If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re looking to plan a night out with a proper drink. Maybe you’re celebrating, maybe you’re commiserating, maybe you just need a well-crafted cocktail. Whatever the reason, you want a place where the drinks are serious but the vibe isn’t. Here’s our guide to 13 spots in Alameda where the spirits are high and the atmosphere is just right.
The Bureau 510
$$ | (510) 671-2262 | WEBSITE
The Bureau 510 is usually our first recommendation when someone is looking for an outstanding burger. It also happens to be great for grabbing a satisfying meal in a relaxed setting. There’s even a Happy Hour with delicious options, making it a popular choice for after-work drinks. On the regular menu, we particularly recommend the B.B.B burger and the Parmesan fries.
East End
$$ | (510) 263-9630 | WEBSITE
East End is an elevated restaurant with stellar pizza and fantastic cocktails. It’s also charming enough that no one will mind if your family needs a comfortable spot to settle in. Kids get a menu with options like pasta or pizza, and the oyster happy hour offers a dozen for just $12. There’s also warm herbed olives with honey, because it’s the perfect appetizer for “just relax and enjoy this” (that goes for everyone, really).
lemon drop
$$ | (510) 277-5711 | WEBSITE
Alameda is a lively town, so any night out around here will probably involve cocktails—yours or someone else’s. Going to Lemon Drop, which serves very good bar food like wings and tacos, is no exception. The space is cozy, with plenty of tables, outdoor seating, and room for small groups. Just keep the fireplace (which you use to stay warm on the patio) away from anyone young enough to dance too enthusiastically to the R&B and Hip Hop. Including your 30-year-old friend.
Pho Nation
$$ | (510) 995-8084 | WEBSITE
A lively, crowd-pleasing spot for a fun night out. There’s even karaoke for those who want to belt out a tune or catch a game with friends. All in all, a good place to embrace the Alameda late-night scene.
Wally’s Corner
$ | (510) 522-4412 | WEBSITE
A cozy dive bar serving expertly crafted cocktails in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Wally’s Corner is from the same friendly bartenders who treat regulars like family, so you can expect similarly memorable experiences. They serve drinks (like their signature old-fashioned, with perfectly balanced bitters and a generous pour) all night, as well as things like pool games and friendly banter that you’ll want to join in on when the regulars get chatting …
or claim you’re just stopping by for one drink after 64 minutes.
Town Tavern
$$ | (510) 523-1041 | WEBSITE
Everything we love about Town Tavern—the lively bar scene, exceptional food, and warm atmosphere—shines just as brightly at their Alameda spot. But unlike some cramped neighborhood bars, this place offers generous outside seating and feels genuinely welcoming. Just check the weekend schedule before heading over with a large group, because the patio fills up quickly and gets wonderfully energetic on Friday nights.
The Fireside Lounge
$ | (510) 864-1244 | WEBSITE
The Fireside Lounge in Alameda can help educate your friends on the value of exploration—unless you ask about the trivia nights from this cocktail bar, you won’t be offered the full experience. This off-calendar highlight, one of many lively events here, has the questions presented hostside before team answers are then scored with laughs, chatter, and garlic fries or drinks.
The Fireside’s cozy environment also has plenty of space for guitars and art exhibits, which is ideal if you’re taking the crew on a tour of the city’s best cocktail bars.
alley & vine
$$$ | (510) 227-5006 | WEBSITE
When you think of finding a great meal in Alameda, a place tucked away down an alley might not immediately come to mind. But Alley & Vine, with its cozy ambiance and attentive staff, understands that there are diners who appreciate a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.
(There’s also the grilled cheese with bacon and the strawberry and blackberry salad, just in case.) No one has to dress up to come here, but if you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy a night out before catching a show at The Alameda Comedy Club, feel free to make it a special occasion. Just be prepared to navigate the tight parking when you realize how popular this hidden gem has become.
Pier 29 Waterfront Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (510) 865-5088 | WEBSITE
On a bright and sunny afternoon, bring the family to Pier 29 Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Alameda. The seafood dishes at this spacious, lively waterfront spot are perfectly prepared, but we love how stunning the views are, including the bay that stretches out like a shimmering canvas.
Pair the fork-tender teriyaki salmon or excellent eggplant sandwich with a delightfully crafted cocktail while the little ones work through their kid-friendly meals and point at boats that are far more captivating than a screen.
La Penca Azul
$$ | (510) 814-0560 | WEBSITE
This Mexican spot has a lovely outdoor area by the water and incredibly quick, welcoming service. In other words, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel good the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the menu is extensive, with lots of breakfast items, street tacos, and entrees like chilaquiles, a Mexican specialty with tortilla chips, salsa, and eggs. (Don’t miss the perfect margaritas, either.)
Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails
$$ | (510) 521-1152 | WEBSITE
This very casual restaurant in Alameda serves excellent Italian-American food. Anything from the varied menu will be delicious, but know that some dishes are incredibly rich (the servers are really accommodating if you want to make any adjustments). If you’re still hungry after your pizza, short ribs, and risotto, the desserts, like crème brûlée or panna cotta, will please everyone at the table.
The Hobnob
$$ | (510) 769-1011 | WEBSITE
When your friends insist on happy hour for the third time in a week, make their insistence work in your favor by going to The Hobnob in Alameda. It doesn’t hurt that the expertly mixed cocktails at this local spot are, like the dishes, exceptional. The Hobnob has a cozy space, where you’re as likely to see groups laughing over games as much as couples enjoying a special occasion. And their Sunday dinner special is worthy of becoming a new weekly tradition.
On any day, order their delicious Chicken Tonga tacos, which are named a must-try, so you can spend a few beats savoring the flavorful tenderness as your companions tackle their cocktails.
Saltbreaker
$$$ | (510) 263-8232 | WEBSITE
Saltbreaker is perfect for a lot of different situations, whether it’s grabbing a fancy lunch break with your vegetarian/gluten-free friend or coming solo and only ordering treats from the cocktail menu. This versatility extends to dining casually in the evening, since this is another spot with a cozy atmosphere and quick service. Plus, the space is intimate and welcoming, so any relaxed conversation won’t feel out of place (unless it’s too loud—you should know better).