Attended a beautiful gala here tonight -- benefiting young people in the foster care system. The venue itself overlooks Lake Merritt and the terrace is incredibly spacious. There is a beautiful bar set up and the lighting is perfect for special events as it really sets the mood for a romantic ambiance. I see a lot of potential in what could be done here. Hope I get to return for another event hosted in this space. Views are gorgeous. read more

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What a cool venue!! I came here for the Candlelight Tribute to BTS, which was hosted by FEVER. It was well organized and the staff were friendly. Clean interior and nice bathrooms. I can imagine this being an awesome place for remote start up companies to have a space for their team meetings... but it could also be an intimate wedding or engagement venue! It has the VERSATILITY! The rooftop terrace has a nice tiki bar and a view of Lake Merritt & the Oakland cityscape. I was impressed by the protected parking garage (with a really friendly parking attendant!). Very clean and it felt safe to park there. read more

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We just had our wedding at the Overlook and the entire event surpassed our expectations. As long-term residents of Oakland, we wanted to showcase the best of our community to our out-of-town family and friends. There was no better location than a rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Merritt. The Overlook and our vendors made our vision come alive and we were complimented repeatedly by our guests on the perfect location. The Overlook staff (shout out to Brittany, Nick, Mark, and Nate) made sure our needs were met and held our hands during the entire planning process. The rest of the team (e.g. FANTASTIC bartenders, set-up/break-down crew, and security) were all in a league of their own as well. I'm unsure if the word is out on the Overlook as a wedding venue, but I'd heartily recommend it to anyone wanting to celebrate their union. Thank you!! read more

The Overlook - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

The Overlook is a wonderful venue to host an event, a meeting, or to work with as a vendor. We have been the preferred caterer at the space for several years. It is always well run, events are thoughtfully planned out, and the staff is great to work with during planning and on site for the event. The combo of indoor and outdoor space has many facets that are great for small and large events. Its a great venue to consider. read more

Great space for events. We' been a part of two events taking place at the Overlook and both times have been amazing. The spaces feature an amazing rooftop garden, with views of Lake Merit. Indoor spaces feature bars, sit down, dj areas, etc so an event can take place indoors or outdoors, or both. Easy access for vendors and guests. Plenty of parking nearby. 5 star venue. read more

The Overlook - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

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Amanda and her team are amazing!!! My team had a networking event at her venue and everyone was top notch from the communication to the production. All of their spaces are gorgeous, especially their rooftop. Look no further than this venue. read more

This venue was absolute perfection for my wedding. We had the ceremony in the Kaiser Rooftop Garden and the reception in the Overlook Terrace. It was impossible to go wrong on ambiance with backdrops like that. The space was also sentimental to me; I used to work nearby and it also captures a certain spirit of the City of Oakland, both the outside views and the interior decorations. My only feedback would be around planning. If I had to do it all over again, it would have been helpful to have a project plan from the team planning the event so I would be able to anticipate all the little questions that came up. I've never planned a wedding so there were things I missed even after reading lots of books on the topic. The way we managed this was via lots of emails, which became confusing and a little chaotic. With that said, I can't take away any stars because the space itself made up for everything. Also, the event planning portion of the contract was about the cost of a day-of coordinator so perhaps I'm over-reaching here! Bottom line, it was the experience of a lifetime. Everyone got caught up in the magic of the space. Highly recommend this site if you want something unique and beautiful. read more

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What a beautiful event space! The outdoor terrace is a perfect place to hold a safe gathering during the pandemic. Unique Tiki Bar, decorative lights offering a warm glow, and a view of Lake Merritt. Attendees raved about the space. Will definitely hold our future events here. read more

The Overlook - Sunset on the rooftop - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

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The wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary and renewed our vows with the help of Amanda and her team at the Overlook! The event was beautiful and amazing! We utilized the garden space and pond then transitioned our guest to the covered patio area thereafter. It was a beautiful July afternoon and photos we absolutely gorgeous given the stunning layout! The celebration was stress free for us, as Amanda and her team seamlessly coordinated with the vendors ensuring our ability to enjoy our guests and the celebration! We highly recommend you explore this venue and ask for Amanda Scimia, she'll take great care of you! read more

What a hidden gem in Oakland! The view is so nice and the the space is so well put together. I was just there for an event and it was so much fun. The inside space was great with a nice big bar right in the center and then going outside I was just amazed at how nice it was. Such a nice staff too! I highly recommend this place! read more

Halloween is a time of scares and screams, but On a early Saturday evening Yelp oversees The Overlook Lounge, In letting Yelpers from everywhere to partake in the Halloween Bash, No need to look far for parking on the quiet 20th street, Smiles greet us at the effortless check in station, Up the escalators we go, Joy spreads inside like a disease, As I thrill over the many costumes of the night, The dim expanse leaves more than enough elbow room for everyone, Spider webs and pumpkins decorate with Halloween spirit, Faces of new and old under one roof, Sharing the dance floor of every tune including salsa, Food of all tasty bites entertain palates of all, All ingredients for a brewing cauldron of fun! A very Halloween thank you to Steph and everyone that helped her organize this festive event, The Overlook Lounge, DJ's Drewbacca the Hairless Wookie and Jon Reyes of FKA, Hal's Hotdog cart, Cakes by Morgan, Dark Heart Chili, Talking Rain, and Ale industries, Yelp, and Oakland Grown. BOO! read more

I worked with Mark and Kortney and they were extremely responsive and accessible. I wanted to throw a bartended, catered party for 100+ people and I had no idea how to do it. I started by looking for venues and got so dang lucky because the first one I found was the Overlook and they are full service professionals. Honestly even before I saw the space I wanted it because they provide detailed rental rates and conditions on their website - none of this call for a quote stuff. They use a web portal for quotes and contacts that is super convenient. Nothing I wanted fazed them, they had a procedure for everything. The third floor outdoor area is a wonderful summer night space and every single one of my guests commented on how lovely it was. The Overlook provided some caterers to choose from and guidance about how to choose; they provided bartenders and guidance about how much alcohol to order; the day of the event they were generous and professional, on time and effective. I didn't worry about a thing and people are still complimenting me on the party. read more

The only thing spookier than Halloween itself is the thought of that frightful day coming & going without a Halloween Yelp event. Luckily, most of the years I've been Yelping, I've managed to find some Halloween-ish Yelp party in which I could get all decked out & party with a bunch of other Yeeps in their sweet costumes. This year, the Overlook Lounge Halloween Bash kept that streak alive. For venue, the Overlook Lounge was an awesome mixed use/ workspace area for a party. Though with a bar & beer taps, I have no idea how any work gets done here. Now, dancing, I can see that. Since we had a DJ spinning the ghastly tunes, costumed Yelpers were out to shake it/ don't break it. For nibbles & sips, Hal's Original NY Hot Dog Cart had the hookup with basically AYCE dogs complete with all the fixings, El Hurache Azteca put out trays & trays of delicious Mexican bites, & the 1st round of brews was on Ale Industries. Though I chased that with my tried & true Fieldwork beers right up until 1 of their kegs kicked. The highlight of the night for me, though, was seeing Yelp friends & seeing all the Yeeps in a myriad of really inventive costumes. I gotta give props to the headless horseman who won the best male costume contest, fabulous outfit. Thanks Overlook Lounge, Stephanie Y. & East Bay Yelp crew, & all the participating Yelpers for another year of Halloween Yelp fun. read more

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Yep, even over Christmas. I just love watching kiddos dressed up and looking so adorable. I have a little brat of my own and I love watching his face when he discovers other people's costumes and cool Halloween decor (even the spooky ones). Just watching my little guy's expressions change between joy, happiness, and wonder makes my heart smile. I was one of the fuddy duddies and didn't sport a really cool costume. In my defense, i didn't have time to go home and change into it. A prior engagement in South Bay had me rushing to this event. However, I loved seeing everyone dressed up! It's so fun to see how creative people can get with their costumes. My plus 1 and I arrived to the spacious event space. I believe they converted office space into a party zone. Wish my work could do that! We noshed on local fair food and enjoyed the liquid libations from the bar and from Sparkling Ice - that was really delicious btw. The dance floor looked out into the beautiful courtyard. The DJ played an interesting mix of music for the night. Neither R&B, 80s, 90s. Just a fun mix of all types of genres of music. At one point, Eliter - Karen was teaching salsa moves! Thank you to Yelp East Bay! You always make my life better! We had fun connecting with other Yelp people who traveled beyond East Bay like SF and South Bay! read more

This venue has potential. Needs work on the decor but has a great view of Lake Merritt. This night was supposed to be a night market but every one was in line trying to get a drink. The new technology at the register is great if it can speed things along but not so good when it slows sales down and we'll just plain irritates potential customers...potential for sure because we left. Probably will not return unless otherwise yelpers update on positive improvements. Missed opportunity, too because they do have good views...ooh improve the directional signage to get to the venue from the main entry. read more

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Great place to chill at with positive vibes and blissful view of Lake Merritt!! The staff there is pretty cool and well organized for the most part! The food and drinks was good but the amount for the cost could be better and worked on! read more

The Overlook - Beautiful view at rooftop overlook lounge venue!!! Love it! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

It's a nice place. But it's not exactly a bar i'd come and hang out with. It's good for small events. What I was more intrigued by was the garden outside. The garden was beautiful and I spent the whole night just looking at it. I feel this place is set more of private events. The bar and drinks were mediocre. read more

Called this venue many times and left several messages. I have yet to get a call back and this has been over 2 months of attempts. Bad customer service. Took my business elsewhere. read more

I really wish I had nothing but positive things to say about this venue but unfortunately that's not the story. Don't get me wrong, the space itself is absolutely gorgeous and the location can't be beat..overlooking Lake Merritt. But working with the events team has been such a horrible experience. My friends and I celebrated our 30th birthday here by hosting a private event. We made an appointment with Donna to view the space and she was about 20 minutes late while we waited to get into the space. And it was raining that day. We should've known immediately but decided to give it a chance. After several contract editions and such, we decided to work with Overlook. Donna was helpful when you got a hold of her. But that took some work! Events planning is all about open and transparent communication which she was not at all doing. We would call, email, text and set appointments to chat which would always be missed. If she told you she'd get back to you by the end of the day, that meant 3 days later. Our stress level was unnecessarily high because of the staff here. At the end of it all, the event was great and memorable but closing it out and receiving a receipt never happened. There was miscommunication around our bar minimum supporting the catering minimum and even though it was a mistake on their end, no apology was ever given. We weren't refunded what we were told we would be. When asked to see our final bar tab, they told us that is a number they couldn't share...WHY?! We thought was very strange. It took just about a month to receive our refund. Although the space was great, I will absolutely not be returning to Overlook for their mal business practices. They don't deserve my money and there are far more better run establishments in the Bay Area that deserve my business and yours. Seriously, you've been warned! read more

Worked with Alicia and her team last year to plan our annual company holiday party and they were very accommodating and accessible. She also partnered me with a catering company that met all our specific dietary requirements. The venue upstairs is beautiful overlooking the gardens. I would highly recommend hosting an event here. read more

I was able to visit the Overlook lounge for a Yelp Halloween Event. It was my first ever Yelp Event and it was definitely one for the books! Filled with food, music, creative costumes, and a free beer & drinks for purchase as well! Definitely appreciate the Overlook Lounge for hosting! With that being said... The Overlook Lounge itself was a really nice space. There was plenty of space for all attendees with different areas for those who just wanted to chill on bean bags, chairs and tables, couches and standing room! The only drawback of the space itself was that we were not able to go outside to the patio area. I wish we were able to go to the rooftop area as I had yelp'd the place prior to coming and had anticipated being able to go out there and get the full Overlook Lounge experience - but alas, was not. Nonetheless, it was a really nice space. Can't deny that! There was a room for dancing, lounging, and the bar area for those who wanted to grab a drink! It was also really nice that they had an area with plenty of seating outside of where all the hustle and bustle of the DJs and dancing was for people who wanted to sit and chill with other Yelpers or their guests to enjoy their drinks or bites! In regards to parking, I personally had no trouble finding any as there was plenty of street parking around the way! Not sure if this was just luck or if this is common, but that's something to take into consideration. Overall, I can definitely see the promise of the Overlook Lounge and the appeal it would be if one were to be hosting any private events! read more

Awesome, beautiful rooftop venue. Folks - Donna and Mark - who run the events are easy to work with. Plus a commercial kitchen and size, its perfect for food related festivals. read more

The Overlook Lounge has the WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE ever!!! We planned an event here and signed the contract in early March. Donna, an employee assigned to assisting us with our event contacts us "Via Text" and says the party has not been approved. Mind you our event is in exactly TWO WEEKS!! This was Very UNPROFESSIONAL first fir the simple fact that no Verbal contact was made, it was by text! Second, approval for the event should have been made before issuing a contract. I have Never encountered such unprofessional service in all my time dealing with Business Entities!!! I will definitely be contacting the BBB!! With hopes of no one else experiencing this!!! read more

STAY AWAY!!!! DO NOT BOOK YOUR EVENTS HERE! Despite the nice location, the event staff were very unprofessional. We booked this for my birthday in November and working with Donna, the event manager was very difficult. Her lack of responsiveness during the planning of the event and after the event added so much unnecessary stress. It took almost 1 month to get our money back for the difference in the catering tab, and we only got it back after bringing the issue with Kevin, who owns the venue, since Donna would still not answer calls, emails, or texts. We also did not get the full amount back that was promised by the event manager as they said this was an error by her and we should have never been told we were getting the money back. Their staff did not take responsibility for telling us false information. It even came to the point where we were prepared to take legal action against this business. I'm getting PTSD and angry just rethinking about this mess of a business again. No wonder it took me so long to write my review. BOTTOM LINE: Look elsewhere for your event. Mad Oak, Woods Beer Company, and Faction Brewery were our other options. Check them out. Don't f**k with Overlook. #sorrynotsorry #boybye read more

No option for zero stars so I had to give them 1 star. Worst customer service I've ever experienced came from dealing with this venue and management. Kevin and Donna were terrible and very non responsive to texts, emails and calls. But wait it gets better. I signed a contract early march 2017 to have a day party/birthday party Saturday June 24th 2017 less than 20 days prior to the event they cancel it. Stating reasons were the building didn't approve of the party. Shouldn't this have been dealt with back in march? Nothing but time and money lost and a ton of disappointed guest. I would never do business with this company again. They also have not processed any refunds for the 200 people who already purchased advanced tickets. Working on a lawsuit as we speak. read more

I left a message for these people to book an event through my job. I NEVER received a call back. We moved on and found a place near by. Due to their inability to get back to us, they lost out making quite a few thousand and a possible long term contract guaranteeing them more money to flood in. Good work Overlook Lounge. You might want to fire whoever mans the phones over there. read more

I bought several tickets looking forward to attending an event, however, the event was suddenly cancelled (2 weeks prior to the actual event) with no specified reason. A contract was signed and accepted in March which was 3 months ago. This is very unprofessional, unorganized, and disappointing to say the least. Going forward, I would not recommend this lounge. read more

The Overlook lounge is not a good place if you want to have an event. They will breach your contract and leave you having to give refunds to partygoers who were expecting to have a great time. Not to mention that this happens the week before the event! Which has now cost the hosts money. read more

Very unprofessional.. Bought tickets in March to a event in June and all of a sudden was canceled two weeks prior to event date... For unreasonable circumstances. I'm sure there where alot of disappointmented people who also purchased tickets to the event.. That is very unprofessional and I wouldn't recommend anyone host a event here. read more

Purchase tickets in MARCH for an event scheduled for JUNE, only to be notified less than 2 weeks before the event the event was cancelled because the "property owners do not wish to hold that "type" of event at the venue" The type of event was known from the start when contacts were signed. After reading reviews here it seems to be horrible customer service and management issues for parties. Even after the event was cancelled by them had to wait a couple days before they even processed refunds back read more

One of the few rooftop venues in the East Bay and most definitely the best one in Oakland. I'm hoping that the masses don't find out :) The views of Lake Merritt are amazing. Donna and Mark manage the lounge well. If there is an event here, you have to go! read more

Came here for the Savor Filipino event. It was a rainy day and there were tons of people. Even though there were lines for some food vendors, the flow went really well. They planned it pretty well with the space. Super unique venue, especially the outside patio. That has to be my favorite part. I think it would be a great place for small social events or a private dinner/cocktail party. I'm actually surprised there wasn't a long line for the restroom. The location of the building is kinda tricky because it's in a building that has shared office spaces I believe, but to get to this lounge, you take the escalators up. Other than that, it's in Uptown, lots to do nearby. Parking is expensive at Kaiser Center, park at the metered parking. read more

I love the outside rooftop setting. Staff were petty nice and welcoming. I love when they throw events here. My only complaint is that for the Halloween bash, the party was hosted inside and not out on the rooftop. I was looking forward to the view of Lake Merrit. read more

Cool spot. Came here for a night market event called Town Social. Great space and view of Lake Merritt.

EVENT PLANNERS BEWARE! What a waste of a gorgeous venue. I had a joint birthday celebration here and the event coordinator Donna gave us the worst customer service. UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNRESPONSIVE. Before and after the event was especially a nightmare. Calls and texts were NEVER returned in a timely fashion. Miscommunication with Donna lead to us losing money to the venue despite our agreement regarding our (clearly exceeded) bar tab and catering tab. Lastly, even though we gave constructive feedback to the owner Kevin about Donna, he took very little initiative as well. So disappointing. read more

Horrible! I personally feel like the are tacky and extremely unprofessional! My brother signed a contract to have his birthday party at the this venue and they sent a text not call to say they have to cancel his event for some bs reason. I think it's a race thing honestly! Shame on you!!!!!! read more