Came here for the first time last weekend and it was so much fun! It definitely won't be the last…read moretime either! This Dirty Bird of Paradise/'Lounge' area is downstairs. Once you enter in the bar, go to the right, they'll give you a stamp on your hand, and then you can head downstairs. There are many lounge areas, and small tables & chairs to sit and drink at. There are also pool tables to use for free! There's also a DJ that plays GOOD r&b, hip hop, pop, and even some throwbacks too! The DJ that night took song requests and even gave a shoutout to the birthday girl in our group too. The cocktails were good, and I'm sad I didn't take pictures of it (had too much fun). The waitress will come to your table and you can order there OR you can also order at the bar. When I ordered at the bar, the waitress was so nice and helped me bring the drinks over to our table. I also had a taste of the fries, and the cups and guac and it was tasty too! There's some parking right infront or a parking lot behind the bar. I will definitely come back!

Drinks 4 Service 4…read more Ambiance 5 Food 4 We came here on a slow Tuesday night. They were about 10-15 other guests but the places so big and spacious that it almost felt like we had a place to ourselves. There's a spot for a DJ/music and I can only imagine that they have some great shows here. The bartender was attentive, and while they weren't very personable you could tell that they knew several of the regulars. I didn't drink anything fancy, bourbon neat, but it was a fair pour. You order food separately. We are fish tacos, wings & nachos. The fish was fried and coleslaw had a touch of mayonnaise but not too much. This was my favorite dish. The wings of the nachos or what you expect, definitely flavorful and cooked well. We liked the crowd and will definitely be back to listen to some music and check out the lounge downstairs.

This was a delightful meal. It had everything, the relaxing ambiance, the flavorful dishes, and…read moregreat drinks. Oh not to mention, our waitress was delightful! This spot is a little hidden, but once you go inside, it is its own little oasis. Small and intimate, you know the dishes are made fresh. We enjoyed the tissue bread (10/10), seared rice cake (8/10), oxtail (10/10), and more that isn't pictured. I think this is a great celebratory dinner spot. I'd love to come back to try more seasonal specials.

Every time we visit this restaurant, we've always enjoyed our meals. We arrived at 6 PM without a…read morereservation and were able to get a table since a couple were still available. However, after 6:30 PM, especially on weekends, it becomes difficult to find seating, so I'd recommend making a reservation in advance. We ordered our usual, Focaccia bread and the beetroot salad, which, as always, were absolutely 10/10. This time, we also tried the Madras coconut curry with vegetables. It wasn't overly sweet and had just the right amount of spice, which we really loved. The vegetables were perfectly cooked with a nice crunch. For dessert, we had the Lebane mousse, which was delicious and a perfect way to end the meal. Customer service is always attentive, friendly, and personalized, which makes the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Love getting margaritas on a warm day and that's exactly what my fiancé and I did on a lovely…read moreSaturday. We sat on the outdoor patio and our server promptly came to take our order. Ordered two spicy margaritas and the brisket nachos to share. The nachos were tastyyyy! The brisket was tender and juicy and the cheese sauce was more of a béchamel which elevated the flavor. The margaritas were well balanced and SPICY just how we like them. So refreshing. Next time we'll bring our pups to enjoy the outdoor patio since dogs are allowed. I saw the waitress bring water out for the hot puppies sitting with their owners which was so sweet.

This experience is much better The foods are so delicious…read more The Thai chicken salads is so healthy and favorable The brisket is so tender and juicy and the bbq sauce was wonderful

No exaggeration - I had the best cocktail of my life here. I ordered a strawberry lavender gimlet…read moreand oh my. It was such a layered drink. I'm usually a two drink gal but I only needed one this day because I enjoyed sipping on this so much. I went during the day so it was pretty empty but the vibe was still right. They played good music and the bartender was friendly. I'll definitely be back.

DAMN! I love THE DOOLITTLE! If you're from the Midwest, you'll love it too! We affectionately call…read moreit "The Michigan Bar". I ordered drinks and told the bartender I'd be right back to pick them up to which he replied "Nope. You're our guests, I'll bring them to you!" Good people! Don't miss their Hot Toddies! So good! I'd drive out of my way just to go there to have one!

Saw a flyer in IG cigar and wispy event. Oysters and gumbo! RJ's catering…read more Daughter said sure let's go after work. We went and wasn't disappointed. Everyone was so nice! Oysters were tasty. We will be back!

I've been coming here on and off for years with my two friends whenever they want to celebrate…read moresomething. Personally, this bar wouldn't make my top 50 list, but for some crazy reason they're loyal to it, so I show up for them. Recently, I've popped in a bit more and wow, the "changes." They finally made an Instagram, which got me excited for a second--maybe they were stepping it up. Nope. Just like everything else here, it's inconsistent. They post food specials, I come in ready to spend money, and... no food. Overheard it was a management issue. Shocking. Then there's the alcohol selection--or lack thereof. I'm not even a big drinker, and I have a better bar setup at home. Half the time they're out of basics, or waiting on the owner to maybe, someday, bring more. Call yourself a bar? More like BYOB and hope for the best. I'll give credit where it's due: I've met some cool people here, and they're the only thing keeping this place alive. But even they seem tired of the chaos. I heard this is the oldest bar in San Leandro, and honestly, I'm amazed it's still standing. Must be sheer luck or nostalgia, because it's definitely not management. Two stars because I don't hate the regulars--but let's be real, if this place wants to survive, it needs way more than an Instagram and a prayer.

This is a very cozy and intimate space. My friend and I ventured into 51 & Tel while waiting on our…read morereservation next door at Pizzaiolo. We only stayed for about 15 mins, but we had a wonderful time. The bartender Danny was very hospitable and made me a very yummy tasting mocktail called Like The Sun that had Aplos Arise, Lyre's Italian Orange, passionfruit, lime. He said that they had an event going on that night and suggested that we try to attend if we had time. We did not attend the event, however I can only imagine that the event was successful. They have a patio, great lighting, a dj booth, and great drinks. I also found out that the bar is in relation to Asmara which is the Ethiopian restaurant next door. Asmara has been there for 40 years. Please check this bar out if you're in the Temescal region. Update: I stopped in during Happy Hour and had a slushie cocktail called Kiwi To My Heart. It was delicious. I enjoyed the patio area this time around with the nice weather.

Walking into 51 & Tel, the vibe was vibin'…read more It's hip and trendy with a cute dog-friendly patio. Chill, diverse crowd that Frisco has lost. Great 90s R&B and Hip Hop playlist. And, the intoxicating smell from Sonny's BBQ had me salivating. Opening in September 2024, 51 & Tel is a cocktail bar from the sons of Asmara (Ethiopian resto) next door. I found 51 & Tel on Yelp while looking for a pre-dinner drank place. I'm not familiar with the bar scene in The Town but I'm surprised they have so little reviews. M E N U Craft signature cocktails are $14-$17. Beer and shot for $10. Mocktails are $13. HH specials on Friday, 5 pm - 7 pm. Rotating food pop-ups from other local businesses (the plates from Sonny's BBQ looked bomb but were going to dinner afterwards). Ethiopian food from Asmara next door is also available. CC's only. No cash accepted. D R I N K S * Golden Girl: Vodka w/ lemongrass, hay liqueur, aloe, lemon, orange, oregano ($16) Refreshing and stiff with citrusy flavors, not too sweet. Fav of the two cocktails I tried. I think Blanche would approve. * Fuego: Tequila w/ mezcal, watermelon, italicus, habanero, citrus, mint ($15) Nice twist on a margarita, the sweetness of the watermelon balances the kick from habanero. * Fortaleza Blanco on the rock ($18) I was happy to see them carry my go-to tequila since there's a significant shortage. S E R V I C E Welcoming, friendly bartenders. A M B I A N C E Gorgeous murals inside and out in the patio with a mix of high tops and regular tables. There's TVs inside for watching the game. Clean restrooms. P A R K I N G Metered street parking. We took a risk and parked at the plaza across the street. Overall, we enjoyed our time at 51 & Tel and if I lived closer, this would be my weekly go-to!

This one, not the hipster place in the center with strange pizza and QR menus, or the loud one that…read moregets weird after dark. This is where you can grab a pint and chill. Come on Fridays to witness locals singing their heart out.

Fun Friday night. Extremely friendly staff. We had a a lot of fun here. Pool table, live music,…read morekaraoke!! Wish their ipa selection was little better but either than that. Great place

Forbidden Island is one of those rare neighborhood gems that somehow manages to feel both special…read moreand effortlessly welcoming. It's a longtime local favorite of mine and my go-to spot for meeting up with friends--equal parts escape and comfort. The cocktail menu is impressively deep, full of beautifully crafted, fancy tiki drinks that practically beg to be explored, and so far every single one I've tried has been delicious (dangerously so). Inside, the bar nails the classic tiki vibe--warm, immersive, and transportive--while the outdoor patio offers a lovely, relaxed option with plenty of extra seating on warm days. It's the kind of place where you can linger, laugh, and lose track of time. The staff deserve a special shout-out: genuinely friendly, attentive, and accommodating, which only adds to the overall experience. A quick pro tip: if you're planning to stop by during popular after-work hours, definitely make a reservation--it fills up for good reason. The food menu is on the smaller side, but the bites are tasty and thoughtfully done, perfect for sharing alongside a round (or two) of cocktails. All in all, Forbidden Island is a standout spot that keeps me coming back again and again.

4++ Tiki bar that feels like it's been around for a long time, located in Alameda…read more As soon as you walk in, the place feels a little diver, and I mean that with utmost praise. It feels comfortable and if you're regular here feels like you're just going to something familiar. There's a backyard area with seating as well. I came here with my brother and my sister-in-law for a drink after having dinner in the area. The people were friendly and helpful. We ordered a few of the tiki drinks. I got the banana hammock, lol. It was tasty and refreshing. Overall, great spot, and I hope to return in the near future. Parking on the street wasn't too hard to find. We parked about a block away in the residential area.

Cute cocktail/vinyl bar with super chill vibes. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for relaxing…read morewith a drink while listening to good music. The cocktails were delicious and well-made, though a little on the pricey side. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Definitely a great spot for date night or a casual night out with friends!

We stumbled across this place during a walk and decided to grab some drinks…read more I liked how the place has a speakeasy vibe. Dim lit atmosphere and enjoyable music. I loved the decor. My favorite is the wall of vinyls. There were stools, chairs, sofas, and tables. The staff were friendly and attentive. They have a nice list of refreshments. Definitely a nice place to relax and have drinks.

Very catty in a good way. Totally fun vibes. Very clever theme. A neighborhood bar with very…read moredelicious drinks. Nice selection of books and chill bartenders with craft. Cozy but spacious inside with a long bar and a bunch of tables. Casual patio outside. Cat stuff on every wall at every level. Go. Drink. Enjoy the Cat House altar of booze and felines behind the bar.

Stopped in to try a drink because I'd read that this was one of the best bars in Oakland. I tried…read morean old fashioned and it was pretty good. I enjoyed the open air seating area in the back and the overall vibe was good. I went solo, struck up conversation with strangers, and enjoyed my drink.