Best of 26 cocktail bar in Oakland
Discover our curated list of top-ranked cocktail bar in Oakland, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like Kona Club, Oeste - Bar, The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant, Lakeside Lounge, Low Bar. Let's explore together!
- 1. Kona Club
- 2. Oeste - Bar
- 3. The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant
- 4. Lakeside Lounge
- 5. Low Bar
- 6. Bar Shiru
- 7. Bar 355
- 8. Snail Bar
- 9. Night Heron
- 10. Sobre Mesa
- 11. North Light
- 12. The Double Standard
- 13. 19th Street Station
- 14. Feelmore Social
- 15. The Kon-Tiki
- 16. Sessions on 15th
- 17. Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
- 18. DREXL
- 19. Viridian
- 20. The Miranda
- 21. Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard
- 22. The Avenue Bar
- 23. First Edition
- 24. Hello Stranger
- 25. High 5ive
- 26. The Barbary
1. Kona Club
Extensive craft cocktail menu, unique art installations, outdoor patio

Kona Club is a notable tiki bar known for its enjoyable atmosphere and delectable cocktails. The decor is a highlight, featuring a distinctive and exotic tiki theme that transports guests to a tropical paradise. The drinks are a major draw, offering a variety of creative and flavorful concoctions made with top-notch spirits and fresh ingredients. Many guests report that the cocktails are generously sized and have a satisfying kick.
In addition to its excellent drinks and decor, Kona Club is also known for its exceptional service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to offer recommendations or answer questions about the menu. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a popular spot for both casual drinks and special occasions. Overall, Kona Club is a must-visit destination for any tiki enthusiast or anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable night out.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
2. Oeste - Bar
Spacious patio with heat lamps, cozy fire pit and lively bar scene

The French fries and cocktails were the standout dishes during the meal. The cocktails, ordered from the bar, were unfortunately not up to par. They failed to meet expectations and did not impress.
On the other hand, the burrata appetizer was a disappointment. It did not resemble or taste like burrata, which was disappointing. The mac and cheese and fried chicken were served late and lacked flavor. The fried chicken was overdone, adding to the disappointment. The red snapper and Brussel sprouts also did not meet expectations and were not enjoyable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
3. The Alley | Piano Bar & Restaurant
Intimate piano bar experience, exceptional food and drinks, and soothing live music

The Alley is a cocktail bar that stands out with its wide selection of drinks and exceptional piano performances. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the skilled bartenders who craft the cocktails, making it an ideal location for a night out.
The cocktails at this establishment are a must-try, thanks to the talented bartenders who create them. Additionally, the piano performances add a touch of class to the already pleasant ambiance. Overall, The Alley is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch cocktail experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Late Night
4. Lakeside Lounge
Scenic lake views, cozy fire pits, and creative cocktails

Lakeside Lounge in Oakland is known for its welcoming atmosphere and fantastic bartenders who make excellent Cranberry & Coke drinks. The venue is famous for its live music, including blues bands, and regular activities that create a lively ambiance. It's a safe and friendly spot for an older crowd to enjoy without any rowdy behavior, although the small women's bathroom can be a drawback.
The Lakeside Lounge serves perfectly cooked monkfish and offers a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after a long day. The hospitable staff adds to the fine service provided, and visitors appreciate the low prices. With a 4.4 rating on Google, this bar has established a strong reputation among its customers, making it a popular choice in Oakland.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
- Late Night
5. Low Bar
Affordable drinks and bar food, pool table available

One of my favorite spots to go in Oakland is a place that offers great food and drinks in a refined bar atmosphere with quality table service. The establishment features a extensive selection of drinks and beers, making it an excellent spot for both drink and food enthusiasts. The spacious layout, complete with large windows that allow natural light to pour in, creates a bright and comfortable environment that is perfect for dining, drinking, and socializing.
This popular Oakland spot successfully combines the relaxed atmosphere of a bar with the refinement and service of a quality restaurant. The menu boasts a variety of delicious food options, and the cocktails are always well-made, making it a great place for a night out. The comfortable seating and welcoming ambiance make it easy to catch up with friends and loved ones over a meal or a drink. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet drink or a lively dinner with friends, this Oakland favorite is the perfect spot.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
6. Bar Shiru
Artisanal coffee and healthy food options

The cocktail bar in question offers a limited selection of only two sweet drinks on their menu. Despite their last call for drinks being at 12:30 am, patrons may not receive their orders until around 12:40 am. To make matters more inconvenient, the bouncer announces the bar's closure in ten minutes, urging customers to quickly finish their drinks, which are priced at a steep $15 each.
Despite these drawbacks, I must admit to being quietly fascinated by Bar Shiru. The atmosphere, ambiance, and cocktails all come together in a harmonious blend that is truly impressive. The music, too, adds to the overall experience, creating a vibe that is truly unique and enjoyable.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
7. Bar 355
Extensive tequila selection and creative cocktails

Bar 355 is a well-known establishment, particularly admired for its unique atmosphere. One of the main draws is their happy hour, which boasts an impressive selection of fine drinks at discounted prices. The happy hour specials are so popular that they've extended the hours until 8 pm, giving patrons even more time to enjoy the deals.
Aside from the happy hour, Bar 355 is known for its hip vibe, often featuring talented DJs who contribute to the lively atmosphere. The bar also prides itself on providing excellent service, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and attended to. With its combination of great deals, good music, and top-notch service, it's no wonder that Bar 355 is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
8. Snail Bar

Bar Snail is a unique drinking establishment located at 4935 Shattuck Ave., Oakland, CA 946
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
9. Night Heron

The reviewer held their birthday party at this establishment and had a great experience. They praised the communication and accommodations made by the host, Cory. The private area was decorated nicely and there was a custom cocktail menu for the guests. The party was described as having great vibes and being very affordable. The staff were friendly and the cocktails delicious.
The reviewer also visited for a cocktail during happy hour and enjoyed the drink options. They also tried some classic cocktails and had a positive experience with the bartender who was friendly and attentive. The space was described as cool and a place they would like to return to. Overall, the reviewer had a great experience with the staff, drinks and atmosphere of the establishment.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
- Personal Celebrations
10. Sobre Mesa
Offers a unique and authentic Spanish dining experience

The venue of the place is striking with its beautiful, welcoming ambiance. The music is a highlight, setting a relaxing tone for the evening. The atmosphere is enhanced by the low lighting and afro latino tropical aesthetic, creating a cozy and intimate environment.
The drink and food offerings are equally impressive, with everything from the drinks to the food to the service receiving high praise. The unique fusion of African and Spanish influences adds an exciting twist to the menu, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. The vibe is lively and enjoyable, making it a great place to spend an evening.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. North Light
Local art displays and community events

The establishment is known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent service. Both the customers and the staff are always welcoming, making it a go-to spot for many locals. The cocktails are a standout feature, with a wide variety of options available to suit any taste preference. The bartenders are skilled and knowledgeable, able to recommend the perfect drink to complement any order.
Located in a neighborhood setting, the establishment is a favorite local hangout. Many customers, including myself, live in the area and enjoy visiting frequently. The thought and care put into the menus are evident and appreciated, from the craft cocktails to the book curations. Overall, the establishment provides an enjoyable and satisfying experience for all who visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
12. The Double Standard
Uniquely curated craft cocktails and locally sourced ingredients

The Double Standard is a popular craft cocktail lounge situated in the west area of Oakland. This establishment has gained a reputation for its tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for many locals and visitors alike.
Behind the bar, skilled bartenders work diligently to create beautiful and tasty cocktails. Patrons appreciate the quality of the drinks, which adds to the overall positive experience of visiting The Double Standard.
The establishment's relaxed ambience is enhanced by its chill vibe, which lends a feeling of ease and comfort to the space. Overall, The Double Standard is an excellent choice for those seeking a trendy and enjoyable night out with high-quality drinks in a comfortable setting.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
13. 19th Street Station

For over two decades, the speaker has been a regular patron at a neighborhood bar, which was established by Roy and Bill. Although their visits are not as frequent as before, they still consider this bar to be an excellent establishment. The bar is known for providing fair-priced drinks, which is a significant draw for customers. Moreover, the overall ambiance and experience of a dive bar are also appreciated by the patrons.
The bar has a loyal customer base who have been coming to the bar for many years. The dive bar experience, which includes fair-priced drinks, is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining customers. The bar's longevity and popularity are a testament to its ability to provide a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for its patrons.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
14. Feelmore Social

15. The Kon-Tiki
Stunning city views and lively atmosphere

The Kon-Tiki tiki bar is a delightful spot for drinks and food. The bar is known for its great drinks, and they strike the right balance of flavor, ensuring that mine were not overly sweet. The food is equally good, with a particularly delicious hamburger. The decor captures the spirit of old-school tiki joints, while still incorporating nicer ingredients and a modern touch.
At the Kon-Tiki, you can enjoy a mix of original and classic cocktails. Among the standout drinks are their Mai Tais, which are sure to impress. The bar also offers a selection of bar food that complements the drink menu. Overall, the Kon-Tiki manages to perfectly blend the classic tiki bar experience with the quality and innovation of a new wave cocktail bar.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
16. Sessions on 15th

17. Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

On June 8, 2023, the individual visited a restaurant and waited for an extended period to receive a margarita. Despite the happy hour promotion and the presence of other customers, including a group at another table and a couple at the bar, service was slow. The customer, feeling uncomfortable approaching the bar as a single woman, finally decided to order after waiting for at least 10 minutes. Upon receiving the drink, it was overly strong, prompting another server to intervene and offer to create a more appropriately mixed margarita. The customer was left in tears due to the excessive wait and alcohol content.
Despite the poor service experience, the individual found the food at the restaurant to be delicious. Initially intending to order a martini, the enticing aroma of the dishes being enjoyed by other patrons led to ordering a different item instead, which turned out to be extraordinarily tasty. Although the bartender acknowledged the long wait by discounting the margarita by $1.50, the customer felt that a full $5 should have been deducted due to the happy hour promotion. The interaction concluded with the bartender expressing hope for an improvement in the customer's day, given the circumstances.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Italian Cuisine
18. DREXL
Local ingredients, creative dishes, unique atmosphere

The atmosphere and bartenders at this establishment are excellent, providing a enjoyable experience for visitors. A friend recommended the Grapefruit Hefeweizen, which reportedly has a refreshing and juice-like flavor.
In this inviting setting, I recently had a delightful time and look forward to returning for another date night. The Grapefruit Hefeweizen, in particular, has garnered high praise from my friend and other reviewers, who describe its taste as comparable to superior fruit juice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
19. Viridian
Offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

The cocktail menu at this establishment is a must-try for any drinks connoisseur. Featuring adventurous and unique concoctions, the menu frequently changes to keep things fresh and interesting. Options range from gin-based drinks to baijiu-based drinks, offering something for everyone.
The service at the bar is consistently praised by patrons for its friendliness and attentiveness. Bartenders create a welcoming and upbeat atmosphere for guests, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. Their top-notch skills in mixology also ensure that every drink is made to perfection. Overall, the combination of excellent cocktails and impeccable service makes for an unforgettable bar experience.
20. The Miranda

The Miranda is a chic cocktail bar and lounge located in Oakland's Uptown district. Its interior evokes a sense of nostalgia for a more sophisticated era. The bar offers a variety of quality cocktails, ranging from traditional recipes to more innovative concoctions.
Visitors to The Miranda can enjoy unwinding with a handcrafted specialty cocktail after a long day. The bar's mixed drinks are a standout feature, with a focus on creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or looking to try something new, The Miranda has something to offer.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
21. Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard
Spacious outdoor yard with games and TVs

The venue offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, featuring a stylish rooftop setting with attractive string lights and an impressive view of Oakland's bar scene. The ambiance is perfect for socializing and unwinding. Despite not trying any house cocktails during my visit, the appealing descriptions of these signature drinks have convinced me to plan a return trip.
The bar showcases a variety of enticing house cocktails, although I didn't have the opportunity to taste any of them on this occasion. Still, the alluring descriptions of these unique concoctions are enough to spark my interest and make me look forward to visiting again. The mixologists demonstrate a clear talent for crafting delicious and captivating drinks, which adds to the place's appeal.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
22. The Avenue Bar
Offers a wide selection of local and imported beers, artisanal cocktails, and a welcoming vibe

The Avenue Bar is a cocktail bar located in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood. It has a relaxed and dive-y atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind. The bar is known for its friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks.
Located in a bustling area, The Avenue Bar is a popular spot for people waiting to be seated at nearby restaurants. The bar has a year-round Halloween decor theme, adding to its unique and lively ambiance. Its good vibes and happening atmosphere make it a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy the surroundings.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Gluten-Free
23. First Edition
Historic location, commitment to local sourcing, and unique monthly events

The bar offers a unique experience with its amazing drinks and comic-themed decor. There is plenty of standing room on the first floor and seats available upstairs, making it a great place to gather with friends. The cocktails are the highlight of the menu, featuring fun and unique twists on classic drinks.
The drink menu is designed like a comic book, adding to the fun and playful atmosphere of the bar. The bartenders are not only kind and helpful, but they also make delicious drinks. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or looking to try something new, this bar has something for everyone at reasonable prices.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
24. Hello Stranger
Community events, art exhibitions, and local partnerships

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
25. High 5ive

High 5ive is a popular destination that welcomes locals and tourists alike to experience the best of Uptown Oakland. The venue is known for its stylish atmosphere, with ample lounge seating and a beautiful outdoor terrace. Whether you're looking to relax or socialize, High 5ive is the perfect place to spend an evening.
The vibrant energy of High 5ive is reflected in its name, which was inspired by the iconic high five gesture. This celebration was made famous by Glenn Burke, a legendary player for the Oakland A's. In that spirit, High 5ive is a lively and upbeat destination that is sure to leave you feeling exhilarated and inspired.