Nice place with a really chill vibe. Christy--besides being very friendly and engaging--really knows how to mix 'em. Thanks to Fireside Lounge, I'm now hooked on absinthe drinks. I asked for a recommendation and she made one with whiskey and bitters that was quite tasty (one of their two signature absinthe drinks). Being among the first to serve absinthe again in the area, others around me at the bar were interested in my drink. It was a kind of glowing bluish green color. After Christy told them what it was they wanted to smell it...kinda bizarre, I know! But I indulged them. Despite their interest, I don't recall them ordering one. I guess they were scared off by rumors that absinthe can make people hallucinate or go mad. Pfffttttt! Down the hatch! A friendly couple next to me (with whom I chatted away for most of the night) kept asking me to tell them when I started hallucinating or if I was about to levitate. I told them unless they were both figments of my imagination, I think I was fine. They also later pointed out that one of those sniffing my drink was the mayor of Alameda. Nice! I must say, the crowd at this place is quite diverse, both culturally and age-wise. You never know who you'll run into. And the interior really is Pottery Barn-ish. A little dark, a little flickering flame, and then BAM! a pool table! But it all comes together quite well. I gotta hand it to the owners for turning this place around and giving it a comfortable yet upscale feel that you usually have to cross the bridge to find. Will have to make another visit soon and see if I can't raise my review to 5 stars. read more

Wow, this place has changed since I last passed through the door. For the better. It's now a fairly serious bottled-beer bar, with a loft-like open design that makes the place seem a little barren when not crowded, but helps absorb the noise once a crowd picks up. The bottle selection is conventional yet extensive, but what matters is that the folks running the place are serious about beer. Want to talk homebrewing and the ins-and-outs of how second-tier brands are distributed? Want to figure out the best glass for an Alt? Come in during off hours and talk about the product. There's a lot of potential here. Add some wild cards to that beer menu! Go for the Euro stuff that's harder to find in California, especially the British bottles and more of those great German imports. Take the customer on a world tour. Yeah, our local stuff is great, but we need the New England-Britain Axis and the German-Czech Conspiracy to really represent in the East Bay, and this place is in a position to make it happen. read more

Despite the angry reviews for Fireside Lounge, I decided to check it out with some friends since I just moved in down the street. My thoughts on the place can be summed up in this 2 minute dialogue that occured. After putting our stuff down and asking the bartender a bit about the local beer on tap, I decide to go for something lighter... me: Do you have any bottled beer? bartender: (points to fridges next to bar) There are 100 kinds of bottled beer. For a second i get excited because this starting to seem like an awesome place. There are signs that say "No Self Service" but the guy just pointed me over there so I figured I should bring my choice to the bar to pay for it. bartender: Did you see the sign? me: Well, yes, but didn't you just send me over there to pick one? bartender: No. Have you been drinking tonight? me: I had some wine earlier... (It's 11:30, not very early) bartender: I am going to refuse service to you, i'm closing up now. My friends and I look at him, like "Are you serious?" bartender: Yes. you are intoxicated, I am closing up. He went to the front door and startind to lock it up. There were still 6 people sitting at the bar, but we were being kicked out. I still can't believe this actually happened. Being kicked out for picking out a beer of a fridge after being directed to do so. What a jerkface! I was just planning on having a chill night with some old friends and we were kicked out and locked out! Never again. read more

Wow, what at change! Over my time in Alameda the Fireside has gone from the grossest bar on Webster, to a good looking place with a terrible owner, to one of my favorite bars ever. The owners are amazing, the whiskey selection is outstanding, the whole vibe of the place is just preface, and what's that you say, there is free pool as well! I do not review often, but this place deserves it. There are a lot of mediocre reviews on here that have nothing to do with what is in this space now. Good people, good drink, good times! read more

As my delicious companion and I noted last night, if Restoration Hardware and Williams Sonoma Home fucked and had a bar as a love-child, this would be it. I dig the decor, but it's not at all what I expected from the outside, much less the area. It way out-classes it's neighbors. The Fireside Lounge is spacious, comfortable, and friendly. And they serve what just might be my new favorite beer: Kona Brewing Company's "Pipeline Porter"-- a coffee brew. So, so good. And the prices, judging just on the two drinks we had, seem reasonable: $6 for a pair of 10oz beers. A larger, 20oz size is also available. There's a pool table that looks like brand new, or at least very well treated. The clientle appear to primarily be of the 40-or-older professional white male set, but nobody seemed to mind when this 32-year-old mohawk'ed whippersnapper entered. I should give this place a solid four-star rating, but in the time that it took me to finish my beer, they played the Black Eyed Pea's "Get It Retarded" twice. I dig the track, daddy-o, but keep the rotation fresh! Sorry, I'm a music snob. I will be coming back, not just for the Pipeline Porter, but because this seems like an excellent place to relax with some of my button-down-shirt-and-pressed-slacks coworkers. OK, maybe just for the Pipeline Porter. read more

Wow. Executed perfectly. Places like this make me want to move to Alameda. The modern decor, the sleek intimate tables, the chill hang out area in the back with the pool table make it perfect for a date, or for a group, or a must pit stop if you're doing an Alameda pub crawl. The vibe is relaxed and yet hip without even trying. The blues jazz playing in the background complements the super diverse crowd. The scene is set for some good times. Once inside, if you don't find any of the beers on tap that entice you, which I doubt, make your way to the back of the room where they have the coolers. The coolers are where they stock their beer collection that even puts Bevmo to shame. You just need to point out which one you want to the bartender. All sorts of Trappist ales, organic brews, local brews. I opted for the Rochefort ale. The bartender said it must be served in the traditional goblet, I obliged and walked around with my goblet and felt like a million bucks. Jean Claude Van Damme aka The Muscles from Brussels would approve of the Belgian brew selection here. read more

UPDATED VERSION AS OF 7/13/07 Ok so I went back after this dive bar was revamped. From the outside is still looks like the same dive. But the second I walked through the door.....Holy Crap! This is exactly what Webster St and Alameda need. Nice lounge. High ceilings, Nice tables. One pool table. Zero riff-raff. This place is going to do very well. The only issues were the cocktail waitress that couldn't hear and needed to write down our drink order on her note pad. a-b-s-o-l-u-t and soda. m-a-l-i-b-u and coke. It was funny. Also, no credit cards....yet. I'm keeping my original review below though, just for shiggles. ************************************************************ I've deleted the original review 'cause the new owner told me he was catching crap for it....The place is cool and the owner's got some really good ideas on the horizon... read more

I'm kind of bummed that they changed the atmosphere of Fireside to add the Gastro Pub.... Fireside use to be a hip little joint and now it's got more of a restaurant feel. More under raps and quiet.... The menu looked interesting, but I wasn't there for food... I was there for drinks and was craving the coolness that was the Fireside. Oh well. read more

Super nice people. Friendly place. Ask Chris to make you a Chile Beer (chile flavored vodka with ginger beer) on the rocks. We made up this name. Chris made up the drink. It is awesome. Tell him Bob and Denis sent you. read more

1996-1999: This was like a second home to me. It was a dive. It had a beautiful Budweiser Billiards Lamp fille with dust and a old Telephone booth. THe bartenders were far from friendly, but that added to the ole' character of the place. We sang karaoke on certain nights and played pool on others..all while being completely plastered from their heavy-handed pouring. Our saving Graces were the Doggie Diner and Nations Giant... It got tiresome when the bartenders would get more drunk than the patrons....I phased this place out cuz the abyssmal downturn wouldn't let up. Today: Suddenly I'm hearing a lot about this place from people all over the Bay Area...I kept thinking "they can't be talking about THAT Fireside!" I finally entertained my curiosity and looked it up. Even the Pictures of the place weren't recognizeable to me, until I saw the ole' Firplace and The Sign. Mind you, I've had NO reason to drive through Webster in the past I-don't-know-how-Many Years. Yep, it's THAT Fireside. I might have to check it out now. I'm guessing by the pics that the bartenders wouldn't even recognize me, because they were most likely not 21 yet when I hung out there! Please be nice to me guys! I'm a good tipper! =) Oh, do you guys need a Karoke night there? hahaha read more

Great place for Alameda. Decor is neat and the place is redone. They have a HUGE selection of beer. The place is easy to miss though unless you are looking for it. Parking is easy, got a spot right out front. There are some pool tables in the back, and neat furniture in the front. One of the few cool going out places in Alameda. Nice bar. Would recommend. read more

After a few hours of sweaty pinball at Ju Ju, I needed a beer. The closest bar was the Fireside Lounge. From the outside I totally expected a dive but once emerging from the tiny opening we walked into a totally Pottery-Barned-out establishment. There were a few unfinished things like the women's room door frame from the inside was not finished and to secure the door was this flimsy little hook and bar closure. I also heard the bartender tell one person that the wine list was coming. We were happy to see 2 great IPAs on tap: Drakes and Bison. They had a large selection of bottled beers too including some 20 ouncers, which I love. The tap beers came in 2 sizes: small and large. The small was really small like a 10 oz. glass. The large was more than a pint, I am guessing a 20 oz. glass. The next time I get my Ju Ju on, I know I will be back! read more

**UPDATE 9/11/07** I just had the COOLEST semi-private party here 9/8/07 and I have to say a huge "THANK YOU" to Patrick and his exceptional staff for making my 40th a fabulous event. I hope I didn't drive them crazy with my constant meetings with the DJ, florist and photographer, tasting wines, creating my signature drink (Red Hot Hottie...Thx Larry!)...but despite my OCD, everything was handled so smoothly and professionally. It was a totally stress-free evening for me because I knew everything behind the scenes was being taken care of, and it was indeed. In fact, looking back, I probably should have gotten slobberingly drunk knowing how perfectly everything was being managed. Oh well. (I'll make it up to you guys!) Regardless, every single one of my guests told me how much they just Loved the "new" Fireside and how much fun they had. Can't beat that! FYI, since my last post and reading the older reviews, I just want Yelpers to know that any minor "issues" previously mentioned have been worked out, so you can just ignore them. It is a new venture after all. For example, that ladies room door (Tracy A)? It's very secure. In fact, it closes all by its magical self and on my way out, it almost hit me in the ass! **Orig. Post** Luv it!! The Fireside has it all and then some. It's a beautiful open space inside. Cool people, great drinks and a really comfortable vibe that's inviting and relaxing. You can play pool, listen to cool tunes, meet some new people and you can even hold a real conversation with your friends. The ladies room is so cute and clean. (Thanks for the purse hook in there!) I like the sturdy glasses too, for clumsy ones like me. Go check it out! read more

Great neighborhood bar- great beers- great and imaginative cocktails. I've lived on this side of Alameda for 15 years- and it's the best thing that's ever happened to the West End!! Apple-Jack, Moonshine Hot Toddy!!! Are you kidding! Super YUMMY! Yes! And Taco Trivia Tuesdays!!! Come on! Major fun for all! The owners are absolutely lovely people. I'm a major fan!! read more

Free Pool! Stiff drinks. Don't smoke in front of the bar . Do ask the bartender to play Selena. Do expect to find a more "mature" crowd. Do expect to find an 80's cover band. Don't sing the lyrics out loud in my ear. Great spot for making out in a corner , whiskey, and evidently.....wedding receptions? read more

Stumbling distance to my house +2 points Weird mix of 40 something women wearing go-go outfits, who have had no business wearing a mini skirt in about 20 years, and men in full suits at 1am, or others looking like they just stepped out of a wham video -2 points for weirdness +1 point for the people watching benefit. Cool ambiance +2 points The lack of thriving businesses in west Alameda, coupled with the seedy history of this bar, +1 point for gumption of the owners to give this place a go. read more

LOVE this bar. Went to the Grand Opening Friday night and the Fourth of July party yesterday morning. Great (local) beer selection and delicious cocktails (they actually squeeze the fruit juice right there in front of you). Their tap water is infused with lemons and cucumbers! Amazing. It's well-lit and has lots of tables to sit with groups, plus a long bar with plenty of seating. Best of all: free pool. It's right on the 51A bus line, so I had an easy commute from my Oakland home. I'll definitely be back. read more

What a cute place with comfortable seating and a fireplace (obviously). It can get too hot so if you're in for the long haul, keep that in mind. The bartender even gave me a small history of Fernet-Branca which was fun. Not every place has this so this gets my recommendation. Go go go! read more

About a week before the Fireside Lounge opened, my boyfriend and I were walking to get something to eat and ran into the new owner. He invited us in to take a look around even though they weren't finished with everything. Immediately, I knew that I would love the place. Friendly owner AND an updated classy bar - count me in! We went there for the 2nd time on Friday night and I was excited to see an addition of a drink menu. They had a beer special, where they put their extra beers that they have limited quantities of in a bucket and sell the individual bottles for $2.50 - bargain! I even got one for free because a guy at the bar said he would buy me the beer if I tried the one without the label. I lucked out, it was an amber ale! We also tried the Pumpkin Martini, very delicious, a nice fall drink. Definitely give it a try - you won't be disappointed! read more

I really liked how this place looks like a dump from outside, but then when you go in it's actually slightly classy. Props for having a million beers displayed in bottles on the light up bars. My friend's Grolsch was big & cold. On a recent Friday the bartender did not know how to make a drink to save her life. She almost poisoned my friend with the amount of Chambord she added to her sparkling wine and my whiskey & ginger was watery as all get out. Some of the crowd here was annoying, especially the drunk guy who would lift up his shirt and flick at his nipple to distract his friend while playing pool, then go make out and dance awkwardly with her and her friend. The crappy phoned in R & B was too loud and all the pictures of sailboats from the 80's was just, weird. Good try Fireside. read more

This place has come a long way since it's years as a windowless dive bar. You can see outside and the light comes in! Beer selection is pretty decent, mostly local brew on draft, and a nice bottle selection. Prices are a little higher than expected, but not too bad. I've seen some good local bands roll through here, but usually it's groups I've never heard of. Also there's art on the wall and they might still host Paint Nights. read more

I love the Fireside b/c of the large picture windows that open to the street's night air! I'm thrilled that it is back open, love west end businesses and hope the new owners open it up in the morning of July 4th for Parade watching!!! Please!!! Thanks, April Colombu read more

I absolutely love this place, the bartenders are great! The Artwork, pinball machines, music, Definitely my kinda atmosphere to hangout and chill with friends read more

D had been whining about wanting to play pool so I, fabulous partner that I am, went on Yelp to find somewhere we could shoot balls. Cheap date that I am, I wasn't really trying to go somewhere that charged more than a few bucks per game (some places were $10+/game!). This is how we ended up at Fireside early one afternoon. I hadn't bothered to check their hours and if it had been a different day we would've arrived to find ourselves staring at a locked door, as they usually open at 4pm. However, the fates (and NFL or NBA or whichever happens during Fall) were working with us that day and Fireside was open early to show the game. The bartender, who I'm pretty sure was the owner, is very friendly and let us sample various beers from their great selection. I don't remember the name of the one I had but it was a caffeine-laced stout and was very tasty. Between the alcohol and the caffeine, my body quickly reminded me that I hadn't eaten anything all day (don't worry, we hit up the El Novillo truck after leaving Fireside). Because there were only a few guys sitting at the bar, D and I had the pool table all to ourselves. Not having to wait for others to finish and not having an audience to watch me fail miserably were bonuses to the pool being FREE! It was a little chilly in the bar and they had a space heater set up, which was so kindly pointed in the direction of the pool table. My skinny ass really appreciated that. I would love it if the fireplace were in use and if there were more places to "lounge" - it is called the Fireside Lounge, after all :) read more

I'm dating a nice boy who just might spend more time at the Fireside than in my bed. But that's okay, because I love a bar whose proprietors have a passion, and at the Fireside, it's cultivating a vast and interesting selection of beer that would compel even the daintiest of girls to throw a few back. Five stars for coaxing me beyond Hangar for a change, and for the delightful company of Alan and Chris behind the bar. read more

This place is excellent. Free pool, nice seating, and a really incredible not-on-tap beer selection. They had this big cooler full of tasty beers, and cheap. I got a Purple Haze and Summer Solstice, each just $3! For a bar, that's pretty damn good. And with the Yelp check-in deal, that knocks a dollar off. $2 tasty beer! NICE They also have free pool, and a variety of events throughout the week. I don't live in Alameda, but I'd check it out again if I was in the hood. read more

I see some of the less than flattering reviews that it seems like it *should* be a dive but is more like Martha Stewart opened a bar in Alameda, but having been a customer of the previous incarnation of Fireside, this is much better. Finally a place on the West side of Alameda that I is clean, well stocked and takes credit cards! A place I can take my wife without some overly drunk slob slobbering all over her while I get her a drink or she walks to the bathroom. Finally a place we can relax without having to be sure I look at the chair first to be sure the chair is clean. Thank you for having this place here for the West-side professionals. read more

Perfect spot on the west end to grab a drink. The bartenders are all super cool, and helpful. They do not serve food here, but you can bring in food from other places. And there are quite a few good food spots near by. Fireside lounge has lots of live music and the genre varies from night to night. read more

Update** Garlic Noodles are back!! Not here, but still in Alameda. At a bait shop/bar?? I need to investigate... read more

The last time I visited the Fireside was in 1995. A friend told me it changed. Yep, it did. Swanky? Hmmm, not really the term I would use, but a really nice neighborhood bar & lounge. I like the fact that there is a split between the lounge area and the pool table area. The bartender was friendly to chat with and shared some great cocktail recipes. Alameda's hip factor is still pretty low, but places like this make me want to stay on the island. The comments about the furniture are pretty funny to me. As a designer, form is important to me and I am willing to pay for it for ambiance and setting format - but for these prices and this neighborhood, who is thinking Le Corbusier? I think they did great job with the interior design and selection of furniture. It matches the target customer. Hopefully, this and the reasonably priced drinks will make many Alameda residents feel welcome. My only suggestion, is lower the lights - darker is always better. read more

New to alameda and this is a bar I would to definitely come back to. Great beer and very relaxing atmosphere.

Really enjoy this bar for a bunch of reasons! It has great happy hour specials on the weekdays and on the weekends! Very relaxed vibe and a good beer selection. My favorite parts of the bar is the board games (UNO, Chess, Scrabble, etc.) and that you can bring food into the bar. Live bands during the week and open mic! read more

Great place. I only glanced inside before the redo but I can tell the owner/barkeep put a lot of effort into making the place comfortable, tastefully decorated and good quality beverages ranging from cocktails to wine and bubbly (a couple good choices). Not too expensive. They have pool too. It has a sophisticated sports bar feel, but I'm usually put off by those places and this place has no pretention. They keepin it real. Can't wait to take friends! read more

We enjoy the cocktails & the great beer selection! Plus they're on the 51A bus line, so I can stop by any time without fear of those ever-vigilant Alameda police! read more

Fireside Lounge - Lapdogs are welcome! - Lounges Near Me - Alameda, California

I must start by saying that The new Fireside Loung is a huge improvement over hte old Fireside and I am thrilled to have a decent bar on the West side of Alameda, which happens to be the side of the island that I live on, and the Fireside Lounge is conveniently located only 2 blocks from my house. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and has a feeling like you're in someone's living room. The decor is very tasteful, and I love the new raised ceilings. Another plus is the vast beer selection - a great many bottle to choose from, also some great tequilas. Now the bad stuff - the bartenders pretty much suck. They are not bartenders (and have told me as much), but are learning. Hence, they have no idea what they're doing, ehich makes getting a drink take a lot longer than it should. Also, the music is HORRIBLE! Music is essential to any bar, and the Ipod regae/soft rock thing is not working. Get some upbeat DJs, etc. I see room for improvement in the Fireside, but for my money if I want to go to a loungey-type bar in Alameda it'll be The Hobnob ... much better all around. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the Fireside, though, and maybe update my posting soon! read more

Sometimes there is a thirst that can only be quenched by a perfect cocktail... and the fireside lounge really delivers. Just through the tunnel and within walking distance of some other little bars... this is a fun destination. The lighting is just right, pool table, old school jukebox, fun bartenders.... what else could you ask for? read more

Great spot on Webster. Every now and again it is nice to get off of Park Street and journey to the West End. Stumbled upon Fireside and it is truly a hidden gem. Not only was the fire going but plenty of seating whether you wanted to play/watch pool, sit at the bar or in the lounge area. Love that they have board games/cards available to play. Will absolutely return. read more

If you have not been to this gem on Webster St. You have missed a great bar and gathering place. The drinks are well poured and wines are local. This is just so more enjoyable than other noisy bars here, got my friends to ditch Forbidden Island... Once you get here the ambiance is relaxed, live music is great - just come here for happy hour and you will be glad you did. read more

Great spot and a great bartender. Never a long wait with theses veteran bartenders and always serving with a smile and welcoming conversation. read more

Classy and chill. This bar is welcoming and well designed. I've been in quite a few bars and this one has something the others don't have, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. The pool table is free...that's a big plus for me. The drinks are reasonably priced for how well they're made. Bartenders are friendly and pretty good about serving in the right order. read more