This is a fantastic upscale bar near the Fox Theater. I enjoyed that it was a quiet and classy…read morespace. I was able to come in and enjoy a great cocktail after a concert. The bartender was very friendly and helped me decide on a drink. I was able to enjoy my time there while other guests did as well, without having to shout over each other.

The vibes don't lie, folks! And, Night Heron has a whole lot of it too. Great vibes, great drinks,…read moregreat times. I haven't been in here nearly as much as I'd like to. But when I DO drop by, I always ask myself why I don't stop by more often. This place has never been packed when I've visited, but they have a steady stream of regulars who visit. The bartenders are all super fun, friendly, and attentive. The patrons are also very interesting. I always meet the most unique individuals here. They bump the best tunes and the atmosphere is super chill and unpretentious. They also have a great happy hour that I'm shocked that more people don't take advantage of. Their cocktails are creative, esthetically pleasing, and also very yummy. There's something for everyone here. This is also one of those places where you just have to stop and watch as the cocktails are being crafted. The words bartender and cocktologist can easily be used interchangeably without hesitation. Because if you know the difference... then you just know. I love that you can bring food in to enjoy with your drinks. They are right next door to Itani Ramen and you can have food delivered from there right to the bar! They also do occasional food pop-ups as this is a drinks only bar. I should also mention that the drinks here won't break the bank. They are reasonably priced while still being high quality. This is like the neighborhood gem that nobody knows about... but they also do know about if (if you catch my drift). Definitely the place that hit up for a delicious cocktail with all the vibey vibes.

What a cool and quirky place! Came here early on a weekend night and there was plenty of seating…read more You're able to bring outside food in, which was really nice. The patio in the back is so cute but very limited seating. Staff were very kind and patient. I was recommended the Dear Irene's and it was the best thing I've ever had. I can't wait to go back!

I popped in on a random weeknight. From the bouncer to the bartender, everyone had a warm, friendly…read morevibe. I ordered a drink at the bar and admired all the cat decor lol. There's also a small/intimate back patio. This seems like a good spot to catch up with a small group of friends or go on a date!

I rented out Penelope for my birthday party and was so glad I did! Being able to reserve the entire…read morebar and outdoor patio for my event made it feel really special, and the cost was comparable to renting a semi-private room at other bars in downtown or uptown Oakland. Johnny, the owner, was friendly, helpful, and easy to work with in the months leading up to the event. I had food catered from another local business, and he provided nice serving vessels, was flexible about how I arranged the tables and stools, and encouraged me to play my own playlist through the bar's sound system. He made the planning process and the night of the event stress-free. Penelope has a great indoor space with bar seating and tables, plus an outdoor patio out front with additional tables. I had 40 guests, and with the patio included, there was plenty of room for everyone to move around and mingle. The staff was great all night, efficiently mixing up tasty drinks while helping with a few things that came up. All of my friends loved the craft cocktails and mocktails, and the beer and wine were reasonably priced. I would highly recommend Penelope for a private event. It's also a great spot to stop by after work or for a late-night cocktail if you're just looking for a fun, welcoming bar!

Something unfortunate has happened here. I convinced my date to stop in for a drink and snack,…read morerecalling the delicious cocktails I had here years ago. We were stoked once we realized we had made it in 15 minutes before happy hour ended. But service was sooo slow. I understand there was one bartended working at the time but they really took their time, not meticulously crafting drinks, but rather talking to a friend. We contemplated going somewhere else when the bartender finally came to take our order, just before happy hour ended..sigh of relief! We made the cut off! We opted against the empanadas as we could see the cutting board in the kitchen area had a jacket on top of it. Well..the bartender slowly made our drinks, while still talking, then rung us up..just a few minutes past 6 and charged us full price. Lackluster customer service. Then, the drinks themselves were just bad..not balanced - one too sweet and syrupy in consistency; the other too bitter. This place used to be great but maybe they changed ownership. Used to see the owner here frequently working the bar. Now, I'd recommend Bocanova in the area instead - their happy hour also goes til 6, their drinks are top notch, service is pretty good, and you can get good food from the kitchen.

Super cute bar!!!! Drinks were delicious--my friend said it was the best Paloma he has ever had in…read morehis life!!!! Bartender was so sweet she pointed us in the direction of the lake and some vendors ( thank you for that suggestion) There are private bathrooms and pool table!! It's very spacious so great for groups but there is also an outside patio area that was cute. Will definitely come back if I ever visit this area again!

*Ambiance is very warm, cozy wooden tavern vibe with a good balance of fun and elegance…read more **Staff are attentive and know how to stay on top of the folks ***Cocktails are cute and sweet but it's the options of spirits that are the real treat here

This is a great local bar with solid beer selection! I came with some friends for St. Patrick's day…read moreand they had a full Irish Band playing at different times throughout the night. Great vibes and friendly staff! Their back room is also a great spot to chill and watch a game. Will definitely come back to watch some Warriors games!

McNally's It is our…read morelocal watering hole where everyone knows our name. Well, okay, everyone knows our greyhounds' names. A dog friendly place, McNally's is the perfect place to bring your furry best friends (and human ones). It is a mix of regular barflies and the occasional newbies. One time, an anti-dog lady came in with her date, ordered table martini service, took over our fireplace table, and no one was impressed. We started to come here more once they built the parklet during the pandemic. They also promoted their cocktails at this time. We would sit outside with dogs and friends and came to love the casual lowkey location. There is a large room in the back that we made the mistake of sitting in once. Great if you have a group, but cold and dorm community room feel vs the comfortable bar feel of the front area. There is also a backyard nook along the side of the building for smokers or those that want to watch dvds. They have darts, which i was surprised to see someone actually play once, a small pool table with a special name that escapes me, and a jukebox that you can pay for songs. We usually patronize in the earlier hours and Alfred is our bartender. He knows peoples' orders before they order it and lets us tend the fireplace on cold days. He has treats and water for the dogs. You can pay cash or credit card here which adds to the appeal over two other bars in the area that are cash only. There is one female and one male restroom on the back wall. The female one is always clean but the swinging door sticks. Don't make the mistake of waiting as you probably just have to push it in harder. We prefer the fireplace table if it's a cold day out (otherwise the corner booth in the parklet) as it's easy to park the dogs there, eat the burrito you brought in, absorb the fire rays, watch the games, and conversate with your friends in a circle. We usually have more friends than fit the table but we spread out around the nucleus. The corner table is also great if they have the overhead lamp turned off. Otherwise it's harsh in your eyeballs. There are several televisions so you can get a good view of whatever sports is on wherever you are sitting. Lots of stools and just a few regular chairs. They do have special events from time to time and you have to look out for flyers on their door or the occasional social media post. I am counting down the days to saint Patrick's day, which they do also on their countdown sign over the bar. Neighborhood parking is free or street parking is free after 6pm, all day Sunday and holidays. You can also park at the library around the corner, it's considered street parking. There are several eateries to take out food and bring in to McNally's. There's a trash can near the door or the main bins are on the side of the building. If you forgot a utensil, ask at the bar, they may have it for you. Food wise they only offer potato chips for purchase.

This is one of the first bars that I ever went to. I moved away many years ago, but when I come…read moreback, it is definitely a place that I revert back to. They have regulars that are super fun and welcoming, the bartenders are spot on, and you can feel comfortable going there by yourself!. You can dress up or down, and no one cares... The owner has made some excellent changes where it is much lighter yet still cozy...There is an outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas, should you wish, there is plenty of seating aside from just the bar, and they have a great pool table... Head on out, you won't be disappointed. They do not serve food, but they do allow you to bring food from the outside in! See you at the Kerry; Cheers!

I don't ask for much. Just a simple watering hole when I'm feeling parched. When I am in such a…read morevulnerable state on those infrequent occasions when I'm on Piedmont Avenue, I stop in here. It's Irish, so you know it's going to be friendly. It's also rarely packed, and most of the social activity seems to hover around the pool table toward the far end of the bar. I usually sit closer to the front door and not because I'm looking for a quick escape. The $7 Tequila Sunrise hits the spot ...repeatedly (Photo 3). DRINKS - 4 stars...generous pour with the right kick AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...true watering hole with a touch of blarney SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly here TOTAL - 4 stars...when I get parched on Piedmont RELATED - Exploring Piedmont Avenue? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/RSAlATvngd

I feel like a lot of my recent reviews have consisted on "how have I not known this is here", and…read morewelp, here's another one! I truly had no idea 19th Street Station (bar, not Bart) was and has been located on 19th street for quite some time...say what! The things you learn.. Filled with tons of Oakland artifacts and odes to all the Oakland sports teams (I know, tear shed), this spot is truly a unique gem and not so much off-the-beaten-path...but maybe more so a "if ya know, ya know" local hang bar. Upon entering, it felt like you could cozy up to the bar and truly chat about anything with other locals. Such a nice feeling and something truly amiss with other bars and sports bars these days. Service was quick, and the people were so kind. I think the bartender may have been the owner, and seemed so happy to be there sharing stories of the neighborhood. If/when I'm back in the area, I will for sure be on the lookout and come thru. Street parking available. Looks like you can bring your own food in with a new hot dog spot next door (Winky Dinky Dogs).

Love this bar. Roy is a delight and stepping into the bar feels like a bit of a time capsule of the…read moreMidwest mixed with California. Can bring your own food, food is often offered, people are nice, sportsball on the screens but it's no obligation to pay attention. Can't say how happy I am that I found this place.

I saw that someone posted a bartender wearing a Grace Jones t-shirt. I was "in."…read more Cameron did not disappoint with perfect '44 Mai Tai's!!!!! Thank you for the great conversation and the regulars were also wonderful! Great spot!

Pre-birthday brewskis with the old school, homie…read more Didn't eat, but the service was great, and the beers were cold off the tap. Me: 2 The Towns He: A Fieldwork or was it 2 too?! We: 2 games of pool, which I remember him winning one, but I don't remember who won the second because we hit up two bars after this! LOL Definitely will go back to chill, because the ambience was cool like that just like Digable Planets!