I'm a snobby cosmopolitan City girl from birth, so sometimes I don't get out to the other happenin' spots around the Bay. Well, I'm thankful that I happened to venture out this fine Halloween '09, because the Den was pretty durn good. Maybe it was my gorgeous date, or the tasty libations...whatever it was, I had a sweet time. Great vibe, cool people, fantastic music selection, and good drinks. The ceiling is absolutely beautiful and the couches were super comfy. I also dug the nooks and crannies of spots to sit and chill. In a dark corner you could really feel someone up. I was curious about the plastic cup situation, but thought that since it was Halloween, they probably had a larger number of drinks to serve and so put the glass on vacation. In looking at other reviews, however, I see this is just their normal thing. See, now, that's just wrong. In San Francisco we serve real glassware all the time. read more

So, I'm going to give this 2.75 stars. Here's the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good: beautiful location, and really, a prime spot in the heart of Uptown. The drinks are reasonably priced,and my Mighty Wurlitzer was pretty darned good. I went on a Thursday night, and the live trio was very nice. The space feels, well spacious. The bad: I can't quite figure out what this lounge wants to be when it grows up. It's too big, too bright, and has too many windows to be a traditional divey edgy sort of bar. It's too big to be an intimate lounge. But there isn't enough menu selection to be a restauranty sort of pre show/post show hang-out. I kept looking out the window at Flora desperately wanted to order a small plate or two there, and bring it back to The Den. The live trio morphed into an IPOD/MAC DJ sort of thing, and I wasn't sure whether I should be dancing or what. The ugly: I thought the main contact here was helpful, but when I told the bar staff the day before that I had a party of 20 coming the next day, they couldn't have cared less. Considering there was only a handful of folks there that day, I just expected some genuine excitement that maybe we were not only bringing some revenue in, but that these folks might be repeat customers. I don't feel like there's a genuine excitement to have folks there, to be in this great location, or whatever, and that really might be what's missing. The space is too large to have an indifferent staff/feeling to the place. So I wanted to like it, but I don't. I'm hoping it works out for them though. read more

DJ had all kinds of fresh "As Seen on TV" light displays and disco ball gadgets! And really LOUD music. Maybe I am just getting too damn old, but the hour we spent there was enough to keep my ears ringing until yesterday. We went for Yelp Drinks Week middle of March. There was an impressive hoodrat in attendance the night we were there, though, and she was "dancing" for the full hour, so apparently she enjoyed the music. Or maybe what really happened was the loud music and cheap light displays triggered a seizure that I THOUGHT was a dance... Hmmm. Anyways, the service is great, the drinks were great and I really like the set-up. This was the second time we had been to the Den, and when there isn't deafening music playing, it isn't a bad spot to chill. I like the decor, lots of windows and comfy couches. If I hadn't lost my hearing, this would have been a four star review for sure! I'll likely be back. read more

Wasn't too impressed with the opening night. Bar tenders on the second floor did not have together. Thankfully we know Jana downstairs and she's serves us well. Food seems to not be their forte... running out stuff. I like the open area. People watch is entertaining. Interesting crowd. Not a whole night venue, just a stop along the bar crawl. read more

I was so impressed with the remodel here - the entire place is clean and classy - I definitely felt underdressed. This is not a "casual" atmosphere. Excellent mixed drinks and beer selection, comfy furniture set up with relaxing and conversation in mind - no matter if your group is 3 or 8 - you can get together before a show or after a meal and find a spot here. read more

Perfect snacks before a show, great drink options, STRONG G + T's! Plus, friendly bartenders and a kickass vibe. Could use a little more table space, but I'd absolutely come here again before a show at the Fox Theatre. Good first date destination too! read more

It's a classy place from what I saw last night. We didn't stay because we weren't in our dresses and heels. I will have to come back another time. If there's another time. read more

It was a rainy Saturday night, and after standing in line at some other place (that of which I wont mention here), the group that I was with finally decided to go to the Den for the first time. Upon walking in we heard early 90's throwback with some early 80's jams it felt that night was going to finish off nice. Nice crowd, some dancing (even without a dance floor), and the vibe was really positive. We sat at the bar so that we could just chill out, talk and mostly people watch. The bartender was kickin it with us for the last part of his shift, tossed a few drinks over on the house, that was cool too. Working into our second hour, the place just died. It was like everyone just left, I don't know what happened. The music didn't change, there was no happy hour last call, everyone just left. Weird? So after another hour of drinking and relaxing, there was another wave of people that arrived. This group was a bit more grown and mature. Dancing started again, but by that time, the wife and I were ready to go. Our car was parked in some other parking lot on the other side of downtown, we needed a cab and one of the doormen stepped out into the rain to flag one down for me. He even paid for it. Awesome! For that he gets one swag point. Night ends there. read more

There are a lot of bars in Oakland with each one serving a different purpose. If I'm just chilling with a couple of friends, I wouldn't come to The Den. But it is perfect for large groups and parties. A lot of space and not crowded but not weirdly empty? Check Nice decor, big windows, comfy chairs? Check Easy to find and near BART? Check Room lay out so your group can have its own space? Check Decent music but not so loud you can't hear each other talk? Check No cover at 8pm on a Friday? Check No hassle from the staff when we brought some snacks? Check It is one of my favorite places in Oakland to gather friends. Our group had about 20 people and we could comfortably hang out and mingle in our own section of the bar. Super easy and hassle free. I gave the staff at The Den a heads-up that I was going to be throwing the party (it's best to call ahead because sometimes it's closed for private events and can be too busy on concert nights), but no reservation required. We hung out there 6pm through 10pm. We brought in food from Xolo Taqueria across the street and they were super cool with it. read more

I can't imagine going out of my way to go here, but it makes an OK spot for pre-show drinks before going to the attached Fox Theater -- they often allow in/outs to the Den. On show nights, they sometimes show the concert on the TV screens behind the bar and/or pipe in music from the show; other times, they have DJs for entertainment in the lounge. Drink prices are a bit steep, and service is extremely slow. (As others have mentioned, if you're not a hot chick, it can be tough to get the bartender's attention). I feel like I'm always stuck behind a crowd of girls ordering overly complicated drinks and paying with for each with separate credit cards. How long does one have to wait to pay cash for a beer? There is a lot of comfortable seating though, and plenty of room to accommodate groups, so it makes a good meet-up shot for concerts. I am baffled at the mention of a dress code. I've usually worn jeans and sneakers and never had any issues with the bouncers. read more

Saturday night the place was pretty packed, only a $5 cover charge. Good Hip hop/R&B with some old school hits...would be nice if they had a designated dance area and if they could have more then 2 bartenders working.....getting a drink took a little too long! But again...always nice to have local options! read more

Ive been to the Den on two seperate occassions & both were pretty good. The 1st was on a Saturday night w/ friends... the crowd was fairly diverse & it wasnt over packed. The music was a mix of reggae/reggaeton & hiphop. Somewhere in the night, dancers came out & it felt like mardi gras. Drinks are regularly priced for a bar, nothing to really complain about. The 2nd visit was during a show at the Fox. People were floating back & forth from the Fox through the Den, grabbing food & drinks & relaxing between performers. Same laid back vibe & atmosphere as my 1st visit. It starts to get packed after shows or around midnight. Definately a good place to hit if youre in the area. read more

This place has all the potential of being a really great bar. Actually, I think it is a really great bar, but it's missing the critical mass needed on the weekends to have that vibe that draws people in. The interior is really beautiful, the bartenders are all good, the drinks strong and not overly priced. They play good, fun music and have two nice size tv's that disappear into the background if you aren't watching them. read more

THE DEN?What can I say. It really depends on what event is going on. The place started out being really classy and taking on the Fox customers next door. First, they don't offer a number to reach anyone. Not on here nor on google. If you want to have an event, you have to physically go there and hunt down a person. Not good on the mgmt part and they are probably missing out on business in regards to private parties. I have went for ladies only night which is Wed and that is cool and fun. Not too crowded but that is growing as well. I went recently or Friday and I had a great time but it was ridiculously hott! I mean upstairs was a sauna and the windows were fogged up. This is not acceptable at all. I'm"m still trying to find out who is running the place. Some of the drinks are overpriced as well. My experiences with the bartenders were good. Attentive, etc. I see it's growing in popularity and I noticed that Oakland has almost no decent clubs for people to dance. I noticed they didn't let people with sneakers or tea-shirts in and they had several good security officers working. $5 cover Hopefully the place won't turn bad suddenly which usually happens in that area. The ambiance is great! cozy and dark. Small dance area but people dance everywhere. It is hard to tell if this is a club or bar. Again, it depends on the night you go and what event they have going on. The Den is located next to other great places such as The Uptown, Cafe Van Kleef, Soma, etc... Make sure to check those out as well. They have events going on and an occasional cover. Careful going to your car, your still in Oakland and crime still exist. I will be back of course, but not a regular. read more

This Place is cool and adds a positive flava to Oakland! Only problem i had with this spot was the bartenders. Sadly that does make a difference, but the bartenders were ass holes. Especially the men. They should add a few women. Otherwise the music was great. Live Music is always a plus!!!!!! read more

I'm definitely adding The Den to my Uptown barhopping rotation. I liked the openness of the space and the dim lighting. Unfortunately, this place was pretty empty for a Saturday night, but I've driven past this place plenty of nights where there were shows at the Fox and this place was packed. Drinks were fairly good although not as creative as some other local establishments. Simple, solid cocktails seem to be their formula. The bartender was friendly for sure and the bathrooms were clean, which is always an extra plus. If you're Uptown, definitely check this place out. read more

Beautiful Deco surroundings to match its parent theater. Well worth a visit especially if you're seeing a show at The Fox. Cute play on the name of this bar, btw. Gorgeous all around. But the drinks (and from what I could tell from the menu, the food) are fairly nondescript and pricier than surrounding watering holes. Come for the atmosphere, but don't empty your wallet over it. read more

Always good times at The Den! Good music, comfy couches, sweet bartenders... Come on Wednesday nights for ladies night! ;)

We had fun, but there's room for improvement. Initially it was WAY to bright, I had done nighttime make up and under those lights my dramatic eyes looked whorish. Eventually they turned them down. Also, the music was soooooo loud it was hard to hear. This made it hard to have a conversation and meet people. Considering it's a LOUNGE I expect to be able to talk without yelling. Finally, they switched to plastic cups partway through the night. That always irks me. read more

Ladie's night on wednesdays! Men are tolerated.

I have to give this place 4 stars just for the lovely art deco decor that matches the theatre next door. I went in, but didn't even have a drink due to the crowd. It is adjacent to the Fox Theater so perhaps it gets business from the theater crowd. However, now there are 11 bars/clubs in the Uptown district and some of these just won't survive. I'll check it out again sometime preferably when I get to a show at the Fox. read more

Is this place ever open? the ONLY time i ever see anyone in there is when there is a show or on a First Friday. I've come here randomly on a weeknight during their " business hours" and it wasnt open. I think i have been here twice now and once was when there was a show and the other time i think i was one of the only customers. Its too bad though because the space looks nice. read more

I chose to give my 40th party here at the Den, cause it seems cool, nice place to give a party on the top floor. I met up with mike to do my contract and discuss the rules of a party given there, and it seem to be pretty fair. My deposit was 750 and i was told guest would pay $5.oo at the door. I also was told ballons was fine, only no decoration on the door and windows. The bar also had to make 750, which would not be a problem with up to 75 people as your guest. First when my decorator got there, she was given the run around, she was told no balloons and we need to read are contract, she demanded on a owner or let her see the contract, cause she had work to hard and i paid for her to do so, she was apologize to and let in cause it was not on my contract. 2nd my guest was charge 3 different amounts, guess list was not even looked at. They made my guess stay in line line normal clubers, for up to 45min, even the person who had my cake. I spent more time arguing, crying, and not understanding why was everything different then i was told after they got my money. Then they wanted to still get a credit card cause they thought the bar was not going to make its 750.00. How can the bar make it's amount if your not letting my guess in, cause they got tired of waiting and left, cause I told them they wouldn't have to wait. I dont think nothing was honored, no service was giving for what i was told, for the amount of money i paid for. Everything we brought in, we took out and cleaned up, no one never follow up on my complaint. My birthday was ruin, and i just gave them 750.oo for hell and stress. My guess was not happy and it came to be a disaster at THE Den, Not A GOOD PLACE FOR A PARTY EVENT. A RIP OFF. THANKS MIKE, TOM, AND SECURITY OF THE DEN. PAYBACK IS SOMETHING ELSE read more

Ok spot. It gets PACKED in here though. Little room to move around once the people start packing in. Mixed crowd makes it sorta cool. Always run into folks i know. Decent spot but I dont frequent it much. read more

Why has it taken me so long to review The Den? I definitely enjoy this place each time I go. When I don't want to bothered with hoochies and hoodlums this is the place to go. Very chill, very calm. The drinks are reasonably priced and I can't complain. This is the perfect spot to start or end your night. =] read more

I will return..The Den is very spacious is a great place to relax, kick it , sip on your drink and groove (if you are feeling the music). I love the location and I am glad it is here. I especially liked the mixed crowd and the over 30 feel to it (NICE).. read more

Great atmosphere for a night out on the town...right in the midst of Oakland's metamorphosis. Nice and cozy atmosphere for a group or date. COMPLAINTS: What's up with the $8.00 cocktails in PLASTIC CUPS??? Very poor taste. No wait staff to take drink orders...only, the Bartenders, who were grouchy, curt and CAN NOT make a drink to save their lives. I hope for the best, expected more....and was dissapointed. read more

I have no idea what everyone is raving about. I finally went to check this place out last night. It was typical Oakland riff raff, young girls wearing yeast infection-tight booty shorts, and hood rat lesbos. WTF is exciting about that? I blew my $5 on the cover charge just to use the restroom, took a tour of the place and then cut out. Not sure if I'll venture over here again. If they have happy hour I wouldn't mind checking that out because it is a cool venue. This is one of those places that won't last unless they do something about the busters hanging outside on the corner who don't have $5 to get in. read more

Ordered the falafel that was supposed to be on a pita bread with mixed greens. Got three sliders with falafel and spicy mayo. With no ins and outs I don't know how this is considered "food". I'm pretty sure prison food is better than this. read more

Beautiful renovated space next to the newly reopened Fox Theatre, The Den offers specialty drinks, a modest but fine wine list and a selection of bar snacks (bocadillos, cheese plate, salmon rillete). The bocadillos suffered from over-refridgeration but the comfy couches, high ceilings and large windows looking out on Telegraph made up for the 'I'll eat this because I'm hungry and there's nothing better to go with my glass of vino" moment). I was there for a listening party and could see this growing into a pre and after-party event space as much as a destination bar in and of itself---which is probably what the owners had in mind. Easy BART access, fairly pain-free parking. read more

For a dollar more, I would rather pay to get a drink here than to get a watered down version in the Fox. Lots of loungey areas and so nice that its not packed like other bars downtown. We stayed here awhile after our show, the music they were playing (for a short while at least) was great too! read more

Umm. I want to be nice because this is someone's livelyhood but errr. What's the deal with the three chairs in the middle of the room and overpriced drinks in plastic cups. ?Maybe im a budding snob but hmmm. I could have purchased me a bottle of wine and went home and turned on my stereo and saved myself a trip. read more

Thank goodness there was no cover charge! I went on a Saturday night and the place was empty. I prefer a diverse crowd and this was anything but. Sad because the drinks were yummy and reasonably priced and the DJ was good. read more

they play great music bad dress code policy.. i would not recommend this place.. i never write a review but after toning ht... i dint thing it was this establishments fault b but i felt that the bouncers should have met better judgment because the place was going to charge us anyways.. the den could have made 50 bucks out of 40 min plus we here going to buy drinks 5 deep.. what i meant was... dress codes in Oakland shouldn't be this strict.. we didn't wear fucking saggy pants or xxxxxxlarge white tee shirts.. we dress casual.. harmless... i think bouncers should have a dress code but have better judgment of whom they send inside their establishment.. this ain't Vegas... fuckers... they could have made $50 dollars out of 5 people.. 2 guys 3 girls... and plus we would have had drinks.... for 40 min.... more revenue.. but instead they were too cool for school.. Den's Loss.. I'd might be back but not pay cover... fuck Nazi ass establishments... read more

The Den is a very Upscale place with a classy look. The only issue is the DAMN DJ! I was there 2-13-10 and the DJ was TERRIBLE!!!!! Not one person danced, and after numerous request, the non prepared DJ still didnt put ANYTHING on that motivated ANYONE to go to the dance floor. The 60 or so people that I came with decided to leave early after being annoyed the whole time. Great Place.......Needs to Never and I mean NEVER use that guy again!!!! read more

This is one of my new favorite bars. It's a pretty big place with almost an art deco look to it. The drinks aren't too pricey. The bartenders are friendly and when there's a DJ, they play some good music. You can also order food from Rudy's Can't Fail, which is cool because I hate going to Rudy's. They have bad customer service, but that's in another review I've written. Though the Den probably wouldn't be my first choice to go to, it's still a place I look forward to going. read more

Five top shelf cocktails for $55. Not bad when they have a captive audience. Cool bar. Too bad the friends wanted to run back to the theater seats, I wanted to hang out. Great selection of liquor. I was mesmerized by the atmosphere! read more

So I had higher expectations of this bar. It was a Thursday night, so maybe that was the issue? I dont know. But why a new, swanky bar in Oakland isn't packed baffles me - and that's why they get 3 stars. The service was great - shout out to Johnny the bartender! The drinks were strong - a little over priced, but I can live with that depending on the venue, service, etc. But there were no people. It doesn't have to be a meat market, but have more than 10 people there. And I know it is a bar attached to the Fox Theater, but let's get some butts in the seats! I'll give it another chance for sure, but maybe on a weekend or when I see a show at the Fox. read more

This is a great place to come hang out with your friends before a night on the town or before a show at the Fox or the Paramount (which is on Broadway). The comfy sofas are perfect for sippin' your drinks (YUMMY DRINKS) and talking to your buddies. Good music, great bartenders. Friendly and beautiful people. There is an upstairs area with a second bar and more sitting space. This place is pretty new still so it's not packed, which is good. I see it as enjoy it while you can because once word gets out this place will be out of control! read more

Truly a hit or miss. Unfortunately for me, I went when it was a miss. Music wasn't lively, o-k crowd..but drinks were good. I guess you can't mess up tequila shots. read more