50 Best Bars in Oakland

“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.“

“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!“

“A unique place that offers a fun respite from the usual watering hole. The signature here is to serve drinks with a freshly squeezed grapefruit twist. There is also an engaging I-spy game utilizing the rich decor inside that guests can play for a chance to win a prize. The service was very friendly and we all had a great time!“

“I've never been to a bar I've liked more. Everything about my experience was top shelf. The service was impeccable - attentive, engaging, and helpful. The listening experience was divine. The interior decor was a perfectly executed intersection of mid-century modern and industrial. What isn't to love? A gem.“

“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!“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“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.“

“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.“

“A beautiful place with a great vibe, delicious food, and AMAZING drinks.“

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

“This was my first time in this establishment. There's actually sand on the floor/ground! ID is checked at the door. We sat at the bar. Our bartender was great! She's a great mixologist, hilarious conversationalist, and an asset to the Sandbar.“

“Nice atmosphere, friendly staff.“

“Great bar and good food trucks out front“

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

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“Love this new spot in Oakland. Came from SF to try-it out. Great small plate food options for family style eating, really well balanced cocktails and super friendly staff. It’ll be my new meetup spot for any shows at the Fox. There is also a door at the back that leads into a separate space , darker lit speakeasy called moon glow.“

“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.“

“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! 🧡)“

“Food was perfect. Spicy and tasty and salty and everything you want for enjoying with a cocktail. The drinks were all unique and tropical and delicious and I wish I could have tried them all. The ambiance and the staff were just awesome. Thank you!“

“The gals serving you up are kind… but I really like Ashley… very welcoming…. Back patio is a nice ‘escape’ zone and they serve their beer there as well! Nice beer!!“

“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“

“Loved my birthday dinner tonight! Portions small for the prices in our opinion. A scallops main dish with 3 scallops is small. Drinks were amazing, decor fabulous and great service. My son had to go eat more food afterwards as he was still hungry. Bigger portions would be good. Loved everything else! Great choices, appetizers, main dishes and creative drinks were delicious. Kind of surprised knowing they knew it was my birthday that they didn't offer me a birthday "something" to make it special. For these prices I would expect something.“

“I am Salvadoran. I had the hongos pupusa, the chicken pupusa, the yuca con chicharrones. Every bite was an adventure. The Salvadoran dishes are made so creatively. Flavors stayed on your tongue as the sauce of la yuca. The drinks exceptional good. I had the mango verde cocktail….so rico. It was like eating Salvadoran food on fine china.“

“They have some cool parties all week long. The fun never a ends. My favorite day of the week to go is Mondays.“

“food was great atmosphere was nice recommend going there“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“Yes I do recommend The Monk’s Kettle. Friendly people and great food😋“

“I’ve ordered Tonkutsu Ramen (mild), its good but too spicy for me. I asked for hot water to reduce d saltiness n spiciness. Flavor still great!“

“Love eating on the Sun porch and the refills on the ice tea!“

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

“Solid drinks at solid prices, however the drinks did not seem as strong as other tiki bar drinks.

The interior decor was very tiki themed with old school movies playing on the TVs, there's a pool room in the back with a decent table. No food served but people were bringing outside food in

They're known for the Chi Chi which to me just tastes like a milkshake, too sweet for my palate but people like them.“

“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.“

“The best bar in Oakland. Hands down! They will make you anything you can imagine. They have the best mixologists in town. There is no other cocktail bar where you can order literally any drink and they can make it for you. I ordered an “amaro cocktail” and they gave me something that tasted like limoncello but is WAY better than limoncello. 10/10 we come here every week.“

“Idk I know people love this place, I just don’t really get kava. If you’re like me and hate the taste there’s tons of cocktails that drown out the taste. The vibe is interesting, from the outside it looks super cool but to be honest all the furniture is kinda cheap not super comfy and the crowd just really isn’t my vibe. I kind of get a weird vibe while I’m there. This place by no means is bad, it’s just not my cup of tea.“

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

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

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“Simply the best. Better than all the rest! (The song that plays in my head when I walk into the Good Hop)The draft list is always fire. And if you can't find a beer in the back you like.... well. That's not possible.Go and drink it!“

“Loved Mixe! Never had trouble getting a table, food comes out fast and is super tasty. Good for groups too. Love the bar space, perfect for when I'm downtown and just need a Mezcalito and a beer. Mezcal selection is getting to be the best in town, bar manager is super knowledgable and happy to talk Mezcals to get me what I'm feeling. Friendly service, always a great time!“

“Bomb Digs!! Great staff and owner. Food was so good. Not one bad dish.“

“Great fun night x totally recommend“

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

“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“

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

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

“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.“

“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“

“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.“