Best Bars & Nightlife in Oakland, California, United States

Oakland, United States, Oakland, Food & Drink, Best Bars & Nightlife

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.