I could write two different reviews on this place, all depending what time you arrive. Earlier in the evening the place was quiet and subdued. They had a pretty good Manhattan on their menu which was well made. Great place to chill over some good drinks and hang out with friends. They do have the speakeasy feel to it given the place isn't labeled outside with the exception of small folding sign. Fast forward a couple of hours. Returned and the place was jumping with people who left the show at the Fox. Totally different crowd that was there earlier. Small stage and the area around it was filled with mostly girls dancing to the music played by the D.J. that showed up at some point. Seemed like they were trying to be too many things for too many people. Preferred the earlier atmosphere and service. read more

Me and my buddy go here on occasion. Love the spot for classic decor ambiance and drink selection. I'm on the quest for best bars in Oakland and the vibe here puts it easily in my top 3. read more

Been here once with some gorgeous friends. Nice place to get some stiff drinks after work. Drinks only, no food; so stuff you face before coming here unless you really want to get wasted easily. read more

Bar 355 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

It's a nice place to drink. The music is ok. The decor is good. The bartenders are cool

TRAVIS makes a REAL drink and great cocktails. Having been judging Bay area bars against my hometown (NYC) by not only their ambiance but also their ability to make cocktails, I have to say that Bar Three Fifty-Five has all of the best items within it that a bar should have. They have a welcoming location that's not on the direct 'drag', without obvious signage, but people who know KNOW that its there. I went on Friday to have drinks with a friend who really needed one as I did. We tried a speciality cocktail (elderberry caipirehna) and frankly anyone who has the nerve to make a caipirehna in Oakland that's not some trendy-poser bar really has my attention. It was OUTSTANDING. But hey, I'm from NY and I never judge a bar by it's fru-fru drinks. It's the real old-style drinks I'm going for. The sidecar was outstanding with Makers Mark, and Travis knows exactly how I loved it (with a sugar rim, not too much citrus). However, I had my true test of a knowledgable bar and bartender in the classic vodka martini. Though they used Ketel One and I prefer Belevedere or Grey Goose ( since I prefer less of an 'alcohol flavor if it's not iced cold vodka or if its not a bloody mary or other mixed drink that can take straight-up vodka strength of a Ketel One or Stoli), it was a delicious drink. Yes, delish. Many make martinis that taste like alcohol and olives. Travis actually mixed the cocktail where it tasted smooth and tasty, even with the stronger alcohol flavor of Ketel One (for my palate anyway). Truly a mixologist for the common man/woman. And while I knew that having one of each might be a bit overextending for some, I'm someone who can hold my liquor. I can say that the best thing about all of the drinks was I wasn't tipsy. The drinks had lots of liquor, trust me, and the prices were right on, but they were truly the Happiest Happy Hour around. They don't have noshy things, but I"m told they will starting in January. I told Travis that i think that as a bar they're got a great thing there and please don't try to compete with the bar/restaurants in the area that are more food than booze. Oakland needs an upscaler-version of Lucky Lounge that isn't catering to one ethnic group or another (I'm Black so I can say this with confidence) Not too ghetto bar feel, not to Irish bar feel, Bar Three Fifty Five is well worth a stop). Crowd is fun and local. Try them out for yourself and see. read more

This is one of my favorite Friday after-work cocktail spots. The bar itself is beautiful, the drinks are made with skill and pride and they even seem to throw in a free one every once in a while. I always enjoy the music which is festive without being over-powering and the bartenders are very handsome. All in all, it's perfect! Writing this review puts me in the mood for a Manhattan with a brandied cherry and it's 9:30am on a Wednesday! Such is the power of Bar Three Fifty-Five read more

The best local bar and my new favorite. Great bartenders who know what they are doing (plus they're all really cute) and a fairly good selection. My only suggestion would to get a bigger selection. Would like to see some interesting whiskeys and some sazerac rye. The decor is awesome and this bar has a great vibe. I might make it every day for happy hour...you should too! read more

This place was epic from the get. It was a Tuesday night around 9 and there were only about 5 other patrons. We sat at the bar and my date had a gin and tonic, they make their own tonic, and I had a booze free fresh ginger, lemon, and orange concoction that was flippin' incredible. Yeah, yeah, yeah it was alcohol free but I'm pretty sure it made my love come down. Ooh, there was also a DJ playing some of the best old school R&B tunes out there. The bartenders were amazing at their craft and were wonderful conversationalists. All in all, I'd go back to this bar in a heartbeat, too bad the date was just a'ight. read more

Cute and dreamy with a little stage in the back for dancing. Perfect lighting and pretty good looking people around - this place reminds me of DC 5 or 8 years ago when the classy dive speakeasy thing was taking hold. Ernest Hemingway and Lewis Carroll, smoking jackets and candlelight, mirrors and tattoos. Being here really made me nostalgic in a good way. Sigh. read more

This place is pretty awesome its a great mix of people, the drinks are good except I wish they had Hangar One vodkas! The interior is pretty snazzy and the few times i've been here the DJ's sets have been really great! Last Saturday I went it was all my favorite 80s music. I'll be back for sure! read more

This bar is a hidden gem. When I say hidden, i mean HIDDEN. It's located in a place with no sign and looks to be abandoned. Had it not been for a friend of mine that checks in here regularly, I would have never guessed it existed. The beer on tap is on point and the variety of alcohol is impressive for such a small bar. There are plenty of stools and couches to lounge on and the decor reminds me of something you'd see in New York. I haven't been here when it's rush hour, but can imagine it gets packed pretty quick. This is the nearest bar to the Franklin buildings so if you are a Kaiser employee and need to let off some steam after a long day, I recommend Bar 355 as your first stop. read more

I've been coming here regularly since opening. Great service and good size pours for the cost of the drinks! I didn't want to do a review out of fear I might have to stand in a line to order my drink. Haha. No but seriously, one of my favs for sure! read more

Classy. I like it for cocktails. But Oakland, stop naming your bars and restaurants by their address. There are already too many numbers floating around in my broken brain. read more

My only complaint: the seating. Everything about this bar screams trendy Oakland. The drink, the lighting, the small stage/dance floor in the corner, the music, and the crowd. After the locals left around 11pm, the crowd got a little too hipster for my taste (maybe it was just the night I went, with the electronic-funk music drawing the crowd). With that being said, the music was great, and the drinks were well-made and worth every cent. read more

This is one of the nicer bars in downtown oakland. It has a distinctive victorian set up with hanging lights, cool wall paper and nicely varnished stools. One of the frequent bartenders has a nice mustache and greased, combed hair, which makes him totally fit the part. I went there a while ago with a friend and we wanted warm whiskeys, the next time I came back they were able to serve them. Score! Travis the owner seems friendly and the djs are pretty good. I like dj jenn who djs on mondays or fridays or something. She plays a lot of new order, joy division, and shit like that. I heard that they have a monthly morrissey night. The clientele is mid twenties early thirties hipster/indy rockers. The place caters more to hanging out and talking than to dancing. I guess they've had a band or two on the small stage. I wish there was more room to dance, but oh well. A welcome addition to the downtown oakland bar scene. read more

The original review read as follows, "I had a beer, a scotch, and some apple cider and now I'm drunk. Not crowded, decent selection of booze, prompt service, but a bit loud so 4of5." I suppose there is a reason that I can't submit reviews from my phone. In greater detail, I went with my girlfriend to meet up with some of her friends to celebrate a birthday midweek. The bar was not packed but it wasn't dead either. Wait staff was prompt, booze was boozie, and the noise level put a bit of a strain on conversation. Did anything about this bar blow my doors off? No. Was it a better than average bar to attend midweek in downtown Oakland? Yes. I'm sticking with 4 out of 5. read more

Came here to enjoy some drinks. NO cover. Nice décor and ambiance. Clean bathrooms. Spacious and lots of seating area. Good music as well.

$4 drafts. Has a couple "yawners" (Bass and Guiness), but a couple good ones too including Racer 5. Cocktails are $8. I had a Dark and Stormy that wasn't that bad. Chill place that's easy to have a conversation, at least on a Sunday night. Most likely will return sometime when I'm back in Oakland. read more

Our bartender Daniel was absolutely amazing.we will definitely be back for this great service. Service is everything. He was attentive, thoughtful and helpful. The happy hour was reasonable and the drinks were perfect. Not to me mention the popcorn was delicious! read more

Oh Oakland - the land I love. All these diamonds in the rough! It is places like these that make me love this town! This speakeasy-ish bar was awesome - the drinks were good, there was a good amount of space and the decor was awesome. It would be a great place to get a drink after work or on the weekend to just chat and catch up with people. There is known to be dancing - which I did see - but it wasn't really inspiring, but it wasn't cumbersome either, so come to dance or talk to pals...you could easily do both here. Now, let's really get down to it though...is it a little hipster-esque? Si, but it was still pretty diverse - it was similar to they Layover in some ways, just a little older - I liked that. It is bartable, bikeable and near food - all pluses in my book. I'll definetly be back to sample the drink menu. read more

As of this writing Bar 355 has been open for about a month.This place is on 19th and Webster in Oakland and there is a sign above that says Mr. B's cocktails, apparently this was one of the old bars that was there. The place has been a bar for the past 60 years and changed ownerships and names several times. From 4-8 M-F they have 3 dollar stella's W00t w00t! It's a small place, but pretty cool and has a loungy almost....speakeasy feel. Check it out! read more

One of my new favorite spots. This place is like a classy dive, if you will. Not 'classy,' but somewhere you could take ANYONE without the fear of being embarrassed for being seen there (i hear this exists).. Most times I've been here it's been pretty calm, if not quiet. Well, maybe not quite quiet. The kind of place you can hold a conversation, without straining to hear or be heard. Don't tell all your friends about it. read more

I went here after a Warriors game. Not busy. Cute, quiet place. Some tables set up around the bar. Nothing too special to be honest that stuck out to me. The people were all pretty nice, dim lighting. read more

I've been to this bar now a couple of time s(during off hours) and it's been fun each visit. Mellow vibe in the late afternoon. Solid drinks and a dark, chilled out atmosphere. The bartenders have been quite all right. Definitely will hit it up one day on a weekend night. read more

Great bar, conveniently located between my office and the BART station.. What more can you ask for. It is almost rude to walk by. Inside it is old fashioned, classy and dark! Happy hour prices are very good, but disappointed no food! I am excited by other reviews stating that food may be coming soon! Great for groups, its not to load so you can hold a conversation at a reasonable volume level. read more

1 Star for the nice bartender 2nd Star for friendlyness of the customers Tried a cocktail that our bartender offered us which had chamomile syrup, and it wasn't too bad. They don't offer many choices of cocktails, which sucked ass for me. read more

What makes this a great bar? It is when you come in and had a absolute jolly time without breaking the bank. Stopped by on a Monday night for birthday something something. They do give out free drinks, and it is a well drink . El Jimador blanco, very smooth, the two bartenders took the shoot with me. It is hard to tell what a lovely, thoughtfully decorated place this is from the outside. The moment you walked in, you were transport to the 60's, the dark green and gold color scheme really work well with the space. I love the little crow on one of the column light panel. The light fixtures, the mirror, the poster in the bathroom are all well thought out, and tied the place together. Now down to business, they only have a few cocktails on the menu, but they do it well. $8 per drink will worth your money. They actually check each drink each time they make it. Good selection on all the spirits, and they even have three absinthe. On and off a great place to be, I really appreciate the thoughtfulness through out the whole space and experience. I just hope the flock of hipster won't turn this place into another circuits. read more

Monday after work...meeting a friend for a drink and TONS of catching up to do. Arrived at 355, bartender super chill, still quiet and nice atmosphere. Approximately 1 hour later, our drinks were gone and so were we. Sorry but the music was too loud and the group hovering next to us at the bar was getting loud too. I know one visit may eliminate me as an authority regarding experience at 355, just not sure I can recommend it *unless* loud, concert-like experience is what you seek with your happy hour drink. read more

I met a friend here after work on Monday. I walked in and immediately liked the speakeasy vibe. It feels like a place where grownups can have a real drink and intelligent conversation. The dimly-lit decor is also a bit sexy, so it would be a great place for a drink on date night. This would have been a four-star review if Bar Three Fifty-Five served a little bite to eat. After one stiff drink each, my friend and I had to leave to find something to eat. We would have stayed longer if they served light food. Nice spot... gets an A-ok from me! read more

Cute decor. Dj. Female bartender super rude and our drinks had no alcohol in the mixed drinks.

Hmm...I think we came here on the wrong night at the wrong time... But I didn't mind that there was nothing happening, because I had my friends with me and it was all about hanging with them and having a good time. I must say that I REALLY liked the way 355's interior and lighting was put together.Dark, sleek and simple. The bartender's mix a very powerful Gin & Tonic and are hella cool. Yeah, we had a great time, and I'm really glad that I got a chance to hang with my friends. And, I also got to see some other peeps (who are regular patrons of 355) that I haven't seen in damn near a millennia there. read more

Cool Bar, reasonably priced drinks. The decor looks like the inside of a Genies Lamp. An old buddy from out of town asked me to meet up with him in Oakland. We happened to find this joint. I parked in the street. It was about 7 P.M. No difficulty finding a spot. I had a Bass Ale, from the Tap, cold, My friend had a Vodka Tonic. The service was attentive, and the other patrons were nice. An eclectic mix of people mostly under 40. I noticed a few groups of afterwork friends hanging out. read more

Place is great. Dj's are fun and spin old school vinyl. Currently I'm 3rd here in check in's. They have my favorite house gin and tonic in Oakland. Try it!!! read more

A Guinness drinker by default, I've stepped out of my comfort zone to sample a few of the specialty drinks here at 355 and I'm always satisfied with the results. This place is heavy on ambiance and good times. If "The Regal Beagle" was a real place -it'd be Bar 355 where folks gather after work to mingle and just...leave it all behind. Oh wait, forgot to mention the super cute, very attentive bartenders. Somehow the beer just tastes better served by these guys. Enjoy! read more

Easy to miss from the outside- good thing the name is the addres. Cool vibe but tiny space. Some loud drunk people with their big group in the back- made us avoid that area, though you got to pass by there just to get to the bathroom. Good selection of mixed drinks. Seemed like a bit of variability from bar tender to bar tender though- some poured a little lighter then others. Nice twist with the caprihna with elderflower. Seems like a laidback lounge. Need to come back to verify the vibe. For the most part people seemed friendly. read more

Great place to grab a drink after work or on the weekends. Classic leather and wood style bar with a hipster vibe come weekend time. The bartenders are attentive and know how to fix a nice, stiff drink. The only downside is that it gets a little too crowded on weekend nights, but maybe to you that's a "good" thing. read more

Pretty chill bar. The drinks were good and cheap. The music was very strange though and also very loud. It was hard to hear much of the conversation. It's definitely not too crowded here on a friday night, which is good because overcrowded stuffy bars make me angry. The service was fast and friendly and weren't light on the liquor. Although it's location is hard to see as it is pretty secluded read more

An ok bar. Drinks are way cheaper here compared to other bars in the area. One thing I really liked about this place, is they had a lot of beers that you can usually find on the East Coast for California prices. Place was pretty empty when I got there, but by the time it was almost 10pm, place was packed. Would maybe check this place out again during happy hour or come back during a bar hopping night. Service is not bad and bathrooms are clean. What more can I ask for? read more

Long narrow bar. Low lights and old school decor, like art deco-y kind of. I like it. Came here on a Thursday night when live jazz band was playing. It was fine at first but once the band was finishing it got super packed in there. We ended up going somewhere else at the end of the set for lack of oxygen. If I lived close by I could see myself coming here more often but definitely during the quiet times when you can relax and enjoy the quality cocktails without someones elbow in your back as they try to get the next drink made. read more

You wouldn't know it from its exterior, but this bar is for the grown and sexy. My BFF took me here on a recent trip to the bay, and I was pleasantly surprised. There is a bit of a hipster vibe in the clientele, but no matter. The bartenders are easy on the eyes... as in HOT. Or as hot as your bartenders are going to get outside of NY and LA -- but the ones here are at least friendly. Drinks are inexpensive, and the night we went, there was a DJ spinning an eclectic mix of latin, hip hop, soul. read more