4.5 Stars. My friends and I have been meaning to try Viridian out. We finally got to check out Viridian out for Oakland Restaurant Week 2025. Technically, we got to try it out the week after, but they extended their menu for the week after. We came that Sunday evening. Parking can be a bit of a hassle because it is indeed Downtown Oakland. Your whole party has to get the Restaurant Week Menu. So we all got their: Aperitif Cocktail - Tomato Beef or Purely Passion (Non Alcoholic) I got the Purely Passion. Good, nothing to write home about. Umami Tots This was really good! Very Crispy. Chili Cucumbers This one was actually really good. Szechuan Salt and Pepper Wings Good, but maybe too crispy? Wings are always good but this one didn't stand out for me. Mango Sorbet (They changed this from the Apple Sorbet that day) My favorite of the whole night. I usually don't like sorbet but this one was soft and easy to eat and has like a creamy like texture? Trying this made me want to try their other dessert item. We also ordered 2 add ons - the Hojicha Miso Tiramisu and the Korean Mapo Tofu. Hojicha Miso Tiramisu was OK. It contained too much alcohol for all of us and was bitter. Disappointing. I liked the Mapo Tofu! I liked that it was Crispy and that it came with rice. Drinks wise, my friends also got to try the Tomato Beef and White Rabbit. I don't really drink alcohol so I just sipped a bit. Tomato Beef was too alcoholic for me, couldn't really taste the tomato or the beef, but I could see what White Rabbit was going for. Overall, I'm really impressed by the food. I usually think Bar Food isn't very good, but this blew me away. Drinks are OK. read more

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Viridian delivers on ambiance. The space is vibrant without feeling overwhelming, and the music was on point throughout the night, adding to a really fun, social energy. Service was a highlight. We had two to three servers checking in on us consistently, and everything felt attentive without being intrusive. Drinks are clearly a strong suit here. There's a diverse selection, and the cocktails had a solid kick while still being well balanced. The only drawback during our visit was the food menu, which felt a bit limited that night. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you're coming in hungry. Overall, a great spot for a night out. I'd definitely come back to explore more of their drink menu and see what else the kitchen has to offer. read more

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Viridian is such a vibe and probably one of my favorite stops during my recent visit to Oakland. I used Yelp to find a fun cocktail bar near my hotel, and WOW, I am obsessed! I was lucky enough to go during their special Lunar New Year Red Envelope celebration, so the place was really decked out for the holiday. All the hanging lanterns, lions, and colorful lighting... the decor was awesome. I got a seat at the bar and immediately made new friends. The bartenders were super cool and the girl next to me was a regular who gave me the low down on the menu. I feel like I hit the jackpot. I had already eaten dinner, so I'm sad I didn't get to try the food which looked amazing as well. The cocktail menu has so many unique interesting drinks. I wanted to try them all! I started with the their popular Tomato Beef cocktail which is tequila, tomato water, basil eau de vie, shio koji, and lime. I love a savory tomato drink and this was perfection. Next up, was Szechuan Smash (baijiu, pisco, celery, cucumber, cilantro, lime sesame oil). Very tasty and had an unexpected flavor profile. My new friend got the Tom Yum Takeout and Soy Sauce Old Fashioned which she let me try -- both great. We ended the night with the Thai Tea Coquito which was an amazing dessert treat. I'm glad we shared one though because it was a bit sweet for me. Definitely one of the best nights out and cocktail bar experiences I've had in a long time! I will 100% come back here the next time I'm in Oakland. read more

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I went here with a group after a Yelp event nearby, and we got the mala hot pot to share. Priced at $88, it explicitly targets Asians obsessed with auspicious numbers, so you know the marketing is on point. There was a lot going on in this cocktail pot with multiple liquors (baijiu, rum, shochu), fruit infusions (pineapple, mango, lime), and of course mala seasoning. When the mala hot pot arrived, it was a small spectacle, as the server placed a small animatronic dancing lion on the table to augment the experience. It was certainly entertaining, and the hot pot cocktail was convenient to share, but if I were to return, I would be more inclined to get my own drink, as I don't consider the mala hot pot that exceptional. read more

Viridian - mala hot pot - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Haven't been here in a few years but wanted to come experience the Lunar New Year seasonal menu and decor - and it did not disappoint! We had a party of 7 (which I think is actually an almost too large party for this place), and we originally sat at the corner of the bar when you first enter (around 7pm). As the night went on, the back table area near the bathrooms cleared up and we took the couches. (the staff were super nice about this). I got the lucky peach, and our group shared the $88 mala hot pot drink. All were delicious, and the umami tots, fried mapo tofu, and the walnut prawn waffle were also delicious. The tofu and umami tots impressively came with a lot of quantity, even though the bowl looks small on initial presentation. The decor was so festive for Lunar New Year, and the staff were all wearing traditional Chinese outfits too! Red envelopes all over the walls and dragons on the ceiling, the whole thing honestly felt like an experience in itself and they played Asian music (Creepy Nuts, the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack, etc.) A very easy BART ride to 19th street and 2 block walk to get there. It felt like we were in a different world for a while! Clean bathrooms and kind staff, every cocktail is super unique and worth a taste! read more

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Amazing food, drinks, ambiance and service! One of our fav date nights and the first place we invite fam/friends over to. The salt and pepper wings are to die for! The garlic mushroom noodles..ahmazing!! Tater tots are soooo good!! Cucumber salad adds the perfect freshness! Lychee martini is delicious! Thai tea coquito is the perfect "dessert" drink for me here (: Still need to try other items but so far these are my fav. read more

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William, one of the owners, was so nice! Helped my friend select a different drink to try and offered to swap it with a dirty martini if she didn't like the tomato beef cocktail. He also let us sample a herbaceous green colored Verde Amaro, which was very different from other liquor we've tried. Impressed by his deep knowledge of alcohol and his commitment/dedication to continually moving the ball forward utilizing Asian ingredients and flavors in the cocktails and food. Outstanding selection of whiskeys and liquor, as evidenced by the 3 men sitting on the end of the bar next to us. One is a regular and they were tasting a lot of Japanese whiskeys. You can have a tiny taste and then order more in small quantities of the whiskey you like. Li Hing Mui version of the Ramos gin fizz was really delicious and I liked the Tomato Beef cocktail. The flavors are so unique in the cocktails. Food looked like a hit for the couple next to us. Cool spot for a date night or drinks/bites with friends. Love the ambiance and they are prepping Monday and Tuesday to go all out for their Lunar New Year decorations. Will have to go back to check them out! read more

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Great food! The cocktails were strong but not especially tasty in my opinion. The music was also really loud. Other than that, I had a great time having dinner with a friend here. The staff and bartenders were very amicable. read more

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Pricy but a fun experience! The ambience is fantastic - really cool lighting and decorations. We had a small group so we got the mala hot pot drink which is for 4-6 people. It was good, really refreshing taste! Would definitely be curious to come back and try some of their other specialty fusion drinks. read more

Viridian - mala hot pot drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Tasty themed drinks with really cool ambiance. I've been here twice and had a wonderful time. I love the decor inside! I really enjoy their tater tots to munch on while sipping on one of the cocktails. I've yet to try the hot pot drink...$88 but it's all to share! Bartenders are super friendly. There's a remote waitlist you can join if the place is busy. One of my favorite bars in Oakland! read more

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A go to spot for little bites and happy hour drinks. The cocktails are always creative and delicious. The service is fast and friendly. The little bites are good too. Some of my favorites are the garlic noods, the wings, the umami tots, and the best dessert so far has been the pandan crème brûlée. Happy hour is from 5-7. There are a few signature cocktails and bites on the happy hour menu. Shot and a lucky Buddha beer is a good start to a night out. read more

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The Char Siu Fire Horse comes with a glass horse decanter for Chinese New Year which is so cute. I don't usually drink Cognac but it was surprisingly sweet and drinkable! Also got the umami tots and Wasabi Mami which was refreshing. The decor is always so on point and love the lighting and vibes here. A must visit if you're looking for a cocktail bar in Oakland! read more

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My friend is in from Brooklyn and I wanted to take her to a cute chill place for her first night in the Bay. This was the perfect place, the ambiance is so cute. The service was excellent, the food came out hot, and the drinks were delicious. We ordered so much food but everything was super flavorful and had the perfect amount of spice. Will definitely be coming back! read more

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This is my favorite bar in Oakland right now! Fun and friendly, they are always pushing the boundaries with cocktail and food that will surprise your palate in a good way. I just went there and the whole place was decked out in lunar new year decorations. Never a dull moment here, every time there is something new to try. I never know what to expect but I know I'm in for a good time here. Make a reso cuz it gets packed! read more

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I've had Viridian bookmarked for a while, since the SF Chronicle profiled them for their opening in 2020. A bar from a Michelin-starred Nari and Mr Jiu's alum? Hello! The Chronicle then wrote a few subsequent articles titled "Food is magic at Viridian, Oakland's new neon pink bar spinning Asian American nostalgia" and "It's time to revisit Oakland's standout Asian American bar. Here's why". They described it as "Wong Kar-Wai meets "Enter the Void"" which is very accurate. It finally took a comedy show at the Paramount to get this girl over the Bay Bridge. However, the trip to Viridian was very worth it and I will be back. It's so close to BART (and a Lyft bike station) that I have no excuse. Though I did not have their tomato beef cocktail as the Chron recommended, I did very much enjoy my Lychee dragon eye and my friend her white rabbit (both $14 at happy hour, $17 usually). I tried my friend's so I can confidently say I loved them both. Drinks were unique, fun, and vibrant--perfect to match the vibrant, fun, colorful, neon, slightly changing decor and atmosphere. The Pork Floss Risotto is congee prepared risotto-style. It was unique and spicy and fun. The same adjectives can be used to describe the Umami Tots. Service was very good. I will be back for more good vibes, good service, good people, good food, and good drinks. read more

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Came here to grab some drinks before a show and it was so fun! I loved the vibe from all the neon lights and the unique Asian-inspired drinks and snack offerings. We came for happy hour (5 PM to 7 PM) and ended up staying a little longer + ordered some food outside of their happy hour menu since it sounded so good. Some drink highlights: + Lychee Dragon Eye ($14) (4/5): Strong! The taste of lychee is very visible here which was nice. Definitely get this if you lean towards the sweeter side of drinks. + Li Hing Melon ($17) (5/5): This was my favorite drink BY FAR. The drink was bright and refreshing, and I loved how sweet the melon flavor was too! The food: + Umami Tots ($8) (5/5): A must get!! Every piece was perfectly crisp and the sour cream sauce it paired with was absolutely addicting. + Salt & Pepper Wings ($15) (4.5/5): Also so crisp!! They do a good job with the fried finger foods here lol. The salt / pepper flavor was strong and the sauce it also came with was so good. We got a few other food items, like the hot dog and pork floss risotto. A bit on the pricier side, and portions were small too. They were good, but I'm unsure if I'd order it again. Servers were friendly and proactive! read more

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This place is my go-to. The vibe is always chill, the music's good, and the people are super friendly. It just has that easy, relaxed feel that makes you want to stay a while. Drinks are always solid, and the staff are awesome. I always end up getting a side of tater tots with my drink. They are so good every time. Crispy, hot, and kind of the perfect bar snack. Just a great spot all around. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out. read more

Viridian - Tater tots - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Been to Viridian about 3-4 times since moving to Oakland and can confidently say that it is my favorite bar in the Bay Area (albeit I am not much of a drinker to begin with). Everything from the oxymoronic high-end dive bar type vibes, the central location in downtown, the neon purple glow of the interior, and the playful takes on asian-fusion makes this such a unique place to spend a happy hour or late night at. They open right around end of business hours for most workplaces (5pm), so head right there after work because the line builds up pretty fast. Mostly 2-3 person tables + a few 4-5 person group tables + the bar in a pretty narrow space, so not great with large groups. They have by far some of the most inventive drinks and food offerings of any restaurant - seasonal cocktails based on specific holidays (i.e. Lunar New Year, Restaurant Week, Autumn Festival, etc.) and small shareable bites curated by former Michelin star chefs. There have been so many highlights: Viet coffee cocktail, honey walnut shrimp skewers, tuna tartare, thai tea boba snow (chef told us this was an asian-twist on a dish from a michelin restaurant they worked at), pork belly skewers, white rabbit bourbon, almond panna cotta, etc. Always a treat to swing by for a new experience. read more

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Just an all around awesome cocktail bar with a solid food menu. I know this is gonna sound weird, but you need to try their hot dog. Super cool variety of cocktails that can cover pretty much any palate. Super friendly folks working the bar. read more

My friend and I stumbled upon this place while searching for bars in the download Oakland area. When we walked in around 6:30PM on a weekday, the bar was full and had a long waitlist. We were on the waitlist for an hour and half, and we had time to explore the area while we waited. The bar is dimly lit and has beautiful lantern and dragon decorations across the ceiling. When we finally got inside, they only gave us one chair and one standing spot, so be aware that you may have to stand! We ordered the Uji Memory, Lychee Dragon Eye, and Umami Tots. My favorite item was seasonal Uji Memory drink, which complemented whiskey with the sweet taste of vanilla ice cream. The Lychee Dragon Eye had a nice balance of alcohol with lychee, which I usually cannot taste in alcoholic drinks but made a good appearance here. Finally, the Umami Tots were a great, crispy snack that satisfied us fully with our drinks. I understand the long wait for this bad and would wait again next time I'm here! read more

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Great fun experience here! This bar is definitely the type of place I'd head to if I wanted a fun upbeat vibey bar. It was very spacious inside and clean as well. Music was great too--a good mix of house music. Definitely on the louder side, if that's what you like! What we ordered - White Rabbit: 3/5 it tasted good but not really white rabbit. It just tasted like sweet alcoholic milk. - Lychee Dragon Eye: 5/5 loved this one! Can't go wrong with lychee. Very smooth and fruity. - Tom Yum Takeout: 3/5 I actually would have given this a 5/5, but I gave it a 3 simply bc it didn't remind me of Tom Yum at all. It tasted like a delicious fruity tequila based drink, which I loved! - Tomato Beef: 4/5 this was super smooth and easy to drink. It had a nice minty-ish after taste. Again, not sure if the tomato beef concept really came through. - Toki Highball: 3/5 nothing special but did the job. As for food, we got the Umami Tots. SO FIRE! Portion size was huge too. This is a must get bar snack. Overall drinks were great! Only thing is the food concepts for the drinks didn't really shine through for me. If it was named something not food related I would have rated this higher. But looking past that, had a great time! Fast service and friendly staff. Everyone had a smile on their face which I loved. :) read more

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My sister brought me here for the Thai tea coquito drinks and salt & pepper wings after bragging about it for the past month, and I will say she has all bragging rights. The play of Thai tea on coquito?? GENIUS and delicious. Their lychee martini is also TO DIE FOR. Now the salt & pepper wings come topped with sautéed onions & jalapeños that add so much more flavor but the sauce is comes with makes them a solid 10/10. The bulgogi cheesesteak on the other hand was good but nothing crazy, regret so much not getting the chicken fat rice plate. My ultimate favorite part of my whole experience here was our servers. These 2 gentlemen assisted us and were such characters, made my night memorable with my siblings. You'll definitely find me here again. read more

Viridian - Bulgogi Cheesesteak - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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This place is incredible. Stopped in on the way to the cinema for a quick drink and bite and it blew me away. We shared the umami tots and the cucumber salad. Both were bomb. I had an NA beer which was yuzu + ginger and went down easy, a great partner to the other flavors. Staff are chill and the atmosphere is laid back with great lighting and decor. Definitely stop in if you can. read more

Fantastic place to get a drink and sample a series of small bites if you are attending a show at the Paramount. There is a happy hour discount if you come between 5-7pm. For drinks, go with the tomato beef (there's no beef in it) for something that's really refreshing. One thing to note: tt definitely gets busy from 6pm+ onwards and will be a wait late into the evening during the weekend. read more

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I've been wanting to try Viridian for the longest time, and I am glad I got the chance to come here after work. The happy hour menu is great. It has all of its greatest hits for a discounted price. The beef tomato drink is their biggest and most popular drink, and it can catch you off guard because of the clear color. The taste is unique and a one of a kind. You can take it to go too. The tater tots are extra crispy and the sauce went very well with it. The mayo was smokey and spicy, and you can put that on anything. The wings were great. They are sweet and savory and comes with a nice crunch. I recommend both of these to get off the happy hour menu or regular menu. It is worth it. The Nashville tenders were amazing as well. The spice level isn't over powering, and it is my favorite dish. The vibe is artsy and Asian driven. You feel the pride of the culture when you walk in, look at the menu and decorations around the restaurant. The owners are passionate for the culture and looks to engage with you to tell you the story of what goes on behind the craft of drinks and dishes. I would also like to mention that we had friends who had allergies, and the chef was able to accommodate by removing some ingredients. read more

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Came here for drinks after dinner with friends. The decor and ambiance was so fun, and the fusion cocktails were so good. I got the Thai tea inspired cocktail which was like dessert and my friend tried the tomato beef which was good as well and apparently one of their top sellers. The bartenders were kind and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend! read more

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Definitely my favorite cocktail bar in the Bay Area. I hate to admit this, but at one point, I was here 3x in one week because I enjoyed coming here so much hahaha. The drinks are cheaper than the ones in SF and are consistently good in addition to the place having a cool vibe! Even though White Rabbit is one of the more popular drinks, it's not my favorite since it's on the sweeter side. My favorite ones have been cafe sua daddy (like an elevated espresso martini), wood dragon, li hing melon, and tomato beef. As a bonus, the umami tots were amazing! I'm sure all their other food is great too. read more

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Came here for the suntory tasting collaboration. The there was a special menu for the night which came with: 1. Japanese confit sweet potato, honey sesame, tuna heart. How they make potatoes so good?!? I was a bit confused about the tuna heart but I think it was part of the sauce. 2. Poached Tokyo turnip, amazaki, country miso, cashew. A simple but very delicious dish. 3. Five spice chicken +dried scallop dumpling. 4. Uni brioche toast. Very tasty dish but the toast itself was chewy and thick not to my preference. 5. Short rib, jujube jus. Very tender and goes very well with the jujube jus. 6. Lychee Raspberry kakigori, Kanten, jelly, mochi, yogurt. Everything was delicious but portions are small. I guess that's fine dining for you all. The drink/tasting menu camesl with: 1. Toki highball. 2. Yamazaki golden promise 2024 3. Yamazaki Islay peated 2024 4. Hakushu peated malt 18 years 5. Yamazaki mizunara 18 years My favorite was the hakushu, nice and smokey. read more

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The drinks and ambiance here are unmatched!! I prefer to come before dinner so it's quieter and you're guaranteed a spot. It's such a nice place to get drinks and hang out with your friends. Their menu changes seasonally but all the drinks are so unique. I recently got the red bean egg custard cocktail and it was soo good. I've never had a drink like this before. I also ordered the miso corn drink which I wasn't a huge fan of. The powder on top tasted like curry powder? I didn't taste corn or miso in the drink but it was still drinkable. Everyone who works here is really friendly and their ordering website is very user friendly. A must whenever you're in Oakland! read more

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Loveeee Viridian! Their cocktails stand out as they are always uniquely curated, and bring such inspiration and depth in every cocktail. The room is also filled with cute decor and ambient lighting. I think it's a nice spot to catch up with friends and have a yap sesh. I got the Lycheat day which was a well made mocktail. I also tried their limited edition matcha drink which was also delicious! I've also had their white rabbit drink which is super nostalgic and creamy. I've been here multiple times and can't wait to come back. read more

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Love the modern upscale vibe with festive Chinese New Year decor to welcome the year of the snake. Staff are friendly and attentive. Ordered the Oaxaca Flocka and it was good, but not as spicy or smoky as expected. My friends mango cocktail was refreshing as well. read more

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Amazing drinks food and service! Will be back soon. Chill but refined atmosphere. Happy hour menu and drinks are the way to go! Perfect place to have a few apps before a show at the Fox or Paramount. read more

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Love Happy Hour here ! Make sure you all check it out!!! Food is so friggn good and cocktails A1! Youre welcome read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!! I love everything about it..once you get to the dreamy holographic window, you're transported off the busy street to an intimate little oasis that's fun (cartoons projected on the walls) yet sexy (sleek bar; fun lighting), with really interesting and tasty craft drinks in beautiful glassware, actually delicious food (tater totes for the win and don't skip dessert), and amazing service. Also, I've rarely had to wait to get in on weekends, which is very convenient read more

Viridian - Matcha cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Viridian is one of my favorite place in Oakland. The atmosphere is vibrant neon and the food and drinks match the aesthetic without compromising taste. The staff is always friendly and accommodating. A few things to note: this place gets busy and they do not do reservations. I recommend coming during the week on when they open at 5pm otherwise expect a wait. There is a strict 2 hour time limit on seating. The dishes are relatively small, but great for family style. The photos were taken during the Red Envelope event so there are special menu items and limited decor. Not shown in this photos but my favorite drink off their regular menu is the white rabbit. read more

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A great spot in a busy location near 19th street BART station, Viridian is usually very popular (especially with people grabbing drinks before concerts), so you often have to put your name down to wait for a spot. However, sometimes it is easy to get a spot right away. The inside is brightly lit with neon lights and such cute Asian-inspired decor! A very trendy vibe for a date spot or drinks with friends. Their cocktails are also served very artistically, with drinks served in glass bento boxes and garnished with unique leaves and fruits. They have small bites, like a pork belly dish which we enjoyed a lot. read more

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Alright so I finally made it to happy hour! Can I just say how exquisite it is that happy hour is 7 days a week aka Saturday & Sunday?! Like how are they blessing the community like that?! I ordered the caramelized crab sauce wings and they were some of the best wings I've ever had. 6 giant wings, perfect crunch, amazing savory caramel flavor, all for 13 dollars. Insane. The craft cocktails on the happy hour menu are thoughtful and delicious. I'm obsessed!! Immaculate vibes & service! read more

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First time going to Viridian! We were seated as soon as we walked into the building. The seats are well isolated from other tables and provide enough space for each person. The interior was my favorite. I would come here when it's dark out. The drinks are Asian fusion and different from other bars I've been to around the bay. Def fun to see their twist to everything! The cups were the best, and the attention to detail makes these drinks worth their cost. Parking is tough. Restrooms are clean. I'll come back again! read more

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Great. Drinks. Oaxaca Flocka Flame; mezcal with hints of cinnamon was absolutely to die for. (And the name is so clever too). Also had a White Rabbit cocktail; which I was very hesitant to get initially because of the condensed milk in the cocktail, BUT. It was delicious. Will be coming back, fashoooo. read more

Viridian - Oaxaca Flocka Flame (left) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Friend and I swung by here for Golden Hour aka Happy Hour this past Wednesday, between 5-7pm. We were able to get classic cocktails for $12 (versus $15-17 during non-HH times), and I cannot recommend the Tomato Beef cocktail enough. It was a smooth drink, lightly sweetened and with no strong alcohol aftertaste - overall, it was just very clean and refreshing. I've been obsessed with savory-inspired drinks this year and this one really hit the spot for me in terms of taste and spirit combinations. Ambiance is always great here, they played a good mix of R&B, rap, even K-pop the night we went in. I always enjoyed the colorful, dim lighting, it makes you feel like you're at a club but with places to sit. We were also lucky enough to have met Ken, the amazingly fun bartender here, and turns out we were all into the same fandoms and had friends in common (what a small world)! Thank you for entertaining our Nendos with tiny chalices of "booze" and letting us dork out at the counter with you! 11/10 would come again for Golden Hour and to hang with Ken again! read more

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