There's this one bar tender who is the most delightful man on the planet. He seriously is so wonderful. I have no idea what his name is but he has a beard and is so chipper and wonderful! And he keeps this bar happy and cheerful and safe! Seriously, go here, have a drink, make friends with the bar tenders! And buy them a drink! They work super hard!!! They have a skeeball table too! read more

So We(Oakland high class of 08) had our class reunion here. The place is nice good space but I'm sure they knew this event was happening they should have been more prepared staff wise. The service was horrible the staff was rude. The drinks were nasty the alcohol was cheap we asked for shots of remy and was giving something cheap and nasty called out the bartender she stop serving my friends she knew she was wrong if u don't have it say it . Mind you they didn't have good stuff like Hennessy or patron. On top of that it took forever just to get a drink. Then refusing to serve someone because y'all was rude and wrong, my friend didn't like that the bartender kept touching him he asked for a large amount of shots for a group of ppl. The bartender kept touching him so he like swiped his hand away to let him know stop touching me wasn't aggressive about it wasn't rude so the bartender tried to act like my friend was drunk and refuse to serve him anymore. Nobody was drunk instead of just saying oh I'm sorry ur gonna make it seem like he was the problem and then ignored anybody that was on that side of the bar. like I said nice place horrible service not going back ever. read more

Dealers choice by John, always on point. The man is an artist. 13/10 would drink again.

Went here with the work crew last night and, after waiting my turn, the BT interrupted my question about the two IPAs on tap with "I wouldn't know, I don't drink IPA." That was rude and unnecessary. It's his job to sell me whatever I ask about. I chose one and left him a dollar. Had he been friendly and answered my question, I'd have left him $2 or $3. I recommend you go across the street to Bar 355 instead -- their BTs are hip, cute, friendly, and knowledgeable about the products they sell. And they'll bring them to you with a smile on their face! read more

I'd have to come back and update this review after a second visit. So far they failed the sazerac test. It had so much bitters I couldn't taste any whiskey - avoid ordering this from the bartender with the shaved side haircut. Had a second cocktail from the other bartender and it was excellent. So I'll have to go again. read more

Well the bartender seems to be on coke so he can stay awake and on top of it is playing Cherry Cola by Eagles of Death Metal! So the music sucks rotten and like we can leave if he really just needs to sleep and not have to listen to shit music that we have to scream above. Won't be coming here.. and on another note, may be check your crowd and see who might like to hear Eagles of Death Metal, cause by what I saw didn't look like this was the crowd! read more

Not reinventing the wheel here with my review. The $1 off before 7 saves you a few bucks in tip money if you plan to have a few libations. I went with the bartender's choice, after telling the friendly and helpful bartender I liked bourbon and honey/lemon or some similar infusion. The resulting cocktail was well blended and not too strong or sweet. Kolsch was good too. The bar stools are also of note, they aren't backed (as I usually desire) but contoured so you are not just sitting flat and your keister fits just so. Poor description aside, for someone who gets uncomfortable sitting for longer than 5 minutes without proper lumbar support, I was ok. It was busy for a Friday but the three bartenders accommodated everyone well and took orders fast. There's an upstairs with some arcade games, but seems to lack drink service. The space is also pretty big for downtown Oakland, so I wasn't bumping into anyone the whole night. Has a Brooklyn vibe that reminded me of back home. Also has a few tv's to catch whatever sports game is on at the time. Would be back to try some of the other drinks (although the menu isn't as extensive as other places). Solid establishment; also found some really close parking close to the bar since I got there before 7pm. read more

I came here on Friday night for drinks with my friend. I would say this is a chill place. There was a good amount of people out but it wasn't packed which I liked. There was music playing but it's so loud from people talking you couldn't really hear the music. I wouldn't recommend this place if you are looking for somewhere with great music and dancing but if your looking for good drinks and a nice social environment I would definitely check it out. read more

I was visiting Oakland from NYC and I asked for a recommended whiskey from the bartender. He told me to drink water instead of giving me a recommendation. I don't know if this is a California thing or specific to this bar, but this was probably the most pretentious interaction I've had with a bartender...but the music and whiskey selection were actually both very good. Take it at your own risk read more

I give this place two stars for their location and great parking options. But drinks are super small, water downed and overly expensive, guy gave me what looked like a shot was more of a sip. Only thing entertaining was the woman bartender with her mixing skills. Might go back to get a better vibe, but def. Do not like it now. read more

This bar is silly. The bartender was nice and made a good Manhattan but drinks were overpriced and the music was ridiculous--bad, muffled, and inappropriately loud. Oh yeah and kinda gross crowd! read more

I really like this place. The bartenders are all really nice, the place is comfy and games upstairs. Consistently good beer selection, good cocktails. Prices good, especially if at happy hour. read more

Real cool bar in Uptown Oakland with real cool bartenders inside. Lots of space and big windows make it a nice place to grab a quick drink before or after dining at one of Uptown's many establishments. They have a drink menu with a few specialty cocktails on it (which were delish) but don't hesitate to ask one of their creative mixologists to come up with something fancy for you. Everyone at this bar was super friendly... including fellow patrons with whom we created the "14 year old girl" drink (maybe they'll recall this concoction if you drop the name!). Definitely worth checking out! read more

There are very few places to go in Oakland that play good music. If you ever want to escape the other bars that don't play music at all or are strictly hip hop all the time, this is the place to go. On of my favorite places to grab a drink and relax. read more

Nice "hidden gem" in Uptown Oakland for good drinks and good times. The cocktails are good, but they also have a decent selection of local beer. Also of note is the shot and beer line for when you don't want to wait for a cocktail. As a bonus they have a Skee ball machine upstairs which never disappoints. Perfect place to hit up before a show at the Fox or after dinner at one of the nearby restaurants... read more

Cool atmosphere, laid back vibe, bar tender was cool but once again another bar with no CIROC!! the best vodka they had was ketel one, which they had as a top shelf read more

Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the unique house made drinks. Would like to return to this spot.

I love this bar! I especially like the day have a dealers choice option which basically what you said framers for what you like and don't like and then they surprise you with something that is amazing!. read more

Great drinks- highly recommend the dealers choice. Cool spot near Bart in Oakland- awesome. Would be better if there were a few munchies/food items to order. read more

Def one of me top picks for places to hang out in downtown oakland. Unfinished cement walls, interesting dim lighting, cocktails or wine or beer, 2 areas to hang out in, upstairs and downstairs. oh and I liked the music choices. read more

Came here to chill out during Oakland Pride. Beer was okay, it was a bit busy due to the street festivities but that is to be expected. Can't really give a proper review unless I return when there isn't tons of people crammed inside to avoid the dancing crowds on the streets. read more

Great selection of local and imported gins! Spirit Works gin and tonic with sloe gin is great.

This has become a regular happy hour joint for me and my co-workers. Great staff with good service. Nice selection of drinks. Recommended.

This is where the most serious craft bartenders in the SF Bay Area pick up a shift when they don't want to have to be so serious. You can have a shot and a beer, or you can have Alex or Marguerite or Howie make you something so balanced and subtle that you literally will not be able to determine what the base spirit is. Then go grab your balls. I mean, hit the Skee-Ball machine upstairs. Bow tie on: Ben Cooper or Whitechapel. Bow tie off: Drexl. Cocktail quality: Same. read more

Julie is a killer bartender with a great and professional attitude. Order from her if you want the perfect cocktail!!!!!!! Parking is usually easy and the ski-ball machine up top is also a great touch. read more

I love this place. My favorites nights are Sunday and Monday. They always have a nice selection of premium spirits and the dealer's choice cocktails are superb. One of the best bars in Oakland for sure. read more

I would give 4 1/2 stars, if possible. We visited for a beer after a meeting yesterday, and the bartender was great to recommend a good beer based on our preferences. It was a great, cold and tasty beer -- 5 stars for service, atmosphere, and drinks. We would have liked a small snack, which is why I am giving a 4 star review. If we were there for a couple of drinks, I would want a small snack or food. It would be great if Drexl could find a close/convenient location to provide small and tasty food. Even without the food, I'll definitely be back! read more

Meant to check into this place last night. Let's jump into this review! I rated this place as a 3 because it was okay and honestly nothing wrong with it. It was one of my friend's 21st bday and a few of us got together to celebrate. Parking: It was very easy, and a lot or parking spaces open around this bar. Bart: It is right across the street from this place, so it is a convenience! The bar itself is very class with dimmed lighting. Behind the bar area, the wall looked like a mini winery setup with wine bottles. This provided a lot of class to this place. There is seating at the bar area, as well as, high top chairs and tables and booths with mini tables and chairs around them. They have an upstairs part of the bar where they have few games such as a mini basketball machine you can play. I thought this was a nice touch to the bar. The music was pretty good too. It touched on different genres such as rock and rap/hip hop. The music wasn't too low or too high. As I said before, the bar was really chill last night. The bartenders were awesome because they took the drink orders very fast. They were attentive and very polite. I don't drink and only get orange juice when I'm out. This bar honestly has some of the best orange juice I've ever drink before. It tastes as though it was freshly squeezed, and it did not have pulp in it. I was overly excited! For my friends, they said their drinks were strong but very good. Concluding: I would definitely call this place a relaxing and chill place to hangout on a Wednesday if you do not want to turn up too much. It's a great spot to pick to hang out and catch up with friends. read more

Great atmosphere. I wish it opened a little bit earlier though

Good drinks albeit a bit pricey - cool space, nice big tv (SPORTS!) and friendly, balanced (neither clingy nor flaky) bartenders.

Hubby and I went to this place tonight. Just happened to find this place after the first bar we went to was too full. Really like the place. It was really mellow. Liked the comfy chairs. Enjoyed a nice after dinner drink here. There were a couple of big screen tvs. Bar pretty well stocked. Thought the express bar and wine station was cool. There was also skee ball upstairs which totally looked fun. Prices were reasonable. Would definitely come back again. read more

The bartender guy was so sweet. Comp'd my drink for waiting so long. This place was dead until about 5:10 when every person from the nearby offices showed up and it was elbow to elbow for a bit before dying down. Good after work spot. Great decor. Nice vibe. Good drink menu. Bourbon with egg whites and root beer? Ok. I'll try it. read more

We just sort of stumbled upon this place. The beer selection is excellent and the layout is nice. It's close to BART but wasn't overrun, even on a Friday night (we'll see how long that lasts). read more

The bartender was totally rude and drinks sucked. The greyhound was the worst I've had in Oakland California. The bartender yelled at me for trying to get her attention. Who does that? I will never ever go back there again and will tell everybody else not to go there either. She was awful. read more

Horrible experience. Completely tainted my Oakland experience .The main culprits were the two bartenders who were piss poor at their craft, contentious, and incredibly rude. read more

A well stocked bar with an incredible bar staff. The ambiance is classy but fun. Yes - Ski Ball, Yes - Ms. PacMan.

Been here a few times, pretty busy for Friday nights especially a bar in Oakland. Drinks are pretty good but a little bit on the sweet side. I will definitely be back, workers and bar tenders are nice. We had a group of four, they noticed when we are running out of water and would bring a fresh bottle. However, they kept checking for empty glasses ... Which annoyed me a little.. We were probably there for a couple hours, but they've came by to check for empty glasses more than 5 times and interrupted our conversation even though none of our glasses were empty. Overall, I like the place read more

I like this place, it would be 5 stars if they would publish their phone number so I can figure out if I left my debit card there. Their number is not posted on Google, Yelp, and on Facebook its 510-555-5555 which is not a real phone number. Hopefully soon to be 5 stars.... :) read more

totally fun spot. Could not recommend more. Oh.... and Skee ball!

I love Drexl! It's not too far from the main drag but far enough that it's usually not ever horribly crowded. Customers and staff are friendly. If it's not too crowded and the bartenders aren't totally swamped, definitely give the Dealer's Choice a try. I'm always impressed with what they give me after I answer a couple questions, and it's always exactly what I want. If you'd rather order off the menu, go for the Foxy Corridor if you want something a little sweet, or the Rye of the Tiger if you're looking more spirit-forward. read more