50 Best Bars in Oakland

“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!“

“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.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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! 🌟🍸✨“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“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.“

“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!!“

“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.“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“Nice atmosphere, friendly staff.“

“Awesome chill space to catch up with someone. All kinds of flavors so you don’t even have to like kava to find something you like. Melo Colada was heavy on sweet/colada and I loved it. Melo Chai and Cream were also delicious. Go for happy hour 3-6pm I believe for $2 off drinks“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

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

“My partner and I were looking for a very casual, low-key venue to celebrate our wedding, and that’s when we came across Little Bird. From our very first interaction with Jen, we felt how warm and easy it was to work with her. She emailed us the different package options and was very transparent about pricing, explaining that we could add or remove items or move them around within the budget to make it work for us. That openness made the whole process feel stress-free.

We then met her at the bar to see the space and discuss food, drinks, and all the details. On the day of the celebration, everything was absolutely perfect. We had about 30 guests, and the space looked beautiful—exactly what we wanted. The food was delicious, the drinks were fantastic (we had three special cocktail requests in addition to the open bar), and the ambiance was just right.

Nate and the other two bartenders were incredibly kind, attentive, and genuinely friendly. So many of our guests told us how much fun they had and how great the service was.

We would absolutely recommend Little Bird for any celebration or event. Huge thanks to Jen and the entire Little Bird staff for making our day extra special, loving, and fun.“

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

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

“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 fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“My favorite neighborhood spot! Love their pink house margarita and a large French fry (to share!)

It’s nice having the option to go upstairs or stay down. They often have music upstairs in weekends, sometime for a cover, but seems worth it because people dancing up there are really genuine and there to dance and enjoy one another—it feels like an older version of Oakland to me, that I miss but find sometimes upstairs at Mad Oak. I’m grateful for this place.

The bartenders here are especially kind and personable. I always look forward to interacting with staff here.

They check IDs at the door, so be ready for that.“

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

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

“I recently stopped by Ruby Room in downtown Oakland, located along 14th Street in the city’s Uptown district. The area has developed into one of Oakland’s main nightlife corridors, and Ruby Room stands out as a long-running local bar that blends vintage character with a relaxed neighborhood vibe.

The atmosphere feels eclectic and unmistakably retro. The interior décor mixes dim lighting, vintage furniture, and a slightly old-school lounge aesthetic that gives the space a personality very different from more modern cocktail bars. It feels like a place that has evolved over time rather than being designed to follow current trends, which adds to its charm.

The bar program focuses on straightforward cocktails and drinks rather than elaborate mixology. The environment encourages guests to relax, talk, and spend time with friends rather than treat the bar as a formal cocktail destination. The space often attracts a mix of locals, artists, and visitors exploring the Uptown nightlife scene.

Service during the visit felt casual and friendly, fitting the laid-back nature of the venue. The staff maintained an easygoing tone that matches the overall character of the bar.

From a global travel perspective, Ruby Room reminded me of the vintage neighborhood bars I have encountered in cities like Portland, Berlin, and Montreal where personality and atmosphere often matter more than polished design.“

“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!“

“My favorite bar by the lake. Great atmosphere, super friendly staff (the kind that remember your name). Love to sit at the counter and do the crossword with my wife. I hope they're here for a long time. Outdoor seating on the street too if it's a nice day and that's what you're looking for .“

“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.“

“Great experience, had walked by this place and someone leaving seeing me reading the menu insisted that I try it out. Wasn’t disappointed, great menu where seafood is the star of the show, recommend the aguachili appetizer and fish and chips. Will return for other menu items. Great service, reservations via resy recommended“

“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.“

“Better than expected. Streamline. Not too busy today. We went there for cocktails. Thats what we got. Moderately priced. Clean. Friendly. I would go back. Thank you. We were on vacation. It was not wow but, still good. Dim lighting which i get.“

“I am a member and this place is great. I mean the membership basically pays for itself. The access to tastings and whiskey that are otherwise untouchable is worth every penny. The community is part of the deal no one talks about. Everyone there is interested in whiskey and does not care whether you're a billionaire or a janitor. Also Lamont makes a mean charcuterie board and that's worth the price of admission by itself!“

“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.“

“Loved the food!“

“Neighborhood tavern on the edge of gentrification with mix of middle aged friendly patrons and staff. One pool table. Across the street from what was a 1/4 pound burger joint that’s still serving up a good burger among other fare.“

“It's a wonderful dive bar which is why service is two stars. Three and I wouldn't walk in.

This is the third happiest place on earth behind Disneyland and The Double Down in Las Vegas.

Go there. Ask for Hicksmokey, and tell him Shatter loves him.

Best bar in Oakland.“

“I unfortunately arrived when the establishment was crowded and and it was difficult to find a seat.

Nonetheless, it was an enlightening experience, overwhelming is a better word.

Books, books, and more books 📚 which for a bibliophile like myself, was a sheer joy 😹

I plan to return much earlier the next time.
I did not order any consumables, so I could not rate that portion.

Clio's Books 📚 is a killer establishment‼“

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

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

“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!“

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

“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“

“Dope people, dope events!“

“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.“

“Great food and comfortable atmosphere, highly recommended“