18 Best Dive Bars in Oakland

Tallboy Bar • $$
4210 Telegraph Ave, 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!“

4.5 Superb126 Reviews
Smitty's Lounge Dive Bar • $
3339 Grand Avenue, Oakland

“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“

3.9 Good64 Reviews
Kingfish Pub & Cafe Pubs • $
5227 Telegraph Ave, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

Dive Bar
Popcorn

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

4.5 Superb190 Reviews
Rootwater Kava Bar Bar • $
464 3rd St, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

32oz Kava Growler
64oz Kava Growler
Fizzy Gatorade
Kava Sparklers
Chips

“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!!“

4.9 Superb39 Reviews
Wolfhound Bar Bar • $
5516 San Pablo Ave, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

Mighty Dry Cider

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

4.6 Superb99 Reviews
Thee Stork Club Dive Bar • $$
2330 Telegraph Ave, Oakland

“cheap and fun. please go.“

4.4 Superb120 Reviews
The Avenue Bar Bar • $$
4822 Telegraph Ave, Oakland

“Halloween vibes year around!“

4.4 Superb177 Reviews
Merchants' Saloon Bar • $
401 2nd St, Oakland

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

4.3 Superb183 Reviews
George Kaye's Bar • $
4044 Broadway, Oakland

“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.“

5 Superb43 Reviews
The Alley Dive Bar • $$
3325 Grand Ave, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

Stan's Steak Sandwich & Fries
Salad with Roquefort Dressing
Hamburgers and Onion Rings
Bacon Burger with Cheese
Campari on the Rocks
Sauteed Vegetables
Mixed Green Salad
New York Steak
Stan's Burger
Fried Chicken

“This place is phenomenal.“

4.5 Superb212 Reviews
Ruby Room Bar • $
132 14th St, Oakland

“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.“

4.3 Superb135 Reviews
Kerry House Bar • $
4092 Piedmont Ave, Oakland

“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.“

4.6 Superb72 Reviews
Baggy's By the Lake Cocktail Bar • $$
288 E 18th St, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

Lake

“In town for the Cat Power show at the Fox Theater. Came to have a drink. Warm welcome from the friendly bartender. I see the No Kings sign and the rainbow flag. It's $3 cans and a full bar. Divey but cozy. Full of characters, lively buzz but unpretentious. And they play punky/emo music from when I was in college. Great spot.“

4.5 Superb101 Reviews
Victor's Bar Bar
659 E 12th St, Oakland
5 Superb18 Reviews
Eli's Mile High Club Bar & Grill • $
3629 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

Tots or Fries
Happy Meal
Totchos

“Lady E was in full effect last night! I love the ambiance here and the bathroom was clean and orderly. Bartenders made good drinks. The shoestring fries were a bit too crispy...but they were good. Well seasoned. The live music 🎶 here sets the mood. There is some dusting needed up in the rafters and ceiling area and maybe a deep cleaning in the near future. Overall clean and I would return, especially to hear Lady E and her live band sang the blues 💙 🎶“

4.2 Good94 Reviews
Lakeside Lounge Cocktail Bar • $
338 E 18th St, Oakland

“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“

4.4 Superb148 Reviews
2101 Club Bar • $
2101 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland

“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.“

4.4 Superb75 Reviews
Heart & Dagger Saloon Bar • $
504 Lake Park Ave, Oakland

Customers` Favorites

Garlic Rice
Jameson

“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.“

4.1 Good171 Reviews