Stopped at The Lodge to take a breather from Mosswood Meltdown. Welcoming service, full bar, free popcorn, and pop-ups in the kitchen most days of the week. As a teetotaler I was happy to find non-alcoholic options. The tamarind mocktail was among the best mixed drinks I've tried. Highly recommended! PAL Burgers was the vendor when we visited. We tried their burgers and tots and were impressed. Both well executed. I'd definitely come back! read more

The Lodge - Tamarind mocktail - Lounges Near Me - Oakland, California

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This place is back and better than ever. Very crowded but great service. French fries were to die for! Going to be a regular hang out for me read more

My friends and I stopped by the The Lodge on a Monday evening and the place was surprisingly busy. In the two and a half hours that we were there, there was a pretty steady stream of customers coming in. The atmosphere of The Lodge is very cozy. There's a fireplace in the middle of the room across from the kitchen and the overhead lights are all a warm, amber yellow. The music on the speakers get pretty loud in some parts of the space so its not the easiest to hold a conversation without raising your voice. Like most dive bars, you place your drink order at the bar and seat yourself. Food offerings vary depending on which establishment has their pop-up setup in the kitchen that evening. Be sure to check out their Instagram page to get the most up to date info on food. During our visit, Saap Saap Culture was serving up delicious fried chicken and egg rolls plates. As for drinks, my wife and I tried out two of their hot toddy's and we really enjoyed them -- absolutely perfect for the cold 40 degree winter weather outside. I also tried out their Modelo Chelada Michelada and ounce-wise, it was a ton of beer. Taste-wise, it was nothing special. The free pop-corn machine in the back was broken during our visit so we didn't have a chance to try it out. Overall, pretty chill dive bar that I wouldn't mind stopping by again. I like that they take card in addition to cash, and the bartender serving us during our visit was friendly. 3.5 rounded up to a 4. read more

The Lodge - Lounges Near Me - Oakland, California

The popcorn machine has returned! Excellent selection of condiments, including the almighty Old Bay. The place is trying to be cocktail forward, but, the shot and beer can combos remain. The draft beer selections are poor and tend to be stale. read more

The Lodge is pretty much what you'd expect from a dive bar. I wouldn't recommend ordering anything other than a beer or two-ingredient cocktail (e.g., gin and tonic or vodka soda). I made the mistake of ordering a margarita and wow sis I regret it. Pros: They have free popcorn! They're open past 9pm (which seems to be the curfew for everything in this area, sad)! Cons: See above. Additionally, I found their *multiple* warnings in the bathroom about being drugged and trafficked to be... of putting. read more

Perfect happy hour set up right on the corner of MacArthur near Kaiser super friendly bartender and a pretty hip vibe. I always liked this section of Piedmont very diverse. Also check out the restaurant. I will have to say the bathroom (see vid) is exceptional and clean which speaks volumes for a bar th at is definitely this busy on a very prominent corner in Oakland. read more

A truly great little dive bar with atmosphere for *days.* Food vendors vary, but tend to be mighty tasty. Folks working here are nice. They have free popcorn! Great spot to meet up with a group of friends. read more

The Lodge - Lounges Near Me - Oakland, California

The bar tender with tattoos but hate the music - really can't imagine anyone likes it Can he change it???? read more

I came here on a whim I parked my car in front of this business to go to another restaurant on my way back from the restaurant I ended up here This is a cool bar Chill vibes No drama Bartender is friendly and efficient Made good margaritas Margarita was $8 Bar is well stocked I would definitely come back here if I'm in the area read more

Great spot and friendly staff. Rotating Pop ups doing food. Open 4pm daily Nice patio in back as well read more

Been wanting to come here to try their fried chicken sandwiches and boy was it yummy. I think my favorite was the lemon pepper - it was crunchy on the outside and the inside was very juicy. The fries were super crunchy and also seasoned with cajun. They also have a popcorn machine next to the bar that's free for those interested. There's indoor and outdoor seating available, but we decided to sit outside since it was nice out. This is a cool hipster bar for those to hang out to grab a few drinks and some bites. Will definitely be back to try out their drinks. read more

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Awesome place!!! Happy hour specials, clean and great seating for indoor and outdoor! The food is great...they have pop-up food vendors! This time was Fowl + Fair. Surprisingly good twists on the chicken sandwich and fries! The chicken is closer to southern fried! The fries are deeply spiced!!! I loved every bite.. such big portions, we could have split everything!!! By QR Reader only!!! The servers were super attentive and nice! The tip expectation is 18% on the card machine, so if you're on a budget check before clicking "OK!" Nice atmosphere with good cover songs n a couple TVs! Street Parking only. Very busy intersection! Exceptionally clean restrooms!!! read more

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Stay the fuck away from this place. Moved to this side of town the last two days. Work for Lyft and dropped some people off at this bar why not give it a try. Bartender didn't give her name to a new customer was pissed off she couldn't close early, whatever? The had a good conversation with a bar mate next to me went out for a cig...it went to shit...I sing a girl came out with a guitar, oh hell yeah play a song. She started playing some dude full assaulted me pushed me on the ground wtf. Never met him in my life, had no interactions with him, patrons helped me up they were glad my phone wasn't broken..we were all stunned about what just happened. Bartender gave no f's I hope they have cameras. At least I left with my belongings. Owner please review the cameras my left had is messed up and I have bruises and blood on my right side. I'm filing a police report before work tomorrow read more

Only been to the lodge twice and each time was so lovely! The bartenders on Tuesdays, Michael and others, were so friendly and fun to chat with. The folks working there, the music, movies, super yummy food pop ups, etc. make it a perf spot for a get together with buddies. They made me a regular so quick. read more

Friendly and laid back atmosphere. The bartenders are friendly yet professional. The crowd is casual and it rarely gets too loud. It's not a sports bar, but if you're a fan they will put a game on one of the 2 TVs if you ask. They close at 1 a.m. some nights and will close early if there are not enough people. The kitchen seems to be a pop-up affair, and the business changes about every 6 months or so. Right now, "Citizen Pizza" is serving. They are not just another pizza place but have original interpretations on a thin crust. Unfortunately, it's not busy enough for them to always be open. Their days and hours are Thursday through Sunday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. They're worth checking out. There is a covered patio out back for smoking. It is dog friendly for leashed dogs. Good dogies can get a free treat at the bar. They currently have the least expensive cocktails on Piedmont Avenue. And, they have a 2 flavor slushie machine! Great for hot days. If you're within walking distance, this will be your new favorite hang out. read more

Came here for a happy hour with coworkers yesterday and was surprised that I've never been here before, considering how close it is to the hospitals and I've walked up and down Piedmont so many times and never noticed this place! Came with a party ~15 on a Thursday right after work, and it was pretty empty at this time, I would imagine that it gets more full as the night goes on. Pros: - decent beer selection and some fun drinks to boot! The bartender was kind enough to let us try the margaritas (rum coconut and pineapple), the rum coconut one wasn't to my liking since the rum was too powerful, but the pineapple one was delicious! Top it off with a Tajin rim, yum - Soda is free!! love it - Vaccinated people only, they check at the door, have a screenshot of your vax ready and your ID - A lot of casual outdoor seating in the back, movable chairs - Free popcorn with toppings! self-serve - Self-serve water - Decent friendly staff - Drinks that aren't too expensive! 2 drinks less than $20 Vibes: - kind of like if a dive bar had a baby with a brewery, the back outdoor area feels like casual brewery vibes and the indoor bar area feels like a real divey bar. And the wall art out back is kind of cute now too, funky taxidermy etc Cons: - not a lot of parking around this area but totally walkable ~20 mins from Macarthur BART read more

I go here when I need to de stress. It's a local joint and very welcoming. The bartenders are super nice make great drinks. This isnt a party bar so don't come expecting to dance or rave. This is a local spot where we go to hang out, and if you go enough they recognize you. They always have different foods this year it's panchos cantinas. It's ok. I miss the hot chicken sandwich guy. read more

Hipster cozy bar with a hunting lodge feel (duh) complete with taxidermy on the walls (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=mNE4MIWXupB_rdFsMw4b6w). Definitely a step up from the dark dive that used to be here (and whose name escapes me at the moment) plus some outdoor seating on the back patio area. There's about half a dozen local brews (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=xxRz5CC_Jf0ExWxML4ZcIQ) along with hard slushies and full bar (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=5bD2VVSnFvIoaR44_lihDA). Nice selection of Amaros, if that's your thing (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=8Sxqw4ZbH1DYnU44EelU0w). Arburaya Fried Chicken (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=6qxXsEyEj--Btee-xiNqEQ) and Lovely's (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=lh4jm7cwBPMFa_h3Q_Z5hg) are currently splitting time in the small kitchen for food. There's also free popcorn, if you're cheap (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-lodge-oakland?select=cFUFC2WunGjoHM3bVtke-A) Friendly barkeeps. read more

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Meh. So so selection of brews. I think they need to work a long term deal with a kick ass food vendor to really get things popping. Would be cool if they had like an 80's, 90's, pop, r&B, heavy metal only night or an electronic jukebox. I don't know. There's something missing. It has the makings of a really solid watering hole, if not one of the Town's best, but I just feels like the Lodge hasn't quite discovered how awesome it could be. read more

Great spot to grab a drink and chill in the cozy back patio. I always ask friends to meet me here. Dive bar in the best ways.

Rude and condescending staff. My family attempted to dine here at the fried chicken pop-up inside but the bartender was obnoxious and spoke down to a family member just because he looks young for his age. OF COURSE WE KNOW IT'S A BAR B*TCH, no need to be an a$$hole, don't speak to us like we're idiots! It's unfortunate that all the positive reviews for the fried chicken business are propping up this crappy bar and its terrible staff. The bar itself really only deserves zero stars. read more

The Lodge is a real place for convivial drink & friendly kinds of people. All the bartenders are on it, and Michael turned me on to an excellent new cocktail (at least new to me) a Ferrari. It's a fine place if youq like good generous drinks and people who are both friendly & chill. read more

Still unwelcoming. But I wanted to try a Lovely . It is a Monday night so pretty light crowd. I watched as the bartender chatted with her friends then cleaned the bar. Finally she notices me. I mention I've been waiting. She says no, picks up someone else's can and says I served you this. When I say no she replies well, it was someone who looked like you. We do not all look alike. The burger guy by contrast was very sweet and chatty. I look forward to a delish chili cheese burger. read more

REVIEWER #61 Oh, the bars I find when I'm on the hunt for some delicious food! I don't think I would have come across 'The lodge' if it wasn't for 'Good Time Frixxin'. I don't know how this place is on a regular (although, I heard that the weekends are poppin') but when I arrived on a Tuesday, it was nothing but me and the "regulars". I loved that this place was set up like a cabin-like setting. They have some impressive taxidermy on the walls and dollar bills on the ceilings (very interesting, indeed). I must say, the inside decor really caught my attention. After talking to the amazing bartender, Sarah, she was able to chat with me about all the drinks that they offer. Make sure you get a seat right at the bar so you can take part in some delicious tequila daiquiri and pina coladas! Yummy! The bartenders here are very friendly and make sure to check in with you frequently. Don't forget about those tasty food snacks that you can eat which is literally a couple steps away from *'Good Time Frixxin'! Make sure you check them out; they serve some delicious food up in there! Overall, I like The Lodge and think everyone should check them out; especially since the owners are the same as Dogwood (you know they are known for those delicious grilled cheese sandwiches!). *FYI: Although the lodge and Good Time Frixxin share the same location, they are totally separate. You would not be able to order food at the bar. You have to walk to the window of the Good Time Frixxin to order food. read more

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This whole time I've been around the area and been next door to the Lodge, I have never noticed and never been. I heard a pop up was happening at The Lodge and I finally made my way in. The decor fits the name of the establishment most definitely. The staff in the kitchen and behind the bar are all friendly with a great sense of humor. The selection of local brewery taps are pretty good for a dive bar and they have a great diversity of liquor to choose from. I love that they give out free popcorn every day and have a recycling sorting area near it. The lodge has a back patio for those nice sunny days that reminds you of Heart and Dagger or Mallards but, way smaller but, the entrance leading to the back you, have to walk past the large garbage bin where the smell can be a little offensive if you hate the smell of garbage juice. The pop up I've gone was for Lovely's Oakland burgers, I'm told they're quite the regular here and their burgers are bomb!. If you come by and they're working the kitchen, do yourself a favor and get some burgers (pop-ups are cash only) and plenty of beer from the bar! Definitely will be coming back when i'm in the area read more

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Really can't say enough great things about the staff and drinks. Perfect neighborhood bar!!

I don't drink we came for the chicken Sammie's since I know the chef and they are the best in the Bay Area and I've tried them all!! We had his citric and jerk and both were just ridiculous terps!! The fries were like BBQ flavor and were also dank I just didn't want to waste my appetite not eating the delicious sandwich. Trying to get back but having two young kids and being in Vallejo it's a bit rough but hopefully sooner than later to try the orange chicken special read more

my favorite bar in oakland! it's not too loud, has a good beer selection, great chicken sandwiches, and the bartenders are attentive and nice. read more

They would get four stars, but I took two off for the dogs. There were big dogs and little dogs and hairy dogs and hairless dogs and barking dogs and begging dogs and dogs eating food off the table. With food being served (they were hosting the pop-up restaurant Lovely's - dericious, in my doggie voice, by-the-way), I'm not sure non-service animals are allowed inside. And there's got to be a canine capacity. The place was barely big enough for the people occupying the space! Further, one lady pet a stranger's dog and then used that same hand to open the spigot on the self-serve water dispenser. I'm sure she's not the first and probably won't be the last. Which means, the self-serve free popcorn they offer to keep you thirsty and drinking has probably also had the same cross contamination. Beyond that, the drinks were stiff so they get one star back. May come back again when I'm dog-sitting in the area or to grab some Lovely's to go. Otherwise, I'll likely dodge The Lodge. read more

Quick and friendly customer service. Good beer selection. Ample outdoor dining. The BBQ chicken salad was excellent. Definitely will go back read more

If you're looking for a nice summer drink, definitely ask for the Bobby Johnson. World class. read more

The Lodge - Bobby Johnson - Lounges Near Me - Oakland, California

If I was a hipster or a techie I would give this place 5 stars for sherrrr it's basically an Abercrombie and Fetch inspired bar But alas I'm aware of how this place displaced a traditionally African American owned establishment. It shames me that we see this so often in the Bay Area. I don't feel like this place is genuine to its roots. They gave me a nice experience here but it seems I had the complexion for the attention. Not that the older place didn't need a re-design as often establishments do just to stay fresh and profesh, but I feel like the tavern got whitewashed in the process. Makes my heart hurt but fortunately there are other great bars in the area to choose from. I really think the Lodge needs a diversity training for the staff or something. read more

Way cleaner then the old place and a bit of a vibe change for the better. Its dog friendly and with the summer coming the patio is a pretty nice hang out spot. Thank you for having a veg burger!!! Oh and get the wings! read more

The Lodge - The menu - Lounges Near Me - Oakland, California

We live right off Piedmont Avenue so it's so easy to walk down to all the amenities. I love how The Lodge has totally changed the feel of Piedmont Ave. as it gets close to MacArthur. Feels more welcoming. Upon entering The Lodge, you are drawn to all the animal heads on the wall and the bear hanging from the ceiling. I am not the hunter type, but part of me can appreciate the decor. It does feel very warm and had a Tahoe cabin/lodge feel. The outdoor seating in the back is great as well. Let's talk food. Price points were reasonable. We opted to split a grilled cheese with caramelized onions. It was a tad salty but very very good. I like how they serve it with mustard on the side. Great combo with the cheesiness of the sandwich. I paired it with a glass of Gloria Ferrer. I love my bubbles. Great addition to Piedmont Ave.!! read more

The Lodge - Love the ambiance - Lounges Near Me - Oakland, California

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Since I came here when I was...kinda inebriated....I actually do not recall if it is near transit...I just used a rideshare. The place: The Lodge has a cool ambiance of feeling like you are in a cabin. What is cool is that this place has both indoor and outdoor seating...which is always a plus. The bar itself is very large so that also provides a good amount of seating. The bartenders were cool, but it did take a while to get my drink...and the bar was pretty empty. The drinks and food: Full bar with a special (shot of whiskey and beer)..which is what I would recommending getting while here. I forgot the name of the beer that comes with that special but it was pretty good. The bar also has a serve-your-own popcorn (always a plus)! They also have a Korean-style bar food that tasted good. Overall, will definitely continue to check out all the other bars in Oakland, but will keep this place in my pocket to keep a nice diversity of bars at hand. read more

The Lodge is one of my favorite places in Oakland. Many good times have been had here! During this tough time, I would love to support the staff that has been so very good to me. While we're all quarantined, I am hosting a Facebook Live show every night at 8pm. I have been asking viewers to donate to help support displaced workers. Please let me know how I and these people can help support the staff! I hope someone from management will contact me. read more

I used to hate this spot. The decor is a turn off, the food was whatever, and the beer selection wasn't diverse enough. I live ridiculously close and I would walk right past this place every time. Now, I'm usually at The Lodge at least once a week! Aburaya put their sign up one day, and I was curious. Now, I'm addicted. Thanks Adachi. The Aburaya staff in the kitchen is generous, timely, and kind to vegans :) The vegan chicken here has sparked the interest of even the most strict carnivores in my circle. I'm not huge on artificial meats to be honest, but the staff here would be very surprised to hear that from me! My favorite flavor is the Aburaya BBQ--it's spicy! Get it in a bowl over a bed of white rice and a salad. 10/10. The menu changes every now and then, so sometimes you'll find something special like roasted cauliflower, but there will ALWAYS be chicken. The friends behind the bar are as nice as they come, and they love their regulars. The drinks are cheap and strong. What more can you ask for? Get a well shot of tequila or whisky + a canned Olympia for $7. Or get something fancy. Sometimes I get Steigel Radlers + a double shot of gin to mix up :) See y'all soon! read more

Fun dive bar in our area. There is a nice selection but we come here for the atmosphere. My husband and I live nearby and occasionally stop by to check out the neighborhood hangout. Good place to stop by for a cocktail or beer and relax. read more

Pretty great dive bar with a neighborhood feel. I was initially a little thrown off by the decor (mounted deer head and other hunting-esque type stuff) but remembered the name of the place, lol. Coming from the Midwest, I was wondering if this place was the one trump-supporting dive bar in Oakland since ya know, all hunters are gun loving conservatives (jk!). Well REST ASSURED, the place is safe. The bartenders are great. It's relaxed and casual inside with an outdoor patio to enjoy. Oh Oh, there's also free popcorn available! Now you have no reason to drink on an empty stomach! Cheers! read more

I was looking forward to having lunch here with friends. They were not open. The Yelp page and webpage have different hours of operation. The door was locked and the person we spoke with told us they had. Even open for a year and they didn't have customers between noon and 2:00 so they changed the hours. read more