Best G&T I've ever had. Nice classy interior. Why are there only white people in here? In the middle of downtown Oakland? A little too Old Boy's Club for my taste. If it had a rockin' diverse crowd inside, it'd be one of my favorite bars. read more

Awesomely decadent decor, attentive bartenders, and some great live jazz. I ordered a dirty vodka martini and a gimlet, and both were up to snuff. Some bartenders don't do the "dirty" well enough to constitute an actual dirty martini, but this guy didn't shy away from some proper murkiness. Also, sometimes, since I don't actually live in a film noir, bartenders will occasionally give me the stink eye when I order a gimlet, but here, he didn't even bat an eye. And it was delicious, to boot. Would absolutely recommend to others if you're looking for a place with good, stiff drinks and nicely dark corners. read more

This was a stop on the 90's Oakland bar crawl. Loved the atmosphere, but they had one bar tender working. Took over 23 minutes for us to be waited on. The regulars were very annoyed that this business was part of the bar crawl, so annoyed that they left. Luckily another bartender showed up to help with the crowd. I enjoyed visiting all of the bars, but I don't be back to this one. read more

This is my watering hole. Eclectic music, down to earth bartenders,affordable and tasty cocktails. I'm thankful that I don't have to go to SF anymore for after work libations. Just check it out, it's worth your time. read more

This is the new Go-to bar! I love the scene, drinks and people!!! I find myself staying in Oakland more and more for bar experiences such as Bar Three Fifty-Five. The drinks are on point (strong without being undrinkable) and they are very well priced. They have DJs helping to create a mellow, easy, mood, and plenty of seating for groups, and individuals alike. Plus it's on Grand Ave., right next to the lake. It's has a great, chill environment that I have come to expect around the lake. This is my new bar! read more

Celebrated new years here and got so drunk that I missed the count down. I was so happy. I didn't care. This place is cool. Nuff said. read more

Two words describe this bar last night: Hipster Hell. While it was clean, and there was a crowd, I couldn't stay here long. I came to the 355 under suggestion of a colleague looking for a new place to sow my sorrows and meet some cats. Rolling up, some loud mouth broad ran out and screamed "I LOVE YOUR CAR!!" with a type of enthusiasm which rang out clear as day she had no idea what kind of car she was looking at. Okay, tacky, but I can handle that. So I parked and rolled up to the bar, found one of my favourite bouncers from the ruby working there. I looked in, and spied a bar filled with tight pants dancing to the clash. I said to the bouncer I thought I might be at the wrong bar, he told me there's plenty of tight pants inside but it's usually a bit more diverse. There were atleast people, so I went in to get a drink. -1, loud mouth chicks out front. I asked the bar tender for a PBR. He said the only cheap beer they have is High life. So I thought what the hell, I'll spring for a good IPA. Yet I looked at the draft selection, and saw none. Guiness, Stella, Anchor Steam...okay fine I'll have a Stella. $4 for a piss-water beer...ouch. -1, poor beer selection. The DJ put on Journey, and everyone sang along. Jesus, really? I guess can also handle that. So I bought another beer. As soon as I took my first sip off of it, the DJ followed Journey with Kenny Rogers, and the crowd went up in arms. Everyone booed until he changed the music. And that's when it dawned on me that I'm definitely at the wrong place. So I slammed my beer, jumped in my car and left. -1 lame crowd. After all, you gotta know when to fold 'em. The place was clean, has a nice high quality bar, decent décor. The crowd was a little lame and the beer selection left lots to be desired. Few tweaks, this might be a nice spot. Maybe I just showed up on the wrong night. I'll try again soon. read more

As an older patron in my 40's, I really liked the vibe of the place for a Friday afternoon cocktail. I can only speak to the just-out-of-the-office clientele and say that the place is a comfortable spot to relax after work. It is decorated in a very appropriate lounge/speakeasy manner for those who like a dark, quiet cocoon-like atmosphere. Kudos to the owner, Travis, who didn't overwork the look. Someone else reviews the place and called it trendy, but if you know your Prohibition-era history and talk to Travis about what he envisioned the place to be, it really is what it should be. The cocktails are also very on par with what's going on in the world of specialty drinks. I was quite fond of the gin and house-made tonic cocktail. Very reasonable at $8 as were the other specialty cocktails. Anyway, I will definitely go again since I live in the neighborhood. Bar 355 sits well on my list of local go-to drinking holes: Make Westing, Fauna, Hopscotch and Plum. I think a Friday or Saturday night could provide a great alternative to the places we usually hang out. I will also be looking forward to the restaurant they will be opening next door to be called Parlour. It should be a great complement to the bar if it keeps to the same philosophy of providing quality foods equal to the drinks they serve at the bar. read more

Pretty place but not a comfortable place. There are some seats along the bar, along the wall on the other side of the bar, and some tables at the other end, which when I was there, was reserved by a group/company. My cocktail was all ice. Three sips and I was done. read more

What appears to be a downtown dive from outside on 19th St. in DTO is actually a mini Oasis in a neighborhood that one might not come to for a martini. What is essentially a split-level hallway ends up being an intimate space with enough room to schmooze at the bar, or lounge/dance/act a fool in the back. It's a healthy mix of funky wasted hipsters, grown and sexy folk, and townies on bikes. Everyone seems to get along and have fun-- it's upbeat, but chill. I've seen small private parties and larger, poppin' DJ sets here in the past, but really I love this place for a random, Monday-Friday nightcap. For all you social media fiends out there, this bar has the kind of wallpaper that you'll be selfie-ing in front of FOR DAYS. Also, their staff ain't bad scenery, either! Have some hottie fix you a perfect, classic cocktail for less than $10, and I promise you'll be back for more. No matter what your scene is, this place is central, all-encompassing, comfortable and classy all at the same time. See you there, taking selfies in front of the wallpaper! ;) read more

I've been to Three Fifty-Five twice in the last few years, and I enjoyed both visits. The bar is a narrow space off of 19th Street. There's a proper bar, followed by some tables and a dance floor in back. The drink menu is good - and cheap! My wife and I both enjoyed two cocktails each on our most recent visit, and the price tag was around $8 or $9. Service was friendly and efficient, which is welcome given that crowds start streaming in after nine. I'd be back if I were looking for a more intimate bar in downtown Oakland (until it gets a little rowdier in the later hours). read more

Went on Thursday around 8pm...they have a HH that lasts until 8...mostly specials on beer or well drinks... but the drinks are well priced, on the "cheaper" side even, so HH prices are not required to enjoy a few rounds! The specialty cocktails were fabulous! I had their gin & homemade tonic...the tonic had a twist to it that I was not expecting, but it was delicious nonetheless! My friends tried the Manhattan & the Lion's Tail was a big hit! We all agreed they are some of the best cocktails in town and the staff was very pleasant. The decor is dimly lit and simple, but classy...it does have a 20s "speakeasy" vibe. The place had emptied out a little around 930pm when we left to grab a bite to eat...but all the seats were filled up again around the long bar when we walked by later about 11pm. Seems to be a consistent crowd & customer base. I will definitely be back again! read more

This was a fun place to spend a Friday night! Met up here with an old friend who was visiting from NY. I was a bit hesitant to head out to an Oakland bar, but this place was conveniently located near a Bart station and the area itself seemed pretty busy when we went so I felt a lot safer. This place was very swanky. Got here at around 9pm and luckily my friend saved a table in the back area. This place filled up really fast though and soon the bar area was completely packed. We ordered before then so I didn't mind, but I would hate to have to order through that crowd. Drinks were not watered down at all and decently priced. This place has a very chill vibe; from the music they played, the interior designing and the attentive, yet cool-headed bartenders (caught a couple of girls sitting at the bar by themselves giving bedroom eyes to the bartender). Wasn't so hipster-y at 9pm, but got very hipster at 10pm. read more

My dearest fellow-Yelper Annie G. took me here one night when I was visiting the Bay area. It's 3 blocks from her apartment. What a lucky girl to have a bar this solid only 3 blocks away! The bartenders are cute and attentive. And there's a stage for dancing! Of course Annie G. and I got up there and partied with the best of 'em. We met lots of people outside afterhours. It seriously was a great crowd...everyone wanted to talk and meet people and just have fun. I'll be back as soon as I'm back in Oakland! read more

This review is based on 20 or so visits. Bar 355 is one of the better bars in Oakland. They don't make exceptionally good cocktails, the interior isn't the nicest in the city, and the floor plan isn't anything to write home about. But none of that really matters because 355 is more than the sum of its parts. The interior of 355 is nice enough. Like so many other bars, 355 utilizes dim lighting and a backlit bar that pleasantly illuminates the bottles. It sort of reminds me of the increasingly ubiquitous speakeasy thing that is taking over the Bay. They have a somewhat awkward elevated seating area and a small stage (though I've never seen any music). The floor plan is just a little funky, but it works. It's a fairly pedestrian bar. You can order beer, champagne, wine, or a cocktail. They have some top shelf alcohol, but they don't really have much of the boutique stuff that the nearby newer, swankier bars carry. The cocktails are good enough, though none really stand out. I always order a Manhattan, and it's always drinkable. Not great, but not bad. On the upside, the bartenders are all friendly and efficient. It's the intangible that makes 355 one of the better bars in Oakland. It's the kind of place where people go to enjoy themselves and meet with friends. I look around and see couples talking intimately, small groups enjoying themselves, girls out for the night (and largely being left alone), and everyone is always enjoying themselves. Bar 355 is devoid of the pretension that is slowly taking over many self-proclaimed "upscale" Oakland bars. You know a bar is good when respectable bartenders drink there. I've seen the bartenders from several very reputable joints enjoying themselves after work. Presumably they go for the same reason I go: it's a great spot to go to have a relaxing, enjoyable time. Bottom Line: Though I wish Bar 355 would spruce itself up and start offering artisan cocktails, that's simply not the sort of bar it is. The very friendly service is buoyed by the flunky floor plan and mediocre cocktails. Four Stars. read more

The atmosphere is amazing here. When I first walked into the bar I felt like I was in another world. The drinks are quite amazing as well. I personally enjoy the la vie en rose. I'd say check this place out and bring a friend! read more

Uh...yeah. I'm all about this place. Super friendly staff. Just the right level of light to dark ambiance. Music is great but not too loud so you can actually hear the person next to you. Drink menu is great and they have some yummy cocktails that aren't tragically girly. Hot bartenders....no joke. Eye candy behind the bar. I dig it. read more

My girlfriend and I picked this place out of a hat - OK, we played Yelp roulette - on a Sunday night, hopped on BART and were at the 19th Street station in a matter of minutes. We walked up and down, up and down. Phone service was shoddy. "What was the address again?" I asked. ... and therein lies the beauty. Plus, they serve booze in a classic bar atmosphere with 1980s jams. Radical. Post script: This was, I estimate, the 13th swank bar at which my woman and I have ordered swank house cocktails off a swank menu and I've ended up with a fruity-looking thing in a martini glass and she gets the swank-looking drank in a tumbler. When this happens, I always drink really, really fast, and then order a Bud Light bottle and tell myself to stop trying to impress anyone, especially my girlfriend. read more

Obviously allured by the $3 stellas during happy hour (generously between 4pm-8pm M-F....However when I sat down and looked at the menu, I only saw beers for $4-7 and cocktails are $8. The reason! was because they announce their Stella(r) deal in giant letters on the board outside so that no one would miss it. Except me. Regardless, $8 cocktails is still a steal. Ambiance: Dimly lit, prohibition era style, cozy, filled with people but not crowded. read more

Gorgeous, awesome new bar. Staff is super! Grand opening Friday, August 20, 8p.m. -- that's tonight! read more

I am in love... with the light fixtures and walls here. I spent a good amount of time admiring them both there, and in the bathroom. Ahh... yes.. the rest of this place makes me swoon too. The outside look of this place is very inconspicuous and would lead one to believe that it's just another dive bar, but it's not. The drinks are reasonably priced, well-made, and if you're lucky, you would have ordered something with their fantastic large ice cubes. Lingering with a tasty large cubed drink, gazing admirably at the walls and light fixtures with your boo at your side makes for a very nice evening. If you don't have a boo, there seemed to be plenty of single people here who clearly have good taste in sexy-looking bars. read more

This is a nice lil gem in oakland, it seems like a hole in the wall from the outside but inside has a real ncie atmosphere with a slightly antique vibe...really nice decor that makes me want to sit in some leather wingback chair and smoke a cigar...even though i don't even like cigars...anyways, the bartenders are super nice and were very attentive, not pushy, not rude...but smiling, offering water even when i stopped drinking beer. They also play great music and have a decent lounging area and the bathroom is clean... overall - nice bar, good vibes, good bartenders and totally good for happy hours or to chill out and talk with ppl or just a good place to meet to get started on the night read more

I don't always go to Oakland, but when I do. I stop here. I really dig this bar. They know how to make really good, old school and new school cocktails - and for a decent price too. Places like Single Barrel and Bourbon and Branch are great because of the quality, but the shtick gets old and the prices make your b-hole clench up. 355 has excellent drinks with good prices, but without the whole "hey its prohibition, F.D.R. should be here any minute" stuff. Its also classy but still casual where you can come in on a Friday with some friends and hang out. read more

Ambiance: Hipster... Accurate to the max. This place really reminds me of the Red down in Santa Cruz. It still manages to maintain the low key, dim lights, very, very relaxed atmosphere despite blaring loud ass music (quite a feat). The bartender was nice and the drinks were reasonably priced. Funny thing is we were searching for the place and literally drove by it unknowingly but my friend got to break his (legal) bar virginity here! Yay! Oh and the small dance floor is pretty hilarious when you've got drunkies around. read more

Walking with a friend in Oakland and walked by this place - was looking for a beer and it was the first place I found. Lighting was low which was cool - nobody in the place which was cool to me after a long day ... Glad I know about this place for sure!! read more

Bar 355 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Come here often with coworkers. I love their house gin and tonic.. makes me feel like Hemingway, but usually everything on tap is good too. BUT, i guess, just like Hemingway, once the screechy music hits and things get loud and night, I get out. I prefer the happy hour/ earlier evenings... where you can chat and chill. The bartenders are AWESOME by the way. Super efficient, non-pretentious, and just really generous with everything. read more

I get sad about all the old-school bars in Oakland that have closed and then get remade into new hipster spots with completely different clientele. But gentrification in Oakland is rolling full-steam ahead, and as someone who's more likely to go to the hipster spots and has directly benefited, I try to support new establishments in the 'hood. Bar 355 is a great addition to the scene (though I wish that bars would stop using numbers/addresses as their names...I can never remember the exact number). It's a perfect happy hour spot for all of us who work in Downtown/Uptown Oakland. Decor is nice, folks are friendly, ambiance is warm. It is pretty noisy. My friend asked for his scotch "neat' and the bartender had to clarify what that meant, but that was the only hiccup. I'm not sure I would go here on a weekend evening post-happy hour because the neighborhood is pretty dead at night, but hopefully enough folks will cruise on in to keep business lively. read more

Having been bar-hoping around town, this was the 3rd place we settled into and from what I can remember, this place was a little hidden gem. Never came here, but I would certainly come back. It's cute and the bartender was friendly. Given my state-of-mind at that time, there wasn't much to complain about besides the music that was playing the background. But whatever, this is a cute little spot. I'll be back! read more

So please take this review for what it is - a drunken memory. The entire rating is based on the old fashions my group was given - bleh - gross. Everything else was fine.... at least what I remember. read more

Awwww yeah. This is my Cheers. I'm a beer drinker so my review is based solely on bartender friendliness & ambiance. It's a beautiful bar with an eclectic, diverse clientele (which I loves). You cannot feel out of place here, whether you're flip-flopping & dirty jeaning or dressed to the 9s. The joint is nice. Cool, cozy & classy. read more

I love the atmosphere of 355, but the crowds are a bit overwhelming. If you are looking for a solid, popular place, look no further. If you would like a place to talk, chill and drink while sitting down, probably not your place read more

When I think of a bar in general, I think - loudness, darkness and good stiff ones, and Bar 355 lives up to my expectations. It's a quaint little place in trendy, downtown "uptown Oakland" nestled between other small businesses. Street parking was plentiful when I visited on both a Friday night and Wednesday evening. Friday was super loud and vivacious and more packed as the night grew older- but I was still able to find seating for 2; Wednesday was less noisy and more comfortable for conversation between 3 buds. There is plenty of room to park it while you throw back a few. In fact, during my Friday night venture, a quad of domino players sat beside me enjoying the drinks and tunes. The drinks are awesome. I particularly enjoy the Marilyn- a champagne and pink grapefruit concoction with just the right amount of sweet. SO YUM! The bartenders are rather friendly, and they will actually give you awesome drink suggestions when you ask, which is how I discovered Marilyn. ;) And, who could complain about a bar with HAPPY HOUR 'TIL 8PM!?!?! Yes, folks - until 8pm you can get $2/3/4 something or others, to include Stella (not a beer fan tho) or mix-ups like Mariela D.'s choice, the Dark & Stormy (Ginger beer & rum). GRRREAT. I would give 5 stars for all this stellarness, but I'm pretty sure I was overcharged last night when I used my card- which is something I partially blame myself for because I NEVER use credit at the bar- DUHHH. Oh well. I enjoy the place so much, I'll let it side, just this once, dammit. read more

Cool trendy little bar in d'town. Vibe was pretty cool for a Saturday night, not overly packed but a decent size crowd. DJ playing, seemed to be a private party in the very back of the place. Drinks are very reasonably priced which was the best part. $4 beers on tap and $6 mixed drinks, this is a bargain compared to the Napa prices I am use to. Overall good time, seems like a nice place to hang out with a diverse group of people. read more

Love the place, one of my favorite new hangouts. The vibe is relaxed, and it's somewhere in between a lounge and a dive. Whiskey selection is pretty good. Happy hour is til 8 p.m. ($3 Stella, $1 off well drinks). Extra bonus: Bartenders are super friendly, they put up with my shenanigans, and easy on the eyes. read more

Thursday Night Beneath the veneer of the imitation flocked wallpaper, the attractive male bar tenders, electronic music, and the space enhancing mirrors. I was immediately reminded that it was too good to be true, as soon as I stepped outside for a cigarette break and was transported back to Oakland. I had 2 whiskey sours tonight, which were ok for the value. They weren't bad, but maybe my expectations may have been heightened with the overall ambience of this place, I was impressed and I still am impressed that a place like this exists in Oakland. My reasons for returning would not be for spectacular drinks, but maybe I just need to order something differently next time. Nor would it be for the crowd, especially on a busier night. I am still perplexed to have been seated 2 feet away from some goateed gents, who must've just parked their hogs.. nearby rag & shamble alternative folk in denim jackets, to the business clad gentleman that tapped my shoulder because he needed to maneuver around me. Strange. I can't even fathom how claustrophobia inducing that must be for a big girl such as myself . But, on any occasion; I would definitely return for a casual evening with a friend or two. It was definitely an easy sell, but I am definitely going to save my receipt because I want to return. read more

There are some good cocktails on the menu here! Their dark and stormy is delicious as is the gin and tonic with homemade tonic. I enjoyed my dirty gin martini, although it was "too olivey" for my friend. Very crowded on a Thursday night. Bathroom was a little rough, but the interior of the bar was nice and there was a 'DJ' playing 60s music. Good bar! read more

Great spot for some great drinks! They make a damned good Manhattan using Buffalo Trace that is bottled specifically for their bar. Service is great...the bartenders are awesome and highly recommend Bar Three Fifty-Five for a cocktail or two! read more

Bar 355 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Cool spot. Nice atmosphere. Good drinks. Prices are ok. Caught a chick drawing a pic of me on her napkin while I was sitting at the bar chatting. Interesting. I will definitely frequent this spot. read more

Bar 355 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

This seems like a night place to have drinks after work. The tone is very mellow. They have oldies playing through the speakers and the drinks are mixed well; not to strong but not to weak. Today is only Monday so there is not many people here. I would be interested in seeing what this place is like on the weekend. I would recommend this place depending on the mood your looking for but it is perfect for me this evening. 5 stars it is!! read more

Bar 355 - This place seems like it would be packed on a weekend night. I love a place with a good stage. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

yeeeesh... This place gets paaaaaacked. The decorations are awesome, it's dark and ornate and very elegant, but it's kinda hard to see it all when you're constantly facing the back of a highly coiffed head of hair. This place feels like a SF bar plopped into Oakland. I like my Oakland hipsters dirty and a little more cas than the hyped up style-ites from across the bay, so it's feels kinda weird to wander in here expecting to see my unkempt-ed brethren, but instead a bunch of angry faced fashion mavens. I don't remember the service being bad, just hard to squeeze to the bar, but such is the case with any EXTREMELY popular new bar. I'd go here again, buuuuuut only because my fancy pants friends will force me. read more