50 Best Cocktail Bars near Albany

“Low key, relaxed vibe, cool tunes, best drinks. And a stellar taco truck in the parking lot. Very friendly staff. 5 stars all day, every day.“

“VERY nice bar tucked off in Albany, inside is a wooded theme fireplace, candle lit tables with umbrellas outback on the patio. They have games like checkers, pool etc,. Super low-key but very chill-romantic vibe. I enjoyed myself and will be back again.“

“I love this bar/club. It's a small dive bar with great shows. I saw Manic Hispanic this week. I was up front and center. A friend saw the same band last week in SoCal but was separated from the band by the typical bigger show barricade. The Ivy Room gets packed, but what a fantastic place to see bands!“

“Delicious food! Great Bar and desserts! Super friendly staff and owners.“

“It’s the best Restaurant in town came with Family and we had a great time! Food was great and drinks 🍹 we all loved the dessert as well! Just amazing service and food! My Favorite for sure! 2914 College Ave Berkeley Ca“

“The food in this restaurant is delicious, I hope you have time to try it.“

“Amazing food and wine, great view“

“We walked in on NYE without a reservation and they graciously found us a spot in the bar area. Service was on point and staff were festively dressed! I love a crafty cocktail but most are too sweet. I had the Smokey mezcal cocktail 🍹. Perfection. Appetizers were delish as well. Perfect way to start our NYE celebrations.“

“I've been here several times for cocktails. My favorite is the Chinatown pretty. I had no idea that the food was so good! The kale salad was massive and delicious. The avocado flavor in the salad was so good. The pork buns were also super flavorful. Overall the food really exceeded my expectations :)“

“We brought our friend here to celebrate his birthday because we wanted to gift an experience. We saw you featured on Check Please . . . And you guys WOW’d us beyond our expectations!! Amazing staff! And amazing food . . And yes, amazing cocktails!! Down to the last finishing touches ! We will definitely be back !“

“I threw my partner a birthday party here and the staff went out of their way to make everything easy and fun. They were incredibly busy because of an event in the Mission and yet still checked in on our party and provided whatever we needed. In addition to their huge awesome patio, they have good food (not just good for a bar) and really good cocktails. They have free live music on the weekends. Always a good time. Highly recommended. I’ve never had a bad time here.“

“The seafood here is absolutely superb in both flavour and service, with exceptionally fresh ingredients. It ranks among the finest seafood I've ever tasted😃😋“

“This is a classic Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and excellent service. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. We ordered the classic pepperoni pizza, the classic cheese and bacon pizza, as well as the lasagna and carbonara. The pizzas were cooked to perfection, with a crispy and delicious crust. The pasta was cheesy and filling.“

“A safe place for a celiac person to enjoy the food ride of their lives!!!

This was one of the best food experiences in my life! It was not just a meal...but an EXPERIENCE! Each bite, you went on a journey of flavors and textures that kept changing in your mouth. Layers of deliciousness 😋.

They change their menu up a lot. We had the celery root ceviche that was out of this world! We were not going to order it at first but the waiter said it was the best thing on the menu...and she was RIGHT!

This was followed by the fava bean battered pork belly and the short rib entree that was so tender that an impure thought could cut it! It was meat candy!

The for dessert we did this dark chocolate cake and the olbea!!!! Do NOT miss out on the oblea! Both were just so divine!

The only pain I experienced was wishing I had another stomach to fit more food!

Oh and the mocktails were GREAT!“

“Kat was a chill bartender and served me a delicious cocktail with rum (something I normally don't like!). The atmosphere was chill for a Wednesday evening, and the music was good to beat. Felt divey yet classy, home but far away. Chill spot, lots of seating, clean, and a great place to wind down after work. Would recommend.
EDIT: Pictured is the Milk Grog (it's phenomenal and sweet!) Also try the Reviver as well, very delicious!“

“Great environment, lively, and tasty food!“

“We had the most wonderful dinner at Sorella. The food was amazing, but the best part was our server Luca. She was absolutely incredible - so kind, so fun, so caring, so funny! @whoever is reading this, please give her a raise and promote her. Luca is the best!!!!“

“Lavay Smith sings there on Sunday evenings“

“I have been twice and so far everything has been delicious. I need to go back a few more times to try everything on the menu. Don't forget to save room for dessert. The cocktails are fantastic.“

“Beautiful and intimately small location to hear some great jazz music! The musicians were all very into the music, bumping along with each other and having a great time making some great music. The food was great as well, definitely recommend the bao! The cocktails were all very diverse, something really for anyone's taste, and were really quite tasty. There is a 90 min limit at a table before they move you to a bar, which makes sense. I also loved how the smaller location and unique entrance made the location feel welcoming but secluded. Would definitely visit again!“

“Nice bar and really like the roof fan“

“We applaud all those who help PCH become Miracle @ PCH, it’s amazing!“

“Had a lovely time both times I went. The speakeasy has very chill vibes and the board game room is really nice. Drinks were immaculate. Can't wait to try the escape room.“

“Bring on the funny 😁 happy anniversary Lisa good times great atmosphere!!!“

“Fantastic concept, fantastic cocktails“

“I absolutely love this place. I read some of the low reviews because I couldn’t believe there were some. Yes, the price is high but that’s most bars in the city. And yes, it can take a while to order but that’s because every drink is crafted and presented with care. This place has some of the most unique drinks I’ve ever had. They are always changing up the menu and doing some fun pop up’s and themes. Customer service is exceptional, especially Leo. I love that it is not easy to find and that you have to know the password.“

“Really cool local bar…..the first time I ever tried Flor de Caña was from here…..all the proofs! Nice crowd, service, atmosphere, good drinks, vibe & bar bites! 👍🏿“

“I would recommend.

We caught Happy Hour at Persona. HH consists of $3 off house cocktails, beer, wine.

We had 2 drinks each, shared popcorn ($7). The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable about the cocktails.

Things to know:
- Some cocktails are batched and poured on draft (I am not a fan of this method, when yiure paying $15+ for a cocktail I want it hand crafted not on draft)
- Popcorn was a smidge too salty so we didnt have much
- No live music on Tuesdays
- By the stairs they have post cards which is a nice touch“

“Ok, ambiance 10/al gritty nyc rap vibes make be wanna work on my handles. Grandma pizzas are to die for the sausage and chopped cheese were amazing. The regular pies a little small but delicious the mauros molto meat was really good came out hot the volka martini was a little heavy on the olives“

“Tiki Bar with a definite 50’s vibe. Love the rum selection!“

“There are levels to this tiki thing and this place is without a doubt the best of the best. The drinks are all phenomenal, the bartenders are in tune with the drinks they sell, and there's a huge variety of drinks available. I cannot speak more highly of this place.“

“Really nice place with some great food. The charteruie board was great, the duck was fantastic and the drinks were great.

Unfortunately another guest got really drunk and started puking outside. I don't blame that on the restaurant or the staff, but just unlucky I guess.“

“Short wait on a Friday night for 7 of us. Really small place but the wait staff and owner very friendly and everyone was very happy with their meal. If I lived here I would go back.“

“My fiancé and I found your restaurant Saturday afternoon while sightseeing the city. We were so impressed with the atmosphere and hospitality. This place is the best for nice afternoon seafood lunch! Thank you so much for the delicious meal.“

“Novela is an absolute standout in San Francisco! The book-themed concept is incredibly unique and beautifully executed, creating a cozy yet upscale atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out. Every detail—from the decor to the ambiance—feels thoughtfully curated.
The cocktails are exceptional, creative, and expertly crafted, with plenty of options to suit different tastes. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and provide top-notch service that really elevates the experience. Whether you’re a literature lover or just looking for a stylish spot with great drinks, Novela is a must-visit! 📚🍸“

“🌟 NOPA San Francisco: A Bucket List Culinary Triumph! 🌟 Review by: The Bucket List Coach Webshow. I recently had the distinct pleasure of crossing a major culinary destination off my bucket list: NOPA San Francisco. My dining experience on December 12, 2025, was not just a meal; it was an absolute masterclass in hospitality and farm-to-table excellence. Exceptional Service: A Shoutout to Zach! From the moment we sat down, the experience was elevated by our server, Zach. He truly went above and beyond, anticipating needs and offering spot-on recommendations, making the dining experience feel incredibly special and seamless. A massive shoutout to Zach, as well as the entire Culinary team, Management team, and staff—the level of coordination and passion was palpable. Appetizers and Beverages: Instant Classics The meal kicked off with the Date and Pear appetizer, which was absolutely fantastic—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and texture. And for the beer lovers out there, you must try the Honey Beer 🍺. I'm officially adding this to my personal "Beer Bucket List!" I will absolutely be recommending it to all my followers on my podcast and through my travel agency. Thanks to Woods Beer and Wine Company! The Entrée: Perfection on a Plate For the main course, I opted for the Duck, and it was cooked to perfection. Seriously, melt in the mouth- tender meat was phenomenal. The plate presentation was stunning, far exceeding my expectations—it was a true work of art. The side of Grapefruit and Vinaigrette Salad was the perfect accompaniment. It was one of the best salads I have ever had in San Francisco; the brightness of the grapefruit cut through the richness of the duck beautifully. Desserts: Celebrating National Cocoa Day! To celebrate National Cocoa Day Dec. 13th-I couldn't resist. I highly suggest partaking in the Hot Chocolate for a decadent dessert item—it was rich, velvety, and a perfect holiday treat. And if you still have room, the Cheesecake with Brown Sugar is another truly fantastic dessert that offers a wonderful, comforting finish to the meal. NOPA is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination. The ambiance, the incredible staff like Zach, and the impeccable, thoughtful food quality solidify NOPA as a must-visit spot in San Francisco. It earns its place on any serious foodie's bucket list Cindy Lee Podcast Host at Bucket List Coach Web Show & Founder of Bucket List Coach Travel Tours“

“The decor was festive and abundant in the best way possible, and the cocktails looked unique and curiosity-piquing. I narrowed my choices down to a Cafe Sua Daddy and the Soy Sauce Old Fashioned.

I love a savory drink and the sweet caffeinated espresso martini-esque drink had a thick blanket of just-salty-enough foam reminiscent of the salt cream that tops a boba drink. The Soy Sauce Old Fashioned catapulted me back to my childhood, eating slabs of tofu drenched in shoyu at my grandma's house. I loved the custom soy bottle presentation, it was just strong enough to tolerate being poured over a large rock while maintaining its flavor.

My partner had the Umami Tots and Mapo Tofu. I couldn't resist the siren song of some crispy potatoes dunked in chili oil cream, but managed to hold myself back on the tofu- even though it smelled amazing.

Can't wait to return and try the new seasonal drinks, along with more snacks.“

“Always an interesting experience and fun treat. Classic cocktails in a classic atmosphere. Service is on point! Food is innovative yet still comforting and familiar. Never disappointed.“

“Ottimo cibo, servizio veloce, locale molto carino.“

“After unfriendly service at side a, we tried true laurel instead and we were blown away by how accommodating and welcoming the staff were to us and our child. Service is great, drinks and food are phenomenal. Do not skip the mushrooms! 10/10“

“Holy moly, this place was great! The food is tasty & beautifully served. The service was great & Hannah made terrific suggestions. Really well done!“

“June 2026:
Stopped by for drinks to watch the world cup. Sat at the end of the bar and had a good time.

Just ordered a beer 🍺. But this place has an extensive list of liquor. Great place for cocktails 😃.

Next time when I am in the area.“

“Historical significance with Jack Kerouac and very cool looking. Great location.“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“Great atmosphere and delicious food! Outdoor dining, too!“

“The food was delicious, especially the veggie dumplings and the vegetable dragon roll. And our server was incredibly nice! Also, the cute fish cup they served us in was for sale, so of course I had to buy it. Overall a great gem in the city.“

“After many personal recommendations had to go check out bar Iris for myself. Incredibly crafted cocktails in an amazing bar and seating area. Not only were they delicious but the looked great too! Very fancy menu with very helpful star chart to explain how the flavors of the drink are balanced.“

“We've been here ~6-7 times in the last year. They make fantastic cocktails & the food is surprisingly good, but service is often very slow.

The drink menu is fun & tropical leaning but with some drinks that pack a serious punch. If you don't like what you see, they'll make anything you want & they'll do a great job!

I wish the menu would shift a little bit - I don't think it's changed since the first time we visisted.

It can be hard to get your order in & even if standing waiting for awhile, it'll often to awhile to get the attention of the bartender. This hasn't been isolated to a single bartender, it's just kind of the general experience.

If you're not bothered by slow service and want great drinks, go here!“

“味道很不错值得尝试一下！😁😁😁“

“The food was great, the service was excellent, I was very satisfied“