Room 389 is a café in the morning, and a bar at night. In the morning, they have a house-coffee, and also serve bicycle-coffee. Bicycle coffee is the gold standard. It's local, and taste great. 389 also carries some baked goods from local bakeries in the morning. Because they are a bar, they also offer spiked coffee drinks (house whip cream) and mimosas in the morning. I believe they make a mean bloody Mary. Great for an early morning Americano. A bit of a different place in the evening. read more

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One star, bad service. Own your mistakes. If you forget to reserve a table for a large group, don't take it out on other customers. Treat people with respect. Definitely won't be coming back. read more

So far, I've been here several times. A TOTAL oasis in Covid era Oakland. My friends and I affectionately call this place "the bungalow" and it is terrific. Their walk up bar is easy, the take away cocktails have saved me! Prices are steep for a double ($18) but I can always justify a single. They are stiff enough as it is. The sangria is fab and there are slushees on the menu for spring! They are now open for limited indoor seating where you can gather in small groups. Pups are welcome inside if they are well behaved. I love that this place opens early. And stays open late. A true gem. read more

My favorite bar in the Bay. Great music, friendly energy from the staff and customers alike, and of course, delicious cocktails!

Such a hidden gem. Great service and really cool vibe. Great spot to come for coffee in the morning or on a week night for some super yummy drinks. read more

Nice neighborhood bar that has a chill vibe to it. I have a friend that lives nearby so that's how I discovered this bar. Plenty of seating inside and by the time I left around 10PM, it wasn't super busy for a Friday. Their cocktails from the menu are actually tasty as I tried a friend's drink but they made a good moscow mule too. They had 2 TVs playing basketball games and a DJ playing music in the background (it kept on going between reggae, instrumental, and some old school hip-hop tracks). You can actually have a conservation here too as it's not too crowded. They have some tables in the back where you can play card or board games, if you wanted to. read more

The morning cafe here does an outstanding pour-over using Bicycle Coffee -- not a hint of unpleasant bitterness or burnt ash to be had in that cup. Highly recommend. read more

Room 389 strikes the perfect balance between too-cool hipster bar and laid-back dive. They've got a little bit of everything with the mini garden-like patio in front, long bar, and loungey area in back. So, if you feel like going out but don't want to make a big deal of it, 389 is kind of perfect. Cocktails are fab, and (little known fact) during the day the space operates as a cafe with the usual coffeeshop goods AND made-to-order green juice. So you can detox by day, retox by night. Get the apple purée & egg white cocktail! It's a guzzler. They have a trivia night on Wednesdays, which seems to be pretty popular (but doesn't take itself nearly as seriously as other trivia nights...watch out for cell phone cheaters). I've never had a bad time here, thanks to the strong drinks and chill crowd. Check it! read more

#37 Room 389 is so super righteous--I need to come here more often. Early on Sunday my partner asked me if I wanted to grab a drink while we waited on a few friends to venture over from the city. Well, I am not one to turn down a drink, especially with my S/O, so I quickly agreed. He said he wanted the best Bloody Mary in our area and could I find the place. I love a challenge. I was like, "Yeah, I got you, get ready and let's go to my secret spot." We strolled over to the bar and they were not too crowded, but it was pretty early on a Sunday morning. There were several people on stools at the bar top and we were greeted immediately upon entry. Room 389 has a little coffee shop in the front of the bar, and then a long, super clean bar top, a few TV's, great bartenders, a huge selection of alcohol, a stellar drink menu with throwback prices, these crazy good pretzels--it is an all around awesome spot. The bar is really beautifully lit during the daytime with mostly natural light, and then at night it gets dark and the music is exactly what I want to hear while I am drinking with my friends. We grabbed a couple of stools and I asked my wonderful bartender, Dana, for the best Bloody Mary in Oakland. She obliged, and I mean it really is the BEST Bloody Mary. Hands down. My companion went for the Brown Derby, which is a delicious cocktail with bourbon, honey, and grapefruit. The drink was strong and delicious and only $6! Wow--I feel like I am paying prices from the early 90's when I drink here. Thank you Room 389 for not buying into the whole "gentrification" mode that all the other spots (that used to be cool and affordable and unpretentious--but, not anymore) have bought into in the Grand/Lake area. What a breath of fresh air Room 389 is. We grabbed two more cocktails--yes, another perfect Bloody Mary and another amazing Brown Derby. This time Justin, another hella cool bartender helped us out. We even grabbed one of their famous hot, soft pretzels with mustard and salt. It was the perfect snack for us while we waited on our friends to cross the bridge. The service is outstanding, the atmosphere is exactly what I want in a bar and the drinks, well the drinks are straight up "wow" type drinks. I think I fell back in love with Room 389, it has really been so long--too long--since I have hung out here. I think we found our "new" hang out--AGAIN ;) We loved it so much that we brought several friends in later Sunday night after dinner. Yes, twice in one day, that is how great this place is. Stephani Smiles for Room 389 ;) #bestbarthissideoflakemerritt read more

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Trivia Night! Thanks John Z. for the UYE. It was a blast! Especially when Team Sandbaggers handed a humiliating 1 point defeat to our arch-nemesis Team Bloodborne Pathogens. That's right, in ya face!!! :P This was my 1st time to Room 389 & it was great. Trivia night was a lot of fun + it was $4 pints of Lagunitas IPA all night. It gets seriously packed even before 7:00pm & the bar was slammed, but the bartenders did a good job keeping up. Room 389. I liked it. Trivia night. Awesome. Hey, let's do it again! read more

A classmate of mine recommended we come here to study. What a cool space! The cafe is open from 9-3 and the bar is open after. However, the cafe has a selection of boozy coffees that sound delicious. After we studied for a good bit, we decided to reward ourselves with a bloody mary ;) which were quite tasty and had a skewer or pickled veggies that went perfectly with it! Service is friendly. read more

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Needed a place to hangout at for a bit before a friends flight got in on a random Monday night & just my luck that this place was open. Not only are they open late night they had a live band!! The ambiance was really nice, very sultry with the red lights across the ceiling, bathrooms are clean and well stocked. Drinks were amazing! If you want a cool date night spot or somewhere to just chill with a friend, check this place out. At the end near the bathrooms there are huge communal couches & tables were you get a front to the live music! Very jazzy scene. Love it here! read more

I've been here for coffee on a quiet morning after a lovely run around Lake Merrit, and I've been here for a jam-packed trivia night. Turns out that the small cafes and bars I keep finding around Oakland pull the same phrase from me: "Great neighborhood spot!" The same is true for 389. It somehow manages to feel like both a cozy cafe and a spacious bar. I'm a big fan of the outdoor patio, indoor couches, filament-bulb lighting, exposed wood, and house plants. The crowd is refreshing and always interesting, as it doesn't cater to a specific "type" - this is not JUST a hipster bar or place for nerds or destination for jocks. It genuinely seems to be the place where everyone gathers because it has something that appeals to everyone. It's an impressive quality in a bar/cafe. Perhaps it's because they started serving sliders on Wednesday nights during trivia...? But I don't think that would quite explain it. The coffee is solid, so are the cocktails, and so is the company. The one drawback (for me) is that people smoke on the patio, and since the doors/windows are always open, the bar gets smoky. Which means that my clothes and hair get smoky. Which means I have to go home and take my second shower of the day. Grrrrrr. read more

Room 389 moonlights(daybreaks?) in the morn hours as a cafe. same flatscreens. same bar. cafe is at the front corner entrance serving coffee, sammies, pastries, empanadas. bloody marys, beer & wine served at the far end of the bar. lights are turned on brightly so people can read their papers/books. pour: west oakland coffee co, (lg, 2.5) -strong, smooth brew. drips: -plenty of seating on a sunday. parking not so plentiful. read more

Good strong well made coffee. The Asian barista is so friendly and establishment has a chill overall feel

I've stopped in here twice with some of my favourite people. The first time it was a brief stop for JZ's birthday. The second time it was for Wednesday night trivia. JZ packed a corner for about three team's worth of Yelpers. Talk about awesome. I was surprised that our small team brought our A-Game, we all have different specialties which worked in our favour. The questions were diverse and varied. The drinks are priced within reason. At least I think they are... This bar is a lot bigger inside than I remember it being. We were able to bring outside food from House of Curries. It's also in a nice area on Grand. Will I be back? For sure. Trivia is tons of fun anyway...so yes, say the magic words and I'll be there. read more

Room 389: Step into another world that is different outside of Oakland! Come take a walk into a bar that gives you the feel of being in a New Orleans, meets Jamaica and a bar in BARbados. Its a friendly neighborhood bar that can feel like a short vacation from the urban, busy and fast paced life, where adults of different ages come here for a shot and a beer or a tropical/craft cocktail. Service: Bartenders are no frills and thrills type of people, they love both pouring beers and shaking up cocktails. It is not pretentious like bars in SF, where cocktails are $14, here they are fairly priced from $9-$11. Even during a busy happy hour and with a game on TV, there bartenders are always ready to shake or pour your booze. Highlights: Old Fashioned: I hold my standards high for Old Fashioned, and here they make it simple and right. Not too sweet, not to bitter and has the perfect kick with Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Irish Coffee: One of the best that I have tried! They use bicycle coffee and a generous amount of Whiskey that can either stimulate or depress your nerves. Also, even better they serve it topped with caramel whipped cream made in house. read more

Room 389 - Irish Coffee!! - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Favorite bar in Oakland! Drinks are always on point and great selection of spirits. I also love that DJs play vinyl, no exceptions! The decor is nicely done. From the light fixtures to the book page wall decor. The carved woodwork in the back is stunning. Feels like home. It's pretty much my second home. My bf DJs here every 3rd Saturday of the month. Wax Works! Ambiance is bitchin' with people dancing. The staff are all friendly and awesome especially the dancing barback/busser! Even though I usually stick with my whiskey neat. I occasionally will try their craft cocktails and I've yet to be disappointed. The pours are heavy and drinks are always tasty. Fresh squeezed juices to mix and fresh garnishes. They also make a killer bloody mary!!! Oh and the bar doubles as a cafe. It's a trip how different it is in there in the morning with people on their laptops just like any other coffee shop. So calm and quiet before the storm of afternoon lushes. But what makes their little cafe kick ass is because they offer spiked chai tea lattes and coffees! Yep! That's what I call a proper morning pick-me-upper! read more

Room 389 - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I came here to meet with someone on Saturday morning. Apparently, it's a coffee shop in the day and a bar at night. It was nice as it wasn't super crowded in the morning and they have free wifi if you bring your laptop. I got the Mexican hot chocolate which is pretty good, but you definitely pay the Bay Area price for it. Overall, it's a chill and relatively quiet spot to meet up with someone or to get some work done. I'll have to check it out when it's night. read more

Besides being a huge fan of its "night life", I LOVE 389's Cafe - I'm happy now to find myself there morning, noon and night! The Coffee: My favorite Saturday morning Oakland tradition has been walking to the Grand Lake Farmer's Market and enjoying a beautiful cup of coffee from the Bicycle Coffee Company. If you haven't yet tried Bicycle Coffee, it is a masterful, delicious, boutique coffee that is TRULY one of the Bay Area's BEST coffees! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to experience such a great coffee EVERYDAY at Room 389 Cafe. The "Pour Over" option is among the strongest, most flavorful coffee pours you can find. 389 is using Bicycle Coffee for the coffee drinks, and (I believe?) espresso beans from Roast of Emeryville - both are EXCELLENT additions to an already great ambiance of 389's bar decor. The Afternoon: Enjoy the drinks on the small patio outside or inside, if you have your Joe in house, consider the Cafe's "Adult" menu with such deliciousness as the "389 Special" - the complements of Jameson, Kahlua, etc. are always nice additions to see at a cafe by morning, bar by night... The Pastries: Delicious fresh spreads from Oakland's local Starter Bakery! Lunch: Yes!!! They have a (very limited) menu from a flat grill, but try their grilled cheese! It is excellent! The Service: Emily is awesome!!!! She serves a great cup and conversation with a smile and an inviting presence to enjoy coffee at 389 everyday! The only drawback I see with 389's cafe is of relatively dark space, even during the day, making it challenging if you're interested in reading or doing other work in a well-lit cafe. Otherwise, I'll have a Bicycle Coffee Pour Over in the morning, and a Green Bulleit at night. read more

Great new young crowd. Wish they had the Golden Bear Shots! from the rugby days! New owner doing a fantastic job! read more

Desperately needed coffee while the boyfriend was getting his haircut nearby.. Almost went next door but yelp pointed me over here. COMPLETELY doesn't match the rest of grand ave but it's beautiful on the inside.. Reminded me of a sultry Havana cafe in Puerto Rico. I haven't had Vietnamese coffee anywhere but a small Pho joint I go to because it's usually not too great. The viet coffee here was delicious, not too sweet or creamy with the perfect flavor of condensed milk. I dinked off one stat because I'm a HUGE stickler for politeness and smiley attitudes from employees and unfortunately the person who helped me seemed irritated, didn't say thank you or you're welcome and almost seemed mad that I didn't have the money immediately (had to dig for another dollar) read more

Room 389 - Wall of books! Little aesthetic gem smack in the middle of grand ave...would love to come here and bust out some work - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is a nice lil' (li'l'?) spot to get a drink and potentially an empanada--although I have yet to succumb to the latter; so I can't recommend those just yet. The crowd is mixed but usually pretty typical of the Lakeshore/Grand area: mid- to upper-30s, blazers with jeans, that kind of thing. It's small and there's a patio kind of thing out front designated for you to smoke and irritate those walking down Grand with obnoxious sounds or whatever you and your crew get into when you're drunk. I'm not here to judge. The bathroom is pretty clean and on the weeknights that my friends and I have stopped in, we've been able to find seating downstairs on the couches but rarely at the barstools or any of the tables adjacent to the bar near the entrance. Upstairs seems all cool and shrouded in mystery like your parents' upbringing but that's probably because every time I've ventured up there I've been told to skedaddle because that area is supposedly ALWAYS reserved, even on the deadest Wednesday known to man. I mean duh. This is Room 389 we're talking about! But I don't mind, as long as you guys keep a big, comfy couch for me to sashay to and fro' and a cold drink for me to set down once I'm seated. Cheers! read more

Your tape obviously missed the theft. Wasn't faded. I don't drink alcohol and was very clear on what happened. Good luck with your business.

Really good cocktails and a good selection of local beer. Cosy interior. Getting a cocktail to go and walking around the lake is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon read more

Visit: 6/4/19 Stopped by with two friends to grab a drink after having dinner across the street. The SERVICE was mediocre. The bartender was not friendly at all, rude and appeared annoyed. The DRINKS were good but I was a little disappointed that the drinks I ordered; "the Diablo," was pre-made. I'm sorry... but, if you're going to be a bartender, I feel like a cocktail such as mezcal, pineapple, jalapeño, etc should be made fresh! Would I come back? I would because my friends and I really liked the AMBIENCE of the bar but I will make sure to stick to ordering a beer on tap, and stay away from the premade drinks. Parking: Gotta find street parking. Careful to reload the parking meter. read more

Good beer (they had a decent hazy IPA) they also serve coffee here and you pay at the kiosk before they pour you beer which is a little bit weird, bartender could've been friendlier but she was ok read more

$6 fresh squeezed Greyhound?! Dog friendly besides 10pm -1am on the weekends?! Need I say more?! I am always on the lookout for a good bar that is dog friendly. Especially one that is dog friendly INSIDE. This is now my neighborhood bar since we recently moved to the Adams Point area of Oakland. This place can get crazy crowded on weekend evenings and it sometimes takes a while to get a drink, but otherwise it is pretty flawless in my opinion. read more

Room 389 - On draft menu! - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Im falling for this Eric Estrada tequila drink, thus: four stars Poor phone reception BUT the outdoor patio in front is nice and its dog-friendly read more

Room 389 - Tequila, cucumber & something spicy & delish:The Eric Estrada &9.00 - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Cool little pub on Grand. They have a small patio area at the front door for chilling and smoking. This place was hopping on a Monday late afternoon. Nice variety of clientele made it fun and interesting. Everyone was really nice. Good and efficient bartenders were on board this nite. I would come back... read more

This place is addicting. I met a boxer there. His name was Rusty. A dog boxer. lIke really.....a fly ass bar that lets you bring well mannered animals. This place is all that read more

Groovy little spot with a cute patio, cute staff, quality beverages made with love the cafe has a good variety of reallly delicious baked goods! read more

I love the vibe at 389! This is one of my favorite happy hour places. If you are in the area, I would definitely recommend it. Things I like: The laid back atmosphere Good drinks at reasonable prices Great interior Friendly bar staff read more

Solid bar, with a large back area which is great for large groups. Solid beer selection as well! I had a gingery-cider that I liked in particular. I haven't been during the day, but they seem to have a nice outdoor patio area out front too. read more

One of my SO favorite bars, as it is just a short downhill uber from his place (also because we are a fan of jong ga house and kinga sushi, that is super close). We actually find this place while waiting for out table at jong ga house and LOVE their happy hour. I always like a place that has fresh grapefruit juice for their greyhounds. The space is spacious, but when there is a warriors game, be warned that there will be standing space. read more

A nice welcomed addition to the Lake Merritt area. Delicious drinks (Moscow Mules were amazing, so were the house specialties) and reasonably priced. Most definitely a mixed crowd; a little of this and a little of that, but made for good conversation. It got a little chaotic ordering at the bar, but the atmosphere and location are worth it. Definitely give it a try. read more

Room 389 - Moscow mule... And then some!! - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I was pleasantly surprised by this spot. All my friends have already been but me, so I had to check it out for myself. Went there on a late night and also during happy hour. Happy Hour was pretty mellow. The bartender gave me enough attention as I sat there by myself before my friend showed up. He wasn't annoying. He made some weird concoction from the ingredient of the day (lychee juice)...it wasn't working, so he made me something with Cachaca on the house. It was great...just a hint of sweetness with lots of citrus flavor and that drink was STRONG. Apparently, they make their drinks pretty stiff...I'm a lightweight, so one drink works for me! hehe Anyways, at the back of the bar, there's a nice seating area...it's got a nice vibe, not creepy like some of the other Oakland joints I've frequent. It's got a bit of a hipster feel...but a bit more mellow. Not sure about their music rotation, but I know from time to time, they spin vinyls and got live bands. Bottom line: Yah, I'll be back for a drank or two! read more

Room 389 - Fresh ingredients for your drinks. - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I have been to this place only for the cafe drinks after running lake merritt. The offerings are pretty tasty. The chai with hemp milk is pretty awesome. The espresso and coffee drinks are fresh and hot always. I like the concept that I can get a cafe drink with alcohol in it if I so desire. My running buddy has tried a few of their "dirty" drinks and swears they are the best! I trust her. A regular spot for sure! read more

I can't comment on this places quality as a bar but it was very disappointing as a cafe. I ordered a cappuccino and it came out warm, at best, with almost no foam. I love a room temperature latte as much as the next guy but it's would be great if I could actually receive what I ordered. read more

Room 389 - Lukewarm and only a half an inch of foam? I present the worlds worst capuccino - Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

A friend and I were looking forward to having a drink there. But the doorman was incredibly rude and abrasive for no reason. After checking my vaccine proof, I kindly asked him what elSe was needed, as he just stared at me. Then he yelled,"YOUR ID IF YOU EXPECT TO GET IN!! It was incredibly abusive and unprofessional. Because of this, we decided to get drinks at Enssaro instead. read more