In a city that thrives on innovation, Oakland’s cocktail scene is a spirited testament to craft and community. From the dimly lit speakeasies of Uptown to the sun-drenched patios of Jack London Square, each pour tells a story. Whether you’re celebrating a promotion, mending a heart, or simply toasting to Tuesday, these 14 bars mix the perfect elixir for every occasion.
19th Street Station
$ | (510) 893-1919 | WEBSITE
Oakland doesn’t have many authentic dive bars left—most watering holes have gone upscale, with the sort of craft cocktails and artisanal menus that might have fueled the gentrification wave. That’s why we love 19th Street Station. The well-maintained spot feels like it was pulled right out of Oakland’s sports history and dropped into the middle of the neighborhood.
Its nostalgic ambiance, friendly owner Roy providing engaging conversations, and walls covered in local memorabilia feel more timeless than anything else we’ve found in the area. Order a fair-priced drink and pretend your next move is a casual chat about the bar’s history.
alaMar Dominican Kitchen
$$ | (510) 907-7555 | WEBSITE
alaMar Dominican Kitchen is one of those places that everyone in Oakland should try. If you haven’t, add it to your list, because the Dominican food here is fantastic and it’s a warm place to be. The authentic flavors and good vibes are infectious, and it’s a spot best enjoyed with friends, especially since the portions are generous. Come for dinner, which offers a more relaxed experience than the bustling weekend nights.
Expect it to be popular all the time, both inside the cozy dining room and at the bar. The short ribs, braised to perfection, are a standout across the entire menu.
Mimosa 2
$$ | (510) 328-3213 | WEBSITE
If you’re not paying attention on a Sunday afternoon, you might breeze right past Mimosa 2, a brunch spot with a vibrant storefront and some of the best cocktail-fueled weekend vibes in Oakland. The service is friendly and fast—so fast with that upfront payment system that you might wonder if they forgot to bring your check. Fret not, that really is your plate of steaming lamb chops and fried brussel sprouts that has been set in front of you.
The drinks are slightly pricier here, but don’t get overly tied to your wallet. Instead, try them all. You won’t be sorry.
Lakeside Lounge
$ | (510) 452-2254 | WEBSITE
When you inevitably circle the block looking for parking and end up on a side street instead of the main drag, you might as well settle in at Oakland’s best hole-in-the-wall. Lakeside Lounge’s friendly atmosphere is a gamechanger—it always has a warm vibe and a welcoming feel. We’d come here just for the drinks, mixed by fantastic bartenders like Shantell who makes a great Cranberry & Coke.
But when you add live blues on Sunday, a Friday DJ, and that tiny dance floor packed with the mature 50-plus crowd dancing without any rowdy behavior, it’s almost impossible to stop enjoying the next song (or ordering another cheap, strong drink to sip at the bar). The casual walk-in-only spot is perfect for a laidback weekend night with friends.
George & Walt’s
$ | (510) 653-7441 | WEBSITE
Head to George & Walt’s for a lively night out and you’ll find a crowd gathered around the pool tables, waiting to take their shot between drinks and bites (think $6 – $12 range). If you’re looking for something more relaxed, grab a seat at the bar, where you can enjoy the daily special like the ox tail grilled cheese sandwich with friends. The margaritas are, of course, great, but the corn beef egg rolls are fantastic.
Sobre Mesa
$$ | (510) 858-7544 | WEBSITE
Sobre Mesa is one of those spots with entrances near the Fox Theater and uses that prime location to create a vibrant world that comes together over African Spanish fusion. The lounge area is a playground full of cool vibes, fun music playlists, and inviting seating, and inside there’s a bar showcasing inventive cocktails, which turns into a full-on event space during special occasions like the Queer and Couture Oakland Pride celebration.
You can get the impeccable tapas like warmed brioche, empanadas, goat cheese, and adobo chicken pinchos along with amazing cocktails including the signature Sobre Mesa drink in both spots.
Cafe Van Kleef
$ | (510) 763-7711 | WEBSITE
If you gravitate toward familiar favorites like beers and wines, you won’t be disappointed at Cafe Van Kleef. But take a chance on their experiments with greyhounds. The incredible vodka mules with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice will have you sipping every drop, wondering what the secret ingredient is (it’s the perfectly balanced citrus). And while the quirky decor may look like the most distracting thing in the room, it’s low-key one of the best parts.
Oeste – Cafe (coffee shop)
$$ | (510) 817-4157 | WEBSITE
You can trick your friends with the avocado toast at Oeste – Cafe because, like everything on the menu, it’s that good. In fact, it tastes better than a lot of the avocado toast we’ve had in the city. The two-story coffee shop has a rooftop upstairs where guests can enjoy a range of delicious options including delightful whole fried fish and favorites like the baby Caesar salad, with dressing that’s finger-licking good.
Downstairs, the spacious interior is adorned with big windows and open wood decor. Try a savory dish like the egg scramble, made with fresh ingredients and served with perfectly cooked pancakes.
sandbar
$ | WEBSITE
You never know who you’ll bump into at Sandbar. A friend from college? A coworker you haven’t seen in ages? Someone you met at a party last month? The Caribbean-themed spot is a hidden gem in Oakland, and even though it’s tucked away, chances are the person you bring here has never experienced a bar with actual sand underfoot.
A DJ spinning tunes on weekends, festive decor that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, and plenty of cozy seating (the sand can get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun) is what it’s all about here.
NOSSO
$$ | (510) 207-1008 | WEBSITE
NOSSO is a cozy, friendly spot that radiates great vibes. If you need proof, just step inside during one of their themed music nights to feel the welcoming energy. The cheekily decorated bar has live sports on the screens and a lively atmosphere focused on making your evening happier. Though the sliders here are Oakland-pricey at around $16 a pop, they are perfectly sized and packed with flavor. Get the Wagyu sliders made with tender, flavorful beef. They’re juicy, savory, and delicious.
The Chicken sliders could use more seasoning, but they’re still satisfying. During happy hour, the drinks and menu are especially enjoyable, with standout cocktails like the guava glow and forbidden jewel that are refreshing and perfect for enjoying with good music. The welcoming bartenders and neighborhood feel make NOSSO a popular destination.
The Cat House
$ | (510) 879-6512 | WEBSITE
Good craft cocktails are hard to find in Oakland, but The Cat House does a damn good job bringing you as close to cocktail perfection as possible. The vintage-inspired interior is often packed out during weekend evenings with Lakeshore locals grabbing a drink, but slide in for early evening to get a more chill vibe with all the great cocktails. The Dear Irene, a standout of their creative list, is balanced and crafted with remarkable attention to detail.
Pair it with the Mata Hari that has a bright, complex taste. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, serving drinks with pride in their craft at reasonable prices. With antique couches, wood tables, and cat art decorations, it’s a cozy spot to spend time with friends. Though they don’t serve food, you can bring outside bites to enjoy with their impressive selection. Just remember there’s a bouncer checking IDs for the 21+ environment.
5 Spiced Kitchen 百香上食
$$ | (510) 817-4889 | WEBSITE
5 Spiced Kitchen should be your go-to for a solid Chinese meal in Montclair when you feel like eating at the counter rather than at a formal table. Yes, you should still expect decent service, but everything is fairly straightforward here. Base yourself at the front of the restaurant, which has a nice-looking dining area and now houses 5 Spiced Kitchen’s simple counter which, with its clean surfaces and casual playlist, is undeniably comfortable.
Parche
$$$ | (510) 922-9687 | WEBSITE
Parche is a kinda-sorta restaurant. It’s a Colombian spot serving some of Oakland’s most exciting Latin American food as a cozy, family-style operation. If you want to sit down to eat, you’ll need to grab one of the wooden tables that occupy the intimate dining room—perfect for sharing plates with friends—which fill up almost immediately after it opens for dinner. The salmon tartar and ceviches have to be eaten fresh, where there are a few bar seats and counters but mostly communal tables.
And while eating plantain-wrapped crab in a bustling atmosphere might not be quiet, it’s worth it at Parche. There’s also a dessert menu featuring dark chocolate and flan, in case you’re not in the mood for a full meal at all. It’s a warm place with a unique vibe, which only adds to the magic.
Sports Page
$ | (510) 632-7447 | WEBSITE
Sports Page, a laid-back neighborhood bar, is a prime after-work spot (and weekend hangout with its pool table and big screen). The drinks include some seriously stiff pours like the house whiskey that’s served neat with a perfect ice cube. There is no fancy seating here, so grab a stool at the bar or lounge at one of the wooden tables near the pool table (under warm lighting in the evening).
The service here is friendly, whether you’re a regular or first-timer, you’ll feel welcomed in under a minute.
