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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Oakland's best

Dive bars

A dive bar that feels like a neighborhood staple rather than a place that just happens to serve drinks.

Based on 444 Opinions
+441
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Updated July 2026
01
Merchants' Saloon image 1
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Classic dive bar with dark, old-school decor and a mellow, eclectic vibe. Crowd is diverse and chill, creating a welcoming atmosphere for locals and newcomers alike. Features include live music, a jukebox, and a pool table, enhancing the laid-back energy.

Embodies the essence of a classic dive bar with a serious, authentic vibe. Stands out as one of the most beloved and enduring dive bars in the area.

Dive bar vibes come through with a very eclectic and fun atmosphere. The bar stays true to the classic dive bar spirit, offering a serious dive bar experience with a staple crowd of incredible people.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best dive bar in Oakland."

"The vibes here are so good and welcoming."

"I thought this was the best dive bar."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a challenge at times.

2

Put money in the meter if you arrive between 9am-5pm.

3

The drinks are priced well, making it affordable.

02
Wolfhound Bar image 1

Dark interior with vintage album covers and U-shaped leather couches creates an old school dive bar feel. Atmosphere stays cozy and casual, inviting easy conversation and games like pool and pinball. Regulars and locals keep the vibe friendly and relaxed without crowds.

Old school dive bar feel sets the tone with a fun atmosphere. The place looks like a dive bar at first but feels welcoming inside.

A dive bar atmosphere sets a chill, artsy vibe with creative cocktails and friendly bartenders. Games like pool and pinball, plus theme nights, make it a fun spot where locals gather and friendships form.

People are saying

"It's a cozy, divey neighborhood bar with a chill vibe."

"I found it to be a great dive bar with a fun atmosphere."

"I found the bar to be a cool, fun dive bar."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

The bar hosts theme nights that add to the fun atmosphere.

3

You can bring your own food or order delivery since no food is available.

03
George & Walt's image 1
Cocktail bar

Old school dive bar with pool tables, sports TVs, and jukebox creates a lively, casual atmosphere. Friendly, diverse crowd mixes locals and regulars, fostering a neighborhood pub vibe. Serious billiards players share space with fans enjoying music, food, and drinks in a relaxed setting.

Offers a classy dive bar vibe with a strong neighborhood feel. Serves as a solid spot for casual drinks and local hangouts.

A super friendly, old school casual neighborhood dive-ish sports bar with billiards and a great neighborhood bar feel. The bar has a good vibe and atmosphere and offers good equipment for pool.

People are saying

"This friendly neighborhood bar makes you feel like family."

"The American food here is fantastic, especially the juicy hamburgers."

"I found it to be an amazing, classy neighborhood dive bar."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.

2

The bar has a separate food counter serving burgers and similar items.

3

Check for daily specials to get the best deals on food and drinks.

04
The Alley image 1
Piano bar

Piano bar blends smokey bistro style with nostalgic, jazzy vibes and secret cubby tables. Diverse crowd enjoys live piano performances and lively, artistic atmosphere. Decorated walls and large seating create a funky, local hangout with a dated but charming aesthetic.

Messy and unpolished, this dive bar stands out by serving a steak dinner that rivals many restaurants. It keeps the classic dive bar vibe while offering something unexpected in its food.

A piano bar with a vibe like West Side Story sets a unique scene. The staff are super friendly, remember names, and serve great drinks.

People are saying

"This piano bar lets you get on the mic with live instrumentation."

"I found the fried chicken to be hot, juicy, and delicious."

"This dive bar serves a steak dinner that did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

Karaoke sessions happen almost daily, featuring live piano accompaniment.

2

Trivia night is every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

The Alley has a cash-only policy; an ATM is available on-site.

05
The Avenue Bar image 1

Dive bar with Halloween-themed decor and a heavy metal goth aesthetic creates a dark, spooky atmosphere. Crowd is diverse and relaxed, often enjoying games like pool and shuffleboard. Small groups find ample seating in a space that balances immersive horror vibes with a chill, friendly energy.

Offers a super fun vibe with a very diverse mix of people who all seem very Oaklandish. Feels like a classic dive bar setting.

A dive bar with a Halloween-themed atmosphere open all year, featuring heavy metal goth aesthetic and campy decor. Prices stay reasonable, and the vibe is relaxed with a diverse, local crowd.

People are saying

"This bar is Halloween themed all year round."

"It's a super fun dive bar with a fantastic vibe."

"The drinks at this dive bar are pretty cheap."

Good to know

1

They now accept credit cards for payments.

2

The bathrooms are always clean for guests.

3

The bar is considered a safe place for solo female visitors.

06
Ruby Room image 1

Dive bar with an old school feel and pool table offers a relaxed atmosphere. Music keeps the energy fun and lively. Known for being one of the most dive-y spots around.

Offers an old school feel with a truly dive-y atmosphere. Stands out as an epic dive bar with a strong local reputation.

Offers a classic dive bar vibe with an old school feel. Known for its authentic dive-y atmosphere that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"It's the dive-y-ist dive bar with an old school feel."

"It's a great dive bar with an old school feel."

Good to know

1

DJ Alleyoops plays at Ruby Room on select nights.

2

Be cautious of your surroundings as safety concerns have been noted.

07
Heart & Dagger Saloon image 1

Dive bar with a huge outdoor patio and backyard area offers a chill vibe and eclectic crowd. Music and movies play alongside amenities like pinball and pool tables. Smoking is allowed in the spacious outdoor section, creating a relaxed atmosphere for conversation and hanging out.

Quintessential dive bar vibe with a covered patio for outdoor seating. No fine dining, just a spot to have a good time in a casual setting.

Offers decently priced alcohol with a banging playlist playing both inside and out. Plenty of space includes a great backyard and a pool table for relaxing and socializing.

People are saying

"The back patio is huge and a great place to relax."

"Michael, the bartender, was a joy to chat with."

"I found it to be a great dive bar."

Good to know

1

Bring cash as this place prefers it, though cards are accepted.

2

The patio is a smoking area; non-smokers should sit inside.

3

There are many nearby food options that can be brought into the bar.

08
Smitty's Lounge image 1

Classic neighborhood bar with a welcoming vibe and great prices. The space features gorgeous paintings and offers multiple TVs tuned to requested games. Remodel softens the traditional dive bar grit while keeping a friendly atmosphere.

Renovations have softened the gritty vibe typical of dive bars here. The spot still holds some dive bar charm but feels cleaner and less rough around the edges than before.

A classic dive bar with great prices and a welcoming vibe for most, but no beer on tap. Some guests face discrimination for not drinking alcohol or due to religion.

People are saying

"I found this place to be a great dive bar."

"It's a great dive bar that's still welcoming."

Good to know

1

Smitty's Lounge has affordable prices compared to other bars in the area.

2

No reservations are needed; walk-ins are welcome.

3

Expect a friendly crowd and casual setting.

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Oakland, California

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