The Hotsy has provided me with years of great memories, laughter, and good times. It is one of those places that has more character and charm than many bars twice its size. The menu changes regularly, which keeps things interesting, but one thing that never changes is the consistently excellent service. One of my favorite things about this spot is how dog-friendly it is. The owner's dog is practically the co-owner of the bar and is often lounging around, adding even more personality to the experience. If you are lucky enough to meet him, just know the dog has standards. The dog only accepts meat, so do not bother offering him the tortilla from your taco. Trust me, you will be judged. Another major perk is that they allow outside food. Conveniently, there is a taco truck right next door serving some of the best carnitas tacos around, making it easy to pair great food with great drinks. Also, keep an eye on the TVs. They always seem to be playing some delightfully over-the-top late-night movie programming that inevitably sparks random conversations and plenty of laughter among the crowd. Overall, this is a fantastic neighborhood bar with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a ton of personality. It can get crowded, so try to grab a spot early if you can. You'll notice plenty of regulars who come back again and again, and to me, that is always one of the best signs that a place is doing something right. read more

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DON'T LET OTHERS SWAY YOU THIS IS DEFINITLY A STRIP CLUB! These other reviews are gaslighting me! I came in and bought some women several drinks and got NOTHING for it, JUST LIKE A REAL STRIP CLUB! Some even offered to take me to VIP and said I'd only be able to look but no touching! The nice thing about this STRIP CLUB is that the rules are so lax you can EAT THE TACO! Name another STRIP CLUB in America that allows that??? Drink prices are reasonable though. read more

The Hotsy Totsy club was recently featured on Fox News as a strip club - not true. This is hilarious because it is nothing of the sort. It is a nearly 100-year-old dive bar. The drinks here are poured relatively strong. They have an amazing selection of vodkas and whiskeys. But you'll have no problem finding the tequila that you like as well. For those that don't drink, they have several different juices that you can mix in a variety of ways to make your own mocktail. Parking here is ridiculously easy. The parking is relatively safe. If you park more than a block away, you're good walking to your car late at night. The service here is excellent. The bartenders are quirky and have great sense of humor. read more

If you're looking for a laid-back neighborhood spot with great drinks, Hotsy Totsy Club is it. A friend of mine used to live nearby and always raved about this place--especially the drinks and the taco truck parked outside. When I finally met him there, I immediately understood the hype. It's got that classic old-school bar feel: plenty of seats right at the bar if you're in the mood to chat, plus some more tucked-away seating in the back if you want something a little more low-key and private. I honestly can't remember the exact name of the drink I ordered (which probably says something ), but it was a mezcal cocktail--and it was so good I had two. Smoky, smooth, and dangerously easy to sip. You order at the bar, the bartender was super friendly, and the overall crowd had that welcoming, neighborhood vibe where everyone seems to know each other--or at least is happy to talk like they do. We also grabbed burritos from the taco truck outside (pro tip: do not skip this), and you can bring the food right into the bar. Great drinks and legit tacos? That's a winning combo. Overall, it's a fantastic local watering hole--unpretentious, comfortable, and exactly the kind of place you're happy to become a regular at. read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - Inside the bar - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

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If there's one bit of advice I can give to everyone reading this review and that is to not judge a book by its cover. That is exactly what my personal experience of the "Hotsy Totsy Club" was. Being a Bay Area native, I actually knew about this place over the past few decades as well as "Club Mallard" which is also a true dive bar located right down the street. Located in the heart of the East Bay in the small community of Albany, this place has been in operation dating back to 1939 with several owners taking over throughout the years. As for the location, this place is directly on San Pablo Ave (and adjacent to Garfield Ave) while being only a mile east of the 80/580 freeway. Parking for the most part is relatively easy to find as I was able to park directly on the main street. There is a small dedicated lot at the rear of the building but only made for about 6 vehicles. However, you are relatively close to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station as well as AC Transit just in case you wish to take public transit here. As I mentioned, this place may look like another wooden building from the outside with the exterior of the building being a conservative shade of blue with the distinctive "Hotsy Totsy Club" sign that has withstood the test of time. But as you step foot inside, you are taken back many decades to a bygone era. Here you will encounter a shuffleboard that looks as if it is from the 1950's complete with heavily distressed tables, comfy lounges, quotes from people that have frequented over the years, and a sweet vintage Wurlitzer jukebox. Additionally, there is an additional room towards the rear with more ample seating throughout. I will say, I've been to my fair share of bars over the past several decades. When it comes to the look and feel of this dive hole-in-the-wall bar, this place does things the right way and that is to make you feel welcome. They also carry a ton of in-house specials including seasonal mixed drinks, house cocktails, and a huge assortment of beer, wine, and spirits. Since I came here during their Happy Hour at around 4:30pm (which happened to be in between 3-7pm) on 7/4/2025, I went with a glass of their "Brandy Old Fashioned" (priced at $10). The drink was on the rocks and garnished with a dark cherry. It was absolutely amazing with hints of caramel and a smooth, buttery texture. All in all, if you're looking for that true gritty Bay Area nostalgia, then I definitely recommend checking out the "Hotsy Totsy Club". This is a place where the tourists do not go and you will see a ton of locals/regulars coming from all walks of life. When you factor in the delicate nature of their drink menu, a true ambiance that takes you back to the post-Prohibition era, and a truly eclectic experience, this place is as good as it gets. My rating, a unanimous five stars. read more

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Amazing list of cocktails - good vibes! I had a few NA cocktails that were spectacular! Passion fruit "gin" drink. So good!! I'm excited to come back when it's not dry January for me and try the rest of the menu. Also - I love the paintings of the dogs around the bar. I gotta ask the back story on that. Cute pups!! read more

What an amazing old bar. I went here last week and I had a hell of a time. It was so fun. There were so many cool patrons and the bartender was awesome, she had a ring on her wedding finger and some tattoos, she had me giggling with some of her jokes. The decor of the bar really takes you away to another time. I like the drink specials. They have great beer. When I went there was a taco truck in the parking lot and that was awesome also. This place is special! Best regular bar in the area. read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

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Here you go: I'm a bartender myself for over 20 years, so this comes with experience having worked in some of the top rated bars and restaurants in the Bay Area.  This place has horrible horrible service if you are not part of the regulars group. When I asked the woman standing behind the bar for a Pacifico (BTW I had to ask her, she didn't acknowledge/greet me as I stood there), she just pointed to another person working, and said "he is the bartender" with a sour attitude. I was then standing there for 6 minutes with no acknowledgment whatsoever from the "bartender" who was having shots with the regulars - and visibly extremely drunk himself. This is not a one-time experience. I've been to this place several times with my girlfriend, and it's usually because of the taco truck. This place consistently puts out this type of experience - arrogant, dismissive, pretentious. Although I'm not sure why they act like that - just because they've been written up in the media about their "hand crafted cocktails"? You can get those drinks in the city - along with the attitude. Isn't the point of a local dive bar to be that you can get your drink on in your own neighborhood w/ a friendly face? Guess they only care about the gray-haired day drinkers who sustain them. If you are not a part of their group forget about getting a drink!! 11/23/2025 Sunday around 4pm. read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - Drunk bartender having shots with regular - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

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We ordered tacos at the taco truck in the parking lot and quickly found shelter from the rain inside Hotsy Totsy. Wow, what a vibe inside. My partner says, "I didn't know places like this still exist." The drinks are strong, reasonably priced, and the vibes are immaculate. I would 10/10 return. read more

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The Hotsy-Totsy club is a great place to hang out with a friend or three. Order anything from the curated list of drinks and you can't go wrong. There are also seasonal special drinks. All are consistently well prepared and delicious. While there is a comfortable dive bar ambiance, the drinks are more craft cocktail than a Pabst and a shot ( although, I'm sure you could get that). Last, no food is served in the bar, but there is a great taco truck in the parking lot and you are welcome to bring your plate inside. All in all one of my fave's. read more

This bar is the best in area. Great selection of crafted cocktails and drinks. Fun laid back atmosphere. Staff very engaging with customers. Highly recommend. read more

My go-to spot whenever we get the chance to go out! Great ambiance and friendly staff. Plus there's shuffleboard. The other patrons are also pretty friendly, making it a great place to unwind and hang out without feeling crowded. Every drink that I've order has never disappointed. There's space in the back to sit and talk for a more relaxed feel and the bathrooms are super clean! read more

The Hotsy Totsy apparently is the favorite watering hole for locals, and I now see why. It's a very unassuming dive bar from the exterior, but surprisingly spacious and cozy in the inside, with plenty of seating available. Went for HH on a Tuesday, and it was surprisingly packed and busy inside already. Only 1 bartender working behind the bar the whole night, but she was incredibly efficient in taking orders and dishing out drinks. And we didn't have to try to flag her down for 20mins before getting her attention. Drinks were stiff and well made, CC is accepted without minimums, and patrons of all ages were friendly to interact with. I can now see what the appeal is, and why Hotsy Totsy has been around for so long! Pro-tip: Before or after your drinking adventures, be sure to hit up the cash-only taco truck behind the bar. They serve delicious tacos for $3/ea! read more

Fun divey vibe with incredible drinks! The bartenders are super knowledge and skillful. Wish we lived closer so we could frequent more!

Great little hole in the wall bar. Great craft cocktails. Chill vibe. Loved it. Bartenders were attentive. Pours were just right.

Fantastic cocktails.. and that's about it.. there is one woman bartender that is very nice, (blonde hair trina? Karina? Tina? I don't know) I've never dealt with any of the male bartenders but yeah just like the reviews say extremely rude service by clearly intoxicated bartenders, who the heck lets their employees drink while they're working? The last review posted pictures and definitely one of those photos exposes quite possibly the rudest woman I've ever dealt with at that bar, this place needs a tune-up badly, so much potential but yeah if you're not a hardcore regular prepare to be disappointed read more

The Hotsy Totsy is my neighborhood dive bar. My favorite taco truck, El Autlense, is also conveniently located next door. My family and I grabbed our tacos and took them to eat at the bar and have a few drinks. As a first-timer, I didn't know what to expect or order. One of the workers gave me drink recommendations and their seasonal and winter wonderland drink menu. Initially, I wanted to try a drink off of their winter wonderland menu, but they were out. I ended up ordering a Carmen Miranda off of their seasonal menu and a Una Paloma Rosa. My favorite out of the two was the Carmen Miranda--both drinks were refreshing, strong, and had a hint of fruit. For a Monday night, they were slammed and only had one bartender--but she worked her magic. This is a great local spot to check out for good drinks and friendly service. Grab some tacos next door with your drink for an even better time! read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - A Wallbanger and Then Some - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

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Let me start by saying this spot is an institution, it has been a staple in this neighborhood for a long time. There is no doubt that they can make amazing craft cocktails with clever names. The decor is quirky, unique and divey. BUT throwing attitude unnecessarily, that will kill any vibe. This will probably piss off the "owner" who is responding to 1 star reviews quite immaturely, your insecure man baby ego clearly cannot take criticism. Went last night on a Thursday, it was not that busy so I was caught off guard when the bartender was yelling at us where to stand like we were children. At first we were just trying to get out of the way of folks heading to the exit. I don't care how cool you think you or your bar is but that type of behavior needs to calm down. If it had been packed and multiple people were waiting to order it would be one thing but don't treat your customers like kindergarteners lining up for their lunch. At the end of the day it is still just another dive bar, you're not that "cool". read more

Really cute! Looks small in the outside, but in fact is quite large on the inside!!! A lot of comfortable seating! And outside seating. The staff know their stuff and are great mixologists, so was a busy spot! They were quick to pick up dirty glasses! The drinks came out fast too! There's a taco truck outside, so some good eats! The price was medium prices! Clean restrooms. Lots of street parking! read more

Every time I've visited, I've been treated warmly by both the bartenders and other guests and the drinks have been sophisticated and seasonally specific. To find this at a neighborhood bar is exceptional and delightful. read more

Carina is the bomb. Master tender mixologist. When we got there the place was jam packed. One bartender and she had a little help behind the Barb not much and she ran it like a pro. The drinks kept coming she did not stop and write down orders she remembered everything it was magic watching her work that bar. It's a really fun place to go. Yes it's a dive bar. Yes it's old timey, but I gotta tell you, you gotta love the neighborhood for supporting it. The customers there are solid gold. You've got a laugh with a sense of humor about the way that it's decorated inside it is so much fun. Very old times... old school. I keep waiting for Boggie to wander in. Another great thing about this bar is they do not serve food. So how is this great? Well it turns out they've allowed one of the best taco trucks in the entire East Bay In their parking lot and you're allowed to bring the food in. It's a win-win. read more

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In love a good dive and this one ranks. First of all they had Cachaça which is the ingredient of some of my favorite cocktails and rarely found, even in fancier places. Secondly, they had a 70s Italian comedy on the TV instead of sports. What a refreshing change of pace! Third, there was a super popular food truck next door. I missed it before they left but I could smell the yummy flavors see the happy faces being stuffed around me so I know what I'm going to prioritize trying next time I'm there. read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - Ambiance - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

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The FUNNEST place to pit stop after a day of travel. Great cocktails. Chill, funky vibe. Lots of local flavor in the neighborhood. read more

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I'm not a regular - have been there a couple of times but didn't feel welcomed by the regulars. Cocktail prices were steep as well. Preferred the Hotsy Totsy of years ago when it was a true dive bar. read more

it is a hottie Tati no bowl table. Still great vibes over where cocktails. Great taco truck great food. The pool table is gone gone gone

Adorable dive bar, friendly bartenders, fantastic cocktails, with taco truck right outside! Came here around 11:30pm mostly to get some tacos for a late night snack, it was very busy, but still wasn't to hard to find a place to sit down. By the time we got our cocktails and went out to get tacos before midnight, taco truck was closed early (opens until midnight per Yelp), so this was disappointing! However, the cocktails were really great so we'll just have to come back another time a bit earlier to catch the tacos! read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - people sitting at a bar - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

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A time capsule of a dive bar, something I have not seen in a long while. Three of us brought our lunches from Tacos El Autlense food truck. Saw only one draft, PBRs for all, ice cold and reasonable cost. A wide selection of spirits and components for mixology. Great stop on the Lincoln Hwy. read more

I noticed a lady having a drink i wanted to try, so I asked the bartender what was that one and I wanted the same. The bartender, however, said I am not giving you that because you don't even know what that drink is - it is bitter etc. I did not get that drink bur got another one instead. At first I thought this lady was being nice but my friend recognized the hostile and told me she wasn't being nice. This had been a bad experience for me because the bartender could have used a nicer way to put it but she did not. read more

This is such a fun place! I went here for the first time around 7pm on a Friday night and it was poppin'. They decorated for Christmas and had festive Christmas-y drinks. I had the mommy's hot chocolate. Super tasty! We ordered the hot totsy after seeing the little show they put on to make it! The bar tender was super sweet and friendly, as were the patrons. Everything was reasonably priced as well. Would highly recommend this bar if you're looking for a lively place to grab a fantastic drink! read more

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Cool spot. Loved coming here but there's a bartender that can be kinda rude. She ignores you at the bar and just doesn't give good service to make you feel welcomed or taken care of. I hope it was just a bad night for her and hope the next time I'm there it's a better experience... read more

I live just down the block from here... For better or for worse :') Nothing but good things to say about this little local bar. There's a real focus on the people here, which can be hard to find. Everyone from the security guard to the bartender to the regulars was so fun and kind. The people (and cocktails...!!) really won us over. For COVID safety purposes, some staff wear masks and hand sanitizer is readily available. We happened by for a quick drink to round off our bar-hopping night; would have ever expected to have such a good time. Ngl, the outside is pretty... Interesting. It's a unassuming black cube of a standalone building next to the Jehovah's Witness taco truck, advertised by their winking neon sign. There's no doubt that Hotsy Totsy has been a neighborhood cornerstone for some years now, the appearance is pretty divey and vintage. Drinks are great. The bartenders are exceptionally good-- it's stiff competition whether Club Mallard or Hotsy Totsy has the better specialty cocktails. There's a huge shuffleboard along the wall that I realize serves as an easy conversation piece-- it was immediately apparent to others that we were first timers at this bar. Folks chatted with us within 10 mins of being there-- we were so awed by the warm welcome and fun chats that ensued. You would never have a reason to stay glued to your phone here. Definitely coming back; hope to keep the spirit of Hotsy Totsy alive and offer the same warm welcome to other newcomers. read more

While the drinks are wonderful, I've been here often, the service is horrible, but the last visit, will most definitely be our last one! one pitcuar female bartender is beyond rude, she seems to think people say things to her that are never said, turns out she has quite a history of this. This makes for a very unpleasant exsperance when you come in with friends for fun and a cocktail, it was clear that she was mentally unstable, not just being a nasty person, but somthing was really wrong with her, I was in a party with four females and no one had had a drink yet, before she started in with her craziness, accused on of the party members of calling her a bad name.. this never happend of course, so to say the least we all got up and left! read more

What's not to like about a dive bar with a bit of pizazz? Yeah locals, hipsters, foodies, hangers and hucksters all congregate over varies libations concocted with flair and drama by the lady bar keeps. Not a big spot, which makes it intimate and difficult not to strike up conversations. Ah if you like to wallow in your drink by yourself closed off to life contemplating your miserable lot... don't come here. It's impossible not to smile, laugh, high five, and even get hugs and hand shakes from folks lubricated with love for all. Yep there are regulars and cliques of small mobs who try hard to retreat into their own isolated worlds. But too much bumping,jostling "excuse me", and "sorry trying to get through" to melt the faux wall of ice they try to perpetuate. I guess being an A hole is not cool or tolerated here. With PBR on tap... and an endless flurry of shaken, stirred and frothed adult concoctions; a killer taco truck literally next door (cash only) to slow down the effects a bit, this is the late night groove for many east bay locals who want to get their drank on. read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - Traditional Negroni, during Negroni week - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

I love this spot. Updating my review because I had an impulsive post recently after a bad experience but that was an outlier, overall this spot has always been a great time in the past. read more

Who do you think you are, some hotsy totsy? I don't think you have to be a hotsy totsy to come here, not even a totsy. Just somebody with seven bucks and an ID because that's what it cost me to order a Maker's Mark with Ginger (photo: http://bit.ly/2HEpYpT). Jamie W. and I sauntered in here on a Sunday afternoon when we were looking to, how do I put this...tie one on? Hey, sometimes you just need to patronize a hole-in-the-wall surrounded by other kindred spirits and paintings of naked women (photo: http://bit.ly/2YONAOk). And there's shuffleboard. What's not to love, you hotsy totsy. DRINKS - 4 stars...good price for a well drink well turned AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...divey without being dicey SERVICE- 4 stars...they don't water down the drinks TOTAL - 4 stars...you should be such a hotsy totsy RELATED - Looking for libations? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2YJ1IbU read more

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Salty Rita, new sign is less obnoxious than old one probably uses less energy too, needs a pool table for more draw

Great people booze and taco truck, and the divey atmosphere is the greatest love the place excellent music and bartenders best bar in Albany more any more read more

Hotsy Totsy Club - Shuffle board - Lounges Near Me - Albany, California

The place was packed (awesome for them), yet lots of B.O. Bartenders were great! If you are looking for a gay bar then this is the place, just not my vibe. read more

So local, chill vibes, and amazing cocktails. Its everything you could want in a corner bar, Thanks for a fun nite!

My favorite pub in the East Bay. Wonderful personnel and customers. Drinks are perfect. Great place to wind down, and enjoy your night.