We had been hearing about the karaoke competition since last year and finally got the chance to check it out tonight for the f i n a l s. We drove in on an extremely rainy day because we couldn't miss witnessing this event and the place was packed to the brim with just enough room to still move around. We grabbed some delicious beer and watched all the teams perform for three rounds. We enjoyed the enthusiasm, the energy, the talented singing, dance moves and chemistry the teams were giving as they belted each songs. Confetti poppers and sashes were utilized and made the night all the more snazzy. The stage is a bit small and snug. Overall, a fun time and perhaps we will join in on the next season~ read more

I always loved going to the karaoke shows here. The karaoke league competition tonight (Monday, March 30, 2026) was amazing! And the talent was topnotch! The bartenders were also amazing. For as busy as it was tonight, they did an outstanding job! What made this potentially 5-star review downgraded to a 3-star review was because of my interaction with the KJ here tonight, right after the karaoke league competition. When the karaoke queue was finally open to the public after the competition, I signed up for just one song, and I looked at the KaraFun queue and saw my song at 8th (#8) in the rotation. I looked at the queue again a minute later, and my song was suddenly at #10. I looked again a few seconds later, and my song was suddenly at #14. And then, a few seconds later, it was at #16. I went up to the KJ to ask him what was going on, and he said that he's just making a living, and if people tip him, they get moved up on the queue. Being a KJ myself and being part of a KJ team in the Bay Area, we do accept tips at our shows, but we don't move people up even after getting tipped. We get tipped by merit, by giving our singers their rockstar moment. Tips just come with the show and everyone's hard work. So, at this Legionnaire Saloon tonight, I felt disrespected. Before I found out I was being moved down from the queue, I was planning on tipping the KJ between $10 to $20 just for one song... just because KJs gotta support each other. I would have even waited my turn (at #8 on the queue), because it's just the right thing to do. But after this disrespect, and after the KJ even offered to move me up to #3, I just told him I was leaving, and I walk out. The damage has been done, and I wanted nothing to do with this show. I'll still come back here for drinks, but I will not come back when this KJ is working. 3 Stars. From a potential 5 stars. My two centavos. read more

Delicious drinks and good vibes! Karaoke is later at night - started at 9:30pm on Thursday when I was there. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - pink panther drink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I was invited to come to this karaoke bar by my friend and we had a good time. You have to join a waitlist to sign up to sing. You use a QR code that is posted on the wall to sign up for songs that you want to sing. The karaoke bar is a bit small but has a cute little stage set up towards the back of the bar. They have a little photo booth as well! You can take pictures with your friends! My friend sings very well! I was happy to see her do her thing. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I was wandering around after first Fridays looking for a bar and was drawn in here due to the lively crowd and great karaoke! The bartenders were definitely busy behind the bar but they were as attentive as they could be. Besides karaoke, they also have a cute Photo Booth to remember the night! read more

I stopped by here on a whim and I really loved the vibe. The karaoke was fun, and the service was great. I really wish they didn't serve drinks in plastic cups, though. read more

The Legionnaire is one of the more underrated places in Oakland. I found it by accident and have been coming back to it over the last three years. Karaoke Monday through Sunday for anyone willing to go up and sing. I've never had a bad time going and neither has anyone else that I've brought. The bartenders are friendly and personal to the customers. Brooke in particular is fantastic and has made the place memorable. read more

Absolutely terrible service from the bar and security. The Caucasian female bartender during First Friday was extremely unprofessional and the bar area was a complete mess the entire time. On top of that, the way some guests were treated felt discriminatory and very uncomfortable to witness. Overall it created a bad experience, and I would not return. read more

I had a good time here but will not be returning. I went there regularly for about 2-4 weeks just to relax in the evenings, the karaoke was nice and the conversation was polite. Also, the beer on tap is really amazing. I usually kept to myself to a fault I suppose, which did not mix well with the regular patrons and a few of the staff. I tried to always be polite and friendly. That said, the only way someone knew my full name was by reading it off my debit card (pretty much could only be a bartender as they hold the cards), and someone came to me at the Juneteenth celebration last night and told me quite a bit about myself, with the facts of course completely off. I guess if the point was to convince me to go away, they succeeded. I didn't use a debit card that night, but I had previously with pretty much all the bartenders. I am not trying to single anyone out here. I don't actually know how it happened. So I still think the place is a great spot for a lot of personalities, but if you're looking for a place to be amongst the crowd but separate from it, they get hostile. read more

Came here the other night with friends (Dive) bar is filled with many locals Bartender was nice and friendly, only thing I ordered a Moscow Mule, and it was put in a 12oz rocks glass, not copper. I'm not sure if that's the reason why I couldn't taste alcohol or the ginger beer. So that forced me to have a few shots. Karaoke was lit. However, there's a group of humans that mic hog, so I didn't get a chance to sing all and all it was nice to be a backup vocalist. Bathrooms were surprisingly clean. I had to wait a while. It seems like the party is in there! Ordered food for Taco truck 40 ft away. It might be good if you're tipsy, but it was, umm, not good. I git the Veggie burrito, but I never thought I would get a whole white onion and a teaspoon of beans. Friends got chicken burrito, no chicken, and cheese frie the safest and best thing to eat. So next time, I stick to bottle beer or wine and eat the fries only. Get there early enough to take center stage and party on like a rock star. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Veggie Burrito! Stuffed with a whole onion and a teaspoon of beans. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Came for karaoke night, which is available every day (a rarity). Love that there were 50,000 songs available, but isn't it said that out of 50k there could be a song by an artist you like that's just not available? :( There's a stage to perform on, and two screens and two mics for singing. The margarita was excellent. One will give you the courage to go up and sing :D Love that they have water available for all customers. Stars knocked down for 2 reasons: 1. There's a "list" but people go and tip the DJ and bump up the list. They should have a digital screen to see when you're up next so that you can be emotionally prepared and pick a right time to use the restroom, order another drink, or he'll--go out and get a taco or smth (vendor outside the bar--no food here btw). 2. They allowed some random man in who went around the tables asking for money to buy food. This man went out with someone from our party who bought him a taco or two, came back, and asked the next table for more. There's a bouncer, but why is this person not kept out? I wonder. Would come again if invited, but it wouldn't be my first choice otherwise. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Margarita - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

One of the best. They are friends of fentcheck. Always cute dogs. The regulars are lots of fun. Great spot to decompress read more

Found my way to this gem by chance and am so glad I found it! Perfect bar in Oakland for a good time and some cool vibes. Great kareoke and a super friendly and fun crowd. The bartender Justin went above and beyond and the whole staff was very hospitable! Will definitely come back and everyone else should check it out too!!! read more

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3-21-2019...9:30p.m. Kool Bar/Venue... Had a great time...Ten dollar cover at the door for the Wax Trippn Event...Kool vibez here...Large bar downstairs wit lots of room to stand & chill and booth seeting...With room to get ya boogie on by the deejay both...3 pinball machines located in the back... Upstairs has a small bar with a quaint stage setting...Real chill place...good music...good drinks read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Pinball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have Attack From Mars!!!!!!!! + Iron Man. The machines take credit cards too :)!! Super friendly & caring people work there. Jason + Huey + guys at the bar are EXTRAORDINARY. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Attack from Mars - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Fun drinks (I liked the Manic Pixie Dream Girl lmao), but man if you don't have fat tipping money, be ready to be continuously bumped down on the karaoke order list. I went in on a Thursday night with a group of friends, and we waited 1.5 hours to sing, when we were initially told the wait would be 40 minutes. This world really is pay to play. read more

I've been coming here for a few years, it's been my favorite spot to end the night. But tonight was different. Before 12:30am, it became loud and hostile for people to "get out." Stating "get the fuck out of here, this isn't the place to chill, I have kids to get to." I'm sad to report will not be coming back because of this new staff. read more

The Legionnaire Saloon is legendary baby! There's just no other way to put it! This place is always poppin'! Great people, awesome drinks, slammin' music... and I can't forget those TACOS! Yeah, they really know the way to my heart, I tell ya! The Legionnaire is a cocktail bar and music venue located on the busy Telegraph ave strip in Uptown Oakland. When I go bar hopping with my friends on Telegraph, this is usually one of the go to bars where we often end our crazy nights. The décor is so dope! Very indicative of an old school saloon, hence its' name; The Legionnaire Saloon. The inside is very narrow near the bar, but there is a larger space in the back where people usually like to dance. They have live performances upstairs on the second floor on certain nights. The dranky dranks here are so tasty! The bartenders here really know how to have a good time and it shows with every hefty pour of alcohol. It's rare that a drink is served watered down here. And, let's not forget their amazing HAPPY HOUR! They have happy hour Monday through SATURDAY from 4 until 8! Holy Moly! Yes, you heard me right! More time to enjoy that buzz and those cheap drink prices. And with $4 well drinks and discounts on wine and beer, you and your pockets are sure to be happy! Can we talk about the music though? The DJ's here are some of my faves! They spin the best mixes and the crowd here is so wild. I love the mix of people that come to this bar! So many lively and friendly people who are all looking to have a great time! If you like to dance, you need to hit this spot up after 10! It gets... "lit" as some would like to say. Lastly but MOST importantly... those damn tacos! Lord Jesus, help me! A bar with a taco stand right in the front is an A++ in my book! You know how people get after they start drankin'... they get fungry! I don't have to stray too far away with these tacos right outside! And they are so yummy! Authentic tasting street tacos cooked on an open grill with self serve toppings! LOVE IT! Just reel me in, why don't you? No wonder this place is so legendary! Experience this little legend, and bring yourself on down here! read more

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Worst bar ever. The owner was jealous we had such a big group in the bar. That's crazy tho. This is such a closed area and they want people to be out here but the bartender didn't even wanted us to service us. Then the owner came out and started harassing us until we left. They said we couldn't be there bc we were a lot of people... eww lol. read more

What's the haps, chaps! So I went to my favorite karaoke spot in the Bay Area, California. The place is The Legionnaire Saloon. They have karaoke 7 days a week. You heard that correctly, 7 days a week. There are some exceptions for special events, be sure to check out their Instagram, legionnaire510 for more info. Now let's talk about an ocean, if I may be specific. The bartender tonight Nick, was very personable and knowledgable, he also clearly cares about customers' well-being. When I asked about a Long Island Iced Tea, he said they do make it, but he strongly recommended I don't order it. Taking his advice, I went with a Classic Taki Whiskey & Soda Highball. It was only 10 bucks. This particular concoction was made with a special Japanese whiskey which is distilled in a special way which makes the drink taste less harsh going down. Thanks, Nick. You stopped me from getting way too drunk. This review would not be complete without mentioning Bryce, the expert KJ behind the booth. His system is not only well kept, but also he goes above and beyond to inform patrons when their song is not available, BEFORE it is their time to go. This allows you time to pick your next song and keep the flow of the night running smoothly. They use Karafun, so check out their website/app and if your song comes up, they will have it. All in all, if you are either into karaoke, as a participant, a seasoned veteran or even a spectator, do yourself a favor and check this place out. You just may find a new bar to call home. read more

On the scale of cocktail bar to a dive dive bar Legionanaire has the feel of a dive bar. It felt like the majority of the people there were regular and everyone seemed to know each other. I popped in on early on a Friday night which was Karaoke night. The bar wasn't packed but most of the bar top tables were occupied. There was a pretty chill vibe. It was actually a little difficult to hear the person singing as the volume of the mic seemed to be significantly more soft than the track but that may have been for a reason. The bartenders were alright, nothing special to note but they were attentive. They had a decent draft list and seemed to make a good call drink. Overall it really seems like a local watering hole that would be a chill place to grab a drink and maybe it gets a little more lively once the night hours hit. read more

Our friend was in town for the weekend, so we wanted to show him a great time. We were in the mood for karaoke, and stumbled upon this place. I'm delighted to say that we found our new watering hole! Incredibly friendly bar staff, reasonably priced drinks, pinball, and of course karaoke every night. We had a blast. We will be back very soon. read more

I'm reading through some of these other Yelp reviews, and I don't know what some of these mfs are talking about, who only gave three stars. This bar is amazing. I want to live at this bar. A cocktail this good could easily go for 17-20 dollars in Sonoma County or some other bougie place, but they aren't. This space has remained accessible during the transition out of COVID (while still remaining safe - masks are required), while other bars in the area are charging $20 to reserve a table, serving worse drinks at a greater cost. In the mire of over-priced, "modern-industrial" bars, The Legionnaire stands out for it's authenticity, accessibility, and it's dedication to providing a quality product. The bartender's here are all super talented. Before the pandemic, one of the bartenders (I don't remember their name, but I will never forget the mind-blowing drink that they made for me), made me a mind-blowing drink that I will never forget. I thought this was a once-in-a-blue-moon thing, but I was wrong - Jesse, a different bartender there than I remember, also made me a mind-blowing drink. On top of that, Jesse is the kind of nice that you wouldn't trust meeting on the street. He greeted every single person walking through the door with the same attention and enthusiasm. Coming here feels like going to a close friend's house, where you can be just as comfortable talking with other people or reading a book by yourself. read more

This review is just for the bartender who was working last night, 4/20/23. I had never been to this place before, I don't live in Oakland, but I had been out near there with a few friends. I stopped here alone on my way to BART. Ok, so the real reason I went in was because I had to use the bathroom. After the bathroom, I decided to stay for a while, I believe in supporting a business if they let me use the facilities. I sat at the bar, and waited. The bar was not busy, no one else was waiting for service. I waited for about 5 minutes, while the bartender wasn't serving anyone, but talking to his friend. He finally comes over to me, and I said, 'Hi I want a beer, what do you have?" At that exact moment, I saw a menu on the bar. So I said "oh a menu!" And picked it up to look at it. The bartender looks at me, looks at my SF Giants hoodie, and says in a really derogatory tone 'pfft Typical Giants fan.' His friend laughed. Really dude? The first time you ever see me, and that's how you talk to a customer? If I went there all the time and we had a friendship, ok, I get it. But THE VERY FIRST TIME YOU TALK TO A CUSTOMER *that's* how you treat them? So I said, "thank you!" dropped the menu and walked out. Why would I spend money in a place like that? Get a clue dude. Grow up and do your job like an adult. read more

In the words of one of my co-workers, the karaoke guy was a bit of a punk...but that's typical I suppose! My group had a lot of fun. Bartender was cool and vibe was nice. Hard to find an easy to access karaoke bar like this. Would recommend! read more

A large group of us stumbled into here after enjoying a birthday dinner at Kingston right next door. Was greeted by a nice bouncer at the door, it's not very often you get a football player type welcoming you in with a smile. We ordered our first round of drinks with Nick, who carried himself like he had a big chip on his shoulder! I asked for water he said it was at the end of the bar & is self serve. Asked for a glass for my beer, he said the glass was also at the end of the bar. His tone was completely cold, so I called him out as let him know he was rude, he reacted as if that's the kind of comments he's used to. Btw Nick - the cups at the end of the bar are plastic, not glass. There was a group of 8 ladies & they all noticed his rude snarky attitude. Well, didn't let that ruin our night! We ordered the rest of our drinks with the other bar tender who was extremely pleasant. Place was empty when we first walked in. There's two stories, the second floor has another DJ (salsa music) and half bar, and more restroom stalls (unisex). We stayed upstairs for about 15 mins, then came back downstairs and danced the night away to R&B/Hip Hop music until about midnight which is when suddenly the bar was packed. There's an ATM for those that want to pull out cash, but they accept Visa behind the bar. Plenty of seating throughout the bar. Decent size bar, fun music, good drinks. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

As a local I hate that i have to give this review but this bar is the absolute worst bar I've ever patroned. A friend and I walked in around 12:30 during a Saturday karaoke night. We ordered a drink and sat at the bar. 15 minutes later after we and a couple of others got drinks the bartenders & staff began screaming at us that the bar is closed and everyone needed leave to leave "now". There was no last call or warning. A couple of people asked if they could finish their drinks as they were just served. No they yelled and berated us for trying to finish the drinks we just paid for. The experience was so bad I thought it was initially a joke. This bar is awful, spend your time & money elsewhere. read more

Went here for a show upstairs and they have a separate bar for that room. Cover charge was only $5! However, I checked in and the bartender did not know how to ring up $1.00 off for draft beer. So I just skipped getting a discount. Pros, bathrooms are at the top of the stairs before you go into the showroom. The showroom is quite small with a stage, a couple of bar stools and a bar. I would say you could fit maybe 50 people in it. We sat near the wall and it was great with the air conditioning when the place started filling up. Cons - I'd come with a friend rather than come alone. Not much for the bar scene without friends! Plus parking can be the pits! I left my draft beer on the ledge near my stool and went to take photos of the musicians, do some dancing and when I went to take a sip of my drink, someone drank over half of my beer! I know I didn't inhale it all at once because I like to sip and savor it! Told the bartender about the incident and he gave me half of a refill so I gave him a tip. read more

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Night I came in a thief stole a few jackets and a purse. According to a find-my-iPhone app, the thief then went into the apartment building just across the street. So, watch your stuff. There are some locals that apparently will hit the place and bounce. Otherwise, seemed like a cool spot! read more

Trash. The bouncer is unprofessional and bartender are rude. Expensive drinks - I do not recommend

Great local bar with djs and house music. It was a Monday night. I hope it's a regular thing. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Happy hour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Ten is an amazing bartender with an amazing presence. She made the most delicious whiskey sours for me and my wife. She took care of us and corrected a drink that did not taste good. This spot was the most crackin' karaoke experience I've had in years. Cheers. read more

Cool little neighborhood bar off Telegraph. The drinks are strong and well priced. We came through on a random Thursday and they had a comedy show upstairs. The show was free and hilarious. Would recommend! read more

Just your typically divey sports bar. My colleagues and I were bar hopping around Oakland, and this was one of our stops. It was completely empty, so we seated ourselves at one of the booth tables. We ordered shots and beers at the bar, then brought them back. This seems like it could be a dangerous place to spend a lot of time and money... extending late into the night. The bartender was friendly, and overall we had a good experience. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if it was along the path of my bar hopping adventures, I'd have to come by for a drink or two. Or see some live music? I'm now reading other Yelp reviews saying that this place has two levels. Whoops did not realize that! read more

Glad this is a local spot for me because it's always a pleasure. Good people, great staff , patio to smoke and drink on, karaoke every night and just a great atmosphere. Quickly became my favorite bar. read more

Love this dive. The people here are my kind of peeps, from the chill staff to the unpretentious patrons that seem to be comfortable in their own skins. Didn't come on a dj night nor was there a band. I heard there is an upstairs that caters to such events. The downstairs is bigger than what it looks from the sidewalk. Actually from outside it looks like an Irish Pub. Not even close. Bar area has a couple of TVs to make it interesting but not obnoxious like a sports bar. Lots of tables and booths to get cozy and snug in. Bathrooms seem re-done. Clean and modern, for a dive especially. Pinball Machines in the back. *ping, ping ping* A super old school jukebox that plays 45's. If you're under 30, you probably don't know what that is. Google it if you'd like. And nothing sounds cooler than listening to the Commodores or Johnny Cash on scratchy vinyl, trust me. And for a friggin' quarter. And don't bother putting a dollar bill in cuz it ain't got a dollar slot. A dollar for music in those days was simply unthinkable, lol. I was fully entertained by this machine alone. A two drink stay, turned into five. Johnny Cash approved. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - backroom pinball'n - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Legionnare Saloon is much bigger than a bread box that s the Layover. bar seating is about the same. table seating are slightly more. the leg room and standing room is a lot more. no claustrophobia here. Happy Hour review only: HH: 4-8, one dollar off drafts. $4 wells, wasabi bloody(5) high life, pbr (2). racer bottle (3) pour: -wasabi bloody (5) made with wasabi powder and horseradish bits. hot and spicy -51 beer(4) oaktown brew, medium ale, lots of body -free pretzels .... on draught: -bartender(jordon) very knowledgable about the offerings -5 stars fof HH. -parking more difficult in this area. -old time rock music in background -more casual crowd than the Layover, more urbane. -not sure of regular hour pricing. -be alert for sleeping dog at the left of entrance when you enter. read more

I ended up here through social media! My cousins and I came here to watch one of our favorite hip hop groups, The Bar. This saloon was somewhat small, but was a two tiered venue. We got here an hour early to make the cutoff of the happy hour hours, which was at 8pm. The concert didn't start till 9pm. On the first floor was the main bar, table booths, and old school arcade games. Where the arcade games were located was a small dance floor. A DJ was setting up, but he was just setting up for a general event, not the concert. The second floor of the venue was where the concert was held. In this area had a private bar, stage, and dance floor. There was a lounge couch in the back, but was rarely used since a majority of the room was standing. Overall, a pretty cool place to hangout with or without a special event going on! read more

This neighborhood bar has definitely thrived in the last couple of years. The atmosphere is good and is inviting to locals. Some of us do feel welcome here unlike many of the new bars in the area where they feel like they are doing locals a favor by becoming hipster and siding with gentrification. Leggionnaire offers different party theme nights, the drinks are real good and the bartenders know what they are doing. Shout out to both James, Levi and Nick for being great at what they do. Oh and Thank you for saying bye bye to Peter, what a douche. read more

We got ripped on scotch at the Legionnaire Saloon. The DJ was spinning all kinds of good stuff, but honestly, it's such a blur, I can't even tell you what kind of music was playing, mostly older hip-hop (probably?). When we got there, it was only ten o'clock on a Monday night, so it wasn't crazy packed, but there was a nice little crowd. Predominantly white, hipster, but a little color thrown in here and there. I'd guess the age group was late 20s-mid 30s. Everyone seemed friendly and were all getting their drink on. The bartender was attentive and gave me a free Coke instead of water when I needed some sobering up. read more

Legionnaire Saloon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oakland, California