You’ve likely heard of the One-Two Punch—our signature two-stop itinerary crafted for peak pleasure. After sharing our favorite date night duos, we’re delivering another knockout: Oakland’s 17 best bar-restaurants, expertly paired for 2025.
Sobo Ramen
$$ | (510) 832-7626 | WEBSITE
Sobo Ramen makes some of the best ramen in the city. So it’s a nice bonus that they also have a tranquil and inviting dining experience. While we like this place for a quiet meal, it’s also perfect for gathering with a group of friends, sharing dishes, and enjoying the cozy ambiance. Just make sure you arrive early, since they don’t take reservations and we aren’t the only people who like this place.
Order whatever you want, and by that we mean to say that you should order the Mayu ramen with its smoky black garlic oil, the crispy-yet-soft agedashi tofu, and a home-brewed Thai iced tea to wash it all down.
Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard
$$ | (510) 843-7416 | WEBSITE
Following a long week with drinks on the patio at Mad Oak could convince just about anyone to relax and unwind. Or at least to agree to one more round before calling it a night. Mad Oak is one of the best bar restaurants in Oakland, mostly because the outdoor yard situation here is ideal and the bartenders are personable experts who won’t shame you for not knowing whether to order the jalapeño mac and cheese or the garlic fries first.
If you’re in more of a beer mood, the selection on tap is always excellent.
Kona Club
$ | (510) 607-7143 | WEBSITE
After such a nice dinner, you shouldn’t head directly to a dive. Get more mileage in those fancy slacks and go to Kona Club, the tiki spot to visit with your friends who really like tropical vibes. Sit at a back table among the glowing puffer fish and order tiki-themed cocktails that involve things like the Chi Chi, which is sweet and milkshake-like, and the Painkiller and Konarita. (For the record, those aren’t all in the same drink.)
The Cat House
$ | (510) 879-6512 | WEBSITE
The wait for a cocktail at The Cat House might feel like the slow, deliberate pour of a perfectly crafted old-fashioned—but every minute spent anticipating that first sip is absolutely justified. You’re rewarded with a vintage-inspired space where antique couches and cat art create a cozy hideaway from Lakeshore’s bustle, plus bartenders who mix drinks with the pride of a master watchmaker assembling a delicate timepiece.
Even if this bar were tucked in some distant corner of Oakland, we’d still tell you to make the trip for a Dear Irene or Mata Hari before any evening out. But since you can simply wander in from the busy commercial stretch outside, it’s effortlessly convenient.
The Lodge
$ | (510) 350-8470 | WEBSITE
You’re a responsible adult, which means you probably shouldn’t have a giant basket of free popcorn as your dinner. Unless, of course, you want to, because you’re the captain of your own ship. At The Lodge, we endorse eating enough dive bar snacks to constitute a meal while you make new friends around the gas fire in the cozy cabin-themed interior. Wash it all down with a slushie (which is essentially like drinking another giant basket of free popcorn).
Or, take advantage of the inexpensive drinks that flow year-round from friendly bartenders like Michael, Elle, and Sadie – like those reliable pals who never let you down. The dog-friendly back patio provides a nice space to relax with your burger or chicken sandwich, and the vegetarian options mean nobody gets left out. While the atmosphere is divey, it’s clean and welcoming, making it the kind of neighborhood spot where you can truly unwind.
Roses’ Taproom
$ | (510) 858-3969 | WEBSITE
Now that your beer flight is over, it’s time to eat something that doesn’t involve hops and malt. You won’t find pretzels in baskets at Roses’ Taproom, but you will find highly savory snacks on wooden boards and various other rustic platters. We admit that there’s nothing quite like grabbing a barstool inside among the beer bottle collection that makes a standard brewery look like a convenience store cooler.
But, when the atmosphere is warm inside, it’s worth sipping your vermouth spritz at the high-top table where you can actually see and admire the soft lighting it’s enjoyed under.
Hello Stranger
$$ | (510) 947-9028 | WEBSITE
There are a couple of different ways to go about the VIP area at Hello Stranger. You could come here with a small group and post up at the bar, sipping on strong, delicious cocktails mixed by Patrick. Or, you could reserve bottle service with some friends and take over a section of the tight space, surrounded by exposed brick walls and great music from the DJ.
No matter what, you’ll want to arrive early to avoid the cover charge, which is worth it for the cool, chill vibes that make this bar a go-to spot in Oakland.
Room 389
$ | (510) 936-6389 | WEBSITE
Keep the good times rolling at Room 389. They have strong, smooth drinks that you can enjoy on a pleasant outdoor patio with high bar chairs, street views, and more private nooks. The bar offers everything from Long Island Iced Teas to Old Fashioneds, but we also recommend literally anything involving their Halloween decorations if you visit in October. If you’re on a date, you could use that as a segue to a spooky story, but that might be trying too hard.
Mixé
$$ | (510) 907-3666 | WEBSITE
Ordering a tlayuda piled with carnitas and queso sounds like a recipe for a heavy stomach from the start. Add the lively Oakland weekend bustle, which makes the normally quiet space feel like a buzzing fiesta, and it’s just a very easy way to end up at the bar an hour later with a Mezcalito in hand. But the dishes at Mixé are flavorful, unique, and balanced – even with rich molé in the rotation.
Come here to enjoy Oaxacan gems like al pastor and enchiladas in the warm dining room, and be thankful that our version of Mexican isn’t also ordinary.
Thee Stork Club
$ | (510) 859-8709 | WEBSITE
The only thing better than dancing to a live band with a cold Miller High Life is dancing to a live band with a fancy cocktail after that Miller High Life. You can do this at Thee Stork Club, where they have great entertainment that pairs well with the energy of a packed dance floor. If you end up planning a night out with friends or just relaxing while listening to music by the time you’re done here, we wouldn’t be surprised.
Merchants’ Saloon
$ | (510) 465-8032 | WEBSITE
The classic dive bar experience at Merchants’ Saloon ranges from $2 cans of Ham’s beer and strong, cheap drinks to a game of pool in that no-frills funky Oldkool atmosphere. Sip your poison at the worn wooden bar with the friendly bartenders while soaking in the super chill vibe where nobody wants to admit they should probably head home first.
Theory
$ | WEBSITE
Despite being in the heart of downtown Oakland where the city’s energy never seems to fade, Theory offers a cozy escape with its divey charm and art deco flair. The cocktails are impressive, from a perfectly balanced dirty martini to a rich Irish coffee that hits just right, and the BBQ lunch looks absolutely tempting. The friendly service and festive atmosphere during sports games make it a solid local spot where you can unwind without any pretense.
It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for a place that feels familiar yet special, whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for the evening.
The Wolf
$$$ | (510) 879-7953 | WEBSITE
Sometimes your mind is telling you to go somewhere elevated for dinner, but your soul is telling you that it’s time for comfort food. The Wolf is the best of both worlds. Their patio space will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy hillside retreat, only instead of silence around you, there’s the warm hum of intimate conversation. If you’re planning a special evening or solo meal, book a table here and have at the sophisticated comfort fare, like seasonal risotto and Spanish octopus.
Your mind and soul will appreciate it.
Mua
$$ | (510) 238-1100 | WEBSITE
When you first walk into Mua, it feels like a spacious warehouse, but then you look up and colorful murals stretch across the high ceilings. Make sure you at least get a peek at that creative decor before bringing your handcrafted cocktail or no cheese Mac and cheese to the lively two-story dining area.
Elbo Room Jack London
$ | (510) 350-8116 | WEBSITE
Elbo Room Jack London is tucked away in Jack London Square, and even though it’s a lively bar, the upstairs lounge feels like it could be a concert venue if you focus on the music. It’s a great space to unwind with a cocktail or a surprisingly strong old fashioned. If you missed the live music earlier, we recommend catching the open mic night here as your evening highlight.
Rockridge Improvement Club
$ | (510) 708-5181 | WEBSITE
The arcade area at Rockridge Improvement Club has skeeball, air hockey, and karaoke – otherwise known as the ideal night-out trifecta. It’d probably be nice to come here with your friends so that you can convince them that you do have fun despite the fact that they scoured your schedule and couldn’t find it over great drinks, happy hour specials, and a cozy yet lively environment.
Ben ‘N Nick’s Bar & Grill
$$ | (510) 923-0327 | WEBSITE
Sure, we could sip craft cocktails at some trendy spot all night and be perfectly content, but sometimes you just need a change of pace. If that’s the case, Ben ‘N Nick’s is a no-brainer. It feels like a neighborhood hangout no matter what night you stroll in, there’s plenty of outdoor seating, and they make wings a thing that is surprisingly a dish you might even want two orders of.