51 &amp; Tel

169

73

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5 months ago

This is a very cozy and intimate space. My friend and I ventured into 51 & Tel while waiting on our reservation next door at Pizzaiolo. We only stayed for about 15 mins, but we had a wonderful time. The bartender Danny was very hospitable and made me a very yummy tasting mocktail called Like The Sun that had Aplos Arise, Lyre's Italian Orange, passionfruit, lime. He said that they had an event going on that night and suggested that we try to attend if we had time. We did not attend the event, however I can only imagine that the event was successful. They have a patio, great lighting, a dj booth, and great drinks. I also found out that the bar is in relation to Asmara which is the Ethiopian restaurant next door. Asmara has been there for 40 years. Please check this bar out if you're in the Temescal region. Update: I stopped in during Happy Hour and had a slushie cocktail called Kiwi To My Heart. It was delicious. I enjoyed the patio area this time around with the nice weather. read more

51 & Tel - Mocktail: In The Sun - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Cherylynn N.

Elite 26 All-Star

4827

4009

15712

11 months ago

Walking into 51 & Tel, the vibe was vibin'. It's hip and trendy with a cute dog-friendly patio. Chill, diverse crowd that Frisco has lost. Great 90s R&B and Hip Hop playlist. And, the intoxicating smell from Sonny's BBQ had me salivating. Opening in September 2024, 51 & Tel is a cocktail bar from the sons of Asmara (Ethiopian resto) next door. I found 51 & Tel on Yelp while looking for a pre-dinner drank place. I'm not familiar with the bar scene in The Town but I'm surprised they have so little reviews. M E N U Craft signature cocktails are $14-$17. Beer and shot for $10. Mocktails are $13. HH specials on Friday, 5 pm - 7 pm. Rotating food pop-ups from other local businesses (the plates from Sonny's BBQ looked bomb but were going to dinner afterwards). Ethiopian food from Asmara next door is also available. CC's only. No cash accepted. D R I N K S * Golden Girl: Vodka w/ lemongrass, hay liqueur, aloe, lemon, orange, oregano ($16) Refreshing and stiff with citrusy flavors, not too sweet. Fav of the two cocktails I tried. I think Blanche would approve. * Fuego: Tequila w/ mezcal, watermelon, italicus, habanero, citrus, mint ($15) Nice twist on a margarita, the sweetness of the watermelon balances the kick from habanero. * Fortaleza Blanco on the rock ($18) I was happy to see them carry my go-to tequila since there's a significant shortage. S E R V I C E Welcoming, friendly bartenders. A M B I A N C E Gorgeous murals inside and out in the patio with a mix of high tops and regular tables. There's TVs inside for watching the game. Clean restrooms. P A R K I N G Metered street parking. We took a risk and parked at the plaza across the street. Overall, we enjoyed our time at 51 & Tel and if I lived closer, this would be my weekly go-to! read more

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Mavina P.

0

15

3

11 days ago

This is my favorite bar in Oakland. I usually get an espresso martini. The bartenders are fast. The djs are always great. Fun place to dance. Perfect for girls night out! I love the back patio area as it has heaters, lots of seating + tables and a photo booth. Staff is respectful and attentive. read more

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Daw M.

286

993

7107

1 year ago

Excellent cocktails Loved the back patio vibes with the Italian lights and outside heaters made it a very cute date night spot Best thing about this place is the security guard :) Thanks! read more

51 & Tel - Old fashion - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Mikaela S.

171

202

193

9 months ago

One of my favorite cocktail bars in Oakland! They have an amazing menu from well curated cocktails for anyone to beer & a shot deal. Bartenders are attentive and fast. IThey also have a nice outdoor area, and usually have some heat lamps on in the winter which is a nice cozy vibe. They sometimes have rotating pop-ups in the back with food, but do wish they had some more food and snack options and it would make this place even better! read more

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Emily L.

0

5

1

2 months ago

Amaaaazing Saturday night vibes! The decorations inside and outside in the patio were stunning! The bartenders were so happy and made the drinks at a nice pace even though it was packed... the ambiance was so chill. I really appreciated how safe I felt because of the active security guards checking in and keeping the vibes stable. Parking was easy. I'm definitely making this my new spot. Get here early though! ~ Nice to meet you, Ben! read more

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Rosalind C.

114

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1 year ago

Very cute and popular cocktail bar! My last visit was during the Temescal Street Fair. I also noticed that they have a really cute outdoor patio in the back. I've only been earlier in the day so I haven't experienced the DJ's yet! Drinks are delicious! The bartenders take a lot of care making you drinks! I had a bourbon smash with cherries and it was perfectly sweet and tart! Cute spot to start or end your night! read more

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Ultima M.

Elite 26 All-Star

244

1620

14725

2 years ago

This was our last stop during our Xmas pajama bar crawl This spot is a vibe No drama Decor is cool Nice music Bartenders are friendly Would definitely come back here again read more

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Jude D.

217

552

961

1 year ago

This is such a cute bar with great drinks! In particular I loved the Ethiopian wine and frozen happy hour drink read more

51 & Tel - Menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Gino C.

275

25

7

3 months ago

This cocktail lounge strikes the perfect balance between upscale and inviting. The vibe is classy without feeling pretentious, and you feel safe and taken care of from the moment you walk in. The drinks are top tier, especially the espresso martini, which is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. It's usually packed, but in a good way, the kind of crowd that brings energy and makes the night feel alive without being chaotic. If you're looking for a go to spot for great cocktails and a lively, polished nightlife scene, this is it. read more

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Andrea Y.

Elite 18

5

461

957

10 months ago

A fun bar with interesting and delicious drinks. We had a fun night and enjoyed both the outdoor and indoor space and most importantly, great cocktails. read more

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Elijah W.

202

8

4

2 months ago

The security at the door is terrible. They say you have to be on a guest list to get in but we were on the guest list still couldn't get in. Then the next thing is we have to have pants or jeans so we got that. Still the wouldn't let us in. We just ended going to Torch where the don't discriminate against Oaklands black community which is what 51 & Tel does sadly. It was fun at first but not it's just not the same. I feel bad that they have to make up all these rules just to keep the real Oakland out of there smh. I wouldn't recommend this place at all when I went the drinks were okay but the guy at the door is always super rude. They need to figure it out with him at the door cause we'll never come here again and definitely will let others know this is not a good spot anymore it's a shame. read more

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Claire S.

0

30

61

10 months ago

Chill bar with cozy ambient lighting and music. Great place to hang out with friends or for a date if you're in temescal read more

51 & Tel - Interior - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

51 & Tel - Beer and espresso martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Milly B.

0

1

0

3 months ago

Great Vibes, Great Drinks, Peach Bellini 10/10. I will say they should invest into some music in thr outside patio. Bar Tenders are very attentive! read more

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Sheila S.

169

132

1167

1 year ago

There were 7 of us and 3 dogs at 3pm on a Saturday when they first opened. Clean large space. We sat in the patio and ordered drinks at the bar. Drinks were well made and my husband was thrilled that his matched the shirt he was wearing. Few parties came in after us including one other with a dog. read more

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Nicole W.

Elite 25

327

121

203

1 year ago

I went to 51 & Tel at 11pm on a Friday night. Walking in, the DJ was playing some afrobeats and the energy was high. The atmosphere for bar was a bit dark and moody in the best way possible. We tried the two innovative cocktails - one had kiwi and the other had passion fruit. Both were really tasty! I would come back here again the next opportunity. A good spot for a girls night or a date. read more

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Kamelah M.

0

3

0

6 months ago

It wasn't ok, I feel like I was personally racially targeted because I was the only one who was asked if I paid my tab, even though I paid with a tip, and was at the end of the bar. Do better to your black customers, especially as a black bartender. read more

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Julian S.

1

140

0

5 months ago

Trendy Gen Z and alpha night spot. Dj keeps the beat alive. Original craft cocktails, some familiar and some yummy originals.

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Courtney S.

189

140

281

1 year ago

Excellent cocktails & service, I had a damn good whiskey sour from here & I'm very particular about my drinks. Good music / DJ inside - nice patio in the back. Great for fun or a date. read more

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Mercedes H.

0

138

167

1 year ago

We stopped by this spot around midnight, and it was packed! After about 30 minutes, the crowd thinned out a bit, making it a little easier to move around. Despite the rush, our bartender was excellent--super attentive and skilled. I ordered the High Peak with rum and a Hennessy shot with a Coke back, and both drinks were made to perfection. They also have a nice back patio with heat lamps, which is a great touch for chilling outside. The overall vibe is definitely on point. My only complaint? The music. It leans more toward house and pop rather than hip-hop or R&B, which isn't really my preference. That said, now that I know what to expect, I'd still come back for the great service, strong drinks, and a solid atmosphere! read more

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T S.

0

4

5

8 months ago

Great atmosphere! Gets really packed, but it is lit. The bartenders are attentive and try to get to everyone as quick as they can. Music be bumpin. Loved it! 3/5 because it's lowkey small and super packed in there. read more

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Ranjana A.

0

7

0

5 months ago

Good cocktail place. Their cocktail mezcal, mistadobalina was awesome, not too sweet.

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Zac P.

525

13

0

1 year ago

51st & Tel brings a classy, sophisticated vibe. It's artsy and upscale, but still warm and welcoming -- the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation or let the night take on and the crowd starts filling in and energy gets elevated. The drinks are spot on. Thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and balanced. The outdoor patio is great -- spacious, stylish, and perfect for a chill evening or date night. The interior has that moody, curated feel that invites you to settle in and stay awhile. What really puts it over the top are the people. The owners and bartenders clearly care about what they're building here -- you can feel it in the hospitality and the energy behind the bar. Highly recommend checking it out. Oakland needed a spot like this. read more

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Claudia D.

0

9

0

7 months ago

Nice ambiance, good music and service, safe area. Parking limitations, street parking only.

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Jennifer C.

0

3

0

6 months ago

This is my favorite bar in Oakland. It is always good vibes, delicious drink, great ambiance and music. And they also have a cute photo booth in the back patio! 10/10! read more

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Yossuf C.

0

6

1 year ago

Last nights Love's Island watch party at 51&Tel was off the planet we are going to be doing it every week , the evening was warm and fit for the projector and drop down screen we have in the back next week we will try and accommodate it for better seating arrangements so that more people can fit comfortably we easily had 200 people pull up last night another a nother 50 stay to finally get in for the after party and the show airing without the sound unless you went on the back patio where it was playing endlessly thank you for trying 51&Tel we had a ball. read more

51 & Tel - Look how beautiful that back patio - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Rikki G.

264

51

3

2 years ago

Everything went well and I cannot wait to be back. Craft cocktails, really good service and a super cute outdoor patio, means I'll be back to this neighborhood spot ASAP! read more

51 & Tel - Halloween Negroi - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

51 & Tel - Yes, that's Mac n Brisket. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

51 & Tel - Brussel Sprouts from the back! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Alexandra K.

Elite 22

142

420

609

2 years ago

Love this new spot! Cool vibes, great cocktail selection, huge outdoor patio (heated!), and they have a DJ on weekends. Thanks to Ben for opening which will definitely become one of our new favorite spots in the neighborhood! read more

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Eugene E.

0

4

0

11 months ago

This is an incredible bar, with talented staff, a beautiful large patio, and an owner who REALLY cares about his customers! Come here for a great time :) I came on First Friday with 3 friends to celebrate one of their birthdays. I'd brought a cake along as a surprise, with candles, and asked the owner if I could light it at the table. He was totally down for it and very friendly. I forgot forks and plates, so I went to Pizza Ponte and asked if they could hook it up, and one of the staff gladly did. Came back to 51 and TEL, asked the owner Jonathan if I could get a virgin shirley temple to go to thank the Pizza Ponte folks, and he gladly arranged this. He even went himself to the back to grab a to-go cup. I was really blown away by this, given it was such a busy night. Tim, Aiden and the rest of the bartenders are incredibly talented and had the bar completely under control despite the crowd. Their service was nonstop, I don't know how they do it, but we never had to wait more than 2 minutes to place an order. And I'd have waited 10 minutes for the quality of drinks they made for us that night. This bar is S tier. I promise you, you'll have a great time, any night of the week. read more

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Noelle M.

78

71

12

2 years ago

Love this place! The cocktails are excellent and the whole vibe was everything that is good about oakland. The crowd as super diverse in several dimensions and everyone is having a good time read more

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Jade C.

178

9

1

2 years ago

Great ambiance and drinks! The workers are nice. I would totally come back! I went during the Grand opening on a date and we had a great time. read more

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Joseph C.

0

5

2

1 year ago

The service was fantastic, the bartenders are attentive and check in on you regularly. I enjoyed the trivia night, really grab your attention type. read more

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Antionette L.

0

23

2

2 years ago

I visited this establishment the first week of opening and was very impressed with the service and drinks. I have made plans to go back soon

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Darcelle K.

0

3

0

2 years ago

This is a hopping night spot and is fairly new. It didn't feel like a pick-up club. The staff was friendly but they could use waitresses. The cost was like other bars, too expensive, but OK for an occasional treat. They have an outdoor back area to sit and it had heaters but I stayed inside. The place currently has a Halloween theme and looked festive. Overall, nice to see a thriving new night spot. read more

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Cameron S.

0

21

6

2 years ago

Drinks were small for the price and the wait staff were unfriendly. Place was basically empty and the service was pretty slow. Ambiance was uninspired. Was rly looking forward to visiting this place but def won't be going back. read more

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Robin M.

0

6

0

2 years ago

This place is everything we love about Oakland. It's down-to-earth, cool, friendly and a diverse crowd. An extra bonus: there were a lot of people but it wasn't so loud that you couldn't have a conversation. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Charles W.

14

25

1

2 years ago

Only been open two months and creating a different vibe from most places in Oakland. Super fun and laid back but then great music from the DJs as well. Loved the bartenders and menu but they also have a full bar so I was able to enjoy some classics. Check out the nice patio too! Def will be back read more

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Katie C.

0

4

1

2 years ago

Me and my girls love this bar! It's a vibeeeee From the fun bartenders, to the drinks to the ambiance everything is 10/10.

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More info about 51 & Tel

5018 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
Temescal, North Oakland, Rockridge
Directions
(510) 508-6162
Call Now
Visit Website
http://51andtel.com

Hours

What time does 51 & Tel open?

51 & Tel opens at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Sunday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does 51 & Tel close?

51 & Tel is closed on Monday and Tuesday.51 & Tel closes at 10:00 PM on Wednesday and Sunday.51 & Tel closes at 1:45 AM (Next day) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed, Sun 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMThu-Sat 5:00 PM - 1:45 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does 51 & Tel take Bitcoin?

No, 51 & Tel does not take Bitcoin.

Does 51 & Tel take credit cards?

Yes, 51 & Tel takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does 51 & Tel serve alcohol?

Yes, 51 & Tel serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does 51 & Tel allow dogs?

Yes, 51 & Tel allows dogs.

Does 51 & Tel have TVs?

Yes, 51 & Tel has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does 51 & Tel have bike parking?

Yes, 51 & Tel has bike parking.

Does 51 & Tel have outdoor seating?

Yes, 51 & Tel has outdoor seating options.

Does 51 & Tel have parking?

Yes, 51 & Tel has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is 51 & Tel wheelchair accessible?

Yes, 51 & Tel is wheelchair accessible.

Does 51 & Tel allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, 51 & Tel allows outdoor smoking.

Does 51 & Tel have free WiFi?

Yes, 51 & Tel has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Beautiful cocktail bar with beautiful artwork and decor. Located in the heart of temescal with many great restaurants and small shops! We have a nice back patio in back. Come stop by for a drink and bring the doggy!

Review Highlights - 51 & Tel

“I think the back patio might be more spacious than inside.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

Bar Shiru

This place is music nerd heaven. They have a section of their menu dedicated to their speakers and…read moreamps, ferchrissakes. I love the atmosphere in here. Staff are always cool, vibe is relaxed. Even the security guard at the door is a cool guy. The interior decor and lighting are gorgeous. Silent Sundays are pretty fun: they play an album from top to bottom, and everyone has to shut the hell up for the duration and can't order any shaken drinks. See? Music nerd heaven. I almost forgot to talk about the drinks: the menu is solid. Good cocktails, reasonable prices, well made.

We were in Oakland for the night with friends and were trying to kill time while waiting for our…read moretable at another nearby restaurant. We stumbled across this spot on Google and decided to give it a try. Luckily, our party of four was seated right away. The cocktail menu is on the smaller side, but between the four of us, we ended up trying a good portion of it. Honestly, every drink we ordered was really good, and there weren't any complaints from the group. I think we ordered Actual Proof, Sun Goddess, High Heel Sneaker, and Moonglow (mine). My cocktail was definitely my favorite because I love sweeter drinks where you can barely taste the alcohol, and it was exactly that. The rest of my friends' drinks leaned less sweet with a stronger alcohol presence. While I could appreciate the flavors of those cocktails, they just weren't my personal preference since I tend to like sweeter, fruitier drinks. I'd definitely come back. Very nice vibe and ambience. I'd probably order the same cocktail again since I enjoyed it, or try one of the other drinks I had my eye on. Between my friends and me, we managed to try almost everything that initially caught my interest, and overall it was a great experience.

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Tallboy

Had an amazing experience at Tallboy!…read more Sat at the bar on a sunny weekend and immediately loved the vibes. Bartenders were friendly and seemed to know a lot of the regulars. Can't quite describe it but it didn't feel like an SF bar, felt more open and like a community watering whole. On to the food and drinks. I'm vegetarian so was so excited to try the dogs - which are vegan. And I may be biased but you cannot tell that you're missing out on anything with all the flavor packed combos. The bun was fluffy and soft and you have multiple fun themed options to choose from. My partner and I ended up getting the deli dog and truffle meltdown. Deli was perfect - classic mix of spice and crunch with the spicy brown mustard and giardiniera peppers. And the truffle meltdown was so savory and decadent - totally different flavor profiles from each dog! We were only going to grab one drink but the menu was so inventive we ended up getting two. I ordered the banana hammock (which comes with a fire show) and espresso martini slushee which was is up there with the frozen Irish coffees I've had in New Orleans. Man writing this has my mouth watering... definitely coming back for more dogs, drinks, and vibes!

I've heard all the hype about Tallboy, so I had to check it out myself…read more I do think it lived up to some of the hype, but I think they could've used their space better. It is a unique layout to a bar, and probably better concept for earlier hours, when it isn't as crowded during the night. It can fill up really quickly, since the area to order a drink, dance, and mingle is narrow, since the bar is literally in the middle of the room. Some of the staff can be extremely nice and kind, and there are some who you can tell are fed up, upset, and don't have the best attitude. I get it, though. It's a cool bar to check out or be the first stop of the night. The djs they have always turn up. Good luck getting a drink under 15 minutes though!

The bat and the awesome bartender!

Cheese in the trap

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Banana hammock

Viridian

I've gone four times and each time it's been soooo hard to pick a responsible number of cocktails…read more They have so much variety and a lot of unconventional combos; the staff is very good about helping guide you to something that matches your preferences, but everything I've tried there was really good. The bites are generally really good too, though I wasn't a huge fan of the chili cucumbers. Try the Tomato Beef cocktail-- it's really yummy! The Li Hing Ramos is a good go-to if you like egg white drinks, and the seasonal milk punch has always been good. The ambiance is very cool, not bright inside, but bright colors, very hip. Great date night spot.

Viridian, you stole the show this month! This was my first time coming back to Viridian after about…read morea decade, and we were not disappointed. Such a beautiful interior space vibrant in celebration for AAPI Heritage month, and a super fun cocktail menu that was the perfect post-meal moment (both photo-worthy and tastebuds approved). We also noticed they have a cool food menu too filled with yummy and innovative dishes like Cheesy Char Siu Tots, Szechuan Salt & Pepper Wings, Korean Fried Mapo Tofu, BBQ Char Siu Ribs, and more. They also have nice swag ~ we took home a hat that resembled a Kirkland hat that spelled out "Oakland Viridian" (IYKYK). Drink-wise we ordered the Soy Sauce Old Fashioned and the Café Sua Daddy, which essentially is an espresso martini with a fun twist with black sesame and an egg cream foam. Both drinks were outstanding and presentation was beyond..I wished we could have stayed for round two, but duty calls! Ride-share and or BART suggested in this area, it's just a bit congested downtown to park. Service was fun, prices fair for the whole experience. Loved it!

Minority-owned & operated

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Nosso

4.5

(39 reviews)

2.6 mi

Wheelchair accessible

The driiiiinkkksss omg. So yummy. The bartender paid such great attention to detail when making our…read moredrinks for happy hour. These were the best mixed cocktails ive had in a really long time. The wings were cooked to perfection and service was good. Im for sure going back for happy hour!

Black owned restaurants! I had a chance to check out NOSSO last night when I met my family, my…read moresiblings there for appetizers and drinks. I was able to park right out front. I walked in to ample seating on the ground level. I was able to scan and see the menus and quickly able to get an order in and included chicken wings without the sauce. Oxtail sliders and brussels sprouts. They had a DJ go on the club was busy but the service was excellent. They bought our food out and the drinks and everything was good. I had to say this was in place with a nice vibe in downtown Oakland. I would recommend NOSSO if you're looking to go out no fuss great food and drinks nice bartenders and a great DJ !

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Little Bird Bar

Drinks here are smooth and delicious! We ordered a flight to Oaxaca, suffering bastard, whiskey…read morejack, and a passionfruit drink that the bartender made on the fly for mex Everything was so good! No notes here- loved suffering bastard (more refreshing, ginger forward), and the whiskey jack (smooth, complex), the flight to Oaxaca was spicy and delicious too. Will definitely be back- recommend others to try!

Cool, messy and full of charm. I loved this little bar and wish it were closer to home for me. We…read moresampled a few of their house cocktails and they were pretty darn good, just served a little sloppily. We joked they might toss the glasses to us if we got a second round. Definately worth checking out if you're in the area. It's a short walk to many other bars and restaurants in the area. Service was efficient and friendly.

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Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

4.6

(281 reviews)

2.1 mi

Locally owned & operated

Wheelchair accessible

Five stars. The food at Lucuma Kitchen was excellent. The shrimp was great, the scallop ceviche was…read moreoutstanding, and the pork belly was probably my favorite. I even really liked the quinoa, which is saying something for me. The rice was also delicious. Service was excellent, the cocktails were great, and the value was hard to beat. Honestly, some of the best food I've had in a while. 10/10, would definitely go back.

Wow, great place!!…read more Beautiful decor, food presentation was outstanding, service was excellent, and food was both unique and delicious. Our server provided excellent guidance and knew the menu well. Can't wait to go back!

Papa Rellena

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Affogato

The Double Standard

A great Bar. Piper is a great bartender. And every other Wednesday, Reginald does a pop-up…read more Excellent food at a good value. Highly recommended. Tonight it was chicken sliders with potato . Delicious.

I came here with a group of friends for a night out in the East Bay. We hit up this bar for a round…read moreof slushies after pregame at my friend's apartment. I got the Blue Hawaiian, a yummy classic, and it did not disappoint. Despite the cold front over the Bay Area this weekend, I instantly felt as if I'd teleported to Hawai'i. Service is pretty quick here, but they do have a minimum credit charge of $10. It's pretty easy to reach though if you order a cocktail or slushie.

Dec 2024

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Jingle Balls Nog

The Cat House

My favourite hangout in Oakland by far. Fun ambience and friendly service and you can enjoy…read morecatching up with friends without being pressured to leave, as long as you like. No food but you can bring in whatever you want, like my favourite rico Rico taco from next door. Great cocktails and good bartender. Highly recommended for a good time.

Stopped in to try a drink because I'd read that this was one of the best bars in Oakland. I tried…read morean old fashioned and it was pretty good. I enjoyed the open air seating area in the back and the overall vibe was good. I went solo, struck up conversation with strangers, and enjoyed my drink.

Good selection.

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Couchdate

5.0

(7 reviews)

0.0 mi

I love this place Best music, the best chai I've ever had in my life and good people always in and…read morearound. How good it is

Strolling through the neighborhood on my way to a meeting and I had some time to kill. The…read morestorefront caught my eye and when I saw vinyl I had to look. So glad I stopped in. The vibe is very relaxed. A great place for a mental break. Gabriel the bartender greeted me warmly. The music was good. Vinyl selection is The wine selection is exemplary. I had enough time for lunch and opted for the Cheese sandwich ( I do not recall the menu name) upon Gabriel's recommendation. I was not disappointed. Warm beef with melted cheese and accompaniments on a sandwich roll. It was reminiscent of my youth when my friends mother would make lunch for us. It was just sloppy enough to make it delicious without it splattered on my shirt. My new go to spot for a mental break and smiles.

Beautiful ambiance inside

The other side of the bar

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Hidden in Plain Sight exhibit

Sobre Mesa

I really like the atmosphere at Sobre Mesa. Whoever did the interior decor really knew what they…read morewere doing, because the place is just beautiful to be in, with rich colours and visual textures. The staff are super sweet and hard-working, and many of them are covered in tattoos. You're likely to be bowled over by how gorgeous all the customers are too. Every time I've been in, I've been shocked by the beauty of everyone in sight, in this gorgeous place. And I haven't even gotten to talking about the food yet, which is delicious. I've loved everything I've tried, and as someone who sadly can't have gluten, there's still plenty to enjoy here. Great cocktails, too. I should add: the food and drink are as beautiful to look at as their surroundings. This place is a bit of a fever dream of general awesomeness. Every time I come in here I feel lucky to be in Oakland.

I visited here on Wednesday evening for a double date. It was a little slow at first for the…read moreservice, they did not have a lot of staff. However, this seems to be the place to go for a double date. The table next to us was also on a double date. The drinks were decent, some in our group had mixed opinions about the drinks. The tapas were really good! Everyone really liked them. They also liked their main meal.

View room back of restaurant

Oysters 5/5

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A delicious mocktail from Crista

Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

4.6

(281 reviews)

2.1 mi

Locally owned & operated

Wheelchair accessible

Five stars. The food at Lucuma Kitchen was excellent. The shrimp was great, the scallop ceviche was…read moreoutstanding, and the pork belly was probably my favorite. I even really liked the quinoa, which is saying something for me. The rice was also delicious. Service was excellent, the cocktails were great, and the value was hard to beat. Honestly, some of the best food I've had in a while. 10/10, would definitely go back.

Wow, great place!!…read more Beautiful decor, food presentation was outstanding, service was excellent, and food was both unique and delicious. Our server provided excellent guidance and knew the menu well. Can't wait to go back!

Papa Rellena

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Affogato

Kuidaore Handroll Bar

Saw a bunch of very convincing TikToks and immediately had to come try this spot for myself. First…read moreoff, this was my first time in Jack London Square, and the location itself was really nice--lively, scenic, and it felt pretty safe. We started with the 4-handroll set, then added a few more handrolls à la carte. Each one was tasty, but the shiitake handroll was the biggest surprise. I usually assume veggie handrolls in a set are more of a filler item, but this one was so savory and flavorful that it honestly deserves its own little spotlight. The absolute star of the meal, though, was the Best Catch Box: negitoro, uni, ikura, and Hokkaido scallops all in one bowl?! Literally all of my favorite things together for only $29. I think about coming back for that little box at least every other day. Moral of the story: the TikToks were right. Come here ASAP.

Tried this place on Saturday afternoon when I was at Jack London Square with my family. It was…read morepretty good. Ordered the 3 roll lunch special along with 2 extra California rolls. The handrolls tasted fresh and delicious. The servers and the chef were both really polite and provided good service. I was satisfied with my lunch and I would be happy to come here again when I am in the neck of the woods.

Salmon King (seared salmon, jalapeño, spicy aioli, unagi sauce, tobiko)

Sake cocktails

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Truffle salmon

NōKA Ramen & Bar

If there were six stars available, the 6th one would definitely be reserved for this place!! if you…read morelike Ramen, or even if you don't like Ramen and want to be challenged to changed your mind, come here. Their menu is the most extensive menu I've ever seen in a Ramen shop. It's true, they have one vegetarian option. Get it!! The atmosphere is vibrant, fun, and obviously met for a families because there's lots of alcohol, alcoholic beverages, and a live Pikachu that comes out and says hi to us :) We had the coolest waiter! So fun, so attentive, he earned himself 100% tip. I would highly recommend this to everybody and definitely will be bringing out-of-town friends here

I came here on Friday evening around 7pm with a couple of friends. We were greeted by staff dressed…read morein power ranger costumes, and fun, busy decor on the walls (with anime projected on one of them). I ordered the bento box that comes with 3 appetizers (corn rib, shishito peppers and fries and a choice of ramen. I got the tofu ramen and it was really delicious. I like a little spice, so I added that in but even without modifications, the broth was tasty. For $28 - worth it! I also got the hibiscus-yuzu sparkler and it was yummy! My friends both enjoyed their ramen dishes. Overall, great restaurant with attentive, friendly staff. My only feedback is to have more vegetables for the Ramen. I'll be back. Parking:we parked in the deck for $10 but there is street parking that's free after 6pm if you can find it

Passionfruit pokemon highball

Sailor Moon Flight

Shishito Peppers

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Tallboy

Had an amazing experience at Tallboy!…read more Sat at the bar on a sunny weekend and immediately loved the vibes. Bartenders were friendly and seemed to know a lot of the regulars. Can't quite describe it but it didn't feel like an SF bar, felt more open and like a community watering whole. On to the food and drinks. I'm vegetarian so was so excited to try the dogs - which are vegan. And I may be biased but you cannot tell that you're missing out on anything with all the flavor packed combos. The bun was fluffy and soft and you have multiple fun themed options to choose from. My partner and I ended up getting the deli dog and truffle meltdown. Deli was perfect - classic mix of spice and crunch with the spicy brown mustard and giardiniera peppers. And the truffle meltdown was so savory and decadent - totally different flavor profiles from each dog! We were only going to grab one drink but the menu was so inventive we ended up getting two. I ordered the banana hammock (which comes with a fire show) and espresso martini slushee which was is up there with the frozen Irish coffees I've had in New Orleans. Man writing this has my mouth watering... definitely coming back for more dogs, drinks, and vibes!

I've heard all the hype about Tallboy, so I had to check it out myself…read more I do think it lived up to some of the hype, but I think they could've used their space better. It is a unique layout to a bar, and probably better concept for earlier hours, when it isn't as crowded during the night. It can fill up really quickly, since the area to order a drink, dance, and mingle is narrow, since the bar is literally in the middle of the room. Some of the staff can be extremely nice and kind, and there are some who you can tell are fed up, upset, and don't have the best attitude. I get it, though. It's a cool bar to check out or be the first stop of the night. The djs they have always turn up. Good luck getting a drink under 15 minutes though!

The bat and the awesome bartender!

Cheese in the trap

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Banana hammock

51 & Tel - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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The Double Standard

4.0

(292 reviews)

A great Bar. Piper is a great bartender. And every other Wednesday, Reginald does a pop-up…read more Excellent food at a good value. Highly recommended. Tonight it was chicken sliders with potato . Delicious.

I came here with a group of friends for a night out in the East Bay. We hit up this bar for a round…read moreof slushies after pregame at my friend's apartment. I got the Blue Hawaiian, a yummy classic, and it did not disappoint. Despite the cold front over the Bay Area this weekend, I instantly felt as if I'd teleported to Hawai'i. Service is pretty quick here, but they do have a minimum credit charge of $10. It's pretty easy to reach though if you order a cocktail or slushie.

Bar Shiru

4.3

(310 reviews)

This place is music nerd heaven. They have a section of their menu dedicated to their speakers and…read moreamps, ferchrissakes. I love the atmosphere in here. Staff are always cool, vibe is relaxed. Even the security guard at the door is a cool guy. The interior decor and lighting are gorgeous. Silent Sundays are pretty fun: they play an album from top to bottom, and everyone has to shut the hell up for the duration and can't order any shaken drinks. See? Music nerd heaven. I almost forgot to talk about the drinks: the menu is solid. Good cocktails, reasonable prices, well made.

We were in Oakland for the night with friends and were trying to kill time while waiting for our…read moretable at another nearby restaurant. We stumbled across this spot on Google and decided to give it a try. Luckily, our party of four was seated right away. The cocktail menu is on the smaller side, but between the four of us, we ended up trying a good portion of it. Honestly, every drink we ordered was really good, and there weren't any complaints from the group. I think we ordered Actual Proof, Sun Goddess, High Heel Sneaker, and Moonglow (mine). My cocktail was definitely my favorite because I love sweeter drinks where you can barely taste the alcohol, and it was exactly that. The rest of my friends' drinks leaned less sweet with a stronger alcohol presence. While I could appreciate the flavors of those cocktails, they just weren't my personal preference since I tend to like sweeter, fruitier drinks. I'd definitely come back. Very nice vibe and ambience. I'd probably order the same cocktail again since I enjoyed it, or try one of the other drinks I had my eye on. Between my friends and me, we managed to try almost everything that initially caught my interest, and overall it was a great experience.

Hella Bees

4.0

(8 reviews)

Review overdue. I came here for the first time a few months ago for a Coffee & RnB event. Parking…read moretook a while to find but was able to find a meter parking spot. Got to the venue and staff were welcoming. Admired the plants and paintings. A good size bar. They had a good size open back space. Overall the venue fits a good amount of people. Had a blast. Filled with good vibes and people.

Went to Hella Bees for the 1st time for an open mic night hosted by Gold Beams. Both the event and…read morethe space were awesome. Hella Bees is Black owned, has a full bar and serves food. In addition to the menu there was a pop up on the back patio serving nachos. This spot is right near Lake Merritt. The event was packed with easily over 100 people inside to support and or wait for their chance to get on the open mic. I hope this collaboration remains strong! I would definitely return here for other events or to check out their brunch! Good vibes all around!

North Light

4.4

(297 reviews)

My friend recommended this place to me solely because of the espresso martini. It did not…read moredisappoint. This cute bar with a hidden patio is known for their craft cocktails and I understand why! It's such a cute vibe inside, very tasteful and chic - a great gals night out. We ordered some not-super-memorable dishes like the tator tots and a basil pasta. I'd return for the drinks!

We stopped into north light for some pre-dinner cocktails and it was great! They had a fun range of…read moreunique drinks that were both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They have an adorable outdoor patio and a shot gun style bar inside. Our server was friendly and helpful! Although we didn't get any food, it smelled and looked amazing. We will definitely be back in the future.

Tallboy

4.4

(181 reviews)

Had an amazing experience at Tallboy!…read more Sat at the bar on a sunny weekend and immediately loved the vibes. Bartenders were friendly and seemed to know a lot of the regulars. Can't quite describe it but it didn't feel like an SF bar, felt more open and like a community watering whole. On to the food and drinks. I'm vegetarian so was so excited to try the dogs - which are vegan. And I may be biased but you cannot tell that you're missing out on anything with all the flavor packed combos. The bun was fluffy and soft and you have multiple fun themed options to choose from. My partner and I ended up getting the deli dog and truffle meltdown. Deli was perfect - classic mix of spice and crunch with the spicy brown mustard and giardiniera peppers. And the truffle meltdown was so savory and decadent - totally different flavor profiles from each dog! We were only going to grab one drink but the menu was so inventive we ended up getting two. I ordered the banana hammock (which comes with a fire show) and espresso martini slushee which was is up there with the frozen Irish coffees I've had in New Orleans. Man writing this has my mouth watering... definitely coming back for more dogs, drinks, and vibes!

I've heard all the hype about Tallboy, so I had to check it out myself…read more I do think it lived up to some of the hype, but I think they could've used their space better. It is a unique layout to a bar, and probably better concept for earlier hours, when it isn't as crowded during the night. It can fill up really quickly, since the area to order a drink, dance, and mingle is narrow, since the bar is literally in the middle of the room. Some of the staff can be extremely nice and kind, and there are some who you can tell are fed up, upset, and don't have the best attitude. I get it, though. It's a cool bar to check out or be the first stop of the night. The djs they have always turn up. Good luck getting a drink under 15 minutes though!

Sobre Mesa

4.1

(427 reviews)

I really like the atmosphere at Sobre Mesa. Whoever did the interior decor really knew what they…read morewere doing, because the place is just beautiful to be in, with rich colours and visual textures. The staff are super sweet and hard-working, and many of them are covered in tattoos. You're likely to be bowled over by how gorgeous all the customers are too. Every time I've been in, I've been shocked by the beauty of everyone in sight, in this gorgeous place. And I haven't even gotten to talking about the food yet, which is delicious. I've loved everything I've tried, and as someone who sadly can't have gluten, there's still plenty to enjoy here. Great cocktails, too. I should add: the food and drink are as beautiful to look at as their surroundings. This place is a bit of a fever dream of general awesomeness. Every time I come in here I feel lucky to be in Oakland.

I visited here on Wednesday evening for a double date. It was a little slow at first for the…read moreservice, they did not have a lot of staff. However, this seems to be the place to go for a double date. The table next to us was also on a double date. The drinks were decent, some in our group had mixed opinions about the drinks. The tapas were really good! Everyone really liked them. They also liked their main meal.

The Alley

4.1

(484 reviews)

•$

The Alley is a popular dive bar and nightclub in Carlsbad known for its lively, atmosphere,…read moreaffordable drinks and diverse crowd. It features DJs, a packed dance floor, and events like karaoke and live bands, attracting locals and visitors looking for a fun, no-frills night out with a wide range of music. Had no idea what to expect but had a blast. You just dance the night away with people you don't know. What a vibe.

LOVE The Alley. So last week after Michael & I went to the Grand Lake Tuesday $6 Disclosure Day…read more4pm show, & as usual, the spirits were calling us over. To supply a cushion to rest our booze on we ordered a snack of hand cut thick potato wedges aka fries. Well not to be too critical they were what we ordered..hand cut potatos & they were fried....however these had to be the least crunchy/crispy & most mushy/soft..."you call these FRIES??" ever. We ate some to do the job for which they were intended...absorb ETOH...after loaded with ketchup & I do mean loaded as the squeeze top came off when Michael squeezed..Oops! Bartender guy apologized for that & then later (& fries unfinished) after letting him know how subpar they were @ $12.00!! for maybe 2 potatoes worth of stuff ...he gave us a decent break on their cost... 50% off ADVICE!...get the 1/2 lb. burger for a couple of bucks more we still love you Alley but consider a change for those spuds

Hello Stranger

3.8

(220 reviews)

Hello Stranger has a convenient location with a small but decent-sized bar and dance floor. The DJ…read morewas okay, nothing special, but fine for a casual night out. Unfortunately, that's all I can really comment on because three of us sat at the bar for about 15 minutes and, even though there was no one else there, the bartender never approached us. We ended up leaving without ordering anything. It was disappointing, especially given how empty the place was. Based on this experience, I don't plan to return. The lack of attention and service made it clear why the bar wasn't busy.

Hello Stranger is THAT spot in Oakland. The DJ? Fire. The music? Had me forgetting I had bills due…read more The vibe? Safe, fun, and full of people who just wanna have a good time. Drinks are on point whether you're into cocktails, mocktails, or just pretending your Sprite is fancy champagne, they've got you. The staff is hella nice too like the kind of people you don't mind bumping into when you're three songs deep on the dance floor. Plus, the brick walls and whole setup make it feel like you stepped into a cool hidden gem instead of just another bar. Honestly, it's the kind of place you show up "just for one" and end up shutting down the night. 10/10 would lose my voice here again.

Viridian

4.5

(497 reviews)

I've gone four times and each time it's been soooo hard to pick a responsible number of cocktails…read more They have so much variety and a lot of unconventional combos; the staff is very good about helping guide you to something that matches your preferences, but everything I've tried there was really good. The bites are generally really good too, though I wasn't a huge fan of the chili cucumbers. Try the Tomato Beef cocktail-- it's really yummy! The Li Hing Ramos is a good go-to if you like egg white drinks, and the seasonal milk punch has always been good. The ambiance is very cool, not bright inside, but bright colors, very hip. Great date night spot.

Viridian, you stole the show this month! This was my first time coming back to Viridian after about…read morea decade, and we were not disappointed. Such a beautiful interior space vibrant in celebration for AAPI Heritage month, and a super fun cocktail menu that was the perfect post-meal moment (both photo-worthy and tastebuds approved). We also noticed they have a cool food menu too filled with yummy and innovative dishes like Cheesy Char Siu Tots, Szechuan Salt & Pepper Wings, Korean Fried Mapo Tofu, BBQ Char Siu Ribs, and more. They also have nice swag ~ we took home a hat that resembled a Kirkland hat that spelled out "Oakland Viridian" (IYKYK). Drink-wise we ordered the Soy Sauce Old Fashioned and the Café Sua Daddy, which essentially is an espresso martini with a fun twist with black sesame and an egg cream foam. Both drinks were outstanding and presentation was beyond..I wished we could have stayed for round two, but duty calls! Ride-share and or BART suggested in this area, it's just a bit congested downtown to park. Service was fun, prices fair for the whole experience. Loved it!

District - Oakland

3.8

(958 reviews)