Oakland’s cocktail bar scene is no newcomer to the craft—these establishments have long perfected their art—but this 2026 list proves they’re not messing around. From speakeasy hideaways to rooftop innovators, here are the 19 spots shaking up the East Bay.
Ramen Shop
$$ | (510) 285-7250 | WEBSITE
A cocktail bar list might not seem like the best place to be eating ramen, but most cocktail bars don’t have Ramen Shop. The Oakland spot has a lounge-like feel about it, and will be serving up a full seasonal menu with house-made noodles.
5 Spiced Kitchen 百香上食
$$ | (510) 817-4889 | WEBSITE
This is a proper Chinese spot in Montclair, so it makes sense that there’s wor wonton and ocean dumplings. The kitchen has put together a solid menu of seafood dishes and sink noodles, but obviously you’ll be getting the chicken lettuce cups.
Mesa Maguey
$$ | (510) 844-4192 | WEBSITE
If you were wondering what our ideal magic power is, it’s being able to go to Oaxaca without leaving the country. Which is where Mesa Maguey comes in. You won’t even have to leave Oakland to pretend you’re in Mexico.
Oeste – Cafe (coffee shop)
$$ | (510) 817-4157 | WEBSITE
An Oakland gem for modern coffee shop eats, Oeste – Cafe will be your go-to when you need that mid-morning energy boost. Grab some avocado toast or pancakes and recharge.
Jo’s Modern Thai
$$$ | (510) 479-3167 | WEBSITE
Jo’s Modern Thai is one of those perfect-for-everything spots, with excellent group gatherings on the heated patio and date night situations. We expect their menu of modern twists on Thai classics will be just as perfect-for-everything in Oakland.
Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (510) 836-6388 | WEBSITE
You’ve just spent the afternoon exploring Oakland’s Temescal Alley and need to continue feeling transported for another hour. Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar has you covered. The airy, cozy space with moody table lamps creates a warm, inviting ambiance that feels both modern and homely.
While service can be slow due to popularity, the authentic Vietnamese cuisine shines—standouts include the garlic noodles with short ribs, the crispy Banh Cuon Dac Biet with perfect fish sauce, and the catfish curry served in a young coconut. Dishes like Bun Cha Ha Noi and Drunken Beef showcase clean, light flavors with fresh ingredients.
At around $18–$25 per entrée, it’s pricier than typical Vietnamese spots, but the upscale quality and hard-to-find dishes like banh xeo or bun rieu make it a must-try. Gluten-free and vegan options add to the appeal. Every bite tastes lively and satisfying, wrapping you in a genuine Vietnamese experience that lingers pleasantly.
Elbo Room Jack London
$ | (510) 350-8116 | WEBSITE
Elbo Room Jack London knows what they’re doing when it comes to cocktails, but do you? Because they’re bringing top shelf liquors and a beautiful lounge area with them under new management. Gotta get that music to drink ratio right. If you’re not feeling so brave, they’ve got friendly bartenders making strong drinks and accommodating staff on point too.
Aloha Club
$ | (510) 534-1495 | WEBSITE
Oakland regulars Aloha Club are serving up all the drinks across the patio. As well as giving you your evening cocktail fix, they’ll be dishing out fish tacos from the truck with fresh salsa. No, you will not be leaving hungry tonight.
FOB Kitchen
$$ | (510) 817-4169 | WEBSITE
FOB Kitchen is Filipino food – a kind of authentic, family-owned cooking that’s jumped across the ocean from the Philippines to Oakland. They cook up a storm in Temescal locally, but is taking over your grandmother’s kitchen for brunch. Whatever they’re serving, you’re going to want in your belly.
Smitty’s Lounge
$ | (510) 834-1591 | WEBSITE
Could there be a better way to unwind after a long week than a perfectly crafted old fashioned? Ask us at 8pm on Friday, after we’ve savored one of Smitty’s Lounge’s superb old fashions. There will also be plenty of friendly conversation on deck, fueled by the bartender’s good memory for orders and the welcoming vibe.
Almond and Oak
$$ | (510) 250-9550 | WEBSITE
From brunch spots to cocktail bars, Oakland has its gems, and Almond and Oak is one of those cozy places that takes food seriously. The restaurant mixes up familiar dishes – there’s prosciutto in the Benedict and beignets with the skillet cornbread.
NIDO’s Backyard
$$ | (510) 500-9757 | WEBSITE
NIDO’s Backyard’s margaritas have been drawing crowds for years, but we’re secretly hoping they bring their Carajillo cocktail with them for the weekend. Because any glass filled with espresso, Licor 43, and strong tequila is a glass we want to get involved with.
The Double Standard
$ | (510) 879-7601 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been anywhere near Telegraph Avenue this December (so, if you have a pulse), you’ve seen The Double Standard’s holiday cocktails all over social media. Be strategic here: you probably don’t want to down one of these before you attempt to play giant Jenga with any real coordination. The Christmas Cricket—with its tequila, vanilla liqueur, minty amaro, coco pandan, cream, and mole bitters—remains the standout, though served in a cup that might make you question your life choices.
On a busy night, the place is packed with people in festive costumes, and the wait to order can test your holiday spirit. But the bartenders, dressed in character and working quickly, keep things moving. The indoor and outdoor areas are beautifully decked out with Christmas lights and Coast redwoods serving as trees. With cocktails running $14 to $18, it’s a lively, dog-friendly spot to get into the holiday mood, complete with games like Connect4 for when the Eggnog hits just right.
Friends & Family
$$$ | (510) 918-5245 | WEBSITE
Asian-inspired food, creative cocktails, and a queer-friendly atmosphere do not sound like things that should be together, but together they are at cozy Oakland spot Friends & Family and we are not mad about it. Where else could we have hot-and-sour mushrooms with sardine banh mi toast, all enjoyed under pink lighting? Nowhere.
Teni East Kitchen
$$ | (510) 597-1860 | WEBSITE
Teni East Kitchen sits right in the heart of Oakland, and is named after a Burmese kitchen, so expect Burmese cuisine, Burmese cuisine, and more Burmese cuisine – specifically chickpea tofu and tea leaf salad.
Calavera
$$ | WEBSITE
Navigating airport dining options often feels like choosing between overpriced fast food and underwhelming chain restaurants—a debate you’d rather avoid altogether. Save yourself the hassle and make your way to the welcoming haven of Calavera, where they master everything from the perfect smash burger to excellent Mezcal cocktails.
The friendly bartenders serve up delicious chicken tacos and tasty fruit drinks alongside their champagne offerings, while the breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, cheese, and pickled red onion on grilled brioche provides a satisfying start to any journey. Though the small chicken burrito carries a charred note, the overall experience shines as a five-star standout compared to typical airport fare.
Belotti Ristorante E Bottega
$$ | (510) 788-7890 | WEBSITE
Sure, you’ve probably had some decent Italian food in your time. But until you’ve had Belotti’s house-made pappardelle, you haven’t really lived. These Oakland legends are serving up authentic dishes with impeccable service and generous portions that make every visit feel like a special occasion.
Sobre Mesa
$$ | (510) 858-7544 | WEBSITE
When a restaurant offers African Spanish fusion, it’s probably going to be interesting. Sobre Mesa, located near the Fox Theater in Oakland (yes, we’re definitely in California), is famous for the inventive cocktails and punchy tapas that create the addictive experience. The vibe is super cool with fun music, and the service is friendly and inviting—though it’s more of a bar/lounge than a dinner spot for larger groups.
From the warmed brioche and empanadas to the adobo chicken pinchos and Sobre Mesa cocktail, everything feels seamless and inclusive. The consistency and creativity keep guests coming back, making it a can’t-miss spot for those seeking vibrant atmosphere and impeccable flavors.
Dinner House
$$ | (510) 350-7682 | WEBSITE
Cruising through Oakland for a neighborhood hangout is Dinner House, and they’re serving up some satisfying bar classics with them – anything with that house-made ranch and short rib meat is going to be just right with us.
