26 Best Wine Bars in Oakland

“Cute wine bar that is more casual than it appears. Very fun interior design and cozy. Perfect place for a small group of 4 and even more so for 2 people or couples. We had a cheese plate that was great but could have used more bread or crackers.“

“Charming, with a hip, understated, classic,
slightly retro vibe. Excellent food and wine selection. Not inexpensive, but that’s true of most nice places in the bay area.. they specialize in expensive but tasty small bites, not entrees“

“Fabulous wine bar with a lovingly curated, locally driven selection. I was lucky to find myself there on “Wine Wednesday,” where mere glass prices are charged for whole carafes (a deal which will no doubt see me back future Wednesdays), but even without the deal, prices are very accessible.

My second glass (or, well, carafe) was from a producer with whom I wasn’t previously familiar, and I was delighted to be brought into “the know” — be sure to look for P. Harrell, if their wines are being poured. I was additionally pleased to see that same wine for just $38 on the retail shelves. As a student, I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to drink such wonderful wines without breaking the bank.

I look forward to my next visit to Alta Vina!“

“Beautiful space. Alicia and her team are lovely hosts as well. I’ll be back again soon!“

“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.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Punchdown - Wine Bar + Bottle Shop delivers an exceptional wine experience with a thoughtfully curated selection, knowledgeable service, and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a glass in-house or exploring bottles to take home, the quality and care are immediately noticeable.
The ambiance is warm, inviting, and effortlessly cool—perfect for casual tastings, date nights, or catching up with friends in a comfortable, wine-focused setting. It has a unique charm that makes every visit feel special.
The staff is friendly, attentive, and highly knowledgeable, always ready with great recommendations tailored to your taste. Their passion for wine truly enhances the experience.
If you’re looking for excellent wines, a welcoming atmosphere, and expert guidance, The Punchdown - Wine Bar + Bottle Shop is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended and well deserving of five stars! 🌟🍷✨“

“My daughter took me and the hubby here for our Thanksgiving celebration since she couldn't come home (Sac) for actual Thanksgiving, we went to her. This was a night I won't soon forget! Having a nice meal with our daughter was a treat, the service was amazing and the food....OMG! Every bite of every dish I tasted was so so delicious! I can't get the butternut soup out of my head it was THAT good! We all ordered different food & shared bites with one another. This night was so enjoyable! Thank you, Sis & Thank you Mama Oakland!“

“A grown and sexy lounge that is also cigar friendly but very casual and minimal. Incredibly GOOD live music including jazz and salsa. The quality of the musicians cannot be overstated! They hold various events so check their website for what’s upcoming. Love their live music if you can’t tell! 💕“

“I’ve died at Perle now about four times. Chef Rob Lam and staff do a great job. I took some photos and wrote about my August 2023 visit on @TalesoftheCork. Highly recommend, and will return.“

“District Oakland is a great spot if you’re looking for good drinks and a lively atmosphere. The cocktails are well-made, the music keeps the energy up, and the crowd brings a solid vibe. It does get packed on weekends, but that’s part of the experience. Overall, a fun place for a night out with friends or a date.“

“Good coffee, good food, and a great focus on the community- with plentiful seating and great ambiance. All around, a fantastic place to get some work done or socialize, with one other feature I've never encountered in other cafes or restaurants: a bathroom with a full BIDET. A truly unparalleled luxury. Spend your time and money here.“

“Petit Cafe is a hidden gem! The warm ambiance, delightful pastries, and rich coffee make it the perfect spot to unwind. The staff are friendly, and every visit feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. Highly recommend!“

“The vibes outside on a beautiful day were lovely, and everyone seemed really nice, but spending ~$125 and feeling hungry afterwards was a bit of a bummer. (Fish and chips, salad, 2 chowders, some raw and some grilled oysters. In retrospect the move might have been to order some more fries for the calories.) Came here with partner & parents and sat outside. One issue was that the music was way too loud to be able to have a conversation without yelling. After waiting a while for raw oysters checked in with waitstaff and found they’d misdelivered the order to a different table. (It was a super busy night.) I wasn’t a huge fan of the salad; it was small but pricy and could’ve used some citrus to brighten it up. Fish and chips were delicious.“

“😀First visit here after years of walking past it. The veggie combo and meat combo platters were among the best I've had at Berkeley and Oakland's many great Ethiopian restaurants. Service was very fast and friendly and outdoor back-patio was peaceful. I will be back soon and often.“

“Millennium is my favorite vegan res! Excellent customer service, people, and atmosphere! The food is more than something to eat; it is something to experience!“

“Had a reservation, but a physical problem in late afternoon required cancellation. However there is no telephone number and no way to let restaurant know -- and a default charge of $40.

Apparently this isn't restaurant policy. They contacted us within an hour and refunded the money -- and said they're looking for another reservation service.“

“A great local bar with the friendliest service! I love that they're always doing something festive (king cake for Mardi Gras, corned beef and cabbage for St. Patty's, all the sports games, etc.) They make a mean dirty martini, and the Irish coffee the owner made me for St. Patty's was perfection. I need to make it here on a Friday for their BBQ lunch, it always looks amazing.“

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

“great food, ambiance and service and wine list.“

“The breakfast quiche and the bread pudding.“

“Always enjoy talking with Johnny & Myra! Their drinks are good too!“

“Amazing cozy little spot. I will say I'm not a huge natural wine fan but still found a few tasty sips here. My natural wine friends really enjoyed it. The charcuterie and bottle selection were incredible. We came early so it wasn't busy at all and really enjoyed the space. Thanks!“

“Great wine, love the squid, love the pastas and desserts!“

“Dropped into this place to grab a few drinks before our show at the Fox theater and highly recommend. Great cocktails, local brews, and knowledgable bartenders. No food but you can bring your own, and the takeout from the thai place just down the street they recommended was amazing.“

“Exceptional multiroaster with a great rotating selection and highly skilled baristas.“

“Good vibes! Will definitely be back!!“