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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Oakland's best

Cocktails

You expect your cocktails to be mixed with precision and care.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Penelope image 1
Penelope image 2
Penelope image 3
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Chic cocktail bar offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with apothecary decor and relaxed vibe. Unique, high-quality cocktails like the Caffe Verde shine here. Locals enjoy good conversation in both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a true hidden gem.

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
Dinner House image 1
American restaurant

Classic bar with a speakeasy feel offers a friendly vibe and relaxed atmosphere. German beers on draft and great lagers pair well with high-quality food like meatloaf and fried ravioli. Cocktails shine with a varied list and excellent specials.

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 vibe here is super chill with top-notch mixed drinks."

"The cocktails here are excellent and legit."

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.

03
Fluid510 image 1
Restaurant

Two floors with massive dance floor and live DJ create a lively vibe for LGBTQ+ and allies. Craft cocktails feature custom-made designs that invite multiple rounds. Bright daytime lighting shifts to a nightclub vibe, blending upscale style with warmth.

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.

04
Night Heron image 1

Bar blends lush night club vibes with custom cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders. Music ranges from soft tunes to DJ sets, creating a chill atmosphere perfect for pre-show drinks or casual nights. Friendly staff remember regulars, adding a personal touch.

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."

"It's a chill spot with cozy lighting and lots of seating."

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.

05
Cafe Van Kleef image 1
Cocktail bar

Dive bar with eclectic decor and tight space offers a lively vibe. Music blends 2000s R&B and pop at a moderate volume, perfect for chatting. Specialty cocktails shine with fresh squeezed grapefruit, especially the renowned Greyhound with Gin.

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.

06
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with an open kitchen and local art creates a cozy vibe with dim lighting and soft Peruvian music. Full cocktail bar serves Nuestra Paloma and top-notch mezcal. Patio offers a warm urban outdoor setting perfect for relaxing.

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."

"The seafood here, like the moqueca, is rich, creamy, and packed with tender fish."

"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.

07
Sobre Mesa image 1
Restaurant

Chic interior and perfect lighting create an intimate vibe. Signature cocktails like Sobre Mesa pair well with beef empanadas for a sophisticated taste. Music supports conversation, making it ideal for small groups seeking a trendy spot.

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 dim lighting makes it a perfect spot for a romantic date night."

"The cocktails were well made and looked 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.

08
Town Bar & Lounge image 1

Small space shines with gorgeous interior design and a classy, chic bar offering craft cocktails that impress. Vibrant atmosphere pulses with great DJs and a warm, inclusive vibe celebrating queer BIPOC culture.

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.

09
DREXL image 1

Bar has a chill vibe with an upbeat late night energy and a nice back patio. Inventive cocktails like an amaro blend shine at around $13, perfect for those seeking creative drinks and a laid back social spot.

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.

10
Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard image 1

Large indoor and outdoor spaces offer a second-story patio with a retractable awning and spacious seating. Cocktails shine with a kiwi cocktail and La Cura Mezcal drink, priced reasonably alongside craft beers. Live bands and DJs create a casual, hipster vibe with games and TVs for sports fans.

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.

11
Bar Shiru image 1

Vinyl records spin on high-end tube amps creating an immersive sound. Mid-century modern meets industrial in a Japanese-inspired jazz bar vibe. Craft cocktails feature Japanese whiskeys with creative twists, perfect for chill conversations.

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."

"It's so Solo Friendly; watching Shi make drinks is a blast."

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.

12
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill image 1

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking views and a relaxing vibe with heated covered decks and live music. Bartender Christian crafts perfectly made cocktails with unique flavors. Ideal for casual gatherings or romantic outings by the lake.

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 cocktails here are crafted to perfection."

"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.

13
Moxy Oakland Uptown image 1

Hotel blends cool designer aesthetic with small, clean rooms. Bar downstairs offers bold, spicy cocktails and flatbreads in a vibrant setting. Neighborhood feels rough but has 24-hour valet parking for convenience.

A boutique bar with vibrant colors sets the scene downstairs. The bartender serves bold, spicy cocktails alongside flatbreads.

People are saying

"Drew's energy and personality made the bar experience amazing."

"It's the perfect spot for your wedding week, with guests hanging out all day."

"The cocktails here kept the party going all night long."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $35 per night in a lot across the street.

2

Valet parking is no longer available at the hotel.

3

The neighborhood around the hotel is considered sketchy and unsafe.

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