50 Best Cocktail Bars near El Cerrito

“all of the above and then some!“

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

“The food in this restaurant is delicious, I hope you have time to try it.“

“Amazing food and wine, great view“

“We walked in on NYE without a reservation and they graciously found us a spot in the bar area. Service was on point and staff were festively dressed! I love a crafty cocktail but most are too sweet. I had the Smokey mezcal cocktail 🍹. Perfection. Appetizers were delish as well. Perfect way to start our NYE celebrations.“

“We brought our friend here to celebrate his birthday because we wanted to gift an experience. We saw you featured on Check Please . . . And you guys WOW’d us beyond our expectations!! Amazing staff! And amazing food . . And yes, amazing cocktails!! Down to the last finishing touches ! We will definitely be back !“

“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😃😋“

“Had a fantastic lunch here last week. Paul was an amazing host and it was truly humbling to be graced by an E-list celebrity ;)

I got especially excited when I learned the kitchen is fully gluten-free. Everything we ordered was a banger, their food (and drinks!) absolutely delivered.

We’ll definitely be back for dinner next time we’re in town, and we can’t wait to try his wife’s restaurant (Jaji) too.

Thank you to the whole team at Parche + Paul, for sharing your culinary magic (and personality) with us.“

“This is a classic Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and excellent service. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. We ordered the classic pepperoni pizza, the classic cheese and bacon pizza, as well as the lasagna and carbonara. The pizzas were cooked to perfection, with a crispy and delicious crust. The pasta was cheesy and filling.“

“Great environment, lively, and tasty food!“

“Food and drinks were amazing. We had oysters, calamari, Caesar salad, lobster lasagna and hanger steak. For dessert we had the sorbet and tiramisu. The star of the show: the staff but specifically our server Maggie was also sooo amazing. We were celebrating a birthday and a farewell dinner and she made sure we had the best time! As a F&B manager, I love a good dining experience and this was it!“

“I have been twice and so far everything has been delicious. I need to go back a few more times to try everything on the menu. Don't forget to save room for dessert. The cocktails are fantastic.“

“Beautiful and intimately small location to hear some great jazz music! The musicians were all very into the music, bumping along with each other and having a great time making some great music. The food was great as well, definitely recommend the bao! The cocktails were all very diverse, something really for anyone's taste, and were really quite tasty. There is a 90 min limit at a table before they move you to a bar, which makes sense. I also loved how the smaller location and unique entrance made the location feel welcoming but secluded. Would definitely visit again!“

“Nice bar and really like the roof fan“

“We applaud all those who help PCH become Miracle @ PCH, it’s amazing!“

“Fantastic concept, fantastic cocktails“

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

“I absolutely love this place. I read some of the low reviews because I couldn’t believe there were some. Yes, the price is high but that’s most bars in the city. And yes, it can take a while to order but that’s because every drink is crafted and presented with care. This place has some of the most unique drinks I’ve ever had. They are always changing up the menu and doing some fun pop up’s and themes. Customer service is exceptional, especially Leo. I love that it is not easy to find and that you have to know the password.“

“I just walked in during a busy time. The waiters were great and the atmosphere was hoping. I was able to make my order, half bacon&half pepperoni Detroit style. The pizza did not disappoint. I live in Chicago and very picky and this pizza met my expectations. Even good the next morning cold(yes cold).“

“I would recommend.

We caught Happy Hour at Persona. HH consists of $3 off house cocktails, beer, wine.

We had 2 drinks each, shared popcorn ($7). The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable about the cocktails.

Things to know:
- Some cocktails are batched and poured on draft (I am not a fan of this method, when yiure paying $15+ for a cocktail I want it hand crafted not on draft)
- Popcorn was a smidge too salty so we didnt have much
- No live music on Tuesdays
- By the stairs they have post cards which is a nice touch“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“As a New Yorker I was excited to try the SF bar scene and this cocktail bar did not disappoint. Timmy was an incredible bartender and lived up to any expectations. Would recommend this Tiki bar and patrons are lucky to have Timmy as their bartender during this endeavor.“

“Tiki Bar with a definite 50’s vibe. Love the rum selection!“

“Great bar with a killer Hi-fi system.“

“Novela is an absolute standout in San Francisco! The book-themed concept is incredibly unique and beautifully executed, creating a cozy yet upscale atmosphere that’s perfect for a night out. Every detail—from the decor to the ambiance—feels thoughtfully curated.
The cocktails are exceptional, creative, and expertly crafted, with plenty of options to suit different tastes. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and provide top-notch service that really elevates the experience. Whether you’re a literature lover or just looking for a stylish spot with great drinks, Novela is a must-visit! 📚🍸“

“🌟 NOPA San Francisco: A Bucket List Culinary Triumph! 🌟 Review by: The Bucket List Coach Webshow. I recently had the distinct pleasure of crossing a major culinary destination off my bucket list: NOPA San Francisco. My dining experience on December 12, 2025, was not just a meal; it was an absolute masterclass in hospitality and farm-to-table excellence. Exceptional Service: A Shoutout to Zach! From the moment we sat down, the experience was elevated by our server, Zach. He truly went above and beyond, anticipating needs and offering spot-on recommendations, making the dining experience feel incredibly special and seamless. A massive shoutout to Zach, as well as the entire Culinary team, Management team, and staff—the level of coordination and passion was palpable. Appetizers and Beverages: Instant Classics The meal kicked off with the Date and Pear appetizer, which was absolutely fantastic—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and texture. And for the beer lovers out there, you must try the Honey Beer 🍺. I'm officially adding this to my personal "Beer Bucket List!" I will absolutely be recommending it to all my followers on my podcast and through my travel agency. Thanks to Woods Beer and Wine Company! The Entrée: Perfection on a Plate For the main course, I opted for the Duck, and it was cooked to perfection. Seriously, melt in the mouth- tender meat was phenomenal. The plate presentation was stunning, far exceeding my expectations—it was a true work of art. The side of Grapefruit and Vinaigrette Salad was the perfect accompaniment. It was one of the best salads I have ever had in San Francisco; the brightness of the grapefruit cut through the richness of the duck beautifully. Desserts: Celebrating National Cocoa Day! To celebrate National Cocoa Day Dec. 13th-I couldn't resist. I highly suggest partaking in the Hot Chocolate for a decadent dessert item—it was rich, velvety, and a perfect holiday treat. And if you still have room, the Cheesecake with Brown Sugar is another truly fantastic dessert that offers a wonderful, comforting finish to the meal. NOPA is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination. The ambiance, the incredible staff like Zach, and the impeccable, thoughtful food quality solidify NOPA as a must-visit spot in San Francisco. It earns its place on any serious foodie's bucket list Cindy Lee Podcast Host at Bucket List Coach Web Show & Founder of Bucket List Coach Travel Tours“

“Ottimo cibo, servizio veloce, locale molto carino.“

“The decor was festive and abundant in the best way possible, and the cocktails looked unique and curiosity-piquing. I narrowed my choices down to a Cafe Sua Daddy and the Soy Sauce Old Fashioned.

I love a savory drink and the sweet caffeinated espresso martini-esque drink had a thick blanket of just-salty-enough foam reminiscent of the salt cream that tops a boba drink. The Soy Sauce Old Fashioned catapulted me back to my childhood, eating slabs of tofu drenched in shoyu at my grandma's house. I loved the custom soy bottle presentation, it was just strong enough to tolerate being poured over a large rock while maintaining its flavor.

My partner had the Umami Tots and Mapo Tofu. I couldn't resist the siren song of some crispy potatoes dunked in chili oil cream, but managed to hold myself back on the tofu- even though it smelled amazing.

Can't wait to return and try the new seasonal drinks, along with more snacks.“

“Always an interesting experience and fun treat. Classic cocktails in a classic atmosphere. Service is on point! Food is innovative yet still comforting and familiar. Never disappointed.“

“Historical significance with Jack Kerouac and very cool looking. Great location.“

“June 2026:
Stopped by for drinks to watch the world cup. Sat at the end of the bar and had a good time.

Just ordered a beer 🍺. But this place has an extensive list of liquor. Great place for cocktails 😃.

Next time when I am in the area.“

“Short wait on a Friday night for 7 of us. Really small place but the wait staff and owner very friendly and everyone was very happy with their meal. If I lived here I would go back.“

“We booked Dragon Horse's private room for a company dinner with 18 people, and everything was wonderful from start to finish. Booking the large private room was very easy—the private event coordinator was responsive and great to communicate with. We ordered a lot of sushi rolls and nigiri, and everything was high quality and noticeably fresh. The veggie tempura and chicken karaage were also perfectly crispy, and you could tell the oil was fresh. The private room also includes free karaoke, which was such a fun bonus. My coworkers and I had a great time singing a few songs together after dinner. Dragon Horse is an excellent choice for larger groups. We will definitely be back!“

“We've been here ~6-7 times in the last year. They make fantastic cocktails & the food is surprisingly good, but service is often very slow.

The drink menu is fun & tropical leaning but with some drinks that pack a serious punch. If you don't like what you see, they'll make anything you want & they'll do a great job!

I wish the menu would shift a little bit - I don't think it's changed since the first time we visisted.

It can be hard to get your order in & even if standing waiting for awhile, it'll often to awhile to get the attention of the bartender. This hasn't been isolated to a single bartender, it's just kind of the general experience.

If you're not bothered by slow service and want great drinks, go here!“

“Great atmosphere and delicious food! Outdoor dining, too!“

“Drinks are good. Classic Greyhound (w/mid vodka) was perfection.
The true STAR is this bartender (white guy with glasses and a short beard).
He is the only employee (besides the door person) working at this bar. Serving, bussing, being amazing. On a Saturday night, at 10:30pm. The efficiency, the professionalism and politeness, and then the drinks are delicious!
Give this man a raise… or at least a fat bonus for the work he is putting in tonight.“

“This is my favorite cocktail bar on SF! It's always moderate not ever really busy so you're guaranteed a seat and a drink. The menu has a ton of option and they can make their own signature cocktails. They have great live jazz nextdoor and the interior brings you into a world of the artdeco 1920s. Highly recommend this place.“

“Awesome karaoke bar in Chinatown, SF! Definitely a Chinatown feel with the dim red lights & decor. There's a huge karaoke book to choose a song to sing. If the bar is full, they'd likely limit you to 1 song at a time so others get a chance. Space is small so it can get crowded. Loved the energy & atmosphere.“

“Great food with awesome service! Definitely a San Francisco go to restaurant.“

“Looking forward to the grand opening!“

“The ambiance is A1. Really appreciate the change of pace and the attention to detail/aesthetic. As far as food and drinks we did the wings and lamb which was pretty good and the fries (elite) and broccolini.

Drinks were tasty as well.

Will be back!“

“Always such a nice time! thanks again!“

“Two thumbs up . Best Steak EVER“

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

“味道很不错值得尝试一下！😁😁😁“

“4/5 ⭐

The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because it took a little while to get our second round of drinks. Aside from that, everything else was fantastic!

The food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was the perfect way to unwind after spending the day exploring the city. Great vibes, great food, and an overall enjoyable dining experience. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a place to relax and enjoy a good meal!

We ordered the following in case you wanted to try them out too:
- Baba ghanoush
- Brussel sprouts
- Chicken skewers
- Steak skewers
- Potatoes
- Cabbage (not in video)
- Lamb entree (not in video)“

“Great service , great company, and of course…Great Drinks!!!“

“Tiya is hands down the best Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the staff genuinely make the entire experience feel special.

And the cocktails are in a league of their own. Izler Thomas is easily one of the best bartenders in the Bay Area, incredibly creative, thoughtful, and technically brilliant. Every drink feels like it has a story behind it, and the execution is flawless.

From the food to the cocktails to the hospitality, Tiya gets everything right. I’ve tried plenty of the other highly regarded Indian restaurants around the Bay, including Copra, and for me it’s not even close. Tiya is the one. Cannot recommend it enough.“

“Low key, relaxed vibe, cool tunes, best drinks. And a stellar taco truck in the parking lot. Very friendly staff. 5 stars all day, every day.“

“This was our first time going to Holbrook House, where we went for lunch to celebrate a special occasion. The restaurant is gorgeous. Holbrook House has the potential to be a 5-star restaurant, but we rated it lower because of its amateurish, unskilled staff and very slow service given the high price point. We would have rated it lower, but management obviously recognized that what we were experiencing, especially for a special occasion, was below expectations and provided us with small servings of complimentary sparkling wine, a dessert & a bottle of champagne to take home, which was delivered to the table by the general manager. These actions demonstrated to us outstanding compensating hospitality. Having said all of that, the food was delicious. The Petite Seafood Tower ($125) had fresh & plump lobster, oysters and ceviche. Although the Black Truffle Grilled Cheese w/ Honey ($20) had no shaved black truffle, the black truffle taste is present & the combination of cheeses, honey & sourdough were the best I’ve tasted. The accompanying fries were crispy. All in all, we will return and give Holbrook House another chance.“