We celebrated our 15 year anniversary on 8/27/2026 at this lovely establishment! We were greeted by…read morea wonderful hostess upon entering (sorry I forgot her name she had a long copper color skirt). We sat at a beautiful table with a view of the harbor. We had a great server in Juan. He made our night special! Gave us great recommendations on cocktails. I had the the Nightcall pretty and smooth going down. The wife had the Sweater Weather really nice! Now for the food: Caviaor & 1000 layer potato, best clam chowder in the bay, seafood linguine and ceaser salad w/chicken. All delicious and delectable! Juan made sure we lacked for nothing and a woman named Carolyn came by to check on us and ensure the evening was going well. Great place to dine especialy for an anniversary! Please swing thru!

We chose The Bungalow Kitchen for our anniversary dinner and unfortunately left pretty…read moredisappointed. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and our server was kind and friendly, but the service felt disorganized. We specifically asked to have the oysters first, followed by the 1000 Layer Crispy Potatoes with caviar, and then our entrees. Instead, the potatoes arrived almost immediately. When our server saw them, she asked if the oysters had already been brought out. They hadn't, and after she went to check on them, we had a very long wait before they finally arrived. The wait between the oysters and our entrees was even longer. We were told the kitchen was running slowly because there was a wedding upstairs, which we understood. The atmosphere also felt mismatched. For such a beautiful, upscale waterfront restaurant, the fairly loud hip-hop/rap music just didn't fit the setting or the dining experience we were expecting. The food was the biggest disappointment. The oysters were excellent and easily the highlight of the meal, and the presentation throughout was beautiful. Unfortunately, the flavors didn't live up to how good the dishes looked. Nearly everything else was overly salty. My steak frites was so heavily salted that it overwhelmed the dish, and my wife had the same issue with her petrale sole. Meanwhile, other elements, including the potatoes, were surprisingly bland. We were also disappointed to discover that the lobster pot pie, a signature dish I had specifically been looking forward to and one of the reasons I booked the restaurant, was no longer on the menu. We learned that The Bungalow Kitchen is under new management and the menu had changed. I had been saving The Bungalow Kitchen for a special occasion. I never dined here under the previous Michael Mina management, so I can't fairly compare the two experiences, but this wasn't the dining experience I had envisioned when I chose it for our anniversary. It's a gorgeous space in a beautiful location, and the staff were pleasant. But at these prices, we expected the food, service and overall experience to live up to the setting. Unfortunately, ours fell well short of those expectations. Since dining here also requires a significant drive for us, the experience wasn't good enough to justify making the trip again to give it a second chance.

Finally had a chance to check out Luna Sea lounge last week. Location is perfect ... right around…read morethe corner from Walnut Creek BART but also plenty of street parking. The place was crowded but could still get a table. I got the "Syndicate" ... great blend of sweet and spicy. I planned on trying something else but it was so good I went back to it again. Highly recommend.

Cool bar hiding in plain sight on Pringle. From the sidewalk you would swear they were closed, and…read morethen the door opens and you are somewhere else entirely. Blue neon arches, a huge underwater mural, plush chairs and low tables along the back wall. Worth the detour. Chris was working the bar on his second day and greeted us like a regular. I skipped my usual Manhattan and went with the Smoke Break, bourbon with bitters, smoke and black cherry. He nailed it. That is the one I would order again. Kudos to Chris for making the smoke linger and make the drink taste fantastic. I had this one in Oregon and it was cool but Chris did a better job with his method that really did serious justice to the name. My wife wanted the Cucumber Cooler, but they were out of cucumber. She pivoted to Sauvignon Blanc, and they were out of that too. The wine list runs four whites and four reds, so there is not much room to maneuver if the cocktails are not your thing. Chris read the situation, offered up a Paper Airplane since she wanted something refreshing, and put it on the house. Classic good bartending. It was louder than expected for how few people were in the room. On a Saturday with a DJ, music and dancing, I would guess the volume gets close to a rave. Go Tuesday or Wednesday if you want to hear the person across from you, and you will probably catch them fully stocked. My guess is weekends clean them out. Cocktails run 16 to 18 dollars. There is also a 300 dollar tequila and cognac number called La Maria served in a glass rimmed with gold dust, if you have something to celebrate. Happy hour is Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 5. They are on the ground floor of the Waymark apartments at 121 Pringle Ave with a small patio out front and heaters. Great spot to hang out and talk with friends, and a good pre dinner or post dinner stop rather than a destination for the whole night. When those doors shut you are transported somewhere neat. I would go again.

Barbary Bar - Chill Vibes & Great Energy…read more This bar has such a great atmosphere! Whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the beautifully set-up outdoor area, the vibe is always relaxed and inviting. Everyone here is super friendly and welcoming, making it a great spot to grab a drink, unwind, and enjoy some good conversation. Pro tip: Have dinner at one of the local restaurants nearby, then stroll back to Barbary for a nightcap (or two). It's the perfect way to wrap up a great evening.

The Barbary is a beautiful bar. Everything from the lighting, signage, themes and drinks embody…read moreoriginality and uniqueness. Bartender Nick couldn't have been a better host. He gave great recommendations on the different drinks, and also was a fun person to chat with. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you'll love the Coconut Mojito which was creamy, rich, and a perfect 5/5 cocktail. You can also find pleasure in with the Black Tot Grog which was the perfect blend of pineapple, rum and charcoal, and also carried a black esthetic with a pirate flag for an added touch. With this being located near the Grand Lake area, this is a great spot to hang out at right after a film at the nearby theatre or if you just finished up a meal at one of the neighboring restaurants. My experience here couldn't have been better and I look forward to coming back sometime soon. 5/5.

Have to update because I've been back since 2019 and this spot still is so classy! They also offer…read moremusic nights which is like a listening party for a specific record. You can find their schedule on their site. Very grown and sexy vibes. Cocktails are pricey but worth it. It's a great place to start date night or meet up for a first date. Staff is always prompt and friendly. Love that there are other places in walking distance too, if you're looking to bar hop or get something to eat. One of the nicer bars in the area, for sure!

My sister and I were really excited to come here, but unfortunately, the experience was incredibly…read moredisappointing. We waited 15 minutes outside in the cold, where Taylor, the same hostess who later seated us, added us to the waitlist and then asked us to leave because there was "no standing room." After 30 more minutes, we finally received the text to come in. When we returned, Taylor didn't acknowledge us and told us to go to the back of the line. After showing her our text, she seated us. We noticed two open seats at the bar and asked if we could sit there. She said the bar was first come, first serve..yet moments later, she seated two walk-ins who had been behind us in line at those exact seats. The inconsistency and lack of hospitality made us feel completely disrespected. We were excited to finally get in, but ultimately decided to leave. Such a bummer!!

Visited on a Friday around 7pm with a friend, bar was quite busy so added our names to the…read morewait-list and host estimated 30-40min wait. We decided to stick around and wait by the entrance which was pretty open and not too crowded. Host texted us after about a 15 min wait and we were able to grab seats at the bar. Drinks: Anouks kiss - tart, tangy and bright, tropical from the rum and citrus, a nice light and refreshing cocktail Mom's Rosy Cheeks - friend ordered this, their take on a gimlet ordered with gin, sweetness balanced with tart citrus with subtle herbal notes from the gin a classic done well Food: Warm Olives - delicious, warm plump green olives with a subtle briny flavor and a bit of citrus, a great appetizer Yaki Onigiri - came with two pieces in the order, warm toasted rice triangles with a slight crispy exterior and a soft fluffy interior erved with a punchy, salty tuna, miso paste, a comforting snack Brothy Rancho Gordo Beans - generous hearty portions, white beans were creamy and tender, broth was rich and savory, cabbage added a little sweetness and loved a bit of veg in the dish, farro added a nice chew, well balanced and delicious Service was excellent, warm and friendly, staff was attentive but not overbearing, knowledge about the menu, kept water refilled throughout our meal. Love this cozy bar and restaurant, sad to see them go in 2026, do visit them and make a reservation if you can as they close out the year.

Cute bar in Oakland! Dim lighting and sofi music for a cute date night spot. They served drinks…read moredamn near until closing at 11pm. There is a late night menu and the popcorn was yummy! Service was quick although I didn't order very much. I would return here :)

What a cool and quirky place! Came here early on a weekend night and there was plenty of seating…read more You're able to bring outside food in, which was really nice. The patio in the back is so cute but very limited seating. Staff were very kind and patient. I was recommended the Dear Irene's and it was the best thing I've ever had. I can't wait to go back!

Stopped in to try a drink because I'd read that this was one of the best bars in Oakland. I tried…read morean old fashioned and it was pretty good. I enjoyed the open air seating area in the back and the overall vibe was good. I went solo, struck up conversation with strangers, and enjoyed my drink.

Food- amazing Service- fast and kind…read more Location- beautiful I sat at the main bar, ordered "la dama" and "flor de maiz", both wonderful. My seat gave me a front row seat to the bartenders and also a full view of the restaurant. It was a wonderful solo brunch & I will definitely be back.

Lovely delivery order! So photogenic and super flavorful too…read more - paella perfectly cooked, studded with so much protein throughout, tangy, punchy in flavor - taquenitos, never had these, lightly fried dough dusted with sugar and filled with beef, the sauces were guac and a sweetly sour concoction, so so good! - Leche de Tigre, a bit salty for me, but loved the Peruvian corn, good heat and all the seafood Satisfying and unique cuisine. Definitely would want to stop in-person one of these days!

Amazing drinks Good vibes…read more Took my sister for her birthday .. Thank you for making her night ....

Shh, it's a speakeasy! Follow their instagram to know the…read moresecret password. I suggest getting there early or you may not make it in. A line does build up. They have someone out side to let you in and once you're in you have a dedicated server. The service is good, especially with them being so busy. The inside is beautifully decorated. It is a bit loud for a speakeasy tbh but it was still enjoyable. Drinks are themed and decorated nicely. They aren't just good looking, they taste just as good! Definitely worth a visit! Note that the location is a bit hidden it's in between Locanda and the Holiday shop.

Viridian on Broadway Uptown, one of the most awarded bars in the country and it earns every…read moremention. Esquire best bar, World's 50 Best Discovery, Tales of the Cocktail nominated year after year. Got the Tomato Beef which is their signature, savory and bright and not what you expect from a cocktail, in a good way. Soy Sauce Old Fashioned is the move if you want to understand what they're doing here. Umami tots with chili crisp sour cream disappeared immediately, Szechuan salt and pepper wings were the best version of that dish ive had in Oakland. The whole room feels like a Wong Kar-wai film set which sounds like marketing until you're actually sitting inside it. Get there before the line on weekends, worth every minute either way

I've gone four times and each time it's been soooo hard to pick a responsible number of cocktails…read more They have so much variety and a lot of unconventional combos; the staff is very good about helping guide you to something that matches your preferences, but everything I've tried there was really good. The bites are generally really good too, though I wasn't a huge fan of the chili cucumbers. Try the Tomato Beef cocktail-- it's really yummy! The Li Hing Ramos is a good go-to if you like egg white drinks, and the seasonal milk punch has always been good. The ambiance is very cool, not bright inside, but bright colors, very hip. Great date night spot.

So been living in Oakland for going on 15 years now. I'm not what you would call a "bar" person. I…read moretend to enjoy my cocktails, wine, and beer in the cozy confines of my own home. That said I'm occasionally inspired to go check out the local watering holes for a good pour, some food if possible, and just to be in the presence of the human pulsation. Walking into Tallboy on a Thursday afternoon was a bit like Nirvana for me. There is a comforting vibe of neighborhood and after work people shedding responsibility and "toe the lineness" and transitioning to pondering true meaning and the other side of the elliptical bend over nicely crafted cocktails and HOTDOGS! I am a hotdog fiend, and Tallboy has a very creative range on the menu that does not disappoint. From a basic onions/mustard, an Elote Dog, an a Coney Islandesque (it has chili) version. Some folk go to bar and line up shots (or craft cocktails). At Tallboy you can do that AND line up their hotdogs which I intend on doing in the very near future. The pleasantries don't stop at the food (there are other delicious snack items on their menu to choose from too). Tallboy has a fully stocked bar, and the menu has a list of really unique and delicious signature craft cocktails. I'm not a Mezcal drinker, but I ended up dubiously ordering their Guava Martini which to my smokey surprise is made with Mezcal. I stayed with the smokey fruitiness of this Guava Martini as it was my mistake that I did not read in the description it is made with Mezcal, and ended up chasing it with their Tamarindo Cocktail which also has Mezcal. To those who really enjoy Mezcal the Tallboy Guava Martini and the Tamarindo Cocktail do not disappoint. Both have that deep Smokey Mezcal essence, but cut with the fruit sweetness. I personally think the Tamarindo balances well with the Mezcal. The Guava Martini the Mezcal comes through stronger, but both are just the tonic to release any existential pinging going on in your head. If you really want to kick in the hyperdrive pair either of these with an Elote Dog. I had their Deli Dog which sufficed. I think the Deli Dog would pair better with their standard Martini, but hey let's us not bring that snobbiness into Tallboy. Tallboy has an element of cloak and dagger or secret treehouse club about it. What I mean here is there is no signage on the outside (please keep it that way!). When you walk past all you see is this quaint beigeish/yellow brick façade of an establishment which begs you to press your face to the glass and scan what in the blazes is going on in here! Before you know it you are caught in the Tallboy tractor beam, and you find yourself sitting at the bar with some kind of craft drank and hotdog pondering the space and the very nice old fashioned wainscoting painted a shade of green circa 1930 (my description of winning in life). The cadre of bartenders are all really pleasant folk, very attentive (checking in with you to see if you need another round, hotdog, or snack), have tight shaker skills, and they know their craft and the menu. Tallboy also has SLUSHIES, and I did not do a deep dive on them, but I'm positive they may/do put spirits in them; or not. Also I noticed other patrons with a beautiful enticing thing that looked like an ice cream sundae milkshake hybrid (it had what looked like whipped cream on top) in on old timey soda fountain ice cream goblet. This could be a craft cocktail they make with the slushie, but major props for serving it in that goblet. I will investigate on my next visit which I intend to be very soon. Tallboy is the kind of bar establishment I could easily adopt as my after work living room for a couple of hours everyday.

Had an amazing experience at Tallboy!…read more Sat at the bar on a sunny weekend and immediately loved the vibes. Bartenders were friendly and seemed to know a lot of the regulars. Can't quite describe it but it didn't feel like an SF bar, felt more open and like a community watering whole. On to the food and drinks. I'm vegetarian so was so excited to try the dogs - which are vegan. And I may be biased but you cannot tell that you're missing out on anything with all the flavor packed combos. The bun was fluffy and soft and you have multiple fun themed options to choose from. My partner and I ended up getting the deli dog and truffle meltdown. Deli was perfect - classic mix of spice and crunch with the spicy brown mustard and giardiniera peppers. And the truffle meltdown was so savory and decadent - totally different flavor profiles from each dog! We were only going to grab one drink but the menu was so inventive we ended up getting two. I ordered the banana hammock (which comes with a fire show) and espresso martini slushee which was is up there with the frozen Irish coffees I've had in New Orleans. Man writing this has my mouth watering... definitely coming back for more dogs, drinks, and vibes!