17 Best Dive Bars in Oakland

“usually im a pizza and beer kinda guy but this time i wanted to try something different. tallboy is a great place to try the martini and hotdog combo. its sounds weird but the martini/hotdog combo kinda works! especially with the fancy glizzys they have on the menu. Updated from previous review on 2026-08-30“

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

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“This place is phenomenal.“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“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.“

“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 💙 🎶“

“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.“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“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“

“Fabulous dive bar, and being right next to Mother Tongue has the promise of being Oaklands next great punk/queer hole in the wall! It is certainly a dive though, not a cocktail bar, and unfortunately does not actually have a glory hole. Not yet, anyways. Limping distance from the hospital, but all the med staff prefer The Lodge- so great place to go if you’re trying to hide your drinking from your doc.“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“Welcome to your new favorite dive bar for the gays, theys, shes, leathers, and fluffy little puppies. Everyone else is more than welcomed, but for people like me, I feel safe.
Welcoming and chill bouncers that make the space feel friendly, bartenders that make great recommendations, good drink selections, and a big back patio for smoking, chilling, studying, reading, chatting with friends, or just chilling with your dog while you enjoy your drink.
I originally came in because my little 11 year old dog was driving my wife wild and I needed a place for us to got at 10 pm on a Sunday night so the wife could finish a last minute work project. Grabbed a beer from the bar, took us to the back patio, lit up, and enjoyed a good book while I waited for the wife to give us the green light to come home.
Since than it’s become our neighborhood dive, and we love it.“