
Best Bars & Nightlife in Oakland, California, United States
1. Boot & Saddle
Craft beer haven with a rustic, old-school vibe. Offers a rotating tap list and delicious pub grub.
- Unique Beer Selection: Features rare and hard-to-find brews from local and international breweries.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Small, intimate space with vintage decor, perfect for an enjoyable evening out.
- Dog-Friendly: Invites well-behaved, leashed dogs, making it a unique spot for pet owners.
2. The Golden Bull
Popular dive bar known for its lively atmosphere and strong drinks. Offers pool tables and live music events.
- Live Entertainment: Hosts local musicians, bands, and comedy nights, adding to the entertaining vibe.
- Affordable Prices: Known for its reasonable drink prices, making it an accessible option for all visitors.
- Community Feel: A welcoming and friendly spot where locals and newcomers mix easily.
3. Heymod's
Tiki-themed bar with a tropical atmosphere. Features exotic cocktails and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.
- Exotic Drinks: Serves specialty drinks like the Zombie and Mai Tai, made with homemade syrups and fresh juices.
- Tropical Ambiance: Transportive interior design takes you to a Polynesian paradise, complete with tiki torches and palm trees.
- Happy Hour Deals: Offers discounted drinks during happy hour, making it an affordable choice for travelers.
4. The Layover
A cozy speakeasy-style bar hidden within a restaurant. Features creative cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Hidden Location: Located behind a secret door within the Houndstooth Restaurant, adding an element of mystery.
- Artisanal Cocktails: Crafts unique and artfully-prepared cocktails using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques.
- Intimate Setting: A small, laidback space perfect for date nights or catching up with friends.
5. King-Manuel's
Popular bar and dance club offering a lively atmosphere with DJ sets and Latin music.
- Latin Music Scene: Plays salsa, bachata, and merengue music to get the crowd moving.
- Spacious Dance Floor: Offers plenty of room for dancing and socializing with fellow music lovers.
- Affordable Cover Charge: Has a reasonable cover charge, making it an attractive option for night owls.
6. Lost and Found
Upscale cocktail bar with a nautical theme. Offers small plates and a curated drinks menu.
- Nautical Decor: Features maritime-inspired design elements, like rope accents and ship models.
- Curated Drinks Menu: Offers an ever-changing menu of seasonal cocktails made with high-quality ingredients.
- Small Plates Selection: Serves a selection of small plates ideal for sharing, complementing your drinks.
7. The Trappist
Beer-focused pub with an extensive draft list. Features a selection of Belgian brews and upscale bar food.
- Belgian Beer Selection: Offers a wide variety of Belgian beers, many of which are rare and hard to find.
- Wine & Cider Options: Also serves wine and cider for those who prefer alternatives to beer.
- Gastropub Fare: Serves upscale versions of pub classics, such as artisanal charcuterie boards and gourmet burgers.
8. DNA Lounge
A nightclub with a focus on electronic music and performance art. Offers multiple rooms for different genres.
- Multiple Rooms: Features separate rooms for different DJ sets, catering to various musical tastes.
- Performance Art: Hosts a variety of performance art events, such as burlesque shows and drag performances.
- Late-Night Hours: Stays open late, making it an ideal spot for those who want to dance the night away.
9. The Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
Historic movie theater offering a unique blend of classic and contemporary films. Features live music events.
- Classic Cinema Experience: Preserves the charm of vintage cinemas, with ornate décor and historic architecture.
- Live Music Events: Hosts live concerts and performances alongside film screenings.
- Food & Beverage Options: Offers a full-service restaurant and bar, allowing you to dine and drink during your movie experience.
10. The New Parkway Theater
Indie movie theater featuring a variety of independent films, documentaries, and family-friendly fare.
- Independent Cinema: Highlights independent films, as well as documentary screenings and special events.
- Community Engagement: Supports local filmmakers by hosting Q&A sessions with directors and actors.
- Food & Beverage Options: Offers a full-service café serving locally-sourced food and beverages during screenings.
11. Oakland Ice
Roller skating rink offering public skate sessions and events. Provides rentals for those without skates.
- Public Skate Sessions: Offers regular skate sessions for the public, allowing you to get on the rink easily.
- Themed Nights: Hosts themed nights like disco skate and gay skate nights for a fun twist.
- Skating Lessons: Offers lessons for those who are new to roller skating or want to improve their skills.
12. Uptown Nightclub
Large-scale nightclub featuring DJ sets and dancing. Offers multiple rooms for different genres.
- Multiple Rooms: Features separate rooms for different music genres, catering to various preferences.
- VIP Services: Offers VIP services like bottle service and reserved seating for an exclusive experience.
- Large-Scale Events: Hosts large-scale events, such as music festivals and themed parties.
13. Slappy Cakes
Pancake house with a fun twist: customers can cook their own pancakes at the table.
- DIY Pancakes: Allows you to customize your pancakes by adding toppings and mix-ins.
- Family-Friendly: Offers a fun, interactive experience for families and groups.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Serves breakfast and brunch options throughout the day.
14. Brewmasters Bar
Craft beer bar offering a wide selection of local brews. Features a trivia night and live music events.
- Local Brew Selection: Focuses on craft beers from Oakland and the surrounding area.
- Trivia Nights: Hosts weekly trivia nights for a fun, competitive evening out.
- Live Music Events: Features local musicians and bands, adding to the bar's lively atmosphere.
15. The New Parish
Music venue with a focus on hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Offers multiple rooms for different genres.
- Multiple Rooms: Features separate rooms for different music genres, catering to various preferences.
- Local & National Acts: Books both local and nationally-known acts in the hip-hop, R&B, and electronic scenes.
- Late-Night Hours: Stays open late, allowing you to enjoy live music until the early hours.