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.

This place is great! The drinks are delicious and very affordable. Service can be a little slow at…read moretimes but that's completely understandable since it's usually packed. Making drinks for a crowd takes time and the staff always does their best. The people who come here are super friendly which adds to the welcoming, cozy vibe of the place. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable. If you love a good martini this is definitely a place you should check out.

I'll give it to them, Tallboy is a solid concept with their "tinis & weenies". However, a clever…read moreconcept can carry a place so far. Customer service is a close second to concept. Tallboy's martini menu is well-executed. While I didn't personally try one of the slushies, a friend ordered the espresso martini version and gave it a solid thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the experience falls apart when it comes to food and service. Waiting 30+ minutes for two hot dogs (after paying) is hard to justify. When I checked in with a server, she was curt and dismissive. She was quick to explain there was only one person in the kitchen, with no effort to offer a solution, timeline, or even basic courtesy. I understand staffing issues happen. However, customer service is a close second to concept. How an issue is communicated and addressed is what separates good service from bad. What's more frustrating is that these aren't customer problems to absorb. If the kitchen is understaffed, if tables aren't being cleared in a timely manner at a seat-yourself spot, those are management problems. Guests should not have to choose to leave without the food we paid for. There's a lot of competition out there, and concepts alone aren't enough to bring people back. I genuinely wanted that hot dog. That's probably the most disappointing part of the whole experience. Great drinks, solid ambiance, but the service needs serious attention.

This place is so cute inside it's definitely a cool almost speakeasy vibe. Came an hour after they…read moreopened and it was already getting pretty busy on a Thursday night. Service was really prompt and friendly. The food was great we ordered all the classics such as the tater tots and the cucumbers, and we also got the salt and pepper wings, and the special mapo tofu. Portions are great and it's definitely a lot of food to share. There are also extensive cocktails on the menu running at $16-$20 each, which is expected for the creativity and expert craftsmanship of each cocktail. They have a large number of cocktails that are special and seasonal, and then their classics on the bottom. I don't think you can go wrong with anything that you try and I love that they have Asian fusion options for the cocktails and savory and sweet. I got one of the seasonal cocktails that was passionfruit forward and it had a nice tart crisp taste that I really enjoyed.

4.5 Stars. My friends and I have been meaning to try…read moreViridian out. We finally got to check out Viridian out for Oakland Restaurant Week 2025. Technically, we got to try it out the week after, but they extended their menu for the week after. We came that Sunday evening. Parking can be a bit of a hassle because it is indeed Downtown Oakland. Your whole party has to get the Restaurant Week Menu. So we all got their: Aperitif Cocktail - Tomato Beef or Purely Passion (Non Alcoholic) I got the Purely Passion. Good, nothing to write home about. Umami Tots This was really good! Very Crispy. Chili Cucumbers This one was actually really good. Szechuan Salt and Pepper Wings Good, but maybe too crispy? Wings are always good but this one didn't stand out for me. Mango Sorbet (They changed this from the Apple Sorbet that day) My favorite of the whole night. I usually don't like sorbet but this one was soft and easy to eat and has like a creamy like texture? Trying this made me want to try their other dessert item. We also ordered 2 add ons - the Hojicha Miso Tiramisu and the Korean Mapo Tofu. Hojicha Miso Tiramisu was OK. It contained too much alcohol for all of us and was bitter. Disappointing. I liked the Mapo Tofu! I liked that it was Crispy and that it came with rice. Drinks wise, my friends also got to try the Tomato Beef and White Rabbit. I don't really drink alcohol so I just sipped a bit. Tomato Beef was too alcoholic for me, couldn't really taste the tomato or the beef, but I could see what White Rabbit was going for. Overall, I'm really impressed by the food. I usually think Bar Food isn't very good, but this blew me away. Drinks are OK.

Drinks here are smooth and delicious! We ordered a flight to Oaxaca, suffering bastard, whiskey…read morejack, and a passionfruit drink that the bartender made on the fly for mex Everything was so good! No notes here- loved suffering bastard (more refreshing, ginger forward), and the whiskey jack (smooth, complex), the flight to Oaxaca was spicy and delicious too. Will definitely be back- recommend others to try!

Cool, messy and full of charm. I loved this little bar and wish it were closer to home for me. We…read moresampled a few of their house cocktails and they were pretty darn good, just served a little sloppily. We joked they might toss the glasses to us if we got a second round. Definately worth checking out if you're in the area. It's a short walk to many other bars and restaurants in the area. Service was efficient and friendly.

The food and service was fabulous! We were there for brunch. I'm definitely going back for dinner!…read moreI'm a Pescatarian. It looks like they have several very interesting fish dishes. Can't wait! Cindy

Loved this place so much. We didn't have reservations but a party didn't show up for their reserved…read moreseats at the bar. This is the first time I've heard of a place reserving bar seating. I guess it's that popular. It was pretty tight seating at the bar, no wiggle room at all. Be prepared to wait to order and get your food when it's full. We had to wait to order drinks and we were at the bar! Lol Staff is very friendly and helpful. What we ordered: -Asado de Mamita: Short ribs, aji panca sauce, green mashed potato -Aji de Gallina: A Peruvian classic reinvented. Shredded chicken in creamy aji amarillo, gnocchi, white rice -Empanadas de la Casa: mushroom [VEG] We sampled each others plates and were not disappointed. Everything was so flavorful! The only downsides are the place is small and there is only one bathroom. People that are waiting to use the bathroom are standing in the way of servers and in the smaller section near the entrance. We'll definitely come back.

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!

The Holiday Pop-up last year (2024) was very festive/fun for a holiday celebration post Zumba class…read moreat the YMCA around the corner. Will be returning again this year with our class for more holiday merriment!

I came here with a group of friends for a night out in the East Bay. We hit up this bar for a round…read moreof slushies after pregame at my friend's apartment. I got the Blue Hawaiian, a yummy classic, and it did not disappoint. Despite the cold front over the Bay Area this weekend, I instantly felt as if I'd teleported to Hawai'i. Service is pretty quick here, but they do have a minimum credit charge of $10. It's pretty easy to reach though if you order a cocktail or slushie.

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.

I love this place Best music, the best chai I've ever had in my life and good people always in and…read morearound. How good it is

Strolling through the neighborhood on my way to a meeting and I had some time to kill. The…read morestorefront caught my eye and when I saw vinyl I had to look. So glad I stopped in. The vibe is very relaxed. A great place for a mental break. Gabriel the bartender greeted me warmly. The music was good. Vinyl selection is The wine selection is exemplary. I had enough time for lunch and opted for the Cheese sandwich ( I do not recall the menu name) upon Gabriel's recommendation. I was not disappointed. Warm beef with melted cheese and accompaniments on a sandwich roll. It was reminiscent of my youth when my friends mother would make lunch for us. It was just sloppy enough to make it delicious without it splattered on my shirt. My new go to spot for a mental break and smiles.

So many people told me to come by Sobre Mesa, but I'm so busy that when I finally stopped by, it…read morewas well worth the wait. The first thing you notice is the beautiful ambiance of decor there. It felt like I was on vacation in Costa Rica. The house speakers playing Latin and Dominican music def set the tone that this was a place rich in culture. I must say that the server Kimmy as well as Crista the bartender were both bright spots. The food was awesome as well. The steak was served to temperature (med rare) and the dealers choice rum cocktail was phenomenal. What made this dinner visit special was the fact that the chef came from behind the window to check on everyone. Being in hospitality for 30 years, I can say that I know genuine passion when I see it. Not only did this visit make me happy that it is located in my home town of oakland, but to know that top chef talent chef Nelson, took a community shot with everyone at bar made it feel like home. Cheers to Sobre, they got it right!

Updating my review because my last experience this past weekend was kind of sketchy , let's get…read moreinto it . so upon arriving I know they check for ID. I don't know when this started happening but now there is a cover fee, which is no problem because I know it's busy and it's mostly known for being a bar with some snacks .... we came for the snacks so no problem paying a cover charge. The sketchy part about it was the hostess at the front door said they're not accepting cash for the cover fee and they are only accepting Zelle . We search the email to pay but it asked for first and last name and at that point she said never mind you guys can go sit down . so that was weird number one ! Especially because I would assume as a business your Zelle handle would have something about the business and not a personal persons Zelle . number two I know that their menu always changes depending on seasonal products so that's not a big deal , but I know they usually always have oysters . when I went to go place my order the waitress said that they do not have oysters and explained to me that it's a party tonight so they only have certain items .... but luckily for me one of the cooks from the back was standing behind her so I assume when I walked away, he corrected her because she came back and said oh we do have oysters ?! very interesting to me . Overall vibes are still cool inside , they were playing all the hits. The food was good . the empanadas ! the ingredients were very fresh. You could taste it in every bite. The goat cheese was probably our favorite thing that we got perfectly breaded gooey cheese . and the oysters were good. I just wish we could get more for what we pay for. I think it's $22 just for three. I'm used to paying $22 for six with all the ingredients that they claim they use , but yeah . I don't know what's going on with the staff. That's why I'm taking one star away other than that love the vibe , the ambience feels good. Just staff needs to get it together. And I hope they aren't scamming people at the door .