17 Best Dive Bars in Oakland

“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.“

“Outstanding spot to watch sports, chill, and more“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“Nice little gem in Oakland California, great shows, and friendly staff. Don’t pass this place up!“

“This place is phenomenal.“

“Great metal bar in Oakland with a massive courtyard, and makes you stop wondering where all the cute boys went! A nice reprieve from the steadily wealthier and wealthier Oakland scene, nobody is talking about their new sportscar here and lots of space to see great music most of it metal. 🎸 (though the last 2 metal guys I know who played here were pretty loaded now that I think of it one of them worked at nvidia and the other was a graduate degree engineer from my office ) there’s a baywheels bike share nearby in case you’re scared of leaving your bike locked up here. The courtyard has great seating for people watching, maybe if we do magic incantations all the cool art school girls who have great taste in music will return!“

“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“

“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.“

“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“

“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“

“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“

“We were made to feel so welcome here on our first night in Oakland, had a great experience at this bar. The bartender and the local crowd that night were so friendly. They gave us great suggestions on things to do while in town for Halloween Meltdown. Would of never thought to take the ferry while we were here otherwise and it ended up being a favorite experience on our trip. Great dive bar atmosphere. It was cool to hear about the punk history of the place. The bartender sent us home with homemade spaghetti! We can't wait to visit again sometime.“

“As someone who works in the restaurant industry, this is hands-down my favorite place to unwind! Michael here is everything you want in a night out—charming, flirtatious, and full of personality. On top of being ridiculously handsome, he’s also incredibly talented at what he does, pouring drinks with style and making everyone feel like the center of attention. His tattoos? Absolute bonus—they add to his irresistible vibe. This place wouldn’t be the same without him. If you’re looking for a spot with great drinks and even better company, this is the place to be.“