50 Best Bars in Oakland

“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!“

“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.“

“I thought this would be a dime a dozen dive bar type spot, but thankfully I was wrong. It was pretty poppin for a Monday evening, but not enough to where it was overwhelming. The trees are fantastic, and the cocktails were actually good! We even got a nifty NA cocktail as a nightcap. I'll be coming back next time I'm in the area.“

“Just came to this Gem last night and we had SUCH an amazing time! The drinks were 🔥 🔥🔥 Cristine is a true mixologist and totally set the vibe 👌🏼They have cute games you can play like connect 4, card games, Jenga, and a cute Photo Booth. The vibes were everything! The music was a perfect Blend playing reggae, 90’s, and even some bad bunny💃🏼 awesome spot to go to for date night 👌🏼🔥 will definitely be back! You are awesome Cristine!!!“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“Great bar and good food trucks out front“

“We stopped in because this place is located across the street from the Fox Theater and we were seeing a concert. What a terrific find. Fantastic cocktails, wonderful bartenders, and you can order food from a Japanese restaurant next door and they deliver it to you at the bar. Enjoyed a wonderful bento box with gyoza, seaweed salad, and fried chicken.“

“Nice atmosphere, friendly staff.“

“Fantastic neighborhood bar. Full of fun people, great entertainment from karaoke to drag shows, live music and DJs. Trivia, skee ball and arcade games. And now bingo. Love the staff and owner.“

“A saloon with history from 1883! Worth having a beer or cocktail when in Jack London square.“

“We come by almost every Friday and have lunch at Cato's. The staff is extremely friendly and the service is top notch! It's always rejuvenating to be at Cato's and start our weekend with good food, tasty beverages and a few good laughs with the welcoming folks that work and patronize the Ale House.“

“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!!“

“Very cozy place with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The hi-fi music setup creates a relaxed vibe without overpowering conversation, and the bar is beautifully done with great drink options.

It’s honestly one of the best spots in Oakland for a date night or meaningful conversation.“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“The best! I highly recommend you make a visit and enjoy good company.“

“Kava is a new thing for me. To be honest, I'm still not sure about the taste. But the culture here is amazing. I found myself having actually-delightful conversations with the folks around me, and my date and I really enjoyed being able to curl up on a convenient couch and chat just by ourselves, too. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and even gave us a few samples of things so we were able to follow along with our senses.“

“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.“

“A great local bar with the friendliest service! I love that they're always doing something festive (king cake for Mardi Gras, corned beef and cabbage for St. Patty's, all the sports games, etc.) They make a mean dirty martini, and the Irish coffee the owner made me for St. Patty's was perfection. I need to make it here on a Friday for their BBQ lunch, it always looks amazing.“

“Cutest bar I’ve ever been to! Love this vibes at this place! From the decorations with a duck theme, to the duck drinks and even staff all was 10 out of 10 amazing experience! I think this place is perfect for a night out with friends or a date night! Can’t wait to go back and highly recommend!“

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“Welcoming, laid back bar, weekend piano bar action, stellar cocktailian offerings. What's not to like.“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“Best bartenders, awesome owners, killer sound and all around good times always!“

“Perfect for a drink and a snack before a show at the Fox, or for any night. Thoughtfully crafted original cocktail menu, and delicious bites of American fare with a Pakistani twist, fantastic ambiance, flattering date night lighting, music at the perfect volume, friendly staff and verdant plants. One of my fave spots in Oakland!“

“Always enjoy talking with Johnny & Myra! Their drinks are good too!“

“I like the place and all but my debit card was overcharged and I always get text receipts. I called the number and it says to not leave a voicemail, so how do I resolve this matter? Initiate a charge back? The website does not have a contact us form either.

After further review I found that the charges are correct but went through ten days after my visit which threw me off.“

“Dropped into this place to grab a few drinks before our show at the Fox theater and highly recommend. Great cocktails, local brews, and knowledgable bartenders. No food but you can bring your own, and the takeout from the thai place just down the street they recommended was amazing.“

“Really nice speak easy giving 60s to 80s vibes mirrors everywhere. It’s one way in one way out leather seating wooden tables. I recommend it for business professionals looking to go out or a group of friends that don’t want to be bothered. Either way I will be back they do not serve food therefore they got a low food rating. But there isn’t a array of alcohol. Can’t give you a good sense of service considering there’s only five people here but that may be a good thing.“

“A very eclectic and open air patio area. Great vibe!“

“I visited Sirene on 4 occasions during my last visit to Oakland (only 48hours!) Each time was great in its own right. From excellent specialty coffee and breakfast/lunch fare, with a mix of self service made easy and convivial. At dinner gets even better - exotic and exquisite food and wine (what a list! Even by glass), well portioned and presented, all paired up with excellent service from David - guiding you from food through wine and sequencing it all for ultimate delight. A piano which a patron played on during my last lunch made it all the more memorable. A must try neighbourhood gem!“

“Far and away my favorite bar in the Town. The space flexes for all occasions. I’ve found myself here to work, dance, day drink, wedding after party and everything in between. The drinks are for real delicious and everyone is friendly and welcoming. 6 stars.“

“Moody chic place that is perfect for a date night. The ambiance is dark and stormy with a moon somewhere. Drinks are tight and crisp. Lots of sitting and standing spots.

I wasn't a fan of my negroni, but the lychee cocktail was incredible. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable.

This is my go-to spot for date nights.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Loved the food!“

“Warrior's Lamd🏀🏀🏀🏀 Nice AndFun People“

“it sucks that they don’t just use agar but the rest of this bar is vegan! their menu was developed by the legendary lion dance cafe team and everything is delicious. love the staff, love the vibes, best bar in oakland. Updated from previous review on 2026-02-18“

“If you've ever been to Heart and Dagger, then you know it's a quintessential Oakland dive bar.
No fancy frills or eccentric cocktail menus. Just decently priced booze, good music, and plenty of space for good company. The back patio is rather large and a cute little hangout spot with a gorgeous tree and some cool old signage! The only caveat is that it's a smoking patio, so if that isn't your thing, you'll just have to enjoy the inside and front. The staff gets their shit done and will definitely be nice to you as long as you're nice to them! But also, it's a dive bar: don't expect the fine dining experience and just have a good time!
There are lots of yummy food options nearby that you can bring in. Sometimes, they even have a food vendor in the front, but I don't know much about the frequency.

(Also, they play hella movies that range from funny to horrorifying! 🧡)“

“Actually Hatch Oakland is superb, good, clean and healthy atmosphere as well as good drinks 🍻 and decor“

“A hidden gem of a venue in Oakland featuring eclectic sounds & the yummiest drinks. Check it out!“

“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“

“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“

“How cool that this Oakland gem has adapted during the pandemic! All of the delicious drinks and all kinds of new menu items all for take-out in...wait for it...compostable containers...even the bottles the drinks come in! Please support this sustainability-minded, amazing and delicious restaurant. They have a few outdoor tables, too. Go. Go now!“

“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.“

“Good vibes! Will definitely be back!!“

“Dope people, dope events!“

“Good service and safe environment“