46 Best Dive Bars near Berkeley

“Things haven’t gotten going yet so you can still make it.“

“My dad used to drink there in the 1980s and the Asian husband and wife couple who owned the bar bought him a last drink and told him never to come backThe bar was closed for about 10 or 20 years in the 1990s and the 2000sMy favorite part of the bar is spinning the wheel and trying my luck at free drinks cuz half the time it's a l**** deal but half the time it's a winner deal it's a nice bar most people are really coolFor a while they had a 8-bit Nintendo system and I'd play Castlevania and Super Mario Bros over and over again but they do have some arcade games and pinball games really nice“

“Nice little gem in Oakland California, great shows, and friendly staff. Don’t pass this place up!“

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

“Great place to sit and have a drink, good jukebox, pool table and friendly staff. You can request sports on one of the three flatscreen TVs. I've been going there for years and new owner seems pretty cool and actually lowered the prices on a few things, go figure.“

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

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“Great venue. L, X“

“Good food under the towering Bay Bridge- great views 😍“

“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!“

“Great bartenders, so welcoming& makes an awesome Old Fashion, makes you feel like a family“

“Outstanding spot to watch sports, chill, and more“

“Went there with relatives from Ireland. The told me it felt like a pub back home. That is a great compliment. The bartender was also from Ireland and the back and forth banter between the bartender and my guest (Mainly dealt with the different countries they were from) was hilarious. Had great time.“

“Retro classy neighborhood bar with fun regulars and great music!!!😎👍👍“

“Super cute place. Come as you are kind of bar. There are food vendors, gaming activities, pool, darts, wonderful people that are super chill. Legend says if you're there on a Monday there's There 2 islanders that cook amazing food...The only thing is that they show up randomly. They will post on the Second 2 None Facebook 5 hours before showing up. If you want to be there when they cook best to like this page so you can get the latest updates and last minute events and after parties.. PS. mention Alice or Ichigo referred you to the Bartender so they know. Also real men wear miniskirts if you can do that, kilts count too...“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“This place is phenomenal.“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“Can’t believe this place is still open!Just stopped by cause the outside light was on. Got 2 Anchor Steam beers on draft. Bartender remembers me after all these years. Beers are only $6 each!Great spot as a low key, neighborhood bar.Stop by for a chill time!“

“It was a great positive experience and true local hidden gem! Come say hi to the owner Ann, tell her I sent you.“

“Great Juke box, cute bartender and booze! What else can you ask for?“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“Great metal bar in Oakland with a massive courtyard, and makes you stop wondering where all the cute boys went! A nice reprieve from the steadily wealthier and wealthier Oakland scene, nobody is talking about their new sportscar here and lots of space to see great music most of it metal. 🎸 (though the last 2 metal guys I know who played here were pretty loaded now that I think of it one of them worked at nvidia and the other was a graduate degree engineer from my office ) there’s a baywheels bike share nearby in case you’re scared of leaving your bike locked up here. The courtyard has great seating for people watching, maybe if we do magic incantations all the cool art school girls who have great taste in music will return!“

“If you want to sit on a throne in San Fran“

“Great Atmosphere & Friendly Bartenders.Most Of All It Has Karaoke On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Starting @7pm-11pm. I Enjoy The Breakfast Club Wit The Bartender Stephanie On Saturday & Sunday Mornings“

“Good drinks, great atmosphere, best food!!“

“Great service great vibe....a real community bar... They remember everyone and treat everyone with respect... But if you mess up and make patrons uncomfortable.... You are OUT. Always something good on the tvs or juke box, random art pop ups with no pressure...plus you can't beat the prices... Definitely worth the visit“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“A local hangout full of characters who are not only friendly and entertaining, but welcoming. The kind of place that evokes the vibe of the TV show Cheers with a much more diverse clientele. Bartender was attentive and poured a great G&T. Classic. Dive. Bar.“

“Geo Kaye’s in Oakland is the quintessential dive bar experience done right. This place has that perfect blend of no-frills charm and a laid-back vibe that keeps you coming back. But what truly sets it apart is Winston behind the bar. He’s a master at his craft—quick with the drinks and even quicker with the wit. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, Winston makes you feel right at home with his warm, welcoming energy. If you’re looking for a spot with character, strong drinks, and a bartender who knows how to make your night, Geo Kaye’s is the place to be.“

“The bartender Carlie is a true sweetheart. The service is stellar. They give you HUGE Shots here. I've never seen anything like it. She gave me 4 shots and it's like 2+ shots in each drink. Money will spent and they're not expensive. Based on quality of service I would've given them a 5 star review but it's just a dive bar. I'll be back #FACTS“

“The owners are the sweetest people in the world and the loved my Lady Blu thank you so much I had a blast and yes Dee Dee Simon is the truth it was so worth the trip to see her and meet you all. A very friendly place that makes really good drinks Tory from Vegas“

“It's a dive bar, but such a wonderful bar it is !!! Outstanding bartenders who make delicious drinks at great prices. There's always been a lively crowd when I've gone here. This is due to all the regulars. As soon as you walk in the door everyone welcomes you with open arms and treats you as family. I highly recommend going here for a drink or two. I promise you'll love the atmosphere, the people and especially the bartenders.“

“Kerry House, nestled on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, stands as an exceptional local haunt revered by residents for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibe. The establishment boasts a well-curated jukebox and an inviting outdoor patio where smoking is permitted, making it a rare find. Bartenders exude energy and friendliness, contributing to the lively ambiance that has been a hallmark of Kerry House for years. Flanked by exquisite restaurants and charming baguette spots to both the left and right, it's positioned in a bustling area, promising an engaging experience. While soaking in the locale's lively spirit, visitors should be mindful of parking regulations. Ensure you feed the meter or opt for paid parking to avoid the inconvenience of a ticket. Kerry House is more than a bar; it's a testament to Oakland's spirited community and a must-visit spot for an authentic local experience.“

“Wow Ruby Room is back, as soon as I’m leaving after living here 15 years on and off… new ownership, waltzed in on a Tuesday at 10pm and the atmosphere was great. Great speaker system, still the same classic decor, nice vibe and people…. I will miss this place. The fact that this place isn’t packed 247 leaves me curious why.

Also, the sound and acoustics are fantastic, not sure if they updated after new ownership or if I’ve just not been here in a while“

“Great local bar. Been around since 1930's.“

“Friendly staff who are happy to give reccomendations for the area (both for food, bars etc as well as "cultural" advice).

Reasonably priced.

Nice vibe. Music, but not too loud. Cool rural on the floor you enter in.“

“A must stop when in the area. Nothing fancy, dive bar feel, but always a good time.“

“If you've ever been to Heart and Dagger, then you know it's a quintessential Oakland dive bar.
No fancy frills or eccentric cocktail menus. Just decently priced booze, good music, and plenty of space for good company. The back patio is rather large and a cute little hangout spot with a gorgeous tree and some cool old signage! The only caveat is that it's a smoking patio, so if that isn't your thing, you'll just have to enjoy the inside and front. The staff gets their shit done and will definitely be nice to you as long as you're nice to them! But also, it's a dive bar: don't expect the fine dining experience and just have a good time!
There are lots of yummy food options nearby that you can bring in. Sometimes, they even have a food vendor in the front, but I don't know much about the frequency.

(Also, they play hella movies that range from funny to horrorifying! 🧡)“

“Fun vibes and cool decor! Love the beats ! So fresh 😎“

“Lama Bar in El Cerrito is a gem! Exceptional service, great DJ vibes, and a cozy patio – it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Plus, the added bonus of billiards adds to the fun. Big thanks for the wonderful service; it’s definitely the go-to place for hanging out with friends!“

“🤏👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇“

“Nothing more iconic than meeting in little Italy with the loudest nations in a jolly and with a fantastic atmosphere bar. La Rocca is a great place with Italian and Irish heritage pouring from every corner and person in it. It is incredible. Very friendly and beautiful people too.“