You should check out The Ruby Room if you like drinking. This might get crowded and close be prepared for that. Occasionally there are DJ's playing music here. Right next to The Main Library on 14th! read more

whack and got sick here last weekend. Why is it still open? the drinks suck and its not fun. read more

This was the 1st bar I've ever been to in Oakland and glad to see it's re-opened under new ownership. Still has that dive bar feel to it and I like the fact that it feels a little more open since the wall that separated the pool table area from the bar area is now gone. They had karaoke the week night I decided to drop by. There's also free play on the pool table during happy hour. read more

Not my type of vibe. But overall definitely worth checking out. I wouldn't personally go to it but I know others would enjoy all the redness and drinks read more

They have roaches and rats it's dirty in there please fix this problem and it's always dark

Classic locals dive bar with active pool table. The DJ music is great IMO. The crowd is Cool Cats and dress is 0-10. Be thirsty, no food is available. Did I mention that this place is a dive? read more

Forever my favorite bar in Oakland. They have the best bartender Mina. She makes the best drinks and really know how to set the vibe. 10/10 djs and events. No where i rather end the night. read more

I've had several genuinely life changing dates at this classic dive bar. That sounds like hyperbole but it isn't. Something about Ruby Room just makes you feel so comfortable but also ambitious?! (It's probably the incredible vibes + red lights + cheap drinks). This Oakland gem was nearly lost to us because of Covid. The new owners who saved the place have done a great job staying committed to keeping it iconic. Prices have gone up marginally, but arguably less than inflation. A gin and tonic there in 2016 was like $3 and now that same drink is $4. It's still a super cheap dive bar and that fact is a huge part of the charm. read more

Lovely & grungy dive right by the lake. Some of the cooler bartenders I've encountered in the East Bay. Was bummed that they planned to close at the end of 2023: https://oaklandside.org/2023/12/06/oakland-ruby-room-closing/ But! Now they're open on Friday nights only, better than nothing eh: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1nMifISaq1/ read more

Place was super chill when I was there. I was told the temperament varied depending on the night. I had a great time. Thanks!

Im so sad this bar will be shutting down. It was the first bar I went to in Oakland when I moved in October. The space was so nice and inviting, always nice people. Even if you didnt know anyone. There wasnt any food BUT there was good food spots near by. I loved the drinks, they didnt cost too much, and had an indoor smoking area if that was your thing. Long live the Ruby Room. read more

The Ruby Room - The entrance area to the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

I love this place, I e been coming here for over 10 years and it's still one of my favorites! Drinks are cheapish and strong, and the bartenders are awesome. Definitely recommend. read more

See all

Beautiful atmosphere and super personable bartenders! Will be coming back again for sure

Was in oakland yesterday and decided to look for a place that had a pool table, so decided to check this place out. Was very pleased with the two ladies at the bar they both went out their way to help with our drinks ended up with a margarita and a shot of espolón. The atmosphere was awesome, also had a DJ playing the best songs for dancing and enjoying my drinks. read more

See all

*comes here after the bar manager reaches out and sees if I wanted work* *the bartender at the job tells me I won't make money here* LOL What an experience. Me and my bf came to scope the scene and I enjoyed kinda we ordered 2 don Julio anejo shots and each time the bartender would keep grabbing Reposado n I'm like yea no anejo please Entire 15min I was there I'm just getting told how this is a slower bar and I should go somewhere else like cool I got it the first time maam & after she was like don't tell my bosses Anyway if ya like dive bars with dark lighting and music that you probably wouldn't like go here!!! read more

Used to dig this place. Like dives plenty still. The scum who hang out front don't make it very welcoming and the crowd has taken a darker, grimier turn than what I remember. Go to Merchants. read more

Great dive bar, cool bar tenders, 1 dinged but enjoyable pool table in a back room you can smoke it. Ratchet crowd but in the best kind of way read more

Dark, divey and pretty cheap. This is a great dive bar right by Lake Merrit/downtown Oakland. They seem to have a drink of the night on special and a nice variety of craft draughts. It's dark, there is a nice cast of ruby lighting really making anyone look good. Bar keep was nice enough and drinks were cheap! They have a pool table in the sort of outdoor room, but that's also where a ton of smoker's are enjoying those cigarettes. Yay for Yelp cash back! read more

Great (and strong) drinks, cool af bartenders and LOVE the ambiance. This place is the best!

Disappointing tonight! It wasn't crowded but the bartenders actively ignored us for ten minutes while we sat front and center at the bar. They engaged with and served others who came in after we did. We didn't stay because I couldn't bear to spend any money there after that. read more

Very Nice Dive Bar in Oakland. It is more a Punk kind of place but the audience in general is pretty diverse. They have a good selection of Cheap beers and some cocktails. The Happy Hour is gets you 2$ draft PBRs which is the best price I have seen for Beer in the whole Bay Area. They also have events like Goth Night where they are DJs which is nice cause they are mostly for free. I would be a regular if I would live in Oakland. read more

I came here on a first date with a guy who... 1. Has a legit mullet. (and I know you won't believe me but it was actually like a hot mullet) 2. Has an ex that he lives with in a 1-bedroom apartment 3. Has a child that was not disclosed prior to the date (but that I'd just like to point out I warmed up to after like 2 seconds) 4. Had 4 square inches of his butthole cut out within the last year due to what was apparently a very severe case of inside and outside hemorrhoids There was no second date. Well, to be fair, GUY did ask me on a second date and then cancelled the day of AFTER I had already washed my hair and gone through most of my make-up application. And then the next day GUY asked me what my plans were for the weekend (which were basically nothing, hanging by myself doing me shit) and then let me know his weekend plans were also up in the air... and then I can only presume he died because I never heard from him again. So, I dunno, arms shrugging emoji? Welcome to dating in the Bay... where men ask you on dates and then get distracted by something shiny. Anyway... we came here. I'd never been and GUY picked the place. I looked Ruby Room up on Yelp and saw that nearly every review mentions how dark the place is which was a red flag in multiple ways but just to be sure I asked if he was ugly and he skirted the question for a while before telling me he was not and that I'd know him when I saw him because he'd be, "the best lookin guy in the bar". Which is like, ok, you jag, but yah GUY def was and he was dressed so cute- he had these purple pants, cool socks, polka dot button up polyester shirt. It was a look that was maybe not for everyone but it was def for me. Anyway, he beat me to the bar, which I hate bc I like to get there first and have the dominant role and pick seats and start a tab but it was actually fine. He picked this funny little table that was in it's own room that was barely lit with red lights. So much so that he did not realize my hair was orange until we walked outside. It's def a bar where it's hard to tell how people actually look but I'd snooped him on social so I knew he wasn't an ogre and frankly, I have terrible skin so the dark lighting really only worked in my favor. There's a room with some cute booths and pool tables that's very underground lounge-y. There's a dance floor that's actually not douchey at all. In fact, it got pretty fucking lit post-10pm and was a v cool 'this is the real Oakland' vibe. We also sat at the bar because they had to set up a second bar in the weird lil table room we were in and it was also great. Bartenders were on point, drinks were cheap, even though it looks like a place that does not take card, they do. They have specials and they make 'em with the full proof-age that you'd expect in a "dive bar". This place was truly incredible and a v cool place to discover. I'd totally be down to go back every Friday for that scene but they also looked like they had some p rad new wave nights, which is one thing I miss most about Chicago. Even though I didn't score a second date, I did get to discover this bad ass place that I will now continue to take dates to and give GUY absolutely no credit for finding. read more

It's giving racist‍ Yesterday me and a group of friends went out for a girls night after work so we decided to come here. We sat down and were served shots by Sarah, she didn't seem friendly to us specifically, she engaged with everyone at the bar (non poc) except us. We even tried loosening her up by engaging in conversation offering her a shot, she implied we weren't going to tip her by saying "I only drink with people who are going to tip me" we laughed it off and continued to enjoy our drinks. We waited to see if we'd get any further help w/o having to flag her down from across the bar and didn't. A young man (poc) sat at the end of bar and received the same treatment, this is where we came to the conclusion that her poor service was only directed at us sadly. We chose to leave and asked to close our tabs, she stated that one of us only spend $9 and the minimum is $10 to use a card. We asked her how come she didn't explain this before hand and she pointed in the opposite direction saying "there's a sign over there, there's no need for you to get upset" we told her we wasn't upset but simply asked a question because the sign isn't somewhere we could see. There was a max of maybe 10 people inside the bar this night, that's including our party of 5, so no excuse on why we couldn't have been presented with decent service. It was giving a very sad energy in there even the music was gloomy . If you want something chill but also up beat I recommend mad oak yard n barn down the street . We went there after had a good time bar whole staff was friendly and the drinks were great! read more

This place is an absolute gem. If you're looking for a bar with affordable drinks, good people, and comfy seating, visit The Ruby Room. Every time I'm in Oakland I have to stop and get a drink here. Special shout-out to Javi, Yizel, and Sarah for their amazing service. read more

The Ruby Room - Negroni with Chandon - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

This place gets a 5 Star because it's honest folks who work here. Left my laptop after a good night drinking and throwing one too many Jager shot back. The staff found my computer and kept it safe until it was retrieved. Thanks goodness. Love you guys! Overall the bar is a nice local joint. A real Oakland bar gem. Nice graffiti in the bathrooms. Will come back. read more

So, here's the quick lowdown. I looooooove a good dive. Unfortunately, I found this place to be "meh." The space: 3.5 stars Nothing exceptionally quirky, interesting, or alluring, but it's a fine space for a dive. Retro mid-century-esque stone wall behind the bar. Pool table in back. A little too crowded on the weekend, but that's to be expected. The minimal signage out front is amusing. Music: 2 stars Music was mainstream popular normie songs, which isn't my favorite -- nothing niche, old skool, fringe, or interesting. I think that good, cultivated music is what can make a dive awesome. This place did not have that. Prices: 5 stars Prices were great. $6 or 7 (?) for a Jack & Ginger. This was refreshing. Service: 1 star Sadly, one of the bartenders was an absolute jerk. My drink (on which I had tipped -- as always) was taken away before I finished it, so I said "pardon me." His response: "What is so important that you're interrupting me while I'm pouring drinks????" When I explained, he said, "Well, then, you probably finished it. That's not my problem. What do you want me to do about it?" I looked down where my drink had gone missing, and said nothing. He continued: "Order a new one if you want one. Or don't," he said. Then walked away. Bartender was the plain-looking dude with the sandy blonde short haircut flipped over in the front (and is not the guy who's tatted up). Overall: Probably wouldn't return. It was my first time there, and I went because my friend said it was his favorite bar in Oakland. I didn't find it to be that special, though, and the bartender left a bitter taste in my mouth. I thought his behavior was unwarranted and pretty lame. read more

I've been here twice during my two recent times in Oakland, and while it's my friend's fave place, I am indifferent to it. The music is ok, the drinks are ok, the bartenders are ok. There's one bartender in particular that seems to rub everyone else the wrong way (never had a prob with him directly), but watching his interactions with others makes me feel uncomfortable. read more

Definitely on the divier side of the dive bar spectrum, walking into the Ruby Room sorta feels like entering someone's very dark closet where they stock pile liquor. I walked in and immediately thought I would hate the place, but the diveiness has some charm to it, and there are plenty of lively, friendly people there. Our bartender was super outgoing and pleasant, and helped me identify a decent sour on their very limited beer menu. Pricing seems reasonable. I didn't pay too much attention because we used our Oakland beer passports. But it looks like a beer will run you about $5-6 with one or two options at $7. read more

The Monday bartender is probably the rudest person I have ever met. I work at a bar and I completely understand when it's needed to be rude to customers who are harassing you but when it comes to being unnecessarily rude to customers for no reason I completely disagree. I have NEVER ever not tiped bartenders because I understand how it is but in this instance I almost didn't tip anything at all. She was so rude and passive aggressive to every customer on a Monday night. She asked me if I was getting a drink when I was sitting at the bar with my friends and I said no and my head was leaning on the bar cus I was sleepy and she literally said "if your gonna nap at my bar go home" when it was completely empty. She made me feel so uncomfortable and i wanted to leave immediately. read more

Got a chance to check this spot out yesterday a bit after midnight and dug it! I heard it was a dive bar & I wanted to see how "divey" it truly was so I figured I'd grab a beer and see for myself. It matches up to the word of mouth especially appearance wise inside. I got a chance to jump on the pool table for a bit and chatted it up with some of the other patrons so I'm satisfied. If one is looking for a grimy dive type of bar this is the spot to indulge. Overall, cool place and cool people. read more

I get the whole dive bar, but damn! The place smells like trash. People were always friendly tho. Prices are cheap but come on, would it kill you to make the place a little cleaner? Hadnt been in years and went back recently. Guess Im getting old. read more

The Ruby Room is an Oakland institution. It's unapologetically a Dive Bar, but also a place where you can get a really well made drink (and I'm a bartender so I have discerning taste:). It's clientele is a perfect cross section of Oakland you can have a conversation or even hit the dance floor with people from all walks of life. Like most everything in Oakland the Ruby Room is changing, however unlike many bars and restaurants it's keeping its soul and integrity. I spoke extensively with David the new bar manager about the changes he's already implemented as well as his vision for the future of the bar and it sounds great!!! Over the years I've had some really good, really memorable experiences at the Ruby Room, I'm looking forward to spending more time there and having even better experiences in its newest iteration! The Ruby Room is embracing positive change, while maintaining its identity and remaining unapologetically Oakland. I wish I could give it an extra star. read more

Classic oakland dive bar! Ruby room is an oakland institution. Dark,divey and fun. If you have never checked out this gem do it now!

I would have given this place 0 stars if possible!! All because of the rude ass bartender on Tues night! Ok first of all I understand the whole "dive bar" mentality (grungy, dirty, no toilet in graffitied stalls and questionable playlist...) HOWEVER... If you're a bartender and you close one well early bc it's "dead" that does NOT mean that you stop serving that side of the bar!!!!!!!!! What it means is that you now are working the FULL bar out of ONE well and prob have to walk a lot more back and forth... this being said the bartender asked me to walk over and order from the other side (which I did although I was irritated- this have never happened) Then I walked back to my 2 friends to our original spot. This idiot bartender proceeds to drop the drinks off where I ordered them (2 greyhounds, a shot, 2 beers) so.... was I suppose to play waitress and deliver them to my friends????... when YOURE the bartender??!!! So I told him to drop them off where we were (still standing at the bar)... and he got an attitude with me!!!!! Like do your f*#%^ng JOB!!! My friends and I are 3 fineazz cute girls (2 of us bartenders in Vegas and SF!!!) so we EXPECT for you to, at the very least, do your job!!!! Ugh read more

Best bar in the world!!! Been going to The Ruby Room for 20 years! Love Casey, Indigo, Jonathan, Michael & Bob....great people!!! Great music, great drinks, great staff & great place!!! xoxo The Clarences (Robert, Erin & Leslie) read more

Fun neighborhood bar. Mixed, fun, lively crowd, great music depending on the dee jay. Gets super crowded so come early, get tipsy so you can stay late. Has a smoking room for your additional enjoyment!! read more

The Ruby Room - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Just before a recent event at the Lake Chalet, a number of us received the following message from John Z: "In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power! Green Lantern's light!" Wow! Is this what happens when a Yelp Elite "Jumps the Shark"? Actually, John (a Green Lantern fan of the John Stewart variety) just wanted to get together for drinks with friends and as a launchpad before the Event. As for the light here at the Ruby Room, there really isn't any except for red orbs within this dark and wonderfully divey bar. Heck, I couldn't even read the credit card slip until John M. kindly pulled out a small flashlight. The Ruby Room could have been the bar my Grandfather frequented in Milwaukee. That was the one where his buddies would claim that he wasn't there when my Grandmother called wondering where the Hell he was! In fact, this place is so timeless that I half expected old Grandpa Rowan to walk in and demand his shot of scotch -neat.. The only things missing in this Midwest fantasy was a snowy and cold outside, a bar food menu, and perhaps a Friday Night Fish Fry. Speaking of fantasy, Rene C's MC was here too. We sat at the Bar, drank Racer 5's, and had a great time chatting and catching up. And when we were ready, we walked over to the Lake Chalet and made our grand entrance. These are the best of times and until we meet at The Ruby Room again.... read more

Too DAMN dark. I felt like I needed spelunking gear to go safely around the bar. Damn, I sound like an old person! Whatever. It sucked. It reeked of stale cigarettes and smelled worse than an old sneaker. Hated the music too. Obviously I do not belong there. The only redeeming quality was the stiff drinks. I can see from the other reviews that some people enjoy bumbling around in the stinky dark. Well folks, you can have it! read more

Note to self: dig out your ID before you enter the cave of drunkeness. When I finally found it (with the help of someone nice enough to lend a flashlight), I took two steps forward and realized all I could see was a bright white spot. Great, I had looked into the flashlight. Even after I waited for that to subside I still could only make out figures, no faces. If you sit in the chairs by the DJ, it's kind of fun because they are on a slope. The chairs have rollers. :D and a sticker of Ralph Macchio's head. Really. As I sat and stared at the "Warning: no smoking, punishable by $100 fine" or something like that - a guy standing next to it lit up. It was semi-entertaining in an ironic sort of way. $3 for well drinks - just for dropping the Yelp word? Awesome. The first one I had was pretty weak but the second one was strong enough that I was set for the night. It's almost dark enough in this place for baby making to occur. The bathroom is a mind-bending experience. I can't even tell you why, it's still a little fuzzy. I remember having to get my bearings at least 3 times while trying to take care of my business. Believe it or not, the napkins are pink. It's a bit of a trek from the Lake Merritt Bart. It was long enough of a walk that I remember sitting on the ground at the station waiting for the train to arrive. read more

[In the style of Kaiser Chiefs] Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby And do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya Know what ya doing, doing to me? Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. Tell the bartender your booze of choice and he will make you a tasty drink. I was pleased with my whiskey cocktail. The ladies bathroom is disgusting. Just hold it. I didn't like the indoor smoking. I appreciate tobacco control policies and especially like it when they are enforced. Keep lighting the bar on fire, though. That's fun. read more