50 Best Cocktail Bars in Oakland

“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.“

“Enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food !“

“This spot is something special. The atmosphere is really what makes it stand out—it’s lively, welcoming, and just a great place to hang out for a while. You can tell it’s the kind of place locals probably come back to again and again. Honestly, I’d be surprised if you found a better vibe anywhere else.

Just a quick heads-up though: they don’t serve food here. It’s definitely more about the drinks and the atmosphere than sitting down for a full meal. Once you know that going in, it actually makes the whole experience feel more relaxed. You just show up, enjoy the space, and have a good time. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish you lived nearby so you could stop by whenever you felt like it.“

“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 !“

“Finally came and was pleased with service! Expectations is low from previous experiences but the vive ans ambiance is so nice, I stopped by for a stiff drink (I knew to stick to shots...actually had a beautiful and it was perfectly beautifully) and service was pleasant! To bad Google don't have stars for beverages...lol“

“Food is delicious. Place is very nice. Service is great. Here is everything we tried and our rating:
- Sweet potato gnocchi : very flavorful! The eggplant and hazelnut sauce base is creative! Solid 5/5
- Empanadas: must try. We ended up ordering 2 rounds of these. The frying makes it a little heavy but the taste and the aioli dip are divine. 6/5 …awesome!
- Tumaco ceviche: interesting acidic flavors. The crispy plantain chips were the highlight for us. 3/5 …the acidity wasn’t hitting right but it’s still really good.
- Carpaccio: the sweet tangy sauce makes this really nice. 3.5/5“

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

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

“Fun and lively place for drinks and light snacks. Drinks were great, and the manager was very friendly. She was vibing and talking to us a lot. It was nice hospitality.

The wings were great! Loved it. It was very juicy and would recommend getting them. The ceasar salad was okay.

Great to come here for happy hour or for a game as they have TVs around.“

“Large, stylish and spacious. We were a group of seven people and three dogs and could spread out when we first got there Saturday opening at 3 PM in the back patio. A few other parties came after us, but we were just there for one drink so I’m not sure how busy it got afterwards.

We ordered at the bar and they have a full menu of interesting cocktails.

I got the golden girl and it was a great balance, making it way too easy to drink.

Did not try the food, but there was a vegan pop-up in the back patio with the QR codes around the bar to order online.

The restrooms were separated by men and women and are spacious and clean.“

“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.“

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“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“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Karaoke with KJ Mallory Every Wednesday night from 9pm-1am.“

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

“Always a great time! congrats“

“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“

“My fiancé and I came here for a rare morning coffee date, a perfect pause in our busy lives as parents. Parking was easy and free just around the corner. We grabbed a sunny table outside, soaking in the morning light and each other’s company, while sipping lattes topped with delightful foam art. Warm, bright, and full of life, the Mother Tongue was inviting and cheerful, with wonderfully friendly staff. It was a lovely, and simple, a great and sweet experience.“

“I stopped into Soon's before meeting a friend for dinner last night. What a cozy, warm vibe. The bartender Bea introduced herself and asked my name. Showed me the bottles of wine they had available. Six dollars for a nice glass of merlot. Fun music. The patrons were friendly and having a great time. Looking forward to stopping in again soon.“

“Walking by, I always thought this place was abandoned. It’s not, it just opens 4-8. After 2 years I finally went to try their food. My burger was delicious. Service was good, family own/run. A good amount of customers for a Thursday evening. Will be back when Im craving bar-ey 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.“

“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.“

“Great Food, Great Service“

“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.“

“Fresh, delicious and great folks“

“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.“

“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!!!“

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

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

“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 😋❤️😃“

“Omg! this place ess awesome! the chicken & waffles were to die for.. I will be returning.soon!“

“Pleasant environment, friendly people and delicious food❤️“

“This was such a delightful find. The atmosphere is inviting with many options both inside and outside. The staff were very welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu and very attentive. The food was so good, fresh ingredients, tasty and seasoned to perfection. The optional red, green and yogurt sauces were fun and added a nice kick if you want it. The spinach was amazing. The Greek salad was yummy. The lentil soup was very good. The Kabob was a home run (husband’s reference). We are already planning our next visit!“

“Go to this place if you want to hear some blues on a Saturday nite. The jam starts at 6. Bring your harmonica, bass, sax, etc and play some blues. The local talent is dope! Get a stiff drink or two and chill.“

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

“We stopped here on a whim as we were looking for something new after a workout class.

Walking in there were plenty of tables open. This place has an enormous bar area as well. It must have been a sports bar in its former life.

We ordered the Roti to start and my wife ordered the spring rolls with shrimp. I went with the roast duck over rice. The Roti was fine… it seemed like they put their roti in a panini press and just served it like that, so not a lot of flavor. The Thai restaurant down the street (infinity) has a much better roti. The curry dipping sauce was really good though. My wife said the spring rolls were “fine”. I really enjoyed my duck over rice dish though. The duck was moist and full of flavor and the hot soy sauce had a nice kick to it.

Service seemed a bit off, slow to get water for us and hot sauce, but everyone was nice.

I’d come back for the duck rice, but I don’t know if this place would get elevated to a “must return”.“

“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.“

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

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

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

“I can’t recommend this place enough. Fresh, creative food, smartly sequenced, brilliant cocktails. Traditional enough to satisfy those who are familiar with Peru looking for nostalgic flavors while not being so by-the-book as to stifle creativity. Go!“

“I only gave this place 5 stars because Google won't allow me to give them 💯! This is one of the best restaurants in the bay area! If you love spicy soup I highly recommend the numbing spicy chicken soup. My girlfriend and I are regulars, and our favorite dishes are the chicken pho, the numbing spicy soup, and the honey chili chicken wings! 🤤“

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