We stumbled across this place during a walk and decided to grab some drinks…read more I liked how the place has a speakeasy vibe. Dim lit atmosphere and enjoyable music. I loved the decor. My favorite is the wall of vinyls. There were stools, chairs, sofas, and tables. The staff were friendly and attentive. They have a nice list of refreshments. Definitely a nice place to relax and have drinks.

What a beautiful place to have a drink! I was super happy with my visit to Bar Shiru…read more First of all, the vibes of this spot are completely immaculate. You definitely feel 10 degrees cooler in here. From the dark moody lighting, tons of vinyl on the wall, beautiful people, everything was stunning. Definitely bring your ID since they will check at the door, once you're inside, you definitely feel like you stepped into your older brother's cool friend secret hideaway. Drinks were great and there was so many to choose from. I can't remember the drink I got but it was served up in a cute glass and was delicious. The DJ was fantastic and played a ton of old and new school hits. I think this qualifies as a "listening bar" so cool. Totally great trip to Bar shiru! I will, without a doubt, be back.

This place is great! The drinks are delicious and very affordable. Service can be a little slow at…read moretimes but that's completely understandable since it's usually packed. Making drinks for a crowd takes time and the staff always does their best. The people who come here are super friendly which adds to the welcoming, cozy vibe of the place. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable. If you love a good martini this is definitely a place you should check out.

I'll give it to them, Tallboy is a solid concept with their "tinis & weenies". However, a clever…read moreconcept can carry a place so far. Customer service is a close second to concept. Tallboy's martini menu is well-executed. While I didn't personally try one of the slushies, a friend ordered the espresso martini version and gave it a solid thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the experience falls apart when it comes to food and service. Waiting 30+ minutes for two hot dogs (after paying) is hard to justify. When I checked in with a server, she was curt and dismissive. She was quick to explain there was only one person in the kitchen, with no effort to offer a solution, timeline, or even basic courtesy. I understand staffing issues happen. However, customer service is a close second to concept. How an issue is communicated and addressed is what separates good service from bad. What's more frustrating is that these aren't customer problems to absorb. If the kitchen is understaffed, if tables aren't being cleared in a timely manner at a seat-yourself spot, those are management problems. Guests should not have to choose to leave without the food we paid for. There's a lot of competition out there, and concepts alone aren't enough to bring people back. I genuinely wanted that hot dog. That's probably the most disappointing part of the whole experience. Great drinks, solid ambiance, but the service needs serious attention.

This place is so cute inside it's definitely a cool almost speakeasy vibe. Came an hour after they…read moreopened and it was already getting pretty busy on a Thursday night. Service was really prompt and friendly. The food was great we ordered all the classics such as the tater tots and the cucumbers, and we also got the salt and pepper wings, and the special mapo tofu. Portions are great and it's definitely a lot of food to share. There are also extensive cocktails on the menu running at $16-$20 each, which is expected for the creativity and expert craftsmanship of each cocktail. They have a large number of cocktails that are special and seasonal, and then their classics on the bottom. I don't think you can go wrong with anything that you try and I love that they have Asian fusion options for the cocktails and savory and sweet. I got one of the seasonal cocktails that was passionfruit forward and it had a nice tart crisp taste that I really enjoyed.

4.5 Stars. My friends and I have been meaning to try…read moreViridian out. We finally got to check out Viridian out for Oakland Restaurant Week 2025. Technically, we got to try it out the week after, but they extended their menu for the week after. We came that Sunday evening. Parking can be a bit of a hassle because it is indeed Downtown Oakland. Your whole party has to get the Restaurant Week Menu. So we all got their: Aperitif Cocktail - Tomato Beef or Purely Passion (Non Alcoholic) I got the Purely Passion. Good, nothing to write home about. Umami Tots This was really good! Very Crispy. Chili Cucumbers This one was actually really good. Szechuan Salt and Pepper Wings Good, but maybe too crispy? Wings are always good but this one didn't stand out for me. Mango Sorbet (They changed this from the Apple Sorbet that day) My favorite of the whole night. I usually don't like sorbet but this one was soft and easy to eat and has like a creamy like texture? Trying this made me want to try their other dessert item. We also ordered 2 add ons - the Hojicha Miso Tiramisu and the Korean Mapo Tofu. Hojicha Miso Tiramisu was OK. It contained too much alcohol for all of us and was bitter. Disappointing. I liked the Mapo Tofu! I liked that it was Crispy and that it came with rice. Drinks wise, my friends also got to try the Tomato Beef and White Rabbit. I don't really drink alcohol so I just sipped a bit. Tomato Beef was too alcoholic for me, couldn't really taste the tomato or the beef, but I could see what White Rabbit was going for. Overall, I'm really impressed by the food. I usually think Bar Food isn't very good, but this blew me away. Drinks are OK.

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 !

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.

O M G! I LOOOOOVE this bar. It has such character and their cocktail menu is next level! Right…read morein beautiful downtown area of Oakland. It's a must see if you're in the neighborhood. I mean who doesn't love and smile when you receive a drink with an adorable mini duck. Technically the margaritas do not automatically come with a cute mini duck but they obliged since I asked and my face lit up when I saw my finished cocktail. I had 2 and they were delish. The bar mgr. Damon is THE best. Super friendly and helpful even with dinner recommendations. And the music was rockin' on this particular evening. They were playing yacht rock. Nothing like a beautiful duck drink while listening to Michael McDonald. The patrons were friendly and the colors and decor was the coolest. Check them out!

TLDR: Great colorful vibes and food. Will definitely come again :)…read more Highlights: honestly everything we got was a hit and it was the perfect amount for two people. And everything came out pretty fast. Also compared to the other Peruvian spots I've tried, this is by far my favorite (flavor, portions, and ambiance). Service/ambiance: wonderful on both. It was surprisingly lively on a Monday but it added to our experience. The servers were kind and super attentive. Notes: Ceviche doesn't come with chips so you have to order that separately! They give you a good amount though and I think it's a mix or plantain and potato chips (served warm). Parking was quite easy (just parked down the street). The restaurant is a little small but they have tables and a bar area. They also have a happy hour that ends at 5:30 which I will def be back for!

Lucuma fits all categories of date night, girls night out (GNO) and spacious enough to fit a group…read moreof people comfortably. I've been here twice and have been equally impressed with the food and service. I will definitely return because of their consistency! - Chinito Ceviche Del Mar - has to my favorite that I've tried, it has the perfect balance of savory & citrus notes. It pairs so well with the plantain chips - I would suggest also adding taro chips if they have them available as well. - Leche de Tigre Ceviche Del Mar was definitely on the salty side. The flavor profile was definitely there but the salt was a little overpowering so we didn't finish. The fish was very fresh! - Bistec a la Pobre had great balance of flavor and texture from the beef, egg and plantains. - NA Pisco Sour had all the elements of a perfect cocktail without the alcohol and was not overly sour or sweet. It is a neighborhood gem and perfect spot to catch up over great food and drinks - it is now part of my Oakland Restaurant rotation.

This is a very cozy and intimate space. My friend and I ventured into 51 & Tel while waiting on our…read morereservation 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.

Walking into 51 & Tel, the vibe was vibin'…read more 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!

The Holiday Pop-up last year (2024) was very festive/fun for a holiday celebration post Zumba class…read moreat the YMCA around the corner. Will be returning again this year with our class for more holiday merriment!

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.

Very catty in a good way. Totally fun vibes. Very clever theme. A neighborhood bar with very…read moredelicious drinks. Nice selection of books and chill bartenders with craft. Cozy but spacious inside with a long bar and a bunch of tables. Casual patio outside. Cat stuff on every wall at every level. Go. Drink. Enjoy the Cat House altar of booze and felines behind the bar.

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.

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.