50 Best Dive Bars near El Cerrito

“Retro classy neighborhood bar with fun regulars and great music!!!😎👍👍“

“Lama Bar in El Cerrito is a gem! Exceptional service, great DJ vibes, and a cozy patio – it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Plus, the added bonus of billiards adds to the fun. Big thanks for the wonderful service; it’s definitely the go-to place for hanging out with friends!“

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

“Best place ever. Real humans being real beautiful weirdos. Music sometimes. Eye candy always. Specs’ is one of my favorite places on earth.“

“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 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 know where Lucy Borden’s remains are. She was delicious. Barbecue was great, but the menudo was the best!“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

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

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

“Totally worth the drive to fish and see Barbara when they open for lunch.. Barbara is totally awesome. Cash only don't worry. There is ATM in the back. Large food and alcohol selection. We had no problems finding a seat on a Saturday afternoon. Plenty of amazing outside seating looking at the lake. Side note my friend comes here occasionally and fishes on the straight. He took me here today and we almost caught a Sturgeon together.“

“By far one of my favorite bars in the area! 🍻“

“Things haven’t gotten going yet so you can still make it.“

“This place is phenomenal.“

“Great watering hole in the TL, especially if you're early for a show at GAMH. If you go between 2-8pm, there is a lovely Korean bartender who will teach you Korean while you drink. Solid jukebox, clean restroom, and entertaining regulars.“

“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...“

“Totally GREAT night with CHRCH, Chrome Ghost, Praying....really excellent staff serving up a comfortable RAWK experience. Damn good SOUND and access to Bands. That backyard!!! Let's get that OPEN again please 🙏✨🤠
Thank You 😎“

“Great Juke box, cute bartender and booze! What else can you ask for?“

“Went there with relatives from Ireland. The told me it felt like a pub back home. That is a great compliment. The bartender was also from Ireland and the back and forth banter between the bartender and my guest (Mainly dealt with the different countries they were from) was hilarious. Had great time.“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“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!!“

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

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

“Chelsea Place saved my live. In 1967 I got my draft notice to go and die in Vietnam. Sitting at the bar I met Tom Kenny waiting for his wife, Mary, to get off work. Tom was a captain in the Army Reserves at the Hospital in SF. Tom used his influence to get me into the reserves that were not used in Vietnam. I owe Tom and Chelsea for this just being there. Can I give you a picture of that time to hang on your wall?“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“Great service great vibe....a real community bar... They remember everyone and treat everyone with respect... But if you mess up and make patrons uncomfortable.... You are OUT. Always something good on the tvs or juke box, random art pop ups with no pressure...plus you can't beat the prices... Definitely worth the visit“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“The bartender Carlie is a true sweetheart. The service is stellar. They give you HUGE Shots here. I've never seen anything like it. She gave me 4 shots and it's like 2+ shots in each drink. Money will spent and they're not expensive. Based on quality of service I would've given them a 5 star review but it's just a dive bar. I'll be back #FACTS“

“2 gorgeous lady bartenders who are both sweethearts.“

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

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

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

“Excellent Browns Backer Bar!“

“Tough competition for my favorite Oakland bar, but this is it. Somehow magically appeals to every demographic while still having a strong identity and great prices on excellent drinks.
Big fan of the minimalist design that still feels cosy, with a monolithic bar and textured walls it somehow feels uncrowded while still being intimate and generally packed.
Absolutely love this place, love the cheekies, love the cocktails, love the staff. If you're going on a first date or meet up I'd try to get there earlier in the night because it will get full and can be hard to hear each other.
Free popcorn!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“More than a dive bar. But a piece of the community. A piece of history in the tenderloin. A safe place in a wild world. A place to feel that the tenderloin really does have a community. Never too busy. And always friendly. I've been coming here for about 15 years now. Always a good choice for a drink.“

“Outsider is a nice neighborhood bar with great staff. If you're looking for a spot to watch a game, play some pool or just hang out, this is a great spot. Open 7 days a week. Stop in for a brew and some chips, happy hour chow. Good place to be.“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“Just when you think the old SF is gone you find a tried and true generational staple. This is it. Forget your balboa cafe. If you’re looking for a no frills, deeply stacked - both in cocktails and beer lineup, unintentionally crafted bar; this is the place. One of the only spots in marina with a backyard area. Buckhunter game in the back. Pool
Table inside. And best of all, not too loud. Great for a catchup. Will be back. I even left here wanting to plan my trip back to Hawaii.“

“Never found a place with better people running it“

“Wow Ruby Room is back, as soon as I’m leaving after living here 15 years on and off… new ownership, waltzed in on a Tuesday at 10pm and the atmosphere was great. Great speaker system, still the same classic decor, nice vibe and people…. I will miss this place. The fact that this place isn’t packed 247 leaves me curious why.

Also, the sound and acoustics are fantastic, not sure if they updated after new ownership or if I’ve just not been here in a while“

“As someone who does not hail from the area, we accidentally stumbled across this gem whilst upon our hobbit-esque adventure throughout the hills of Sàn-Frăn, by foot, having breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, and supper in need of a tasty adult beverage. Bar maiden Jenny was a kind and gracious host whom made our travels all the more worth while. If we were ever to venture these lands again once more in times of the morrow, we'd hence again visit this tavern!“

“Friendly staff who are happy to give reccomendations for the area (both for food, bars etc as well as "cultural" advice).

Reasonably priced.

Nice vibe. Music, but not too loud. Cool rural on the floor you enter in.“

“We stopped in here to grab a drink or two and ended up staying much later than planned. Great vibe and good fun, Marty who was behind the bar was awesome and made us feel very welcome. When we are back in San Fran we will make sure to come back!“

“Kerry House, nestled on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, stands as an exceptional local haunt revered by residents for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibe. The establishment boasts a well-curated jukebox and an inviting outdoor patio where smoking is permitted, making it a rare find. Bartenders exude energy and friendliness, contributing to the lively ambiance that has been a hallmark of Kerry House for years. Flanked by exquisite restaurants and charming baguette spots to both the left and right, it's positioned in a bustling area, promising an engaging experience. While soaking in the locale's lively spirit, visitors should be mindful of parking regulations. Ensure you feed the meter or opt for paid parking to avoid the inconvenience of a ticket. Kerry House is more than a bar; it's a testament to Oakland's spirited community and a must-visit spot for an authentic local experience.“