50 Best Cocktail Bars in Oakland

“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 !“

“Lovely place with a great space.“

“good drinks, good food, friendly service, outdoor dining, i'll be back“

“Cafe Van Kleef knows what they do - greyhounds! - and they do it well. Very few options for beer/wine, but you're here for their famous greyhounds, and so is the rest of the crowd. Relaxed vibe inside, even when packed, and it's an eclectic collection on the walls that's fun to peruse.“

“I took my wife out for date night and wanted to try this new place. This place is “Happening”. The music, the decor, the drinks, and … oh the food! Sabrosisima!!! Love how adventurous the chef is with Colombian fair highlighting the Pacific side of the country. It is an experience. Bacano! ??“

“Excellent pasta! Freshly made! Great ingredients! The espresso and ice cream was amazing“

“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.“

“Yes, it gets busy.

The Double Standard is my Holiday standard in Oakland. They really go all out during the holidays. Drink menu, decor, everything. Their lovely Coast redwoods are the Christmas trees!
Eggnog, brandy drinks, hot buttered rum, antique Victorian sounding drinks in specialty holiday glassware. All delicious.“

“My wife and I stopped by here before a show at the fox. I loved the vibe. The staff was so attentive to us and gave great recommendations! I wanted to have every cocktail on the menu! I was really impressed with how imaginative they were. The food was great too! Will definitely be back with friends or bride another show!!!“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“Great place to sit and have a drink, good jukebox, pool table and friendly staff. You can request sports on one of the three flatscreen TVs. I've been going there for years and new owner seems pretty cool and actually lowered the prices on a few things, go figure.“

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

“This place is really cool. Parking wasn’t bad, but I came early, there was lots of street parking available. Outdoor seating that is covered, plants outside, indoor seating with long tables as well as bar seating in the window and at the counter. Full bar, great Irish coffee, no Wi-Fi but they have the Oakland Public Wi-Fi available and that worked well for me. Definitely would come back. Music was bangin too.“

“Og lunch box fan here, I always got 2 hot plates with salads on the side. (Guess who). Anyway this menu features the world's best meatloaf that was available at the lunch box at one time.Always do delivery with dinnerhouse, huge portions and killer to go plates that are totally reusable.Had the spaghetti as well sauce was to die for.Impossible to go wrong here.“

“This is my favorite restaurant in Oakland! The food is amazing and so are the cocktails. The vive is is unreal!!!“

“meal and the roti for sure will be going back“

“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.“

“Great food and drinks with a beautiful atmosphere“

“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.“

“I have to share a post from my favorite restaurant the FOB kitchen in Oakland. Chef Janice’s dishes are incredible. Being a queer person it is great to have a fantastic place to dine and feel safe and excepted. If you are in Oakland you have to try it. My favorite is the adobo and halo halo.“

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

“Easy to recommend despite the price floor, can't imagine spending under twenty for the basics of eggs and toast here after tax and tip which does fit California but not quite the high crime rate risks of this area. Will hope these great people can stick it out, we were taken care of quickly and had no issues from the attentive staff. Took to a good selection, pancakes, French toast, egg scramble, and avocado toast, showed up timely and looking too ripe for the grams. I noticed my crispy thick bread upholding big standards for bakeries. Delicious and savory, the others had no complaints either unless it's four dollar for a biscuit? That must be the inflation I keep hearing about! I suppose we hitting above our weight zone for the morning but it felt right to treat ourselves to first class. It's a splendid space and open wood, big windows, and lots of texture gives clean easy going vibes for a fun atmosphere. Parking wasn't too bad for a late Saturday morning but can bet it's not the easiest normally.“

“Good food fantastic drinks.. love this place highly recommended!!“

“An incredible spot. Crafted cocktails that are masterfully created in a space that elevates your experience. The staff is kind and helpful, wanting to ensure that your time there is memorable. It is the best listening bar in Oakland, hands down“

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“Yummy Drinks, good vibes, outside patio...💥🔥💣💨😎“

“I stumbled upon a hidden gem bar in Oakland recently and had a fantastic experience. The drinks were strong and expertly made, just as I like them. The bartender was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit feel welcoming and personal. The ambiance was cozy and unpretentious, adding to the charm of the place. It's definitely a spot I'll be returning to for more great drinks and friendly service!“

“Smoker friendly sports bar with the best owner/ operator in the world. Roy treats you like he's hosting you in his own living room, often beginning in delicious homemade tamales to give out to hungry and grateful pateons. This bar is one of the gems of Oakland.“

“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“

“Cute little "dive" bar. It's nice and put together. Clean. The bartend (Sherri) was very kind, attentive and and fast. There's a pool table and a online juke box. It wasn't packed but it's Wednesday. Older crowd. Like the 50, 60 plus. They were very nice and friendly as well. I'll be back

Dj Nash Chanel.
(If Sherri sees this, the was made by the tall lady with the good skin) ? thank you for the service“

“The owners are the sweetest people in the world and the loved my Lady Blu thank you so much I had a blast and yes Dee Dee Simon is the truth it was so worth the trip to see her and meet you all. A very friendly place that makes really good drinks Tory from Vegas“

“Great food and drinks, friendly comrades on staff, great cocktail names, solid leftist propaganda and excellent events. 🖤🔥✨“

“Haven't been here since Pac died...lol. This is a classic spot and I had such a blast. Memories of when I used to be hitting the streets in my clubbing days lol. Older crowd and a lot of bikers but such a vibe. Security was hella cool too“

“My hometown spot. One of the only local spots I feel comfortable. Thanks!“

“Always a great time! congrats“

“It was the friendliest salsa scene I've been to in years--Sunday at four to eight. And the food was gorgeous, and the staff super helpful.“

“I'm not a big ramen gal but went because my daughter loved the place. I love it now!
The ramen was super yummy!
We got fried rice and my daughter said she'd get that again, too. Never had rice so flavorful and hearty!
Pricey, but worth it.“

“I recommend the Saturday blues jam. Friendly staff, safe location. Nice to find this event.,if you like blues,and we all get them, this is the place Sat eve. with actual real blues musicians.“

“Been coming here since 1977. Always great food and adult beverages. Best is fried zucchini!!!!“

“Absolutely delicious, colorful, healthy food! We ordered takeout for dinner tonight and had the chicken and mushrooms, Mela platter, beef tibs and sambusa. The portions were generous and everything was fresh and seasoning was off the chain!!! Try the brownies for dessert - you will not be disappointed!! When in Oakland, order from Mela Bistro 😋❤️😃“

“Food was great and the atmosphere was wonderful“

“Great Food, Great Service“

“Fresh, delicious and great folks“

“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.“

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

“This is a must visit for anyone in Jack London Square“

“Great food and service, would recommend, love it 😋“

“The food was so bomb! It’s really amazing foood even it’s so prizey!“

“Will miss the place“

“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.“