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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Bars with fun activities in Downtown Oakland

Made for those who find a standard drink uninteresting unless it is paired with a game or an interactive challenge.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01

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.

A dance floor creates a lively spot for fun. The bar offers a fun atmosphere that keeps energy high.

People are saying

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

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

"The drinks here are amazing and perfectly crafted."

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.

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.

Saturday brunch trivia and Sunday night drag shows offer interactive fun. Upstairs, Fluid510 hosts varied events like comedy and drag shows, keeping the vibe lively and engaging.

People are saying

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

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

"The drag shows here are super fun and interactive."

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
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.

Trivia nights on Tuesdays bring a lively crowd and plenty of laughs. A variety of fun games and a solid selection of beer and cider on tap keep the energy up throughout the evening.

People are saying

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

"I loved the great beer selection on tap."

"They have fun games like shooting hoops."

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.

04
The Athletic Club Oakland image 1

Wall-to-wall TVs cover two floors, creating a 360-degree viewing experience with no bad seats. The atmosphere is lively and social, with people chatting, cheering, and enjoying pool tables and arcade games alongside sports. Beers come frosty cold, and the vibe stays energetic during major games and events.

Full house crowds do not stop quick service at the bar. Every seat offers a clear view of multiple TVs. The setup suits sports fans looking for a lively, well-organized sports bar environment.

Pool and video games create a lively vibe during events like football games. The overall atmosphere stays fun and engaging.

People are saying

"It's a great place to watch any game with TVs everywhere."

"This bar has wall-to-wall TVs for watching any game."

"The atmosphere here is so fun."

Good to know

1

Come early for big events to secure a good spot.

2

There is a $10 cover charge for major events.

3

Street parking is free on weekends, but limited.

05
Fox Theater image 1
Live music venue

Historic theater offers an intimate setting with beautiful architecture and excellent sightlines. The atmosphere feels classy and nostalgic, supporting clear sound where vocals stand out. Services include a VIP room and accommodations for handicapped individuals, enhancing the overall experience.

Bars form a separate space with their own vibe. Multiple bars are scattered around, making drinks easy to access. The bar at the Fox Theater stands out with its distinct atmosphere.

Concerts deliver great energy and the staff adds to the fun atmosphere. The venue itself is visually engaging and makes the experience enjoyable.

People are saying

"This venue is gorgeous and perfect for seeing a show."

"There were bars all over the place inside."

"I found the venue to be a lot of fun."

Good to know

1

Tickets must be shown at the door, and metal detection screening is required.

2

Parking is available in nearby garages, but be cautious of break-ins.

3

Valet parking is conveniently located right in front of the theater.

06
Hello Stranger image 1

Narrow bar with cozy upstairs area and fancier decor creates a chill vibe. Music is generally on point with a diverse crowd that makes the place lively and popular. Bottle service is available on the second floor, adding to the experience.

Bar staff are super friendly and the decor looks fancier than typical bars. It can be extremely crowded but also mostly empty at times, with strict door policies and a loud playlist.

Fun atmosphere keeps everyone engaged. Carlos adds to the experience, making sure the group has lots of fun.

People are saying

"This dance spot gets really lively and the crowd is great."

"The bar has great music and good vibes."

"You'll have so much fun here; it's a really fun place."

Good to know

1

Expect a $10 cover charge, even when the bar is empty.

2

Drinks are on the expensive side, so budget accordingly.

3

No food is available at the bar, so plan to eat elsewhere.

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Downtown Oakland, Oakland

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