down that little slope when it was raining.
Totally love this place and everyone working there.

Grease Box is my favorite dive-​y breakfast spot in Oakland. Both the staff and owners have always struck me as extremely amiable and flexible, as I’ve never had a problem asking for substitutes on my order and have always been greeted by multiple people when I walk in.
Sometimes service can be slow (ish) on the weekends, but this is a side effect of their deserved popularity and small size. Additionally, you can tell how much thought goes into sourcing ingredients just by how consistently delicious their food is. All in all, I’ve never felt like I’m being ignored or forgotten.
I’m always bringing friends and family here without regret. If you’re thinking of coming here for the first time, I highly suggest trying the chicken and waffles and their cowboy coffee.

On our way to ihop, we decided to be adventurous and come here instead. The interior is really cool and casual, and it’s a pretty small shop.
Service could use some work. It seemed like a few servers were just standing around while the food was clearly ready and waiting. I also don’t like that if you pay with card, they bring the iPad to you and it pressures you to tip a certain amount. which we didn’t think was deserved.
Food was okay. Maybe it might be awesome to those who are vegan or have gluten allergies, but I don’t think it was the food for us. The hangover cure was delicious– amazing potatoes and bacon but definitely not worth $ 15. The chicken and waffles were okay. Chicken was good but the waffles had a really weird heavy aftertaste. I couldn’t really get myself to stomach it. For $ 18, I would have expected a better entrée.
I think overall it’s a cool place but I wouldn’t go there again. It’s way too expensive for the amount and taste of the food.

Everything here is great! Come with a casual attitude and just enjoy yourself! The staff is awesome and friendly. The food is all gluten free and delicious. I highly recommend almost everything on the menu. I just finished my burger (added bacon) and cowboy coffee to fuel me for the day!

Super good, super hip, super happy we stumbled upon it. Could use a coat of paint, but I like their low rent vibe. The people working there are in love with their job, which is wonderfully infectious. Their job is creating perfect, delicious cuisine level food, that’ll leave you wishing you had a bigger stomach with which to try more of the menu.
This is really a 4.5 star review if there ever was one. If they really had some beautiful Chez Pannisse garden, then they’d command Chez Pannisse prices, and we wouldn’t go.
Can’t wait to try their homemade donuts and fresh coffee on my way to work.

This is my favorite restaurant in the world. As someone with Celiac Disease, I am sick and tired of gluten free food associated with being healthy! I am not vegan, I love fried food, and I crave donuts all the time.
This is a place were I can come and eat my favorite foods in a lovely, non-​pretentious atmosphere. I always sit outside with my dog and could not ask for more.
Everything on the menu is good and if you get here at the right time, you can get something straight out of the oven!
I hope my last meal on earth are ribs and I’d be happy if they came from Grease Box. So much love, big thank you.

Fried chicken: sublime. Even the breast meat, which is usually dry at most places.
Ambiance: hipster, but NOT pretentious.
Staff: AWESOME!!! You must bring your patience, as the popularity of this place goes beyond what the staff can handle sometimes, just be understanding that they’re working their asses off, especially on a Saturday.
Things to note:
The queso is good on EVERTYTHING, so take some home.
If you’re there at the right moment, you might get a donut that’s fresh out of the fryer (the smell of warm cinnamon and sugar on fried bread… OMFG)
The bread pudding: NO RAISINS, FINALLY, a place that doesn’t defile a good bread pudding with this most heinous of dried fruits!!!
Comfort food at its finest, right in an area that needed it.

Anyone who doesn’t get that this is place is special is an idiot! Not many restaurant owners would be willing to have a dedicated gluten free restaurant. Yes the service is slow, but that’s not the point to this place. Usually when I eat out I have so much anxiety over whether I’m going to be lied to about gluten ingredients or whether I’ll get a serious dose of contamination. But here I know I am 100% safe! Where else can you get fried chicken and kale juice??? This place is my dream come true!

I’ve been here a couple of times. Live in the neighborhood so it’s nearby. The portion size is decent however, The price for what I got didn’t match up. My great waitress was replaced half way through with a less desirable waiter that wasn’t so desirable. What I like best about this small food hub was the outdoor seating and the cowboy iced coffee but sadly not enough to go back again. Lastly, I was very disappointed in how the owner addressed her customers comments. That’s enough for me, it showed their money and time spent there wasn’t valued.
@ Elizabeth: if Unilocal isn’t valued then why are you hawking all the neg feedback and your words are clearly words because I didn’t witness you valuing others or myself as a customer but bullying them for being dissatisfied. Sad really.

EDIT 9÷24÷15 — Wow, if the food had come as quickly as the owner replied to my review, maybe then this place would have deserved a second star. Womp womp.
Not good. Half empty and still waited an eternity for lunch. Food was mediocre at best. Friendly but inefficient staff. Won’t find myself here again.

Was looking up a review for another restaurant, and this one came up in my feed. I flashed back on the absolutely traumatic experience I had here, and read the reviews. I am absolutely shocked at how the owner is addressing the issues with this horrific establishment, as I wouldn’t dare to call it a «restaurant».
When we first came in for a late breakfast we wanted to sit outside, but there were piles upon piles of dirty dishes and food on each table. We came inside, and the other tables that weren’t occupied were just as dirty, except for one, which wasn’t clean, but dish-​free. After waiting a too long period, I cleaned it myself. My honey was already ready to go, and I was beginning to have deep reservations, but held on because I thought they had a very interesting menu.
I don’t know where to start. Maybe with the dirty glasses? Or the cooks and servers unkempt hair flying everywhere and dirty ragged clothing? Or maybe the food all over the floor? Or maybe the fact that this owner was never spotted washing her hands even once, and then took some pastries with her BARE HANDS out to the counter, and then sorted them for minutes, touching each and every one of them with her BARE HANDS? Or maybe the dozens of flies that seemed more than comfortable chilling there like alternate employees? I think I stayed as long as I did out of sheer, raw, and disgusted fascination that there was actually a «restaurant» that operated this way. My honey and I talked about it for days afterward.
One of the owner’s responses to a recent review: «Haters gonna hate». Please – lmao! Someone please call the Health Department on this place before there is a ptomaine and salmonella outbreak.
~~EDIT 9÷21÷15: In answer to the owner’s typical and tired flippant response (with zero concern for the issues at hand) if «bare hand made» means touching and handling food after rubbing your hands over your dirty clothing and hair, then have at it. If someone eats here after reading this review and the owner’s response, you have at it too. And btw, good going rallying your friends and employees to give 5 star reviews to the Unilocal you claim to hate.~~

Wow. I like getting reamed as much as the next guy but COME ON. The first time my GF and I wanted to eat here, the indoor tables were dirty, and the owner and the little quiet guy who might have been the server were oblivious to our presence. I took a look at the menu board, and the high prices were obviously not going towards the excellent service, nor to the luxurious décor. We said «F this place» and departed.
A couple of weeks ago, we decided to give them another chance and seated ourselves in the outdoor grotto at one of the leaning picnic benches. GB’s saving grace — a very good and attentive waiter whom I will call «Trotsky» — brought us water and took our orders.
I was in the mood for fried chicken. I saw that two ala carte pieces of chicken cost $ 8 dollars, so I asked the waiter how many chicken pieces come with the $ 16 «Fried Chicken Lunchbox.» The answer is TWO. I guess the gem salad with ranch and pickles is also worth $ 8. I gave poor Trotsky the 1000 yard stare and went with the $ 8 two piece deal. I think my date ordered the Hangover Cure.
So after about 25 minutes Trotsky brings out our food. I am fucking underwhelmed by my two pieces of chicken — one breast and one silly little wing. Fuck me. I saw someone at a nearby table receive two fat pieces of chicken that dwarfed mine. The quality of the food seemed good, I’m not going to hate on that aspect of the place. I had some of the GF’s Hangover and it was pretty good.
So later Trotsky brought the check, and he is such an empath, he actually noticed my disappointment when he served the chicken (OK I wasn’t really hiding it), and took two bucks off the price of my chicken. He said that when he was given my chicken in the kitchen by the owner, he said um can you give the guy one more piece, this is kinda small? she refused. That jibes with everything else I’ve heard about her.
We went in to pay the check and the asshead at the counter completely ignored us. But after a couple of minutes — Trotsky to the rescue again! He rung us up, and I included a decent tip, which I wish he didn’t have to share with the rest of the (negligent) staff.
I’ll definitely never eat here again. The prices are a fucking joke, and they treat you like shit — except for Trotsky.
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Nice flippant reply, owner. You must be a joy to work for. How much longer will you be able to ride the hipster foodie train?
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Yeah? Well, that’s just like, your opinion, man.

Love the concept: unassuming shack in the middle of several neighborhoods, crossroads, and warehouses meets quality southern gluten-​free yummies.
We had the burger and a bacon crêpe. Burger was juicy but rather flavorless, but the bun was quite interesting with a wonderful queso that masked the gumminess texture found in most gluten-​free breads. The crêpe was also good, but nothing outstanding.
The wait was a good 30 minutes, but service seemed a bit of a miss as we waited another 30 minutes just to get some beet juice after ordering. Tables weren’t clean and food came out just as slow.
The biggest downer, however, were the prices. Way too high. A small brunch ended up costing more than a trip out the gourmet ghetto in Berkeley, which we found a bit absurd and just didn’t line up in our minds.