50 Best Cocktail Bars in Oakland

“Lovely place with a great space.“

“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 !“

“Not a huge fan of the seating layout. I sat on the left side to avoid the loud chatter of people but that meant being on a hard bench with uninteresting decor. Empanadas were wonderful, the ceviche with coconut milk was a pleasant surprise. I wanted to try the arepa but it seemed like the portion was tiny. The chicharron was very flavorful!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Short wait on a Friday night for 7 of us. Really small place but the wait staff and owner very friendly and everyone was very happy with their meal. If I lived here I would go back.“

“Mother Tongue Coffee Roasters is one of those rare finds that feels both approachable and extraordinary at the same time. From the moment you step in, the space carries an artistic, community-focused vibe that immediately sets it apart from your typical coffee shop. It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with the comforting aroma of freshly roasted beans.

What truly makes Mother Tongue shine is their dedication to sourcing and roasting coffee with care. Every cup feels intentional. I tried both their pour-over and a flat white on separate visits, and each drink highlighted the unique flavor profiles of their beans—bright, complex, and beautifully balanced. Their single-origin options are especially impressive, showcasing the diversity of regions and farms they partner with. It’s coffee that not only tastes amazing but also tells a story.

The staff is equally memorable. They’re passionate, approachable, and eager to share their knowledge without being pretentious. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or someone who loves diving into the details of origin and process, they make the experience enjoyable and engaging.

Another thing I love about Mother Tongue is their commitment to inclusivity and community. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a space where people feel connected and inspired. Between the exceptional drinks, the thoughtful mission, and the friendly atmosphere, Mother Tongue Coffee Roasters is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.“

“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.“

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

“The cocktails are innovative and have so much depth. Ambiance is on point, there's so much seating and good music. There's a few logistical things they have to work out, for example it was very unclear as to whether we had to be seated or seat ourselves, and wasn't sure if there was table service in the evenings, but they're new and I'm sure they'll figure it out. Love a Black owned business!“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“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“

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

“A put bull was allowed to attack our dog tonight, they were sitting at the bar by the door. Our dog is well-behaved and well-trained and was attacked walking out of the restaurant. I appreciate places being dog friendly but plz be safe. The food and drinks are great but this ruined the evening.“

“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.“

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

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

“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.“

“Pleasant environment, friendly people and delicious food❤️“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Came in on Sunday afternoon for some drinks and bites. We got the Wagyu and Chicken sliders. Wagyu sliders were 10/10, it was tender and had so much flavor. We thought that the chicken sliders were good, the chicken was fried well and it was juicy, but we thought it lacked a little flavor. Maybe more seasoning on the chicken or make the aioli a bit more flavorful.

Our drinks are Now You Nosso, Smashski, and Melas Beles (in order clockwise from lychee drink). They were all super refreshing and delicious.

If you want great food/drinks, good music, and friendly neighborhood vibes then definitely check out Nosso!“

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

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“4.5 ⭐️ This place is cozy! Afro-futuristic art and vinyl bar in uptown Oakland serving select cocktails with dim lighting and a casual
atmosphere. I tried the Taloma, a tamarind version of a Paloma and it was a great cocktail. Plenty of seating. Check out their socials for upcoming events and DJs. I’ve yet to attend any of their vinyl events since I’ve only come here a few times but I do like their record collection. Good location, near plenty of other bars and dining in the area.“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“Ramen Shop is in my top 3 favorite restaurants. Literally everything I've had is incredible and one-of-a-kind. I've tried all 3 types of ramen and they are all so flavorful, especially the vegetarian one with Meyer lemon. The turnip cake appetizer is perfection. I get the sesame seed ice cream sandwich dessert every time I visit. I would eat here every night if I could!“

“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“

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

“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“

“Always a great time! congrats“

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

“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.“

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

“Food was great and the atmosphere was wonderful“

“Will miss the place“

“Food was fantastic! First time here and will definitely be back. My partner and I had the curry puffs, red curry, and slow cooked pork. Each dish was excellent. This was the most tender pork I’ve ever had and it paired so well with the spicy lime sauce. The drinks were fun too! Great service, highly recommend“

“Very tasty and carefully seasoned. All dishes were perfection“

“Fresh, delicious and great folks“

“Great Food, Great Service“

“Holy Basil is one of our absolute favorite places to get delivery from in the Bay Area. Our kids are addicted to the bao buns and garlic noodles. I'm obsessed with the tofu vermicelli. Nothing is cozier on a cold day than their Chili Lemongrass soup. Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than their fresh rolls and ginger lemonade. We love Holy Basil food!“

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