If you think Oakland’s wine scene is just about sipping Cabernet in stuffy tasting rooms, think again. This city’s vibrant wine bars serve up everything from natural wines in industrial-chic spaces to bold reds alongside inventive small plates—all without the pretentious price tags. Here’s where to find the perfect pour.
DREXL
$ | (510) 858-5398 | WEBSITE
The Oakland bar scene might not immediately conjure up images of skeeball and disco, but DREXL is one of the best cocktail spots in California. Many cocktail enthusiasts make the trip just to enjoy the Kentucky meringue, craft beer on tap, or wine selections. The service is fantastic, meaning you’re in good hands no matter the occasion: we’ve seen solo visitors reading novels over creative cocktails and groups cheering over skeeball upstairs.
DREXL also offers the more casual happy hour from 4 to 6 PM, when all menu items are one dollar off and creates a cozy yet lively environment both downstairs and upstairs.
MAMA Oakland
$$$ | (510) 974-6372 | WEBSITE
Don’t limit yourself to the incredible ambiance or memorable prix fixe menu at MAMA Oakland—they’ve also got some really good and comforting classics that change every two weeks. Like their Bucatini & Mama’s Sugo and the House Baked Focaccia with apricot and mascarpone dip that’s been described by regulars as “the best in the freaking East Bay.” While it’s perfect for date nights, it’s also a worthy stop for pre-show dining with easy parking near theaters.
Seriously, try the seasonal dishes or one of the creative specials and see if you taste the freshness.
Elbo Room Jack London
$ | (510) 350-8116 | WEBSITE
This vibrant spot in Oakland’s Jack London district serves strong cocktails and a lively atmosphere that’s the real standout. They’re not playing it safe for quiet evenings either. When we were there, the upstairs venue featured local performers, glow-in-the-dark graffiti, and a dance floor that we’re still thinking about. The downstairs lounge is modern and inviting, with cushioned seating and photo booth fun allowing you to watch friends socializing over top-shelf drinks.
The bartenders claim the vibe is all about good times, which totally tracks when you’re sipping cocktails and watching a DJ get the crowd moving. We’re still connecting the dots between the friendly security and the somewhat energetic open mic nights happening upstairs.
Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar
$$ | (510) 350-7524 | WEBSITE
Oakland has a vibrant natural wine scene, so when you’re craving a glass of something interesting after work, or need a break from the usual supermarket selections, Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar is the place to go. Everything in this cozy spot is thoughtfully curated, like their rotating selection of natural wines and the helpful staff recommendations.
This is a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, as they offer excellent glasses and a large section of reasonably priced bottles. After your tasting, take a seat in the charming outdoor parklet to enjoy the lively community gathering, even with your furry companion.
Small Change Oyster Bar
$$ | (510) 210-3660 | WEBSITE
Small Change Oyster Bar is the go-to for casual seafood with a touch of elegance. It’s a laid-back spot for daily happy hour from 4–6pm on weekdays, when oysters are just $2 each and sparkling wine pours are discounted. The regular menu is perfect for sharing too, with halibut crudo, shrimp cocktail, or fish and chips with house-made tartar sauce. Get some prime patio seating when they fire up the heaters on cooler evenings, or watch the neighborhood bustle from the spacious outdoor area.
You’re close enough to stroll through nearby galleries or catch live music at one of the jazz clubs down the street.
CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar
$$ | (510) 295-4838 | WEBSITE
CoCo Noir recently got a new wine director, but they’re still pouring a lot of the same excellent women-owned and small family winery selections they had before. We like coming for an after-work glass to fill up on fruit and cheese plates before a long evening at the nearby live music events. The CoCo Noir team also runs the community programming and brunch service, which happens to be one of our favorite weekend spots.
Ain’t Normal Cafe
$ | (510) 735-9990 | WEBSITE
At Ain’t Normal Cafe in Oakland, the natural light is abundant, the seating fills quickly with students and remote workers, and the standout scones and coffee are hard to beat. Come for a great casual breakfast or afternoon break, where you’ll share tables with book readers and laptop typists making tough decisions between sweet and savory options.
For me, it’s all about the avocado toast with its perfect presentation that, at around $14, is one of the most satisfying (and best-presented) breakfasts in Oakland. The friendly staff will probably check in to make sure your coffee is up to their ‘perfectly dialed in’ standards.
La Loulou
$$ | WEBSITE
There are plenty of great wine bars in Oakland, like the original Ordinaire in Temescal and Bay Grape. La Loulou, with its charming and cozy atmosphere, feels specifically made for casual evenings, where you can unwind with friends without the whole night feeling pretentious. You can always rely on the onion soup and charcuterie board, but the mains are where this place shines.
Things like the quiche with its flaky crust and rich filling are perfectly executed, and a salmon tartine that was fresh enough to rival any of the best seafood spots in the Bay Area. The lively, fun vibe brings life to the neighborhood, and while the $18-25 plates and $60 Sancerre bottle might be high, it’s worth visiting for a taste of the food and wine. The experience is thoroughly enjoyable, making it a good place to visit.
The Cook and Her Farmer
$$ | (510) 285-6140 | WEBSITE
The Cook and Her Farmer is the wine bar we aspire to be regulars at. They only have outdoor seating, so everyone gets a front-row experience watching the kitchen team prepare simple, delicious dishes from the freshest ingredients in town. Definitely order the grilled cheese with shrimp and arugula, but don’t miss the Fisherman’s Stew that’s packed with fresh seafood, the phenomenal chocolate chip cookie, or any of the hot, homemade truffle fries.
Their menu has excellent burgers starting at $15.50, po’ boys at $19.50, and a delicious quiche. Ask about the specials, too, as the fried chicken waffle sometimes makes an appearance.
District Oakland
$$ | (510) 272-9110 | WEBSITE
Come for the best happy hour in Oakland, stay for the staff that greets you with genuine smiles and makes you feel like they’ve been eagerly anticipating your arrival. In fact, it’s not unusual to feel like everyone’s a regular here—servers seem to know which crispy yet creamy fries or pickled radish-topped deviled eggs you’ll enjoy.
Maximize your experience by grabbing a cushioned seat at the bar and chatting with the friendly team about their favorite Bay Area spots or the simple yet excellent drink selection. This is our go-to destination for diving into affordable bites and cocktails, both of which consistently delight, including those oysters and Brussels sprouts that make the lively atmosphere even more inviting.
Belotti Ristorante E Bottega
$$ | (510) 788-7890 | WEBSITE
Belotti Ristorante E Bottega is the best Italian meal you’ll have in the Bay Area that’s not pizza. Every time we dine here, we find ourselves going full Italian grandmother (“mamma mia!”) while eating dishes like the Belotti Antipasto, the heavenly Casoncelli Bergamachi, and pappardelle that’s pure comfort.
This space is covered in rustic Italian charm—think warm wood, soft lighting, and cozy tables (it’s inviting, we promise)—which makes the place feel perfectly right for a special occasion or just posting up for a nice dinner with friends. Go ahead and make a separate reservation for every season while you’re at it—you’ll probably never want to eat anywhere else again.
Snail Bar
$$$ | (510) 879-7678 | WEBSITE
Even though you’re in the heart of Oakland, this intimate wine bar will do its best to convince you that you’ve stumbled into a hidden European bistro. Start with their weekly-changing crudite (and hope for the pan con tomate) and a glass of natural wine before digging into the prawn tostadas and a plate of the thick snails with buttery sauce. The cozy restaurant has rustic-chic decor and a small bar where you can watch the chef prepare dishes all evening.
Just know you’ll need to book Snail Bar about a week in advance.
Petit Cafe
$ | (510) 208-9418 | WEBSITE
Petit Cafe is ideal for a productive study session or a casual catch-up with friends over delicious coffee and healthy dishes like the winter lentil salad or French grilled cheese. Stay awhile in the cozy indoor seating or peaceful outdoor area, perfect for getting work done with a toasted bagel plate. It does welcome dogs, so if it’s crowded inside, find a spot on the patio to relax with your pet and tomato bisque.
Perle Wine Bar and Restaurant
$$$$ | (510) 808-7767 | WEBSITE
Perle Wine Bar and Restaurant looks and feels like a classic wine bar, but the menu sure says otherwise. And unlike other wine bars, the appetizers are the best things here and should make up most of your meal. Order the caviar starter, bone marrow, and steak tartare. If you must eat something more substantial, you’ll never be disappointed by their shrimp bisque en croute.
Stop by for a celebratory dinner in one of their ample seats, or just hit the welcoming bar for a great selection of in-house cocktails.
The Salty Pearl
$$ | WEBSITE
The Salty Pearl has been around for a while, but it still feels like it’s frozen in a classic coastal moment with that perfect oyster bar vibe. It’s also where you’ll find Oakland’s go-to spot for celebrating or splurging on date nights. The menu stays pretty consistent, but you’ll always get great seafood like fresh oysters with that refreshing mignonette sauce and heartier dishes like a mouthwatering lobster roll that comes with a side of chowder.
It’s a lot of bay area stuff in a cute space, and all the giant platters and beautiful presentation might momentarily distract you from that happy hour crowd gathering at the bar. They also do a solid promotion on certain days if you’re looking for some $1 oysters with a bottle to start your evening.
Enoteca Molinari
$$ | (510) 428-4078 | WEBSITE
We love exploring the cozy neighborhoods of Oakland, which feel especially welcoming on a chilly evening when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. There’s no better place to satisfy that craving than Enoteca Molinari. This lamp-lit Italian-style wine bar makes us feel right at home, lulling us into lingering conversations over glasses from their thoughtful wine list.
Their small and opinionated menu also has tons of delicious plates like pillowy gnocchi, savory saltimbocca, and tagliatelle with meat ragu. It’s a great launching pad for a relaxed evening, too, since it’s right next to Bellotti restaurant and maintains that wonderful neighborhood feel.
Millennium
$$$ | (510) 735-9459 | WEBSITE
Millennium in Oakland is famous for its pioneering vegan cuisine, and they’ve brought the best of plant-based creativity to the city’s dining scene. While the à la carte menu at the bar on Fridays and Saturdays offers casual options, their full dining experience is the main event. Stick to their strengths: elevated and imaginative dishes.
We especially love their popular Sweet Potato Tacos on Taco Thursday, the generous 5-course tasting menu for $89 per person that showcases their culinary range, and the outdoor patio with heaters and ambient lighting that provides a lovely setting for the meal. End the night with their creative vegan desserts and a selection from their thoughtfully curated beverage list.
Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant
$$ | (510) 923-6181 | WEBSITE
This sit-down Ethiopian restaurant in Oakland offers an authentic dining experience with generous portions perfect for sharing family-style. Start with the vege combo and meat combo instead of the ultimate combo to try the lamb curries and all the vegetables, plus their spiced tea that pairs beautifully with the lentil dishes. They’ve created a welcoming atmosphere, so the warm lighting, woven textiles, and wooden tables keep the space feeling inviting.
We’ve learned the hard way not to wear outfits we’re attached to, as we always leave happy, full, and covered in berbere spice.
The Punchdown Wine Bar + Bottle Shop
$ | (510) 788-7877 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in uptown Oakland, The Punchdown is our go-to for natural wines. We have a tradition of bringing our favorite out-of-towners (you’re welcome!) to experience their burrata paired with a crisp orange wine, just so we can watch their faces light up with that first creamy bite. Both their empanadas and miso sample plate from Shared Cultures complement the carefully curated wine selection perfectly, and their warm bread with spreads may also be the best in town.
There’s always going to be a cozy, welcoming atmosphere at this wine bar/bottle shop, so grab a seat, chat with the knowledgeable staff about recommendations, and enjoy the dog-friendly-meets-lively-spot vibes.
Penelope
$ | (510) 922-9571 | WEBSITE
If you’re searching for a cozy spot with creative drinks and a welcoming vibe, Penelope is your destination. The bar is tucked away in a hidden location, giving off speakeasy vibes with elegant dark wood and a sprinkle of apothecary charm. While they’re not serving prescriptions, they do craft one of the most balanced coffee-based cocktails around—the Caffe Verde.
Start with the tasty empanadas, then try the excellent guava slushie or pinguino tejuino for something refreshing without being too sweet. They also have a friendly bar staff who take a genuine interest in their customers, making it a perfect place for those who enjoy conversation along with their wine and food. In the evenings, you can find street parking just a short walk away, adding to the relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
