50 Best Bars near Albany

“It was my first time to this iconic venue. I saw one of my all-time favorite bands play, Steel Pole Bathtub with the Antler Family opening. This is a quaint little venue and people come from all over the Bay Area. It's also run by all women. It's also not far from the BART station.“

“Un rendez-vous avec la bonne gastronomie le service rapide et l’endroit agréable merci 🙏“

“I love this pizza spot. Food, cocktails and atmosphere are all great.

The crust on their pizza really sets them apart. It is a corn meal crust and gives a great crunch.

I recommend coming here for date night or as a casual catch-up with friends. They also have a wonderful lunch and happy hour menu.“

“Liholiho is a fantastic restaurant! The space is modern and beautifully designed, with an open kitchen where you can watch everything being prepared, which adds a lot of energy and transparency to the dining experience.

The service was very friendly, attentive, and quick. The cocktails were excellent, and even the non-alcoholic one I ordered was made with care and tasted great.

The food was outstanding. The bun with beef tongue was extraordinary, the tuna tartare and ceviche were perfectly balanced and fresh, and the shrimps with crispy rice were especially memorable. All dishes showed creativity, originality, and were prepared with high quality ingredients.

For three people, including first and main courses, drinks, and one dessert, the bill came to $260, which I found fair for this level of quality. The only minus point is that the restaurant does not offer coffee, which would have been a nice way to finish the meal.

Overall, I really enjoyed everything at Liholiho. Highly recommended, and I hope I will get to return again!“

“Smugglers cove is the cutest tiki bar! Beautiful decor

What a drink menu, it’s so good! Many cocktails to choose from and the bartenders are phenomenal. The drinks here are an art form and the presentation was excellent

Sat with our group in lower level it was pretty warm in there!

Must stop if you in the area!“

“Awesome Tiki Bar and a must visit if your into Tiki or themed bars“

“Wonderful Bar tender Alec and staff 😄. Loved it!“

“Amazing staff. Lovely owners out of this work drinks and mock tails and the plants !!!!“

“Great atmosphere! Bartenders were great and able to make a variety of unique drinks. The back patio was arranged to accommodate 2-4 at a small table, and benches or high tops for groups. There was also an option to sit under the covered or outside part of the patio.“

“Trashy clientele, inconsistent and overpriced drinks, broken games, and early closing because the staff is lazy. This place is a joke, a disgrace to the Emporium name.“

“😃🥰nice place for cocktails“

“Quirky little pub in a nice neighborhood. We stumbled upon it by chance and felt at home right away 👍😀 Unforgettable atmosphere and wonderful people, including the owner, staff and patrons! 🥳🍻👍😀“

“Loved this place very authentic“

“Fab bar with a great range of booze and really friendly and helpful staff. Took the time to discuss UK vs USA measures and jiggers with me - fascinating!“

“Really great spot with delicious and healthy options. I went for the mixed grill, and the portions were generous and satisfying. The Seedlip non-alcoholic drinks were an unexpected and delightful surprise!“

“Great place great food. Love it“

“Favourite neighbourhood bar!“

“Amazing place, a bit unexpected when you drive by. Ihad great moments and made best friends. Cocktails are best in region! Try!“

“Visiting town, stopped in for a quick drink. Stayed for six. Great drinks, good prices, nice spot, and the bartender Francisco is both an excellent bartender but also an absolute class act with how he treated another patron that was having a hard time. Would’ve stayed longer if I could have. Will be coming back next time I’m in town.“

“We had such a delightful time at Tintos! It was a wonderful surprise to find this Persian gem on Valencia Street. The menu is unique, exciting, and full of delicious flavors you don’t often come across in the neighborhood. Everything we tried was thoughtfully prepared and so tasty. Tintos really stands out as a special addition to Valencia Street, and we’re so glad we discovered it. Highly recommended!“

“Great bartender & sours. FYI - they don't serve any liquor, just beer & wine

Parking: You will likely have to drive around the neighborhood for a while and walk a few blocks to park which will be time limited.“

“What a fantastic spot in the financial district! We were staying in town for a wedding, and this was such a great spot close to our hotel. Patrick (the owner) and his team were all a 10/10! Can’t wait to return.“

“If I'm in San Francisco, it's a mandatory stop for me for an evening or late-night bite!“

“I've never been to a bar I've liked more. Everything about my experience was top shelf. The service was impeccable - attentive, engaging, and helpful. The listening experience was divine. The interior decor was a perfectly executed intersection of mid-century modern and industrial. What isn't to love? A gem.“

“I love performing their can't wait to go back“

“Best bar in the state of California. Bar tenders are angels sent from heaven.

If Heaven had a dive bar, it would be the Wreck Room.

This place is less of a bar and more of a spiritual experience where alcohol meets emotional healing and excellent music. I came in for one drink. I left with a new lease on life, 3 new best friends, and possibly a tattoo (jury’s still out).

Let’s talk about the bartenders.
These legends aren’t just slinging drinks—they’re alchemists. They mix cocktails like wizards with rent due. One of them made me a drink so good I texted my ex just to say I’ve moved on. Another handed me a shot with the kind of gay eye contact that made me believe in myself again.

Special shoutout to Ev, Philly, Mario! Watching them work is like watching a symphony of chaos—shakers flying, beers cracking, garnishes tossed like they’re auditioning for Top Chef: Bar Edition. At one point I swear I saw one of them pour six drinks with two hands and a third-eye chakra.

Vibes? Immaculate.
Bathroom graffiti? Philosophical.
Jukebox selection? So good I briefly considered proposing to it.
Clientele? A beautiful mix of people who all look like they could either give you great life advice or help you move a couch.

I’ve cried here. I’ve danced here. I once won a heated debate about the best Nicolas Cage movie here.

Wreck Room isn’t just a bar. It’s therapy with tequila.
10/10. Will be buried here.“

“I thought this would be a dime a dozen dive bar type spot, but thankfully I was wrong. It was pretty poppin for a Monday evening, but not enough to where it was overwhelming. The trees are fantastic, and the cocktails were actually good! We even got a nifty NA cocktail as a nightcap. I'll be coming back next time I'm in the area.“

“Thriller Social Club is a go-to spot in SF for an unforgettable night out with friends! It’s more than just a barcade, it has a welcoming vibe that feels polished and fun, striking a unique balance between entertainment and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The two-story layout has something for everyone: plenty of games across both floors and a cozy lounge area upstairs for those wanting to unwind. Special recognition to Devon, Matt, and the amazing staff who bring great energy and make sure everyone has a fantastic time.

If you’re looking for a place to play, chill, and enjoy some of the best hospitality in SF, Thriller Social Club is a must-visit!“

“Beautiful ambiance, attentive service, delicious food and drinks, and VERY memorable tiramisu. An all around excellent choice when dining out for a special occasion! Would highly recommend.“

“Best place ever. Real humans being real beautiful weirdos. Music sometimes. Eye candy always. Specs’ is one of my favorite places on earth.“

“Super chill place that’s cozy and serves amazing nibbles and wine without being pretentious or exclusive. Can’t speak to mingling possibilities (whether you’ll go home with someone new) but it is a hangout stand-out, with stellar service. My new fav place north of Gourmet Ghetto“

“What an absolute gem. Could not recommend this place more. The Thrasher Fries and Crab Cakes are top tier (and that’s coming from someone that lives in Maryland). Service was superb and the bartender was the right balance of attentive but chill. What more could you ask for?!“

“Love eating on the Sun porch and the refills on the ice tea!“

“An incredible spot to enjoy some top quality draft ciders. I'm not an expert on ciders by any means, but I've had some incredible stuff here (I've particularly loved anything I've had from Yonder). The vibes here are great, the bartenders are lovely, and they have some great merch for sale! My mom who visits from out of state has bought a tote bag, hat, and sweatshirt from Redfield just so she can flex to her friends back home how awesome this bar is. If you enjoy cider, or even if you just want to stop in for a quick beer, this is a great and classy place to come to. Love Redfield!“

“This was my 1st visit to San Francisco on my birthday! Hidive was welcoming, with great staff, good drinks, and a great bar top food menu! Started the day out there with margaritas, and stopped back in for some wings and a nightcap at the end of the day. It was great!“

“I don’t know how long this will last, but right now there’s a lunch deal where you get a free martini with lunch. I got the burger which was great, and the martini was modest sized but packed a punch! It was perfectly made and really hit the spot. I can’t wait to come back and try the other cocktails on the menu 🍸“

“Great venue. L, X“

“I had a great drink here and will be back — good conversation and playful banter with the bartender. Local spot on Chestnut with a pool table in the back. I stopped in solo just to check the vibe, since I live in the neighborhood and had never been in. Everyone was welcoming, and the staff was happy to chat.“

“Waldy was the bartender and was super hospitality and welcoming! He was great at recommending the best drinks and food. The quesabirria and the barbacoa nachos were delicious and you have to do a Mexican candy shot (pictured). Music was also great.“

“Yummy selection and really friendly service.“

“I have found a new favorite bar. Wandered in because I was curious, and was pleasantly surprised. It's a historic bar with GORGEOUS interiors, friendly service, fun historical anecdotes, and there was live music when I was there. I will definitely be back, and hopefully in time to catch the sandos!“

“What an intimate special dinning experience !“

“Can’t beat the rustic atmosphere and the bartender was very friendly and informative.“

“We stopped in because this place is located across the street from the Fox Theater and we were seeing a concert. What a terrific find. Fantastic cocktails, wonderful bartenders, and you can order food from a Japanese restaurant next door and they deliver it to you at the bar. Enjoyed a wonderful bento box with gyoza, seaweed salad, and fried chicken.“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“Great drinks and space both outdoors and indoors.“

“They're always so nice to me here! Mama loves the craft cocktails and the book curations. We live nearby so it's a favorite neighborhood hang, and we appreciate all the thought that went into the menus.“