The Black Oak Tavern is a nice little dive bar on Front street in Onteonta Ny. Nice long bar with a juke box pool table and darts. the drinks are decent for the price. Seems to have an underlying Star Wars theme to the place. Seems more like a local bar than a college bar. Bartenders are personable and cool and can poor a good drink. read more

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Great place to have a drink and even buy mementos. People were friendly and charming. We had great conversation with the vendors that were there for the day. Such a beautiful space with all people expect find in a bar. The music and the videos were amazing. read more

Was here for the first time a couple weeks ago! Had so much fun with my friend. The bartenders were so friendly and recommended the best drinks. The local band that was playing was really good. Overall great atmosphere. read more

I love coming here! It's super laid back and there are special nights such as Jazz Nights. The drinks are average priced for Oneonta bars but you don't need to expect anyone grinding on you here! There's 2 pool tables in the back and a dart board as well. The entrance to the bathroom is tiny, but you'll make do. The crowd here and the workers are all pretty laid back. It is great that this bar supports many student bands and allows them to play here. Cover charge some days ranging from $1-$5. read more

Wayne is so pleasant. great atmosphere great people. We enjoyed ourselves very much. Highly recommend if your looking for a smiling face and cold beer read more

Went to a few bars before this one to watch football. Several were not showing the games, one bar's TVs were cutting out or freezing so we walked over to this one. Bartender was great! Put game on we wanted and it was quieter in this bar so we could hear the game. Was a great time and I would go there again. read more

The Oak is an acquired taste -- not for the weak at heart. Don't be intimidated by the bartenders, they're actually good guys (and girl). Picture yourself in a dark room, Radar Love is playing on the jukebox followed by Wagon Wheel. A mix of 30 somethings are sitting over their Hennepins and get up to dance...they are here every day. It smells a little like bleach and last weeks spilled whiskey. It always feels like 2 am at the Oak. The drinks are good and cheap (enough). The bathroom is cleaner than some. If you're depressive, I'd stay away or at least limit your visits. Don't order foofy drinks at midnight on a Saturday night otherwise you may get a scowl from the staff. A fight might break out, but not to worry, the bouncers and bartenders are ready to protect and serve! The black Oak has been deemed Oneonta's "Gay Bar" but it's more like a place that accepts all. So, if you're into getting your drink on (gay or straight) and don't mind a little grit, stop in. read more

Dive bar feel. I've been before and liked the chill atmosphere. I went last night and the music was awful when I walked in on a Friday night. Very slow beat and old country music. They use touch tunes but no one was playing songs so it was just the station the bar had it set on. I started to play more lively and more current music. I've done this before and had a nice time there. The bartenders decided to skip 3 of my songs throughout the night with the remote. I thought that was extremely rude since I paid for the songs. The songs that they left on were extremely boring and/or explicit but the songs that I picked they just skipped. I couldn't understand the genre they thought was acceptable. Should have a sign - Play touch tunes at your own risk. Will be skipped. I also noticed when my songs were playing the bar seemed more happening and when they weren't it died down. Interesting. I took the 3 skipped songs out of the tip :) As a bartender myself from the city, I was taken back. Bathrooms were gross also. read more

I mean...it is what it is. Its a townie bar that doesnt expect much from its customers and doesnt put out. I would chill here if I wanted to hide out with a friend or two...but it wouldnt be my first choice. U can see how it can become someones home base because the people and staff are friendly...but some paint and upgrades wouldnt be the worst thing in the world. The bathroom was surprisingly clean...thats why they got the third star. read more

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Good place , Good Prices ! There is a Awesome Tattoo and piercing place upstairs:) Lollipops Bartenders are nice ..Live music all on a regular base ! read more

Magnificent!! Super friendly bartender who was clearly a super sweet soul here to salve the wayward locals. Loved listening I the clearly tipsy older locals bend her ear I. Traditional barkeep fashion. No smoking means nice environment to enjoy a local brew. :) I was enticed to enter by the Duvel sign...we must have a story here!!! Stop in if you are in town. It is as earthy as other reviewers mentioned but I felt very comfy relaxing and watching game on a Monday night read more

The Black Oak is a good representation of Oneonta's nightlife as a whole: active, drunk, and usually pretty rowdy. That being said, I could not be more proud to be a part of it. I was in a very active band throughout college, which took place in Oneonta, so we played at the Oak all the time. We've had some really great shows there and some really mediocre ones, but more of the great ones. At least a few nights a week there are live bands playing, whether they are touring bands, college-related ensembles, or local acts looking to gain some exposure and make a few bucks. There's not an abundance of room at the Black Oak, with the bar and its stools bridging the stage section and the pool and darts section, where people can socialize if they're not interested in the music. However, the alcohol fueled townies in this smaller space create a homey atmosphere--kind of like hanging out with your drunk uncles. This bar is one of the longest running bars in Oneonta, and during a time where businesses are closing and being replaced all the time, the Black Oak faithful would never let that happen to Oneonta's favorite tavern. read more

No girls. A place where dreams go to die. Expensive for a place with zero fun. Smells like hope dying.

Awesome local hangout... not fancy... not trendy .. its been the same for years .. full of townies ... but fabulous for place to shoot back a shot of jamison and grab a pint ! read more

Awesome place to just hang out. The bartenders were great and friendly.

Awesome bartenders ... Super tentative, great selection of draft beers and liquors ! Ladies night is fun too.

It is a chill bar you probably want to hang out in on a slow night. It has that chill all woof thing going on, but if you're here you're probably here for the music. The black oak is where the Oneonta students show off their hard work and who knows, you might meet a future star. Fair warning, there usually is a cover charge because there is someone playing. The drinks are priced ok and the bartenders are nice. The bathrooms have some interesting graffiti on them, so take a look haha. read more

Cool bar. Had a band that was kick ass! Beer prices very good. Had an Arrogant Bastard pint for only $6.00!

Great bar mellow crowd, friendly bartenders, good place to relax and grab a beer or cocktail.

Really great bartenders! Awesome service and an overall nice and chill atmosphere. I have to check out the live bands sometime because I've heard wonderful things about them! read more