50 Best Bars near El Cerrito

“This spot is a lot more informal and hipster than I thought. I wanted a cozy pub-type place with a comfy chair or couch where I could drink a beer and read a book and this fits the bill. I know it's a wine bar but as I'm not really a wine drinker I can't comment on the selections but I'm sure they're fine. Plus they play records on a mostly vintage hi-fi the whole time.
If you like wine, go here. They also have cheese and charcuterie plates and olives etc.
Groovy places like this are pretty rare on this otherwise fairly bleak part of San Pablo Ave. A welcome addition. Cheers!“

“great place to hang out and play pool.“

“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! ❤️🥰“

“Wide variety of Peruvian treats especially fried plantains and pisco chilcanos“

“all of the above and then some!“

“Quite an intimate bar, good sound level good video and great bartenders. Small but strong.“

“Good whiskey sours. Biggest and best cocktail cherries I’ve ever had 🍒 Nice bartenders, hardcore karaoke aficionados“

“It was our first time and we were definitely pleased. Everything was delicious!“

“I sipped on the Kona cocktail at Smuggler's Cove. This San Francisco tiki bar is the perfect spot to decompress with friends or a date. It was chill with cozy cushioned seating in the upstairs loft, solid drinks, and good energy. I didn't get a chance to swing downstairs to take a gander, so I'll have to check it out next time. The restroom is a bit of a tight squeeze, but it's clean and that's all you could ask for. 10/10 would recommend Smuggler's Cove!“

“Beautiful ambiance, attentive service, delicious food and drinks, and VERY memorable tiramisu. An all around excellent choice when dining out for a special occasion! Would highly recommend.“

“Fab bar with a great range of booze and really friendly and helpful staff. Took the time to discuss UK vs USA measures and jiggers with me - fascinating!“

“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😃😋“

“Great location and food. Warm staff too.“

“Awesome Tiki Bar and a must visit if your into Tiki or themed bars“

“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!“

“Amazing staff. Lovely owners out of this work drinks and mock tails and the plants !!!!“

“Had a luncheon @ Perbacco with my 9 coworkers and Manager to say “goodbye & farewell” to a retiring coworker and “welcome” to a new coworker. Started with a round of hors d'oeuvre’s. The thin sliced veal with a sauce and capers was delicious! The fried shrimp, veggies and olives/anchovies…also with a sauce was awesome as well. For my main, I had CRESTE DI GALLO - semolina pasta - wild mushroom ragu - spinach - ricotta salata. Our waiter was the best! I saved one of the sugar cookies from my deserts…Burnt Carmel Gelato. Mentioned it to our waiter and as we were leaving, I heard “Sir! Sir!” He brought me one of their meringue cookies to also share with my partner! I thought that was just awesome! Top notch food and customer service. We’ll be back!“

“Cool fun bar on the edge of nob Hill. Very large interior, but very ordinary. Music is good, locals are good, bartenders here are generally great. Mainly go here for big gatherings. But style here is not the main concern. There are some bar games.“

“Was trying to find a place to watch the NBA finals with all of the Word Cup action going on. Bars in North Beach were jam packed and miserable to try and enjoy the games. Standing room only. Found Tony Nik's and happened to see two open chairs at the bar. Bar tender was great. He mixed us up some drinks he hadn't heard of (Batanga) and they were good. Met some cool folks that came in for a few drinks. Don't believe they had any food in there as we saw no menus or anyone eating. Probably just a good ole watering hole. Would definitely return.“

“I came in last Friday while trying to explore bars in Oakland, and think I may have found my favorite bar of the area.

The atmosphere is dark, comfortable, subdued- perfect for lounging and conversation. The service is friendly and professional. I can't speak to the quality of the music and listening equipment, as I didn't interact with that on my visit, but I have heard it is excellent. What really made me love this place, though, was the quality and creativity of the cocktails.

When I go out for drinks, above all, I like to try new things. The drinks on offer at Bar Shiru were this and more: unexpected twists on classic recipes and fantastic original creations. Ingredients I never though could work together were paired incredibly well, with a delicious balance I didn't think possible. My favorite was a variation on a manhattan, with dry vermouth and fernet among the components--and I could taste the best notes of all of these ingredients together in a wonderfully smooth and unique finish. The bartending staff who developed these drinks are exceptional. I only regret that I couldn't try the whole menu--all of which looked fantastic--which means I'll just have to come back.

If you want chill bartenders, good vibes, and excellent craft cocktails, swing by.“

“One65 was an amazing discovery on our trip to San Francisco. Having spent the first half of our life in Montréal, Québec, Canada where it was hard to find a bad restaurant, we were absolutely amazed by this Bistro which looks more like a high end dining experience. The menu online & the photos attracted us to this location but we were amazed by the well timed service, the crisp white tablecloths, the table setting and the pleasant and calm atmosphere. My choices of charcuterie platter was perfectly sized; the chicken & the pork rillettes where a wonderful surprise. My husband had an onion tart with the crust as perfect as they get & which I envied. He loved his halibut, moist and tender and I raved over my grilled half lobster, so tender that I found myself munching on the shell parts as well. My bread pudding was not of overwhelming size & perfectly flavored. Don chose the Affogato (scoop of vanilla gelato « drowned » with a shot of hot espresso). We wanted to go back today but they are closed on Sundays.?“

“What an intimate special dinning experience !“

“I must say i had high hopes but the meal was tasteless but my friends had too much salt. I wanted to like it. Wont return, wont recommend. ☹“

“Always fun place wonderful experience“

“Quirky little pub in a nice neighborhood. We stumbled upon it by chance and felt at home right away 👍😀 Unforgettable atmosphere and wonderful people, including the owner, staff and patrons! 🥳🍻👍😀“

“They're always so nice to me here! Mama loves the craft cocktails and the book curations. We live nearby so it's a favorite neighborhood hang, and we appreciate all the thought that went into the menus.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Double Standard delivers an exceptional dining and bar experience with creative cocktails, flavorful food, and a stylish, energetic atmosphere. Every dish and drink is thoughtfully prepared, well-balanced, and consistently enjoyable.
The vibe is modern, lively, and welcoming—perfect for a night out with friends, a casual date, or simply enjoying great food and drinks in a vibrant setting. It has a unique personality that makes every visit feel special.
The staff is friendly, attentive, and professional, ensuring smooth service and a comfortable experience from start to finish. Their hospitality adds to the overall enjoyment of the venue.
If you’re looking for great cocktails, delicious food, and a fun, upbeat atmosphere, The Double Standard is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended and well deserving of five stars! 🌟🍸✨“

“Amazing. Even one of our waiter was amazing. They forgot my sardines and they gave me mussels. Both were AMAZING. Drinks were amazing AND the staff were amazing as well. I dont usually leave reviews unless it is worth my time. Definitely a place to go“

“If I'm in San Francisco, it's a mandatory stop for me for an evening or late-night bite!“

“味道很不错值得尝试一下！😁😁😁“

“Trashy clientele, inconsistent and overpriced drinks, broken games, and early closing because the staff is lazy. This place is a joke, a disgrace to the Emporium name.“

“An incredible spot to enjoy some top quality draft ciders. I'm not an expert on ciders by any means, but I've had some incredible stuff here (I've particularly loved anything I've had from Yonder). The vibes here are great, the bartenders are lovely, and they have some great merch for sale! My mom who visits from out of state has bought a tote bag, hat, and sweatshirt from Redfield just so she can flex to her friends back home how awesome this bar is. If you enjoy cider, or even if you just want to stop in for a quick beer, this is a great and classy place to come to. Love Redfield!“

“Great place for a beer before a show at The Independent“

“Good service friendly bartenders“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“Their Chandelier, the drink, not the light fixture, is amazing. I saw a liqueur i was unfamiliar with, Cynar, and the bartender told me all about it. Sebastian introduced me to two incredible cocktails made with it. It's rare to find a bartender that is so willing to share their love of their craft with an ignorant beer guy like me without being snobby. I can't wait to go here next time I'm in SF.“

“😃🥰nice place for cocktails“

“Wow! Back in the palace of blended drinks and fine seating arrangements. The frozen drinks were theatrical, but colder than expected. Please sip with caution. The wooden interior reminded me of what it means to be alive. I am wistful for the glittered sea shell toilet seat. Where are they? Please. Someone respond. If you come here, you will leave. Then, you will come back. Here.“

“Wonderful Bar tender Alec and staff 😄. Loved it!“

“Nice cocktail list based on local music artists. I love that it changes with the seasons! Great space to bring a group; we had no problem getting a big booth on a Friday night (I assume it's busier if there's a show at the Fox.) Fast, friendly service from the bartenders.“

“Had such a great experience at Kona's! 🌺 The vibe is fun and relaxed, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a long day. The drinks were refreshing and well-made, and the food hit the spot with great flavors. Service was friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Definitely a 5-star place I’d happily come back to!“

“Relaxed and sophisticated feel with great ambiance and shazamable music. The bartender Dominic is great.“

“The place was very nice, we're visiting the area for a work conference and came here with our colleagues and partners after the training for the day was done. We felt a little out of place since most of the bars where we come from aren't as unique, they only have ingredients to make whats on the menu and can't make regular requested drinks. The bar tender gave us funny looks when we asked question, but did his best to explain things without making us feel dumb. I would come here again, but I feel I need to educate myself on fancy bar etiquette.“

“Nice place & the best bartenders!“

“One of my San Francisco Bay Area Secrets..., that is no longer a secret.

Great Bar and Restaurant; old school making drinks (yes, heavy on the alcohol), a wide selection of worldly beers on the menu, a few beers on tap, and a good selection of amount of food that comes out of that kitchen of theirs.

I have been going to the Warehouse since I was a child, when my parents would take me there for dinner way back in the 1980s. Plus, there is a 11-foot tall polar bear, with another black bear for photography. Next door (random hours) is a clothing, antique store and on Sunday's (spring and summer months) is a live band.

If not live music, there is a jukebox with a very wide selection of music to choose from (with cash or on-line), only one (1) pool table, but because there is so much history in that place, there is no need for any activities like pool.

Overall, one of the best drinking holes in the Bay Area. We Love the Warehouse and shall never go to long without a visit.“

“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!“

“I recently visited Leopold’s, and it offered a lively and satisfying introduction to Austrian and Central European cuisine in San Francisco. Located along Polk Street, the restaurant captures the spirit of a traditional Viennese beer hall while still maintaining the character of a neighborhood gathering place. The interior features warm wood tones and communal seating that create an energetic and social atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place for both casual dinners and group gatherings.

The menu highlights classic Austrian and Central European dishes that emphasize hearty ingredients and traditional preparation techniques. One of the standout items was the Wiener schnitzel, which is a signature dish of Austrian cuisine. The schnitzel was well executed, with a crisp, golden exterior and tender meat inside. The balance between the light breading and the flavor of the meat reflected strong technique and attention to detail.

Another highlight of the meal was the selection of sausages and traditional accompaniments. Austrian and German cuisines often rely on rich meats paired with sides such as sauerkraut, potatoes, and dumplings. These components worked together to create plates that were both satisfying and balanced, offering the comforting flavors typical of Central European cooking.

The restaurant also places strong emphasis on its beverage program. Austrian and German beers are a natural pairing with these dishes, and the selection offered a range of traditional styles that complemented the food well. The beer offerings contribute to the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and reinforce its beer hall identity.

Service during the visit was friendly and energetic, matching the lively character of the dining room. Staff members maintained a welcoming presence and were helpful in explaining menu items and beverage options. Despite the busy environment, the service felt well organized and attentive.

The overall atmosphere is one of Leopold’s greatest strengths. The restaurant successfully recreates the communal spirit of Central European beer halls while fitting naturally into San Francisco’s diverse dining culture. It feels like a place designed for sharing food, enjoying drinks, and spending time with friends.

Overall, Leopold’s delivers a flavorful and authentic Central European dining experience with well-prepared traditional dishes, a strong beer program, and a lively social environment.“

“They bussed me to my first New York Giants game years ago. Plenty of good times in the bar too, including when they were open at 6am.

“Turn that rap shit off!” — Jake

Oh, and for the dork who was asked to leave for not tipping. That’s how bars work. A dollar a drink minimum no matter what. Even if you didn’t care for the service. If the service isn’t to your liking, pay the proper tip on the 1st round and leave the bar for your next round.“

“This is a FABulous, family-owned and operated bar that absolutely does take credit cards, despite many reviews (connected to prior owners perhaps) saying they don't.

We were there for Thanksgiving and Sully was working non-stop behind the bar, his wife turned the pool table into a Thanksgiving day spread that could have competed with grandma's dinner!

All were invited to a California-style holiday, where you could bring the family you chose to spend the day with, while making new friends if you were interested in doing that. No shopping, cooking or cleaning up. And amazingly they didn't even charge visitors for the meal!

Everything was wonderful!

Another guest brought an addictive, spicy, NOLA influenced oyster stuffing that we must come back for next year! OMG

I don't know if there's any food normally, but we were very lucky to have discovered this bar, any day of the year!

And with Sully and his wife's decades in this business, they've created a very friendly, but also extremely professional , local neighborhood bar. They've also lined the walls with great, music-themed photos and Bay Area concert posters that add to the vibe!

And while their Irish coffee is as good as The Buena Vista, the price is much more palatable !“

“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.“