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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Oakland's best

Cocktail bars

A cocktail that is mixed with intention rather than just poured to get the job done.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated April 2026
01
Penelope image 1
Penelope image 2
Penelope image 3
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Chic cocktail bar with elegant dark wood and apothecary decor offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with a relaxed vibe. Locals gather for good conversation at indoor and outdoor seating. Prices reflect San Francisco standards while providing a hidden gem feel off the main drag.

Inside feels like a speakeasy with a chic vibe. Friendly bar staff make it easy to have a good conversation at the bar.

Cocktails here are unique and high quality, served in fancy glasses. The Caffe Verde coffee-based cocktail stands out as a great way to start the evening.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are really special and unique."

"The bartender Sam makes pouring drinks feel like a masterclass."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price cocktails from 5-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

02
Fluid510 image 1
Restaurant

Two floors with several bars create an open, classy space featuring a massive dance floor and live DJ that energizes the atmosphere. Lighting is bright during the day, shifting to a nightclub vibe that welcomes LGBTQ+ and ally crowds. The venue adapts easily for events, balancing upscale design with a warm, inviting feel.

Large, well-lit space offers an upscale vibe with great daytime lighting. Bar serves craft cocktails and elevated bites like grilled octopus, creating a fun atmosphere that welcomes all.

Craft cocktails come with custom-made designs and appealing looks. Events focus on cocktail and conversation, offering tasty drinks that invite more than one round.

People are saying

"The brunch drinks and bites, like pork belly, were on point."

"This bar has amazing drag shows and comedy nights."

"The cocktails here were delicious and hit just right."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until close on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Fluid510 hosts a range of events including drag shows and comedy nights.

3

A two-item minimum is required for comedy shows upstairs.

03
Town Bar & Lounge image 1

Small space with gorgeous interior design featuring live plants and a classy, chic bar. Atmosphere stays vibrant and warm, with great DJs keeping the crowd dancing and energized. The venue embraces queer BIPOC culture and offers a friendly, inclusive vibe.

Offers an awesome gay bar vibe with amazing drinks and a unique touch of live plants and music videos.

Craft cocktails stand out with a handful of unique options and a fully stocked bar. Drinks are consistently delicious and well made.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is super nice and welcoming."

"I found the craft cocktails here to be excellent."

"The DJs here keep the entire crowd dancing for hours."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The bar is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes everyone.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with a diverse crowd on weekends.

04
Cafe Van Kleef image 1
Cocktail bar

Dive bar with eclectic decor and tight standing room creates a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Music blends 2000s R&B and pop at moderate volume, supporting conversation and a solid crowd. Specialty cocktails feature fresh squeezed grapefruit, especially the renowned Greyhound.

Unique dive bar atmosphere stands out with a squeezed-fresh pink grapefruit Greyhounds specialty. A single bartender manages the bar, adding to the authentic, local vibe.

Fresh squeezed grapefruit stands out in the well-balanced cocktails here. The house special with Gin offers a distinct, excellent flavor profile.

People are saying

"This bar's decor is visually interesting and eclectic."

"I loved the fresh squeezed grapefruit in these cocktails."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on Friday nights due to high traffic.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The bar does not serve food, only drinks.

05
Dinner House image 1
American restaurant

Classic bar with a speakeasy feel offers a pubby, friendly vibe and a relaxed atmosphere. German beers on draft and a great selection of lagers complement high-quality food like meatloaf and fried ravioli. TVs show hockey games or old western movies, adding to the chill environment.

Classic bar setup with a speakeasy feel creates a cozy atmosphere. A pit bull often sits right at the bar by the door, adding a unique touch.

Varied list of classic cocktails pairs with top-notch mixed drinks. Specials and overall cocktail selection stand out as excellent.

People are saying

"The German beers on tap here were spot on."

"The cocktails here are excellent and legit."

"The drinks here are delicious and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

They use high-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef.

2

Dinner House makes the ranch fresh in-house every morning.

3

Dinner House doesn't have long hours.

06
Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard image 1

Large indoor and outdoor spaces include a second-story patio with retractable awning and spacious seating. Music ranges from live bands to DJs, creating a casual, hipster vibe with a younger crowd. TVs and games like shooting hoops add to the lively atmosphere during sports events.

Craft beer lovers find a large number of taps with great beer and cider selections. The bar offers a friendly atmosphere with knowledgeable staff who provide tasters. It suits large groups well and serves solid bar food like a fried chicken sandwich and caesar salad.

Cocktails feature a great selection with options like the kiwi cocktail and the La Cura Mezcal drink standing out. Prices stay reasonable while the variety complements the craft beers on tap.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating here has a great mix of indoor and outdoor space."

"I loved the great beer selection on tap."

"I thought the cocktails here were so good."

Good to know

1

Electronic payment is required; cash is not accepted.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

07
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with an open kitchen and walls of windows showcases local art and a courtyard garden. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, with dim lighting and soft Peruvian music creating a cozy vibe. Full espresso and cocktail bars offer top-notch mezcal and passion fruit margaritas, while the patio provides a warm urban outdoor setting.

A wall of windows brightens the bar, which offers a full espresso and cocktail selection. Peruvian music plays softly, and bartenders deliver great drinks with attentive service.

Craft cocktails come with gorgeous presentation and are consistently well composed. A full cocktail bar offers a variety including the Nuestra Paloma, noted for its quality.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious."

"Alex at the bar makes amazing drinks and great conversation."

"The cocktails here are amazing, well-made, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $2 oysters.

2

Valet parking is available at the Marriott across the street.

3

Bocanova has outdoor seating that is dog-friendly and equipped with heaters.

08
DREXL image 1

Bar offers chill and friendly vibe with an upbeat late night energy. Features a nice back patio and serves creative cocktails priced around $13. Crowd includes people looking for a laid back social spot to meet and enjoy inventive drinks.

Cocktail orders get made exactly as requested with expert bartenders. Staff provide top-tier service in a community-focused setting.

Inventive cocktails stand out with creative blends like an amaro drink tasting better than limoncello. Late night hours offer excellent drinks priced around $13, alongside local brews.

People are saying

"You can imagine any cocktail and they'll make it for you."

"I found it to be the best bar in Oakland."

"The vibe here is so chill and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs at DREXL, offering discounted drinks.

2

Cocktails cost $13 each at DREXL.

3

DREXL does not serve food, so plan accordingly.

09
Bar Shiru image 1

Vinyl records spin on high-end tube amps and rotary DJ mixers, creating an immersive hi-fi sound system experience. The space blends mid-century modern and industrial styles with a Japanese-inspired jazz bar vibe, offering a relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and chill conversations.

Strong, high-quality cocktails stand out with a great selection of Japanese whisky. The bar offers a warm, calm atmosphere with incredible vinyl music that sets a perfect tone for conversation and relaxation.

Craft cocktails here balance classic flavors with creative twists. The selection includes Japanese whiskeys and gins, offering strong, high-quality drinks in a relaxed setting.

People are saying

"I thought the craft cocktails here were the best in the East Bay."

"The jazz sounds amazing through this high-end analog stereo system."

"The craft cocktails here are amazing and worth the price."

Good to know

1

Bar Shiru does not serve food, so plan accordingly.

2

Reservations are only accepted for groups of 7 to 15; smaller parties are first come, first served.

3

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes during peak hours.

10
Night Heron image 1

Bar offers a lush night club feel with cozy lighting and comfortable seating. Atmosphere stays chill and respectful, with music that ranges from barely audible to featuring DJs playing good tracks. Located near a major theater, it suits both pre-show drinks and casual evenings.

Cozy lighting and lots of seating create a relaxed vibe. Small games scattered around add a weird and dumb charm. Food from a nearby Japanese restaurant can be delivered right to the bar.

Creative space with great tracks sets the mood for cocktails. Bartenders Mars, Dani, and Greg craft custom cocktails and remember regulars' names and favorites.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails to be inventive and delicious."

"I loved the custom cocktail menu for the party."

"The cocktails here are inventive and very drinkable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink options from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Street parking is available, along with nearby parking garages.

3

You can order food from a Japanese restaurant next door.

11
Sobre Mesa image 1
Restaurant

Chic interior with beautiful decor and perfect lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. Music matches the vibe, supporting conversation without overwhelming. Signature cocktails and tapas, especially mezcal drinks and beef empanadas, stand out in a sophisticated setting.

Gorgeous bar with a great vibe and excellent cocktails. Traffic is regulated to keep the space comfortable for small groups.

Signature cocktails like Sobre Mesa and Caliente y bella stand out for their flavor and presentation. The cocktail menu pairs well with tapas and suits small groups looking for a trendy vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with vibrant, tangy flavors."

"The cocktails were well made and looked impressive."

"The food at this bar is delicious and truly impressive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The Queer and Couture Oakland Pride event is a highlight, showcasing local culture.

12
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill image 1

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music. Guests enjoy heated covered decks and shaded patios, creating a comfortable space for socializing. The vibe suits casual gatherings with friends or romantic outings by the lake.

Two big bars offer a spot to order drinks and appetizers like sliders and oysters with first-class service. The bar area features a beautiful view of Lake Merritt and stylish decor.

Bartender Christian crafts cocktails with great flavor, balance, and presentation. Drinks come out perfectly made and include unique options.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view from the outdoor seating area."

"The bar has an excellent view overlooking the lake."

"The cocktails here are crafted to perfection with great flavor and balance."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Tuesdays with menu items priced between $7 and $10.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Valet parking is available, but car burglaries are common in the area.

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