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Mad Oak

4.1 (818 reviews)
ModerateBars
Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

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MAD OAK ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Casual
Trendy
Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Mad Oak

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fried mushrooms
Jeanie N.

I came here for an Assembly Puzzlery night and it was a blast! I ordered the fried mushrooms and they were very juicy, with good breading. The sauce was a bit too vinegary/smoky for my taste, but my sister enjoyed it. Service is fast, bathrooms were clean, and I love how big the space is. If you stay in the evenings, there are even heat lamps for your comfort. The only points I'm knocking off are for the volume of the music/events (there was a dancing lesson happening upstairs and it was chaotic with the puzzling downstairs).

Inside Bar
Dave F.

I had no idea this place had been around for over 10 years. It's kind of tucked away and easy to miss since the entrance doesn't really stand out. That said, once you're inside, it's a great little bar with a lot of character and a really welcoming vibe. We got there shortly after they opened on a Saturday afternoon, and it didn't take long for the place to fill up. We grabbed seats at the bar, and Eric was our bartender... he was fantastic. Super friendly, made everyone feel welcome, and somehow managed to keep the energy up and still give great service even as things got busy. You could tell he loves his job. We had a few beers and ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and the parmesan fries. Everything came out hot and tasted great, especially the fries. Definitely planning to come back in the evening next time to experience the full vibe. This feels like one of those spots that really comes alive at night.

Espresso Martini, Disaronno & pineapple, Date Night
Kendra F.

This isn't my go-to bar, but it is an old faithful. I've been here a number of times over the years, especially when I lived in downtown Oakland. It's an Indoor/outdoor bar with security who checks your ID at the front right before the large amount of picnic table type seating outside. There's a Photo Booth towards the back and an upstairs outside area as well. It's cold now, but there is plenty of seating. My friend and I opted to sit indoors. Normally they keep the doors open, but now that it's bone chilling cold, the doors were closed. My friend ordered an espresso martini. It wasn't my fave, but the way I like it apparently isn't original. I prefer mine with Bailey's to soften the taste of the coffee. Personal preference. I ordered Date Night which has Hennessy VS I believe and some other delicious flavors. Dangerous! The pink sugared rim and the delicate flavor of this drink is why I stopped after 2. It's too good, kind of like how Long Islands used to be before that one time in college where I put my eyeshadow on and wasn't sure if I had put eyeshadow on the other eye in spite of being in front of a mirror. I hope that paints the picture. I saw Disaronno on the shelf and wanted it with pineapple. The taste was good and familiar, but next time I'll ask for an extra glass of ice. This one should be served really cold, and the cup was already filled and there was already a lot of ice, but this drink itself takes a bit to get really cold how I'd prefer it. Oh, and they have food! We split their loaded fries and chicken wings. The fries should have an option to add meat. I didn't see it on the menu so I didn't ask, but just a suggestion.

Dianna H.

I've walked by this spot so many times and it always looks hopping! Finally had a chance to check it out when my friend and I stopped by for a post work catch up. We came on Thursday evening around 5 pm and it was pretty empty, though it got busier later. There's plenty of seating - patio, indoors, upstairs patio. We decided to sit in their patio as it was a nice and warm day out. They offer food and drink happy hour specials Tue-Fri 4-6 pm. I got the hibiscus lemonade, an order of seasoned fries to share, and the Mad Dog which was happy hour food special for Thursday. All the food was ready quickly. You have to pick it up yourself inside once the buzzer goes off. I loved the hibiscus lemonade! Super refreshing and was something different from the standard lemonade. The food itself was average. Hot dog's a hot dog, and same for fries. I was actually disappointed by the fries as they were "seasoned" but still tasted super bland. There was zero salt on them. The portions were HUGE for the fries though. Next time I'll remember to get just a half order, that would have been plenty for the two of us to share.

menu
Tomoko S.

Came here Tues night with a group of 5 for trivia night! Friendly atmosphere, outdoor communal bench seating, well stocked bar, and decent food. Missed the happy hour, which seemed like a good deal. Was worried about parking, but was able to find street parking nearby (also noticed a lot across the street.) Trivia was 3 rounds: R1 general knowledge, R2 movie quotes (I guess it's usually music, but 4th Tues of the month is movies...) R3 podcast theme bc it was national podcast day (Who knew that was a thing?) All in all a fun night-Will def be back!

Christina G.

Great atmosphere with lots of beer choices and great cocktails. Servers are friendly and fun.

Old fashioned
Jenny H.

I got espresso martinis, old fashioned, and the tequila soda. Espresso martinis are not strong at all so definitely get that if you don't like alcohol at all. Old fashioned is definitely the way to go if you need something strong. Tequila sodas are pretty good too. If you want food, order before 10pm because I think the kitchen closes at 10? I might be wrong but you can ask the bartender. One of the bartenders kept getting distracted by other customers who came after us and he started serving them drinks instead even though he started to take our order first. He started taking our order and then turned to the new folks and served them a shot, took a shot with one of them, and talked with him for a little over a minute before turning back to us. It was honestly frustrating because we were waiting for a while. If it weren't for this part of our experience, I'd honestly give this place five stars! The other bartenders were women and were wonderful. They took our orders and made our drinks very efficiently. Security was doing his best ensuring customers are safe and sound. One of the batenders checked on a girl in the bathroom which I appreciate deeply.

Bar
Ginger D.

What an adorable bar/restaurant in downtown Oakland! Street parking and a parking garage very close! This bar gives upscale homey.. day party vibes!!! They have an upstairs patio and lots of outdoor seating downstairs. Downstairs is really cool because the bar can either be open or closed depending on the weather! I had the strawberry margarita that was made with strawberry redbull and tequila! It had a really good tajin rim! I also tried the loaded fries and chicken tenders. (Sorry didn't get pics of those). You order everything at the bar and then you get a buzzer for food and go pick it up at the food pick up area! They were playing good music and the atmosphere was good. Definitely recommend coming here!

Sauces with the fries
Molly L.

We came here on a week night and the place was pretty packed. We went to the counter and ordered our drinks and food. Once the food was ready, we went to pick up the food at a separate part of the venue once our buzzer rang. The drinks we had were good. But the food was just okay. My partner said the burger did not have much flavor, and I can say the same thing about the chicken sandwich. However, the chicken sandwich had a bunch of jalapeños in it, which was not listed on the menu. We were surprised that the fries were soggy as well and not crispy (this is surprising for crinkle cut fries). Overall, the ambiance of this venue is nice -- there is both outside and inside seating, and the lighting is more dim.

Birria quesadilla
Maggie W.

Had a few extra hours in Oakland before going to the airport and this is a great spot to go to. This is only 10 minutes from the airport. Came here on a Sunday to watch a few football games and quickly realized the bar does not have the NFL Sunday ticket so only a few games that were on local TV were available to be watched. Ended up having the garlic Parmesan fries which had entirely too much garlic and not enough Parmesan. I will say that the birria quesadilla was fantastic and I would come back just for that alone. Fantastic place to watch sports and have a quick bite to eat. They were having a special event on their second floor rooftop bar later that day, which I thought was a great addition. Would absolutely come back here when in Oakland.

Doubled up
Nelly R.

From Oakland and my first time stepping into Mad Oak! Really Nell?! Anywho The bartender were hella cool (she said Hello when I sat down) and the drinks were This place served finger food and the kitchen closes at midnight. I did not try the food but I will next time. From the outside looking in, if you are looking for slap (Lit rap music or R&B vibes) you would not go inside. I listen to and love all music. I'm open minded so I went inside. Also, this place looking like a loft. There are two side to this lounge/bar. Outside w/a bar upstairs & they played pop music and inside is rap (with a loft, industrial vibe). The vibe setting is very chill (which fits my personality). It gives you and the homies, the home girls or with your boo thang to dance, talk and just chill. Be in your own zone at this place for sure. The bar has a natural feel to it (come as you are). Shake a hand meet a friend and just chill. There is no DJ. The bartender play music on the iPad (I LOVE THAT BTW). Would I go back? Sure, why not.

Mushroom burger
Liz S.

I've walked by this bar so many times but never really was intrigued to go in as it's hidden but finally stopped by with coworkers after work and was pleasantly impressed. They have a happy hour with great food deals $2.50 fries you can't beat that! I loved the outdoor space it was very chill but also offer indoor seating. They even have an upstairs outdoor space. I would definitely be back to try more drinks and food. Friends enjoyed the mushroom burger and taco if looking for veggie options.

Jo Ann D.

We've been coming to Mad Oak this football season because they open on sundays for the games! It's always a nice vibe. The bartender is always super friendly and nice! I forget his name but the one with the pony tail is great! Quick and personable. They have lots of tvs inside, outside and upstairs. There's also fun activities like a Photobooth and a basketball arcade. I'm a big fan of the food too. The Brussels always turn out perfect and you can't go wrong with their garlic fries. Will keep returning for the games! Go niners!

Don't know his name but he's by far the best.

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Daniel C.

Hilarious! Amazing :)

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9 months ago

I'm new to California and this place never disappoints. The atmosphere, servers, and music are what keeps me coming back.

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1 year ago

Love Mad Oak. It's one of my favorite bars & the rooftop is so cute & they have a fan up there on blast if there's a dancey even happening.

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Ask the Community - Mad Oak

Do you have a cake fee? Would like to bring a cake to celebrate a friend's birthday. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi. No fee. You are welcome to bring in a cake.

Outdoor seating , dog friendly?

Yes! We love well behaved dogs :)

Is the upstairs seating wheelchair accessible? Is it typically open on Tuesdays?

I don't recall an elevator up to the upstairs but I can't say for certain. In my experience, it is open on Tuesdays just like every day. According to their website happy hour is Tuesday-Friday from 4-6. This is their email address if you want to ask… Read more

Do you guys have cornhole?

Yes. But if it gets too crowded we don't put it out.

What will be the vendor/food be on Sunday, January 14?

We’ve gone in house for food and have a menu of bar bites from wings, street tacos, and fries to fried chicken or shroom Philly sandwiches and arugula salad and more...

Do they allow kids?

Sorry, but no, 21+ only.

What are the non-alcoholic options to drink?

Non-alcoholic cocktails and N/A beer

Do they serve food outside on Sunday nights? How late?

Food until 9

Is this place requiring proof of vax cards at the door before entry? The voicemail greeting states so.

No. Just ID.

Are kids allowed Asking for a friend?

No one under 21 allowed. Coworker tried bringing his baby and was denied entry.

What food vendor do you guys have there now?

We were there this past weekend and they had "Ibexico"

Are vaccine cards required?

Yes as of 2/13

Will they be showing Argentina-Brazil on 7/10/21 (Copa America Final)?

Generally we will play major sporting events. But we do not play sound for any games unless it is a local team in the finals (sometimes playoffs)

Is there any music dj?

Not at the moment. The playlist over loudspeakers is typically good.

What will your holiday hours and days be?

We will have Holiday hours posted on our website

Are you allowed to bring outside food?

We have a rotating pop-up kitchen, so we do not allow outside food.

Will you be showing the NBA playoffs outdoor on Friday?

Will you be airing the niners game outdoors tomorrow?

Are there TVs outdoor to watch sports?

Yes, but we do not play the TV audio

Is there a lot of parking?

There is a lot of street parking around but it does fill up quickly. Lake Merritt Bart station is a few blocks away.

View All 47 Questions

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3.8
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Stopped at The Lodge to take a breather from Mosswood Meltdown. Welcoming service, full bar, free…read morepopcorn, and pop-ups in the kitchen most days of the week. As a teetotaler I was happy to find non-alcoholic options. The tamarind mocktail was among the best mixed drinks I've tried. Highly recommended! PAL Burgers was the vendor when we visited. We tried their burgers and tots and were impressed. Both well executed. I'd definitely come back!

My friends and I stopped by the The Lodge on a Monday evening and the place was surprisingly busy…read more In the two and a half hours that we were there, there was a pretty steady stream of customers coming in. The atmosphere of The Lodge is very cozy. There's a fireplace in the middle of the room across from the kitchen and the overhead lights are all a warm, amber yellow. The music on the speakers get pretty loud in some parts of the space so its not the easiest to hold a conversation without raising your voice. Like most dive bars, you place your drink order at the bar and seat yourself. Food offerings vary depending on which establishment has their pop-up setup in the kitchen that evening. Be sure to check out their Instagram page to get the most up to date info on food. During our visit, Saap Saap Culture was serving up delicious fried chicken and egg rolls plates. As for drinks, my wife and I tried out two of their hot toddy's and we really enjoyed them -- absolutely perfect for the cold 40 degree winter weather outside. I also tried out their Modelo Chelada Michelada and ounce-wise, it was a ton of beer. Taste-wise, it was nothing special. The free pop-corn machine in the back was broken during our visit so we didn't have a chance to try it out. Overall, pretty chill dive bar that I wouldn't mind stopping by again. I like that they take card in addition to cash, and the bartender serving us during our visit was friendly. 3.5 rounded up to a 4.

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The Lodge
The Lodge
They have all slushies!

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They have all slushies!

Mad Oak - bars - Updated June 2026

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