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!!!“

“Just wanted to warn anyone planning to go specifically for dinner - be prepared to shark for a table on weekends. It was too busy to even order at the bar. The food is highly recommended by friends who have been so Im sure it’s delish! Updated from previous review on 2026-08-16“

“Always fun place wonderful experience“

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

“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!“

“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!!“

“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“

“This is a dimly lit bar where the night feels a little slower, the bartender is cheerful, and conversation flows as easily as the drinks. My partner ordered an Old Fashioned; I didn’t order anything but the bartender still asked if I wanted a glass of water. A small gesture, but thoughtful enough to stay with you.

Across the bar, skulls tied with ribbons keep their quiet watch, surrounded by neon signs, and stickers – little fragments of other people’s nights, layered into the city’s story.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to drink to belong. Sit for a while, trade some banter, watch the city glow through the darkness, and eventually step back out into the streets feeling just a little lighter than when you walked in - with or without a drink.“

“all of the above and then some!“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“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...“

“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.“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“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!“

“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 💙 🎶“

“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.“

“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……😉“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“Fabulous dive bar, and being right next to Mother Tongue has the promise of being Oaklands next great punk/queer hole in the wall! It is certainly a dive though, not a cocktail bar, and unfortunately does not actually have a glory hole. Not yet, anyways. Limping distance from the hospital, but all the med staff prefer The Lodge- so great place to go if you’re trying to hide your drinking from your doc.“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“This place is phenomenal.“

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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++“

“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“

“Lama bar is the best local bar around! It’s the perfect place to watch the world cup with multiple Tvs inside and a big screen tv on the outdoor patio, so you never miss a game. They also have a pool table, fun karaoke nights, and a welcoming atmosphere with friendly bartenders and regulars who make everyone feel at home.highly recommended checking it out!“

“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.“

“🤏👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇“