I agree with a lot of the other reviews. The ambiance and service is underwhelming. It takes about 15 minutes to get a cocktail on a slow Thursday. Would be nice to hear a "sorry for the wait". Didn't want to order food cause I felt like it would take too long. On top of that the cocktail I had wasn't good. Hopefully it improves! High 5ive? More like low 5ive, catch you on the never again side *cool laugh* read more

This place is far the worst restaurant I ever been to , very nice view bad staff very rude My food came out cold . The wait time was ridiculous with a reservation on file read more

We loved the rooftop and the food and drinks were super good. I recommend this restaurant. We are definitely coming back.

This place is a very cute spot, however, it seems the servers and bartenders are "to good" when it comes to closing time. The attitude and long wait wasn't worth the cuteness. I get it, it's the end of the day, but the hours say till midnight, so shouldn't the service remain the same? Idk. Maybe just a long night. read more

I've loved High Five in the past but now there seem to be very limited hours. Unable to go when I'd hoped to.

We only stopped by for drinks and to check out this place since we've been to all the bars in Oakland. I hadn't realized that this was connected to the Kissel hotel. We walked in and were greeted by a doorman who informed us of a few private parties going on upstairs, he walkie-talkied the staff members upstairs and were granted entry. We got sat down pretty quickly despite it being pretty busy. Music & ambiance were really nice. The cocktails were ok? A bit on the watered down/weak side imo but the flavors were really good. I think this would be a really nice place for a day party. The view on the rooftop lacks, the best you'll get is the roof of the neighboring building. read more

I recently visited High 5ive on a Saturday at 5pm with 3 friends. There were so many things wrong about this place that I don't know where to begin. Let's begin at the entry. First the bar is not on top of the hotel, instead you walk around the block and it's on top of a two story building. Hmmm, okay. We were greeted by a young person who informed us that the outside tables were all reserved and that we would be seated inside. We agreed and were directed to the elevator and whisked upstairs. Once upstairs we met another young person fixated on their phone, their hair and a walkie talkie. The interior space was empty except for a few people at the bar. Yes the exterior was partially full. We were placed in a banquette facing the wall. When I asked if we could have a view of the outdoors the host told us that all the tables were reserved. Hmmm, okay. So the server came to the table. They were pleasant and cheerful, the only positive I can think of. Once they had our order I swear we waited 15 minutes for our drinks, maybe longer. It was frustrating because the staff was standing around the bar talking and the bartender was referencing recipes to make our drinks. The drinks arrive. They were fine, nothing special. We drank them and were ready to leave. There really isn't anything remarkable about this place. It's a boutique hotel and it's going to look dated soon. The staff was cheerless slow and aloof. The view was of another parking garage and power lines. And the item that irritated me the most is that during our entire visit, one maybe two tables were seated inside. The interior was empty and we stared at the corner of a room. I'm sorry, I had high hopes for High 5ive, but they failed terribly. I'll never return to waste my time or money. Too bad. As I've learned, hotel bars and restaurants don't connect with the local scene they occupy. They think they will survive with the captive guests staying with them. They look pretty but they lack substance. read more

Forgettable The manager responding to these comments is a robot trying to look attentive. None of these comments reach the staff ever. This place will continue to suck. We had one drink and couldn't leave fast enough. read more

Good drinks. Made a reservation for outside with a fire but given a seat where the heating element was broken. Stayed less than anticipated bc it was too cold. read more

Great settings I would recommend to anyone to show up here very elegant almost forget your in Oakland ca read more

High 5ive Rooftop Bar - Real elegant almost forget your in Oakland - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Was excited to try this place. Unfortunately, my group and I DID NOT have a pleasant experience. 1) We were seated under a fire sprinkler that was dripping water from the ceiling. A maintenance worker came to look at the dripping sprinkler while we were still sitting there. It was uncomfortable and an invasion of space to have that done while we were trying to enjoy our visit. We were not provided another accommodating space. 2) After ordering our drinks, the waitress asked for a card to be placed on file - which is not a problem if that policy applies to ALL GUESTS. However, we observed another table order food/drinks. They WERE NOT asked to place a card on file. MY GROUP IS BLACK, THE OTHER PATRONS WERE WHITE. I am very saddened by this type of discrimination. 3) My cocktail was absolutely disgusting. I waited nearly 30 mins for our waitress to come back to check on us to let her know. I even asked 2 other people for help and nobody cared. I had to flag down the manager to ask for another drink. OVERALL, CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. TOO BAD BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A VIBE. SAD. read more

I read the bad reviews about the terrible service here, but thought I'd still give this place a shot since it was my friend's birthday and we wanted a special night out. Boy was I foolish to come here. It's sad because other than the atrocious service the server, food and drinks were decent. Message for management, you really need to train your host in how to manage reservations or get a new one all together. Our host took us to our table outside which we reserved, and dropped our menus without saying one word to us and walked away. We were taken aback but just brushed it off. After we'd been sitting there for at least 30 minutes, the same host comes back to tell us we're actually in the wrong area and moves us over one section. Still no big deal, I was a host once and sometimes you have an off night. Finally, she comes back again with the manager and tells us the section we're in was reserved by another group and they've been waiting to sit there. Get this, she starts blaming us that we're in the wrong sections as if she hadn't just sat us there! Our group was just aghast at this treatment. The manager tried to smooth things over but it was too late, the whole disruption ruined the vibe of the night. I rarely ever leave bad reviews because I know how hard it is to work in hospitality. But this place isn't being ran well, I implore you to go elsewhere. read more

Came here for a birthday brunch. It's a beautiful space but clearly more geared towards the nightlife scene than being an actual restaurant. The outdoor space is great though (sunny, bring your hats/sunglasses). We started by asking for coffee and waiter wasn't sure what milk they had for us to use. I asked for a plain mimosa (sparkling wine + OJ) and he also wasn't sure if that was possible. The food was quite good but 2 of the 5 dishes came about 20 minutes after the rest of the dishes were served. They told my gluten free friend she could order the toast plate without toast (literally jam and butter..). Think they need to decide which way to go - bar/club or restaurant. read more

I found this place on Yelp and was so excited to check it out. I decided to invite a bunch of my friends to meet here last night because I thought it would be the perfect place for a celebration. My husband and I came around 7pm and we're seated outside and our friends started coming in soon after. We were a big group and it took FOREVER to get a server to take our orders so some of our friends went to the bar and ordered drinks there and started a tab. When the server finally came, I also started a tab and ordered food and drinks. Our orders took AT LEAST 20 mins to come out and if we wanted to order other items, we would have to hunt down our server or just end up going back to the bar because none of the servers would check back in with us. Our last group of friends came later around 830pm and they had to wait about 15-20 mins downstairs because they've reached capacity. And once they were seated, again there were no server to help them so they walked up to the bar to order just like our other friends did but they were told that since they were with our group they needed to go back to their seats to wait for the server to order. So they did and they had to wait another 10 mins for server to take their order. It was weird how the bartender told them to go back to their seats when they could've ordered at the bar just like how my other friends have been all night. Just shows how the employees are not on the same page. The WORST part of our experience was when we were done and wanted to close out our tabs. My friends who had tabs opened at the bar were AUTOMATICALLY charged an extra 18% on top of their bill. They were NOT informed about this prior to ordering and I don't think it was written anywhere on their menus either. One of my friends who came later and started a tab where we were seated asked to close his tab but the server literally just gave him his card back with no itemized receipt or anything to sign to confirm what he was charged for. We waited and waited again to find that server to get an itemized receipt. All we wanted to do at this point was leave but we wanted to make sure that he was only charged for what he actually ordered. Since we were a big group we had a few different servers who helped us. I was given an itemized receipt and signed for the items that I was charged, there was no 18% added to my tab so I added a tip. Not sure why the other server didn't do the same thing. Also, I found it weird that they added the extra fees for the bar tab but not for the table since we had a bigger group but whatever. Overall, this place has great potential but SERVICE SUCKS! The staff definitely needs more training on being more efficient and attentive to the customers. Food was decent and drinks were good. The decor was nice and the vibes are great. There's not much parking spaces around the area so highly suggest taking Uber/Lyft. After our experience last night though, we probably won't be coming back. read more

Was excited to try brunch here as there are very few rooftop bars, however the eggs benedict was bland and the continental breakfast was pretty basic. Service also took a long time to get our food. read more

High 5ive Rooftop Bar - Bacon and eggs with grits didn't have any flavor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Bad drinks, worse ambiance. Decor is mismatched and the crew obviously haven't been trained well.

It's a VIBE!!!! Hands down the best views, feels, the customer service is A1. Just a wonderful place

The good: the view, Ben, Karey The opportunity: this venue is so unique to Oakland! There is an opportunity to make it a real vibe, but the inconsistency is not helpful: wait times to get in, wait times to get your food/drink, quality of food/drink to match the prices, etc. If you want to act like a premier venue, then ensure that across the board. I know y'all are still new and facing growing pains. I will continue to show up because I believe in the potential of this spot. In the meantime, Ben and Karey are your biggest advocates. Use them! read more

Love this new rooftop bar! Kissel Hotel adjacent, located just around the corner with its own entrance. Was able to make reservations online and get in immediately when we arrived. Super friendly staff, great drinks and so elegant! Definitely want to come back and try the brunch. read more

I wandered into this place on first Friday. The drinks were slow to come out, but I absolutely love the space, the views, the vibe and the staff was super friendly and welcoming. I look forward to spending more time here. read more

This place let us down twice. The first time we had a reservation for high tea, they called last minute letting us know they had a private party and we had to move our reservation. The second time we had a reservation, the doors were locked when we got there. We waited about 30 minutes trying to figure out how to get in or contact them (they don't have a phone number), and then we walked around to the nearest hotel where we found out their roof was having "maintenance" work done and they moved high tea to the hotel lobby. They didn't tell us our reservation was moved or apologize for the inconvenience of making us wait and changing things on us once again. Do not think this place is worth the hype. read more

That star is for the cool security gentleman downstairs at thee entrance. Service was atrocious. Is having an attitude a prerequisite to work here? Seriously! Taylor, sweetie, maybe you should model... resting B**&* face works in that line of work, not the service industry. Drinks took an abhorrent amount of time, bartenders weren't very socialable. Joined some friends outside only for a min (had to get away from bar top) Saw a gentleman I believe to be the manager chatting with different guests yet the guests with melanin, didn't see him approach. THAT WAS MY LAST CUE TO EXIT THE PREMISES... read more

Was excited to try High 5ive but was promptly left down. The place was practically empty on a Wednesday evening, and almost everything was lacking - especially flavor. Everything we ordered (chicken skewers, spinach artichoke dip, flatbread) was bland and the charcuterie board ratios were incredibly off. Everything was edible, but not quite enjoyable. read more

Super views. Beautiful space. Great service. Now the cocktails: fantastic!! We shared the Bloody Mary and the Cornichon. Fabulous then ended with the mezcal cocktail Amigo Viejo. Splendid. We're definitely coming back. Go to Open Table to reserve outdoor tables with the view. They get busy! read more

Great ambience, poor service and the tacos were just bad. I'll come again because of the place's newness but the food should be at least decent. read more

Brunch is great. And the drinks are really good. I tried to go at night once and I should have checked the menu first. Not much to offer in the evening but fantastic drinks and nice atmosphere. read more

One of the best bars you can go to in California. If you go, ask for Sam (bartender). Then ask him for the "Lindsey" (it's an off menu drink). I swear you won't regret it. read more

Yikes. My friend made a reservation here weeks in advance on a day that the girls could finally get together. It's almost impossible to coordinate our schedules, so getting a day together to try a boozy high tea on a rooftop bar was going to be a highlight that we were really REALLY looking forward to. We did it up. We dressed up and found frilly high tea hats. We arrived on time and the door was locked and chained. Okay, so maybe they open a little late? We waited. We knew they'd be coming down for us soon, because we could hear them playing music up on the rooftop bar from below where we were waiting. 15 minutes go by and we start thinking there must be another entrance? We don't have the shoes on for a full walk around the block. We drive. Then we wait another 15 min out front. Nothing! There's no phone number or contact anywhere. Finally- we walk over to the Main Street to see if the hotel in front might know anything?? They say our reservation has been canceled due to renovations & we could have a brunch in their hotel. What?! Are they even linked? No thanks. read more

Great service, ambiance, drinks, and views. I came to celebrate my graduation and would come back again for another celebration or date.

The ambiance is nice but the food portions are really small for the price. They also don't have many food options. I wouldn't eat here again. read more

Enjoyed the ambiance and vibe. Music was great too! I enjoyed the food, especially the salmon cakes. All the food was tapas style, so small bites/plates, but would've been nice to have 1-2 bigger plates ir entrees. read more

First time. Great vibe. Single malt whiskey selection was a bit light for my taste but overall a great spot. I'll be back.

This place is awesome! The food rocks. Gorgeous space. This is a great addition to uptown. Finally we have a great space to go have a nice glass of wine and a nibble after work, or meet friends on the outdoor terrace, or host a private event. read more

I was so excited to try High 5ive and let me tell you, they did not disappoint! Beautiful views, great vibes, great service and did I mention the drinks?! Can not wait to return and bring my friends, this will definitely be my new go to! read more

I came here to have some drinks, the drinks are very strong and not flavorful. The apps taste bland and like it's been sitting out for a while. The service wasn't very attentive, the ambiance was nice because it's a rooftop bar. I wouldn't come back due to the fact it lacked simple drinks and apps that weren't tasty read more

Best drinks and best ambiance in Oakland! Love the new cocktail menu and the bites are always good

This place really did not meet our expectations unfortunately. While it is a rooftop, there isn't much of a view (just to be aware of) though there is a nice feel with the lights. We booked in advance by one of the fire pits outside, but a few minutes before we got there we got a text saying we were being moved inside. That was frustrating because we had reserved in advance but I know these things happen. Long wait for the drinks (everyone was working hard, there just were too few servers), and unfortunately one of the drinks was really not good. I think it was called "the beautiful ones." The bar bites were good but tiny for the price. The charcuterie came with about 3 small pieces of baguette. I don't think we would come back but it was good to try. read more

Horrible service! Fine they're new and all new establishments have service issues but damn! This bar is part of the hotel on the other side of the street but it has its own entrance to get up to the rooftop. It's a strange sight to see because this street has a few bars now and there didn't used to be anything here. When we first got downstairs, someone who worked upstairs told us it would be a 20 minute wait for my partner and I. We were still deciding if we wanted to wait but the security guy for the hotel was great! Super nice so we just chopped it up with him for a bit. He brought us up to see if they could seat us and it was empty as hell! We walked over to the bar the bartenders were just standing there. Some other woman approached us with her iPad which we thought was a seating chart and she asked the bartenders if they had any tables available and they said no. Like what? This place was completely empty on a Saturday evening and you have no tables? Also how was it a 20 minute wait? If we actually did wait and we saw this empty space we would've been mad. Is this the club where you wanna fake a line outside? More than half of the tables weren't being occupied. It's one thing to not have the staff so maybe they didn't want to seat anymore people than they can handle but that place was dead. We have no interest in returning despite it being a cute rooftop space. read more

Very poor service, it took forever for a waitress to come up to us after many walked by us for a good 15 mins, including managers. Drinks are not worth it, or good -too sweet to a point where it did not seem to have any alcohol in it. Ambience needs work, overly loud conversations and a very bright light indoor seating area. read more

Very welcoming environment. Everyone was extremely nice and gave excellent customer service. Drinks are amazing and food was delicious, food portions are tapas, definitely worth trying. Very cute, lounge type of vibe. Will definitely return. Overall a great experience. read more