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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

    Tallboy

    4.4
    (178 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    So far, this is my favorite bar in Oakland! We arrived in the late afternoon on a Thursday, and the…read morebar was already about 90% full. My husband and I managed to snag a couple of seats, and the bartenders quickly wiped down our spot and handed us menus. I ordered the Frozen Espresso, and my husband got the Melon Drop Martini. It was an absolute treat watching the bartenders make each drink--they were incredibly fast, skilled, and clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Our cocktails arrived within minutes. I think I finished my martini in literal seconds. My husband's Melon Drop was served in a perfectly chilled glass and wasn't overly sweet (IYKYK). The prices are more than fair, and I can't wait to come back to try the hot dogs and work my way through more of the cocktail menu!

    I've heard all the hype about Tallboy, so I had to check it out myself…read more I do think it lived up to some of the hype, but I think they could've used their space better. It is a unique layout to a bar, and probably better concept for earlier hours, when it isn't as crowded during the night. It can fill up really quickly, since the area to order a drink, dance, and mingle is narrow, since the bar is literally in the middle of the room. Some of the staff can be extremely nice and kind, and there are some who you can tell are fed up, upset, and don't have the best attitude. I get it, though. It's a cool bar to check out or be the first stop of the night. The djs they have always turn up. Good luck getting a drink under 15 minutes though!

    Photos
    The bat and the awesome bartender!
    The bat and the awesome bartender!
    Lion dancing dog
    Lion dancing dog
    Banana hammock

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    Banana hammock
    Clio's Bookstore and Bar

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar

    4.0
    (122 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I heard about Clio's via an instagram reel and I was hooked. My friends and I went to see if it…read morereally was a book bar and lo and behold, it WAS! The ambiance was great. The space is decent size and the drinks are great. My friends and I brought books to read while we had a drink but I did like that the shelves were stocked with books you could purchase. The bartender and host were amazing, I got an old fashion and a charcuterie board and had an amazing conversation about our books. I like that you could come by yourself or with friends, it's very low key and intimate, so this would be a great place for a small after dinner drink spot.

    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
    Blackberry sage shrub
    Blackberry sage shrub
    A Friday night at 10pm, busy and loud. Nice bartenders.
    A Friday night at 10pm, busy and loud. Nice bartenders.
    Interior

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    Interior

    The Barbary - bars - Updated July 2026

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