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!!!“

“Good drinks nice music good prices“

“usually im a pizza and beer kinda guy but this time i wanted to try something different. tallboy is a great place to try the martini and hotdog combo. its sounds weird but the martini/hotdog combo kinda works! especially with the fancy glizzys they have on the menu. Updated from previous review on 2026-08-30“

“Great venue. L, X“

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

“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!“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“all of the above and then some!“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

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

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

“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.“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“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.“

“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!“

“We stumbled across the Saloon bar yesterday on our first visit to San Francisco and we are so happy that we did! From the moment we stepped into the bar we were welcomed by the lovely Sharon. She was so friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the bar and San Francisco. She went out of her way to talk to us and tell us all about the entertainment that the Saloon bar is famous for. Our plans were to stay for one drink and explore more of the area, but we couldn't leave, the atmosphere, the wonderful service from Sharon and the amazingly talented band that was playing forced us to stay all day and into the evening. We would definitely recommend this bar for its phenomenally talented entertainment that they put on and the outstanding customer service from their bar staff, especially Sharon. We had an absolutely wonderful time, thank you Sharon 💜“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“Stopped in randomly, great fun vibes! HUGE shoutout to Laurie on the bar!! She was slammed and was having so much fun the whole time, taking care of everyone quickly and was super kind! Just one of those people who you can just tell cares so much and loves what she does. This was one of 6 places we went to that night and she was just on another level. The passion is seen and appreciated !“

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

“This place is phenomenal.“

“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...“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

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

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

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

“2 gorgeous lady bartenders who are both sweethearts.“

“Welcome to your new favorite dive bar for the gays, theys, shes, leathers, and fluffy little puppies. Everyone else is more than welcomed, but for people like me, I feel safe.
Welcoming and chill bouncers that make the space feel friendly, bartenders that make great recommendations, good drink selections, and a big back patio for smoking, chilling, studying, reading, chatting with friends, or just chilling with your dog while you enjoy your drink.
I originally came in because my little 11 year old dog was driving my wife wild and I needed a place for us to got at 10 pm on a Sunday night so the wife could finish a last minute work project. Grabbed a beer from the bar, took us to the back patio, lit up, and enjoyed a good book while I waited for the wife to give us the green light to come home.
Since than it’s become our neighborhood dive, and we love it.“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“