A beloved Oakland institution specializing in Belgian and craft beers, with an impressive selection of over 100 bottles and 20+ rotating taps. The cozy, wood-paneled space offers a monastery-like atmosphere perfect for serious beer appreciation.
Insider Tip
The back patio is a hidden gem - perfect for warm Oakland evenings.
A sophisticated cocktail lounge featuring expertly crafted drinks, an extensive spirits selection, and a modern yet cozy atmosphere. Longitude is known for its creative seasonal cocktails and knowledgeable bartenders who take their craft seriously.
Insider Tip
Arrive before 7pm to avoid the wait - this place fills up quickly on weekends.
A massive brewery and beer garden housed in a converted auto dealership. Drake's features 40+ taps of their award-winning beers, a spacious indoor/outdoor space, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere perfect for groups.
Insider Tip
The outdoor beer garden is dog-friendly and often features live music on weekends.
A stunning rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the Oakland Estuary, San Francisco Bay, and city skyline. The modern space features craft cocktails, fire pits, and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for sunset drinks.
Insider Tip
Visit during the week for a more relaxed atmosphere and easier access to the best seats.
A hidden gem featuring creative cocktails, elevated bar food, and a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere. Make Westing offers a more intimate alternative to Uptown's busier bars, with a focus on quality drinks and genuine hospitality.
Insider Tip
The back patio is perfect for date nights - request a table outside when making reservations.
A legendary dive bar and blues club that's been an Oakland institution since 1963. Eli's features live blues, soul, and R&B music, strong drinks, and an authentic atmosphere that attracts everyone from locals to touring musicians.
Insider Tip
Cash only! There's an ATM inside but it charges a fee.
Oakland's oldest piano bar, operating since 1933. The Alley features live piano music nightly, strong drinks, and a vintage atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. The intimate space attracts a diverse crowd of regulars and newcomers.
Insider Tip
Tip the piano player generously and they'll take your song requests.
A stylish cocktail bar with a vintage aesthetic, creative drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Lost & Found features a rotating cocktail menu, local spirits, and a commitment to sustainability in their bar program.
Insider Tip
Ask about their zero-waste cocktails made with ingredients that would otherwise be discarded.
A historic saloon built in 1883 from the remains of a whaling ship. This tiny bar was frequented by Jack London and features slanted floors from the 1906 earthquake. It's a living piece of Oakland history with cheap drinks and incredible stories.
Insider Tip
The bar is tiny and cash-only - visit during off-hours to actually get inside.
A beloved dive bar and dance club featuring DJs spinning soul, funk, and hip-hop. The Ruby Room offers cheap drinks, a diverse crowd, and a dance floor that gets packed on weekends. It's Oakland nightlife at its most authentic.
Insider Tip
Friday and Saturday nights feature the best DJs - arrive after 11pm when the dance floor heats up.
Uptown is the epicenter of Oakland nightlife, offering the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and music venues in a walkable area. Jack London Square is best for waterfront views and a more tourist-friendly experience.
Oakland offers a more authentic, diverse, and affordable nightlife experience than SF. The bars are less pretentious, the crowds are more welcoming, and drinks cost 20-30% less. It's become the Bay Area's coolest nightlife destination.
Uptown, Jack London Square, and other main nightlife areas are generally safe, especially on busy nights. As with any city, stay aware of your surroundings, stick to well-lit areas, and use rideshare services late at night.
Yes! The 19th Street BART station is in the heart of Uptown, making it easy to get to Oakland's main nightlife district from anywhere in the Bay Area. BART runs until midnight on weekdays and 1am on weekends.
Join our guided bar crawls and discover the city's top nightlife spots with expert local hosts.
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