Oakland’s nightlife scene is a vibrant mix of cool cocktail lounges, historic dives, and brewpubs. Whether you’re after a handcrafted drink or a casual drink with friends, the best bars in Oakland offer something for everyone. As Visit Oakland – the city’s official tourism site – notes, visitors can expect “creative cocktails, cool spaces, and live music” when exploring Oakland’s bars. In this guide, we highlight top bar picks across the city, featuring unique vibes and great drinks to keep you coming back for more.
Trendy Cocktail Lounges and Speakeasies
Oakland boasts several hip cocktail bars and lounges. Ninth Life is a neon-soaked, ’80s-themed lounge in Uptown Oakland, complete with arcade game décor and retro beats. InsideHook describes it as a “funky cocktail bar” where drinks are named after throwback music and movies. Likewise, Viridian Bar offers a moody, cinematic setting – it’s known for a dessert menu longer than its dim sum menu and creative cocktails like the Yuzu Bamboo. Viridian has even earned national acclaim; SFGate reports that it was twice nominated for U.S. best bar awards.
Another downtown favorite is Friends & Family, a stylish bar and eatery. It earned accolades on an international scale – ranking #33 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list in 2022 – and serves whimsically named cocktails (try “Mom’s Rosy Cheeks”). These upscale spots exemplify Oakland’s sophisticated cocktail culture.
Classic Dive Bars and Historic Pubs
For a laid-back vibe, Oakland’s classic dive bars never disappoint. The Alley Piano Bar, open since 1933, is one of the city’s oldest watering holes. This historic spot still features live piano music and a roadhouse atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Similarly, Thee Stork Club has roots as a classic live-music dive and was recently revived with a retro 1970s décor and regular DJ nights.
Don’t miss The Avenue in Temescal – its interior is a year-round Halloween theme with skeletons and skull décor, making it a fun, spooky spot to grab a drink. And The Kingfish Pub & Cafe, a former bait shop turned dive, offers a relaxed beer-and-burger menu and a spacious patio with sports on TV. These bars capture Oakland’s laid-back, unpretentious drinking culture.
Breweries, Pubs, and Casual Hangouts
If beer or games are more your style, Oakland has plenty of options. Cellarmaker Brewing Company in Jack London Square brings a San Francisco brewpub vibe to Oakland, pouring bold ales (and even Detroit-style pizza on the side). Nearby, Drexl is a friendly downtown bar perfect for groups – it has skee-ball machines and a menu of inventive cocktails made with unusual ingredients like mole bitters.
The neighborhood gem The Double Standard mixes sports bar energy with craft cocktails; its highlight is a hidden outdoor patio built around a majestic redwood tree, complete with string lights and wine-barrel tables. For a true community feel, Wolfhound on San Pablo Avenue offers dive-bar comfort: flea-market art, a stand-up piano, pinball machines, and strong, cheap drinks in a friendly atmosphere.
Unique Themes and Specialty Bars
Oakland loves quirky concepts. Cafe Van Kleef in downtown is a kitschy lounge known for strong grapefruit cocktails called “greyhounds” and its eclectic décor. It’s become an “hippest spot” for its retro vibe. Another spot, Bar Shiru, is a high-fidelity listening bar near the Fox Theatre – imagine mid-century lounge with top-notch cocktails and audiophile sound.
For whiskey and wine fans, Punchdown is a hip wine bar focusing on natural, organic wines – a cozy option for a mellow night. And longtime favorite Heart & Dagger blends community vibe with craft brews. These unique venues show Oakland’s bar scene is as creative as the city itself.
According to InsideHook’s recent guide, Ninth Life, Cellarmaker, and The Alley are among Oakland’s standout bars, while Visit Oakland emphasizes the city’s full spectrum of nightlife. Whatever your taste, exploring these best bars in Oakland guarantees memorable nights out.
| Bar | Neighborhood | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Ninth Life | Uptown Oakland | ’80s-themed cocktail lounge with neon vibe |
| Viridian Bar | Uptown Oakland | Moody cocktail bar with Asian-inspired sweets |
| The Alley Piano Bar | Grand Ave (Oakland) | Historic piano bar (est. 1933) with live music |
| The Double Standard | Downtown Oakland | Hidden patio bar around a redwood, craft cocktails |
| The Avenue | Temescal | Year-round Halloween-themed décor dive bar |
| Wolfhound | San Pablo Avenue | Dive bar with games, art, strong drinks |
| Cafe Van Kleef | Downtown Oakland | Kitsch lounge known for grapefruit greyhounds |
| Drexl | Downtown Oakland | Bar with skee-ball and inventive cocktails |
Conclusion
Oakland’s bar scene is diverse and ever-evolving. From swanky cocktail lounges to beloved dive bars, each venue offers its own flavor of local culture. Exploring these spots – whether it’s sipping a creative martini at Viridian or belting out tunes at The Alley – makes Oakland’s nightlife exciting. Enjoy responsibly, and savor the variety that makes Oakland’s best bars truly special.
FAQs
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What are the best bars in Oakland?
Some of the most popular include cocktail lounges like Ninth Life and Viridian, historic dives like The Alley and Thee Stork Club, and breweries/pubs such as Cellarmaker and Drexl. Each offers a distinct vibe (see table above).
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Are there good bars with live music in Oakland?
Yes. The Alley Piano Bar features live piano music and an old-school vibe. Thee Stork Club also hosts DJs and live acts. For jazz, Yoshi’s in Jack London Square is famous (though it’s more a jazz club than a bar).
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Which Oakland bar has a unique theme or décor?
The Avenue is famous for its year-round skeleton/Halloween theme. Cafe Van Kleef is quirky with retro art and special greyhound cocktails. Bar Shiru offers a vintage hi-fi listening experience.
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What neighborhoods have lots of bars?
Uptown and Downtown Oakland have many trendy cocktail bars. Temescal and Grand Lake (Rockridge area) have cozy pubs and dives. Jack London Square has brewpubs and waterfront lounges. Exploring different neighborhoods will yield various atmospheres.
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Are Oakland bars only for drinking alcohol?
While most bars focus on cocktails and beer, many also offer food menus (bites, pizzas, sandwiches) and non-alcoholic options. Places like Heart & Dagger and The Double Standard serve snacks. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the ambience – some bars also have coffee or mocktail offerings.