Looooved this place. I'm kinda reluctant to write a review because I don't want others over…read morecrowding the space, lol! Cute. Vibes. Tucked. A Fav of mine. Great food. Wonderful service!

So been living in Oakland for going on 15 years now. I'm not what you would call a "bar" person. I…read moretend to enjoy my cocktails, wine, and beer in the cozy confines of my own home. That said I'm occasionally inspired to go check out the local watering holes for a good pour, some food if possible, and just to be in the presence of the human pulsation. Walking into Tallboy on a Thursday afternoon was a bit like Nirvana for me. There is a comforting vibe of neighborhood and after work people shedding responsibility and "toe the lineness" and transitioning to pondering true meaning and the other side of the elliptical bend over nicely crafted cocktails and HOTDOGS! I am a hotdog fiend, and Tallboy has a very creative range on the menu that does not disappoint. From a basic onions/mustard, an Elote Dog, an a Coney Islandesque (it has chili) version. Some folk go to bar and line up shots (or craft cocktails). At Tallboy you can do that AND line up their hotdogs which I intend on doing in the very near future. The pleasantries don't stop at the food (there are other delicious snack items on their menu to choose from too). Tallboy has a fully stocked bar, and the menu has a list of really unique and delicious signature craft cocktails. I'm not a Mezcal drinker, but I ended up dubiously ordering their Guava Martini which to my smokey surprise is made with Mezcal. I stayed with the smokey fruitiness of this Guava Martini as it was my mistake that I did not read in the description it is made with Mezcal, and ended up chasing it with their Tamarindo Cocktail which also has Mezcal. To those who really enjoy Mezcal the Tallboy Guava Martini and the Tamarindo Cocktail do not disappoint. Both have that deep Smokey Mezcal essence, but cut with the fruit sweetness. I personally think the Tamarindo balances well with the Mezcal. The Guava Martini the Mezcal comes through stronger, but both are just the tonic to release any existential pinging going on in your head. If you really want to kick in the hyperdrive pair either of these with an Elote Dog. I had their Deli Dog which sufficed. I think the Deli Dog would pair better with their standard Martini, but hey let's us not bring that snobbiness into Tallboy. Tallboy has an element of cloak and dagger or secret treehouse club about it. What I mean here is there is no signage on the outside (please keep it that way!). When you walk past all you see is this quaint beigeish/yellow brick façade of an establishment which begs you to press your face to the glass and scan what in the blazes is going on in here! Before you know it you are caught in the Tallboy tractor beam, and you find yourself sitting at the bar with some kind of craft drank and hotdog pondering the space and the very nice old fashioned wainscoting painted a shade of green circa 1930 (my description of winning in life). The cadre of bartenders are all really pleasant folk, very attentive (checking in with you to see if you need another round, hotdog, or snack), have tight shaker skills, and they know their craft and the menu. Tallboy also has SLUSHIES, and I did not do a deep dive on them, but I'm positive they may/do put spirits in them; or not. Also I noticed other patrons with a beautiful enticing thing that looked like an ice cream sundae milkshake hybrid (it had what looked like whipped cream on top) in on old timey soda fountain ice cream goblet. This could be a craft cocktail they make with the slushie, but major props for serving it in that goblet. I will investigate on my next visit which I intend to be very soon. Tallboy is the kind of bar establishment I could easily adopt as my after work living room for a couple of hours everyday.

As I was in this neighborhood, I decided to stop in here for a drink (it was recommended when I was…read moreacross the street at Burma Superstar for lunch). Friendly, low-key bartender, jukebox, pool table, and lots of cool stuff to check out throughout the bar. As no one was playing the jukebox, I got to play to my hearts content, which was very fun. I'll definitely be back, hopefully to play some pool.

All right so we came here on the Fourth of July and we were greeted wonderfully. It's a crazy bar…read more Lots of things to look at. The ambience is your grunge look but not if that makes sense. They do have a great happy hour that's until 7 o'clock. It's a dollar off well drinks and the prices are great. Since today was the Fourth of July they were having a barbecue outside that had hotdog and hamburgers for FREE!!! There were great people around us lots of different diverse groups of people and what was awesome was when they were giving out hotdogs to the people that were driving by. While you're inside it kind of looks like a graveyard but hey, I love it! They also have a pool table back in the back so you can really enjoy your time there. The drinks are definitely strong. The people work in there are definitely nice. Here comes uncomfortable situation. As we're all celebrating Independence Day, we need to include everybody within. My friends and others around us started to feel uncomfortable when an individual on a bike came out with the confederate flag.... right afterwards an employee who works there came out with a don't tread on me with the snake flag... if you don't know what that means, look it up. As an establishment we're all there to really enjoy independence Day and just really be happy that we live in such a democracy. To see that someone that worked there had that flag on their head that represent politics really made me feel uncomfortable. Everybody has their opinion, but when you're working at an establishment politics need to be kept out of it! When you bring politics into your establishment, you're really turning off other people that really want to enjoy themselves. You did a great job of giving out to the community by providing a barbecue, but when you start to have political means on top of your head , it makes your establishment look like there is bias. I WASNT THE ONLY ON WHO FELT THAT WAY. This is a 5 star place... take the politics out and you'll encourage everyone to come.

Love this place to pre game or end the night haha the bartender are very generous with their…read morepouring. The vibe is different every time.

Super racist bar; especially in Oakland this is unacceptable. It also smells really bad in there…read moreRacists smell.

This cozy little bar in downtown Oakland, just off Lake Merritt, hosts an eclectic mix of people…read morefrom all walks of life and backgrounds. What brings them together is the Clown Car Community and a shared passion for open-mic comedy on Sunday evenings. The atmosphere is welcoming, inclusive, and full of character. Let's go...COO-COO!

You should check out The Ruby Room if you like drinking. This might get crowded and close be…read moreprepared for that. Occasionally there are DJ's playing music here. Right next to The Main Library on 14th!

Perfect neighborhood five bar. Great bartenders, excellent cocktails, good selection of draft…read morebeers, very unpretentious - what more could you ever want in a neighborhood place?

Great dive bar. Good service, good prices. Cool old school…read morevibe. 1000% better than Merchants

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.

This bar is a staple of the Oakland bar scene. It sits near the Temescal Neighbourhood and has been…read morethere for a zillion years. It's a classic dive bar and the clientele is true. Working class Oakland. The drinks are affordable and the service is decent, the ambience is OK but nothing spectacular. Be careful when parking in the neighborhood because lots of cars have recently been broken into.

First time here Street parking only…read more Front bar is small but back bar is bigger and has a better vibe There are several TVs showing the football game Lots of tables Bar is well stocked Prices are reasonable, my margarita was OK Hard on ok, low key weak But whatever I drank it lol Dogs allowed No drama Patrons are 40 plus and older

* F*king awesome vibes, there's so many cool stickers, posters, art and general old school saloon…read morevibes **Great options of drinks, beers and spirits. The staff are fun and interactive, and the cocktails are well done even in dive bar standards *** Piano night is sooo much fun ****Theres always something new to experience every time you stop by *****One of the fundamental Oakland feel vibe bars I'd recommend

LOVE The Alley. So last week after Michael & I went to the Grand Lake Tuesday $6 Disclosure Day…read more4pm show, & as usual, the spirits were calling us over. To supply a cushion to rest our booze on we ordered a snack of hand cut thick potato wedges aka fries. Well not to be too critical they were what we ordered..hand cut potatos & they were fried....however these had to be the least crunchy/crispy & most mushy/soft..."you call these FRIES??" ever. We ate some to do the job for which they were intended...absorb ETOH...after loaded with ketchup & I do mean loaded as the squeeze top came off when Michael squeezed..Oops! Bartender guy apologized for that & then later (& fries unfinished) after letting him know how subpar they were @ $12.00!! for maybe 2 potatoes worth of stuff ...he gave us a decent break on their cost... 50% off ADVICE!...get the 1/2 lb. burger for a couple of bucks more we still love you Alley but consider a change for those spuds

Heinold's is one of my favorite places in Oakland…read more Steeped in history, it somehow manages to be both a serious old-school watering hole and wonderfully kitschy at the same time. The bartenders are fun and lively while still knowing their way around their drinks, the outdoor patio is a great place to hang out, and the whole place has the kind of character you just can't manufacture. A true Oakland institution!

This place is located right on the waterfront and next to Jack London's cabin. It has such a charm…read moreand very friendly service! The place itself is super historic and eclectic and the slanted seating makes it all the more interesting! Good selection of draft beers and historical info scattered throughout!

I absolutely love this place. It was my first time visiting. I will definitely be back. It's a cool…read morekick back vibe. A nicely decorated intimate lounge and great for dates or a night out with friends. The staff is welcoming and waiting time for drinks is minimal. I not sure if they sell food. I'll have to check that out next time.

Super chill, casual bar with great vibes!…read more Came here on a Monday evening, and the place had a good amount of people hanging out. Loved that there were lots of seating-bar seating, high tops, and cushioned booths in the back. Good music (D'Angelo, Fugees, Tupac...) which was at a perfect volume, so nobody was yelling! The string lights made for a warm, very comfortable vibe. Our martinis were perfectly chilled and delicious. There's a self serve water dispenser next to the bar, which is always nice. No food, so don't come hungry. They have a cute DJ booth, and looks like they have occasional DJ sets that are posted on their IG-Might be fun to check out! Really glad that we stopped by this place, and will definitely be back. Great way to close off a 3 day weekend!