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    The Barbary

    4.3 (44 reviews)
    ModerateBars

    The Barbary Photos

    THE BARBARY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

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    Hookah
    Nelly R.

    Check this place out for a vibe. Every time I have came to the bar is it a vibe (My type of vibe). It's always clean, the staff are friendly, and the music is lit (but not too lit and loud that you cannot hear each other talking). The art work is very unique to me. It was different for my eyes lol The last few times I came to this bar they did not have hookah. I mention to one of the staff members, "I don't remember hookah being in the mix, this must be new" and they said Yes, it is new to the bar. The drinks are good now all they need are some fire finger food (3-5 items on the menu) and it's Will I return? Of course. I've been going, why would I stop now.

    Montage of images from The Barbary
    Ed U.

    I'm not sure how to describe this newish bar on Grand Avenue. How about "whimsically posh" or maybe more accurately "pirate-meets-tiki"? Owners and sisters Narges and Nala Gardizi worked at Trader Vic's in Emeryville for over a decade (review: https://yelp.to/VW8MRIWBIQ), so they know a thing or two about what makes a tiki bar work. With Kona Club right up the street (review: https://yelp.to/g4htOuL2Ue), they probably knew they had to come up with something unique and introduced more of a pirate ship vibe with surreal portraits of humanized animals on the wall. It's too stylish and meticulous to be mistaken for a dive bar, but whatever hybrid it's supposed to be, the sisters succeeded. Jamie W. and I hung around for just one round since customers appeared epoxied to the seats in the back lounge area and the bar itself was getting a bit populated. We chose winners though. Jamie had the $16 Black Tot Grog with bourbon, vanilla liqueur, pineapple, allspice, and intriguingly, activated charcoal (photo: https://yelp.to/HeJ9ZOwMAw). Shiver me timbers, me hearties. I decided to go more tropical with the $13 Coconut Mojito which mixed coconut rum, coconut milk, pineapple, lime, and of course, muddled mint (photo: https://yelp.to/PE0jurlBG7). Both sisters were present and working hard. Their efforts were paying off as we're curious to try their other craft cocktails at a quieter time. DRINKS - 4 stars...superior craft cocktails to bring either your inner pirate or beach bum out AMBIANCE - 4 stars...evocative decor with the unique animal paintings SERVICE - 5 stars...sisters are doin' it for themselves TOTAL - 4 stars...pirate meets tiki...yep RELATED - Looking for a tiki bar? Here's a collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3SpoS3c

    Happy hour menu
    Jude D.

    This used to be the libertine, which I loved. The new makeover is cute tho, with some shipwreck and island themed decor. I do appreciate a decent happy hour and the 11 dollar passion fruit daiquiri was quite good (though it was more like a martini than a daiquiri)

    Tayler H.

    The service was great! We went on a slow night but I would love to go on a weekend with my girls there. The vibes are dope and the bartenders are hella cool

    Coconut Mojito

    Chill Palm Beach vibes, outside seating and bomb drinks! Definitely recommend going before or after dinner. I don't think they serve food but maybe it's good they don't cause then I wouldn't leave!

    I been coming here from the beginning and this business of family and women of color own! Love coming here with friends or by yourself for drinks and awesome delicious hooka. Drinks are out of this world. You can fine beer and cocktails of the new world and old. Also you can find tasty food next door and you can bring your food inside to enjoy. This bar definitely delivers a fun atmosphere.

    Cejana F.

    The music is always bumping on great vibes and drinks are always on point! Had their weekly special "English Wreck" mint, pimnas, vanilla, and lemon

    Drink menu
    John L.

    Great low key Vybe at this bar. Just came in to pick up my debit card after leaving it here over the weekend. I got an Old Fashioned & a Manhattan. Both drinks were really well made, super friendly bartender who handed me back my debit card too. I love how quiet the place was tonight, let me think & speak to my coworker over the phone while having drinks.

    Black tot grog
    Đào T.

    I came on a random Monday night and the vibe was super chill. I love the decor! The drinks are delicious and the bartenders were so friendly. Highly recommended

    Ships wheel
    Charles B.

    This bar is the mighty Fenix born of the dregs of the gone by lucky lounge now a respectable tiki style bar exists in its ashes this is a great new bar the drinks are stellar the waitstaff incomparable the ambiance is pleasent and mirthy I definitely suggest this place as a destination or even if you are just passing through you will meet nice people and have an excellent experience!!P.S. ask for the wi-fi password and there is ample parking near by along with good public transportation

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    Barbary C.

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    3 years ago

    Fun vibe and decor.. Yummy drinks. Ottoman Old Fashion was a favorite. Friday night they have belly dancing.

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    3 years ago

    I loved this place. Went with my friends for happy hour after work. The drinks are great and the ambiance is great too!

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    3 years ago

    Great drinks, with an amazing atmosphere! Quick service with reasonably priced drinks. Will come again!

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    3 years ago

    Overpriced spirits, measured shots. Credit card fee added to cash transaction. Refused to give change on cash payment. Way better options.

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    2 years ago

    The ambiance and service are tremendous. Check out the restroom with the jellyfish wall paper.

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    Tallboy - Deli dog

    Tallboy

    4.4(172 reviews)
    1.6 miTemescal, North Oakland
    $$

    This place is great! The drinks are delicious and very affordable. Service can be a little slow at…read moretimes but that's completely understandable since it's usually packed. Making drinks for a crowd takes time and the staff always does their best. The people who come here are super friendly which adds to the welcoming, cozy vibe of the place. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable. If you love a good martini this is definitely a place you should check out.

    I'll give it to them, Tallboy is a solid concept with their "tinis & weenies". However, a clever…read moreconcept can carry a place so far. Customer service is a close second to concept. Tallboy's martini menu is well-executed. While I didn't personally try one of the slushies, a friend ordered the espresso martini version and gave it a solid thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the experience falls apart when it comes to food and service. Waiting 30+ minutes for two hot dogs (after paying) is hard to justify. When I checked in with a server, she was curt and dismissive. She was quick to explain there was only one person in the kitchen, with no effort to offer a solution, timeline, or even basic courtesy. I understand staffing issues happen. However, customer service is a close second to concept. How an issue is communicated and addressed is what separates good service from bad. What's more frustrating is that these aren't customer problems to absorb. If the kitchen is understaffed, if tables aren't being cleared in a timely manner at a seat-yourself spot, those are management problems. Guests should not have to choose to leave without the food we paid for. There's a lot of competition out there, and concepts alone aren't enough to bring people back. I genuinely wanted that hot dog. That's probably the most disappointing part of the whole experience. Great drinks, solid ambiance, but the service needs serious attention.

    Photos
    Tallboy - The bat and the awesome bartender!

    The bat and the awesome bartender!

    Tallboy - Cheese in the trap

    Cheese in the trap

    Tallboy - Banana hammock

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    Banana hammock

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - Partial reading area

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar

    4.0(121 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I've been here a couple times, once for a community event and once to have drinks with a new friend…read more- both times did not disappoint! The vibe here is old skool intellectual lounge meets chic cocktail connoisseur. (Although I enjoyed a crisp glass of white wine during my second visit.) The literary selection in each room is vast and interesting. The seating is comfy. The staff are welcoming and fun. Moderately priced, Clio's is a must each month if you can swing it.

    I have waited to write this review, but I'm seeing that other bipoc customers have had similar…read moreexperiences. I went to Clio's in the first 6 months of them opening and my partner and I have not been back. When I entered the space, I was excited to try something new- but it started when I went to order tea- I know now that the guy at the bar was the owner- I asked what kind of teas they had and he seemed annoyed at my question- like I was wasting his time. I had to ask again but then asked my partner who is white to deal with the rest of the ordering. We are a queer couple and both felt the vibes were hella off. Lots of white men in the space at that time. I also remember they didn't used to have any books by people of color. They had a "world" section of books though (lol) and throughout the rest of the place, a bunch of stuff written by white men. I feel like the stuff they have up now is a performative attempt to not appear what they actually are. I have not gone back since and don't recommend it

    Photos
    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - A Friday night at 10pm, busy and loud. Nice bartenders.

    A Friday night at 10pm, busy and loud. Nice bartenders.

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - Blackberry sage shrub

    Blackberry sage shrub

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - Interior

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    Interior

    The Barbary - bars - Updated May 2026

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