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Clio's Bookstore and Bar

4.0 (121 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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CLIO'S BOOKSTORE AND BAR ATMOSPHERE

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Recommended Reviews - Clio's Bookstore and Bar

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Interior
Tomoko S.

Such a special establishment to have in Oakland! When we entered the basement bookstore/bar, it felt like we entered another world and time. It's a very peaceful shop, full of interesting, vintage and new books categorized by time periods and interests. And what a plus to have a bar that serves really great cocktails (had a delicious negroni for $10), na beverages, and snacks! There are cute little nooks and tables throughout the cozy store, where you can grab a drink and sit with a good book or with a friend, and chill. It was also a plus that they didn't blast music (if they were playing any,) which made for a really calm, relaxing vibe. It's not quite a "secret" bar, as many people seem to know about this place. When we got here on a Monday afternoon around 4:30 (they opened at 4pm), the place was already about half full. By 5pm, it was pretty full. Sometimes they have private or special events, so check their website and plan accordingly! Clio's is definitely worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood.

Non-Alcoholic Shrubs.
Kendra F.

Clio's was a vibe. I'd never heard of a bookstore bar, and let's just say they definitely have the right idea. This is a bookworm's dream, and the non-alcoholic beverages are not the same price as cocktails/martinis. They do take reservations but since we didn't have any, a speedy little lady came by, took my name down and about seven minutes later we were seated. Prior to being seated I was browsing the books. There's a sign stating every book is on sale, so why not? Past the bar to the back is where there's fiction and other categories. I was told from the bar manager that's the most categorized area. My friend and I ordered two of the NA Shrubs beverages. I chose the Ginger Lime Shrub and she opted for the Blackberry Sage Shrub. Both were delicious. I have a friend who makes shrubs and never having tried it prior to last night, I was thoroughly impressed. So, I ended up ordering shrubs from my friend. Anyway, it's good to try new things and I'd love to come back. I can tune out anything, so this would be a good reading or study spot for me. It isn't insanely loud, at least to me for a Friday night.

Blackberry sage shrub
Marie B.

Have been to Clio's a few times now with my book club. We usually get the orange bagged wine which has a lot of pours and isn't too sweet. Got the blackberry shrub today with gin and shared some olives with my friend. The shrub was a bit sweet but refreshing! The couches and leather seats are super comfy if you can grab one of them when it's not too busy.

Art work near the bar
Nate C.

You Need to Experience Clio's in Oakland Clio's isn't your average bookstore--it's something you have to see to believe. This place is an eclectic gem in Oakland that's turned the entire concept of a bookstore into something almost cinematic. Here's what makes it special: Clio's is all about bringing back real conversation and human connection. They run discussions, reading groups, book clubs, and events throughout the week--basically creating a space where ideas and people actually collide in the best way possible. And here's the plot twist: when you're at Clio's, they ask you to put your phone and laptop away. I know, I know--but trust me, it's incredible. When was the last time you were somewhere that encouraged you to just be present? It's weirdly liberating. They've got over 10,000 new and used books arranged chronologically, so you're literally browsing through the timeline of human thought. It's like a treasure hunt where every section is a different era waiting to be explored. If you're in Oakland and tired of the usual routine, do yourself a favor and swing by Clio's. Grab a book, strike up a conversation, and remember what it feels like to connect without a screen between you and the world. Seriously--go check it out.

Cheese plate
Max K.

It's a great book store and bar! Good combination of alcohol with intellectualism! Great decorations with books and ornaments. All books are for sale! Amazing atmosphere with responsive service and welcoming host. It's a full bar with all sort of cocktails and drinks. No food just bar snacks / plates. Great for couples and or dates.

Yu S.

This place is a gem in the heart of Oakland. Ambience was amazing, takes you back in time to a quaint neighborhood bookstore where people can sit around and chat. People were either socializing quietly or sipping drinks. Downstairs had dim lighting near the bar but enough to read or relax on a chair or sofa. You can find your own seating, a server will come to take your order or you can order at the bar. The menu is not comprehensive since they have special drinks at the bar, and the bartender is very nice and attentive. The drinks themselves are delicious and medium priced. Notably this is a screen free shop, so no laptops (looking at cellphones is ok). There's a small sign on the door that is easy to miss. Overall a great place to sit and read a book or rewind with friends.

Rum and Ginger beer
mario l.

Came to get a few drinks while the wifey caught up on some books and I got caught up with game i have been playing. Drinks were great, bartender was very friendly and drinks were well balanced. Vibe in the bar was great loud and a lot of laughs left and right. Book selection if you are a reader was pretty big. Secret storage with more books ad well.

Manhattan & Negroni
Michael McDonald T.

Clio's Bookstore and Bar is such a fun and unique spot. I love the vibe with all the books everywhere--it gives the place a cool, cozy feel. It was pretty busy when I went, and I had a group of six, but the staff was really helpful and made sure we got seats together, which I definitely appreciated. The cocktails were great. I tried the Manhattan and the Negroni--both were super well done, really good flavor, and not overpriced. Overall, it's just a great place to hang out by Lake Merritt and unwind. I'd for sure come back.

Gina H.

What a cute little bar! Not too many seats but if you're lucky to sit, Clio's a such a vibe. My friend and I sat by the chess table and had a really good time. We played a couple games over a few drinks. A nice little place to hang out.

That's the drink!
Christine L.

A nice bar and hangout hidden inside a bookstore. Yes it's a real bookstore with a full bar. They serve wine, and delicious craft drinks. Lots of unique seating areas for a day drink date or to chill with some friends. Even to have a solo quiet evening with a good book. Loved the theme here. Such a good vibe.

Manhattan + Negroni + Mescal old fashioned
Erica L.

House cocktails are $10 and STRONG and we tried all three! Came on a Friday night and it was packed, but we snagged a table with stools in the middle of the room . The crowd looked like coworker groups straight from work, small groups of friends and some first dates. I can imagine it being a nice intimate drinks and reading vibe on other days, but there was just way too many people to really relax on a Friday night. The service was not particularly friendly and my friend got scolded for standing in an area right next to the bar where they had a shelf with the water dispenser, art, mystery wrapped books for sale, and their tablet. It's not clear this section is for just the tablet or staff as it's the only place to stand to get water or look at the things they sold on the shelf?

Nadine Y.

My friend came here and as an avid reader, she recommended this place for me to check out. I've been to places where it's books/wine, so I definitely wanted to try this place out. I came here around 4:30/5pm on a weekend and while there was very little people there, I didn't like the vibe I was getting. Yes, the interior of this place is cute where they have lots of seating available for those who want to drink some beer and read, but the employees here - no thank you. The bartender looked up at me and gave me a glare which wasn't very welcoming at all. I did not feel like they wanted me there. I would say their book options are very limited. Their fiction is very limited and the cookbooks was no existent. I would say that if you like older literature and history this place is where you should go. You can buy the books that are on the shelves I should mention. However, overall I would not come back again.

BlackBerry Sage Shrub
Nicole M.

Clio's is not your average bookstore. It's kind of like a cave. You walk down a small spiral stair to enter, and apart from the front window (on the landing by the door) and a couple of small side windows (on the left side of the first room), it's mostly windowless. It's bright enough to read the titles, but the lighting is a bit moody. So is the music playing in the background. And of course, there's the bar. The book selection is eclectic. The other patrons are interesting. I heard snippets of conversations about conscious celibacy and the implosion of a marriage. There was also a tarot reading going on. The vibe is kind of hipster, but there was a wide range of ages across the handful of patrons I saw. There is plenty of seating for pairs and small groups. There is even a selection of games to play. If it were in my hood, I might be there all the time. Kicking back with a blackberry sage shrub, I enjoyed my visit. I might go back. There were books to buy, people to watch and something new to do in my beloved Oakland. If you are wondering why a 4 not a five, it was freezing. I am always cold, so I had on warm clothing. That still didn't cut it. Maybe a small space heater in the back? Other than that, Highly Recommended.

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1 month ago

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12 days ago

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7 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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28 days ago

Unique place full of books and people who love them. Oh and beer wine cocktails and snacks.

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11 months ago

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3 months ago

I love this place! Very charming and friendly. I think it's Sunday nights that they have a live guitarist-- particularly sweet then.

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4 months ago

Love this bar! Small, simple menu and a great vibe for hanging out with friends or going on a date!!

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Clio's Bookstore and Bar Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Clio's Bookstore and Bar

Is Clio's open for business during their ticketed events?

Yes, provided the event is during their regular hours, like a lecture from 7-8:30. For the late night plays starting at or after 11:00, no.

What does membership cost?

The details of the tiered membership program are listed on their website.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs used to be allowed, but now it's strictly service animals.

Need to call Clio's to inquire about gift certificates. Does anyone know their phone number?

They don't publicize any phone number, intentionally. They eschew tech.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Clio's Bookstore and Bar

. I played chess with a former chess master who was a professional traveling chess master in the day

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Bibliomania - Niche genres at Bibliomania!

Bibliomania

3.3(78 reviews)
0.7 miUptown
$$

I often went to the Fox Theatre but somehow always missed the bookstore across the street! So often…read moreolder books (those published 20+ years ago) are often super pricey. But many of these books are very reasonably priced, like $7.50-$25! Almost all of the stock is older, even obscure books. But it's a book lover's treasure hunt. I picked up a really interesting book about San Francisco's history from 1948 for only $10! Definitely recommend this place and it's a very quick walk from the Broadway BART station. The only thing I'd "change" is recommending that the owner put more of their stock on ThriftBooks.com to enhance their profits. But that would be at the peril of Bay Area bookworms! :)

I ordered a book from them in Aug 2024. It never arrived, and after multiple attempts at contacting…read morethem, they finally said they had moved and couldn't find the book at the moment. (Luckily they hadn't run the charge through on my credit card yet). Every couple of months or so I'd follow-up--sometimes they'd respond, sometimes they wouldn't. Still couldn't find the book, and kept asking me to be patient. I was patient for a long time. Now it's July 2025, about 3 weeks shy of ONE YEAR since I ordered the book. Wrote to them again, no response. But they still have it listed for sale on their website, so I took a shot and ordered it again. Then they wrote me a snotty note and told me to quit ordering it, they haven't found it yet. I wrote back and asked how they can possibly still be looking for a book after one year? Then they wrote back and said they were canceling my order! Very crappy customer service. Zero stars.

Photos
Bibliomania
Bibliomania
Bibliomania

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JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - A selection of high-end aprons from Hedley and Bennet, canvas and leather totes, and bags by Japanese brand Delfonics.

JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends

5.0(3 reviews)
0.7 mi

I've been following Jessica Hische's work and career for a while now, and I was super excited to…read moresee that she opened up a shop. At the time, I was pretty sad, because I lived on the east coast. Little did I know, I'd find myself in the area after all. This shop is a nice little oasis for designers who just love nicely designed little every day objects. Hische stocks this place with all kinds of delightful things. I think the best part is that there are things at all price points. It's not just some snobby place, where nothing costs less than $100. There are solid quality and affordable pens, as well as some specialty items that are on the more expensive side. There is even original designs/works of art from Hische herself. Definitely a fun spot to check out if you're in the area. Highly recommend!

Do people give any less than 5 stars to local arts and crafts, woman owned businesses? Anywho, any…read moredesigner knows who Jessica Hische is but her store is for anyone. There's actual art supplies, pins, art books and kids books, some branded items like shirts, totes, onesies, and cool stuff like gorgeous desk clocks or hourglass timers that I can't afford lol. Anyways, worth a visit if you're in the area. I ended up getting a bunch of my holiday shopping done for my creative friends.

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JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - A view of the shop interior including the wall of artwork, most of which is printed on site in our print workshop!

A view of the shop interior including the wall of artwork, most of which is printed on site in our print workshop!

JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - Beautiful and useful gifts fill every corner of the shop.

Beautiful and useful gifts fill every corner of the shop.

JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - Our children's art supply section with beautifully illustrated children's books including NYT Best-selling books by the shop owner Jessica

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Our children's art supply section with beautifully illustrated children's books including NYT Best-selling books by the shop owner Jessica

Spectator Books

Spectator Books

4.3(141 reviews)
1.3 miPiedmont Ave, North Oakland
$

I fell in love with Spectator Books as soon as I walked in!…read more I love that there's a station to leave your water bottles and drinks. I also appreciate that they have masks available if needed and offer them proactively. On top of that, they provide free drug testing kits, like fentanyl test strips -- which is so vital, especially with the spike in fentanyl overdoses and contaminations in recreational substances. It's just really nice to see that kind of care in the community. The range of books is massive -- both new and used. The selection of new books is decent, but the used book selection (and price) is phenomenal. They also have a whimsical collection of bookmarks, stickers, and random stationery, which is super charming. Honestly, it's just a really solid bookstore. The first time I visited, I'm pretty sure I spent like two and a half hours just browsing all the sections I was interested in -- and there were so many. Lots on religion and spirituality, metaphysics, physics, psychology, cookbooks, music, art, fashion -- so many topics that caught my eye. I took my time and walked out with maybe $125 worth of books and oracle cards, which was such a joy. They also have a book exchange policy where you can trade in books for store credit, but you need to make an appointment to do so. The last time I visited was maybe a month ago, but I'm thinking about going again... tomorrow! XD

I was hoping this was going to be like, a half price books situation, but it's more of a local book…read morestore. Huge selection, I am sure it's well organized. A lot of local authors. A nice selection of books in other languages as well. I did hear the employees kind of talking about some of the patrons, but I mean, I work in service, it happens. But maybe talk a little quieter, or wait until there aren't other patrons in the store.

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Spectator Books - Children's section

Children's section

Spectator Books - Used books!

Used books!

Spectator Books

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Clio's Bookstore and Bar - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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