50 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“

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

“I'm only giving this bar four stars because it doesn't have the same grit and dive bar feel after the remodel and reopening. And that may not be fair, because it's a great bar. And it's great that it's open again. I love the place“

“Easily my go to favorite place in Oakland and favorite place to bring people that are visiting. All the food is really tasty and affordable. The drink menu is so thoughtful and wonderfully crafted. I like that the place is a giant horseshoe shaped bar so it’s like dinner and a show because these bartenders are working their butts off. One of the best nightlife experiences in the East Bay, hands-down. Oh, also, bonus points for the popcorn machine in the back!“

“Always fun place wonderful experience“

“Great venue. L, X“

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

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

“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!“

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

“Dude SUCH an awesome kava bar!! Great vibes, solid kava and I was welcomed with open arms. This was my first time here and I really liked it. I will be back for sure id highly recommend checking this place out for some good conversations and kava.

Jay and Andrew were the ones working - AWESOME peeps!!“

“When you walk into a place and the first accent you hear at the bar is Irish, you know you're in a for a great evening.

Red Jack Saloon is just back from Pier 39, and it's the perfect relief to the cheap, tacky, colourful, overpriced clobber.

Great beer selection, super friendly vibe, and there's even an old school style pinball machine in the corner.

Top class.“

“all of the above and then some!“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“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...“

“2 gorgeous lady bartenders who are both sweethearts.“

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

“First time going in and the place is bigger than it looks outside. The bartenders are super nice and welcoming. Mostly locals that frequents the place. Seems everyone know each other. Very laid back with outdoor area for pingpong or card games to dominoes and 5 dice, wow! Inside is a jukebox, a dart board game. Over by the corner they have video games. 1 pinball and 1 bowling game. If your not interested with the games they provide, I can almost garantee that someone there will find you and engage in a long but good conversation. The walls and ceiling is draped with one dollar bills all over inside. Interesting to see and count. I'd say there's about 2356 dollars in one dollar bills but not up for the taking.“

“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!“

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

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

“Very small dive bar in the Tenderloin! So much fun…..say hi to Davy Jones……😉“

“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.“

“I had such a fun evening here with YuKIko and friends, drinking and enjoying the metal and hardcore tunes. Sincere thanks, especially, to a generous fellow drinker and music lover. Thank you all for making my week in SF that bit more memorable!“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“This place is phenomenal.“

“I recently stopped by Ruby Room in downtown Oakland, located along 14th Street in the city’s Uptown district. The area has developed into one of Oakland’s main nightlife corridors, and Ruby Room stands out as a long-running local bar that blends vintage character with a relaxed neighborhood vibe.

The atmosphere feels eclectic and unmistakably retro. The interior décor mixes dim lighting, vintage furniture, and a slightly old-school lounge aesthetic that gives the space a personality very different from more modern cocktail bars. It feels like a place that has evolved over time rather than being designed to follow current trends, which adds to its charm.

The bar program focuses on straightforward cocktails and drinks rather than elaborate mixology. The environment encourages guests to relax, talk, and spend time with friends rather than treat the bar as a formal cocktail destination. The space often attracts a mix of locals, artists, and visitors exploring the Uptown nightlife scene.

Service during the visit felt casual and friendly, fitting the laid-back nature of the venue. The staff maintained an easygoing tone that matches the overall character of the bar.

From a global travel perspective, Ruby Room reminded me of the vintage neighborhood bars I have encountered in cities like Portland, Berlin, and Montreal where personality and atmosphere often matter more than polished design.“

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

“Better than expected. Streamline. Not too busy today. We went there for cocktails. Thats what we got. Moderately priced. Clean. Friendly. I would go back. Thank you. We were on vacation. It was not wow but, still good. Dim lighting which i get.“

“In town for the Cat Power show at the Fox Theater. Came to have a drink. Warm welcome from the friendly bartender. I see the No Kings sign and the rainbow flag. It's $3 cans and a full bar. Divey but cozy. Full of characters, lively buzz but unpretentious. And they play punky/emo music from when I was in college. Great spot.“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“I hit this bar anytime I’m in the area. Quirky, friendly, funny… perfect! It’s a full bar so you can get all sorts of cocktails made, or just have a bottle of Buddha beer in the green bottle. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.“

“Lady E was in full effect last night! I love the ambiance here and the bathroom was clean and orderly. Bartenders made good drinks. The shoestring fries were a bit too crispy...but they were good. Well seasoned. The live music 🎶 here sets the mood. There is some dusting needed up in the rafters and ceiling area and maybe a deep cleaning in the near future. Overall clean and I would return, especially to hear Lady E and her live band sang the blues 💙 🎶“

“Neighborhood tavern on the edge of gentrification with mix of middle aged friendly patrons and staff. One pool table. Across the street from what was a 1/4 pound burger joint that’s still serving up a good burger among other fare.“

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

“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 wonderful dive bar which is why service is two stars. Three and I wouldn't walk in.

This is the third happiest place on earth behind Disneyland and The Double Down in Las Vegas.

Go there. Ask for Hicksmokey, and tell him Shatter loves him.

Best bar in Oakland.“

“This is my favorite spot in the entire state! Great people, stiff drinks and the atmosphere is amazing. During your visit here you sit and talk to locals as well as tourists on holiday from all over the world. This place is a whole vibe. Each bartender has a different personality and life story. The owners are absolutely amazing! Not a better place to have a drink or 20 on the planet.“

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

“Lama Bar is honestly one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area. The drinks are really good, and you can tell they know what they’re doing. You have to try the ‘Lama in Love’—it’s something different and super good. The vibe is chill, and overall it’s just a great place to hang out. Definitely recommend checking it out! ❤️🥰“

“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“

“This place was AWESOME. Best dive bar I've been to in a good long while. If you were a bar kid from the 80's or 90's - this will feel like home to you. Pitchers of Pacifo? Check. Pool table? Check. AWESOME bartender who is engaging, witty, you WANT to tip $5 just because they deserve it, and knows their role better than Marlon Brando? Check. Windows on both restroom doors? Ummm. Check..... Still cool though. It's not a huge place - put there is a good amount of seating and the bar seating is where it's at. Good vibe of younger and older local crowd too.

Our group of five ponied up to the bar and wished we would have spent the whole evening there instead of wasting it at other more trendy bars in the area prior. Needless to say - we spent the rest of the night at the Phone Booth. Serious A++“

“🤏👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇“