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    Sand Bar

    4.5 (93 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Sand Bar Photos

    Business Info

    SAND BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Sand Bar

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    Gorilla milk slushie
    Jude D.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Been wanting to go here for a minute for the vibes, so what's better than on a cold night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Yes, the floor really is covered in sand and the whole place is decorated like a beach.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Also the gorilla milk slushie with coffee liquor was delicious.

    Richard R.

    Always great times here. Good drinks and service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fun atmosphere - they got sad on the floor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Lol Large selection of rums and all the bartenders seem knowledgeable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have DJs that come in often.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] .

    Cute interior
    Mariana D.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the theme here--the sand on the floor, bright colors, and eclectic interior really make it feel like a tropical escape.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's friendly to all people, with a welcoming, laid-back vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Why It's a Vibe * [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great for parents! The outdoor seating is perfect for those of us rolling through with toddlers and big strollers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] * Rum Punch is solid! Nothing too fancy, just a good, decent rum punch that hits the spot. * The staff is cool & vibey. Super friendly and relaxed, which adds to the fun atmosphere. If you're looking for a casual, beachy escape in Oakland with great drinks and a welcoming crowd, Sandbar is a must-visit!

    Melinda E.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is such a cool and eclectic bar with actual sand on the ground![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was great and the price point of the drinks were excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music was my favorite part![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Blood Orange Margarita
    Jerri K.

    Stumbled upon the Sand Bar and it was GREAT! Awesome energy; great vibe; and Black-owned!! Shout out to my bartender Christine for a great time. Can't wait to come back.

    Bar area
    Tara L.

    We were just walking around finding another place to go and found this bar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely feels like you're a beachside bar on vacation and it took me a few seconds to realize there was actual sand lol.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was pretty big would a lot of seating and the bartenders were really nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music playing was great and when the DJ started he kept the good vibes going.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely go back. I don't believe they have food options.

    Jack R.

    Let me tell you about a Christmas place for adults. It's here. Like Ken said, "I just Beach." You can Beach here as you walk on real sand sipping the adult drink of your choice. They have separate rooms for you, your friends, etc and even a photo booth at $6.50 a sheet. Friendly bartender, fun decor. They have spiked hot cider and hot chocolate as well as your standard well drinks. Great place to celebrate you completing or not completing your Christmas shopping and talk about how fast this year has flow by.

    Menu
    Priscilla W.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This was the best beach in Oakland! Anytime you need to get away, the Sand Bar is the destination.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I came in and was greeted by the DJ playing reggae and instantly noticed the sand.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Most of the floors are covered in sand like your on the beach.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were greeted by the bartenders who gave up great recommendations. They dont have a kitchen but you can order food to their location. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Don't forget to take a picture at the photo booth.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great bar and will definitely go back soon

    Passion Agressive
    Mali B.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is definitely a vibe all they're missing is food I definitely recommend coming here to catch a good vibe the music was great,the drinks were good super affordable,and the atmosphere is so cool it gives summer vibes during any season and I loved that ![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Parking isn't to complicated on weekdays it's more so complicated on weekends where you may have to park a block or two away [[HIGHLIGHT]]they are not kid friendly as far as I know![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The drink prices range around $12-$16 super affordable

    Montage of images from Sand Bar
    Ed U.

    I don't think Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello drank alcohol in their beach movies probably because they would've been carded and turned away for pretending to be teenaged surfers. But if they tippled, this beach-style club would be where they'd come to meet Gidget and Moondoggie but only if Dick Dale and the Del Tones were playing watusi rock n' roll on the bandstand. But hey, this ain't Malibu. It's Oakland, Uptown on Broadway, probably the last place where you'd hear "Surf's Up!" But here it is replete with sand scattered on the floor and a casual decor along the lines of the "Gilligan's Isle" set. Jamie W. and I decided to drop by since we had been seeking out local tiki bars - and this was the closest we could get beyond Kona Club (review: https://bit.ly/3fkElTV). We did go tropical with our first round even though parasols weren't included. Jamie went for the $9 Mai Tai, while I ordered the $10 Passive Aggressive, an appropriately named combination of vodka, passionfruit, lemon, tangerine, strawberry, and guava (photo: https://bit.ly/3YFvXjB). Both were potent and got us in the mood for one of their house specialties. We decided to give the Gorilla Milk a try, $19 Doubles no less (photo: https://bit.ly/3WxTrW0). They bill it as a dairy-free slushie consisting of Captain Morgan white rum, Bailey's Almande, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, creme de banana, and crème de cacao. It definitely had a sneaky kick under its creamy milkshake facade, so much so we ended up in the phone booth. Don't ask. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...Frankie and Annette would've approved, especially that Gorilla Milk AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...maybe a little more sand...and a guest appearance from the Big Kahuna? SERVICE - 3 stars...bartender was busy TOTAL - 4 stars..."Surf's Up!" RELATED - Looking for a tiki or beach bar? Here's a collection of places I've tried and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3SpoS3c

    Gorilla milk (double)
    Connie C.

    Great, no complaints! I ordered the gorilla milk (double) and it was so strong that I couldn't finish it! I blame the salad I had for dinner. Bartender was nice and welcoming. My friend ordered the bay breeze, which tasted refreshing. I'd definitely come again and would order the bay breeze for a warmer weather drink. Quite a lot of space, some quieter spots in the back for bigger groups. I liked the sand, and cute decor, really transports you to a beach place.

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    2 months ago

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute... but poor air circulation and don't feel too welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Drinks are okay and a reasonable price.

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    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice chill area. Sand on the floor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Drinks are good. Unique experience & would come back. Bartender was great

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Sand Bar

    Do they have a happy hour?

    Yes! Wed - Fri (4pm - 7pm)… Read more

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    Tallboy

    Tallboy

    4.4
    (179 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    So far, this is my favorite bar in Oakland! We arrived in the late afternoon on a Thursday, and the…read morebar was already about 90% full. My husband and I managed to snag a couple of seats, and the bartenders quickly wiped down our spot and handed us menus. I ordered the Frozen Espresso, and my husband got the Melon Drop Martini. It was an absolute treat watching the bartenders make each drink--they were incredibly fast, skilled, and clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Our cocktails arrived within minutes. I think I finished my martini in literal seconds. My husband's Melon Drop was served in a perfectly chilled glass and wasn't overly sweet (IYKYK). The prices are more than fair, and I can't wait to come back to try the hot dogs and work my way through more of the cocktail menu!

    I've heard all the hype about Tallboy, so I had to check it out myself…read more I do think it lived up to some of the hype, but I think they could've used their space better. It is a unique layout to a bar, and probably better concept for earlier hours, when it isn't as crowded during the night. It can fill up really quickly, since the area to order a drink, dance, and mingle is narrow, since the bar is literally in the middle of the room. Some of the staff can be extremely nice and kind, and there are some who you can tell are fed up, upset, and don't have the best attitude. I get it, though. It's a cool bar to check out or be the first stop of the night. The djs they have always turn up. Good luck getting a drink under 15 minutes though!

    Photos
    The bat and the awesome bartender!
    The bat and the awesome bartender!
    Lion dancing dog
    Lion dancing dog
    Banana hammock

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    Banana hammock
    Viridian

    Viridian

    4.5
    (494 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I've gone four times and each time it's been soooo hard to pick a responsible number of cocktails…read more They have so much variety and a lot of unconventional combos; the staff is very good about helping guide you to something that matches your preferences, but everything I've tried there was really good. The bites are generally really good too, though I wasn't a huge fan of the chili cucumbers. Try the Tomato Beef cocktail-- it's really yummy! The Li Hing Ramos is a good go-to if you like egg white drinks, and the seasonal milk punch has always been good. The ambiance is very cool, not bright inside, but bright colors, very hip. Great date night spot.

    Viridian, you stole the show this month! This was my first time coming back to Viridian after about…read morea decade, and we were not disappointed. Such a beautiful interior space vibrant in celebration for AAPI Heritage month, and a super fun cocktail menu that was the perfect post-meal moment (both photo-worthy and tastebuds approved). We also noticed they have a cool food menu too filled with yummy and innovative dishes like Cheesy Char Siu Tots, Szechuan Salt & Pepper Wings, Korean Fried Mapo Tofu, BBQ Char Siu Ribs, and more. They also have nice swag ~ we took home a hat that resembled a Kirkland hat that spelled out "Oakland Viridian" (IYKYK). Drink-wise we ordered the Soy Sauce Old Fashioned and the Café Sua Daddy, which essentially is an espresso martini with a fun twist with black sesame and an egg cream foam. Both drinks were outstanding and presentation was beyond..I wished we could have stayed for round two, but duty calls! Ride-share and or BART suggested in this area, it's just a bit congested downtown to park. Service was fun, prices fair for the whole experience. Loved it!

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    Viridian
    Viridian
    Viridian

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    Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

    Lucuma Kitchen and Bar

    4.6
    (271 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Wheelchair accessible

    Friday night date night at Lucuma was a win. We arrived right on time for our reservation and were…read morepromptly seated at the bar, which ended up being one of the highlights of the evening. The mixologists were friendly, professional, and impressive to watch. Everything was done with care - clean, sanitary, efficient, and clearly well-practiced. A lot of places could take notes. The cocktails were vibrant, fresh, creative, and genuinely delicious. The food somehow topped the drinks, everything came out quickly, hot, and packed with flavor. The standout for me was the mushroom empanadas. I still can't stop thinking about them. The mushrooms were incredibly tender and flavorful, and the pastry was perfectly flaky. 10/10 would recommend and can't wait to come back.

    ** 4 - 4.5 stars ** Visited for lunch and had a nice dining…read moreexperience. Traditional Peruvian with a bit of California-fusion is how I would describe Lacuma Kitchen and Bar. When you walk in, vibrant colors, plenty of greenery and a bright space with friendly and welcoming staff. Even the bathroom has a vibe. This visit I ordered: CEVICHE VERDE with Fish of the Day of rockfish. Fresh, raw white fish with great texture from the choclo (large-kernel Andean corn), toasted cancha (corn nuts), and slices of sweet potato. Dish is served raw, lightly marinated and made to order in a cilantro-based sauce with citrus with a bit of heat from aji limo (Peruvian pepper) - good but a tad salty. Served with plantains but unfortunately, not crispy and more soft and chewy. The trio of empanadas: chicken, beef, mushroom was accompanied with an aioli. Tasty! Friends enjoyed their dishes with no complaints. Lacuma Kitchen & Bar also has creative and quality cocktails/mocktails. Ordered the refreshing cucumber drink (recommendation by our server) as I didn't want anything with alcohol. Bright, fresh with some sweet from sugar and slight sour from the lime juice. Leo, our server was friendly, made suggestions and attentive. A great spot for date night, special dining event and lunch. Located on the corner of 17th/Franklin in Downtown Oakland. Would return to try their entrees.

    Photos
    Lucuma Kitchen and Bar
    Papa Rellena
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    Affogato

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    Affogato
    51 & Tel

    51 & Tel

    4.4
    (39 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    Honestly, this is one of the better bars in Oakland. They have decently priced drinks, good djs, a…read morelot of space to dance and mingle, and an entire back patio with a photobooth. I think the back patio might be more spacious than inside. It's a great usage of space with plenty of space heaters and plenty of seats and tables. The security and staff are pretty typical for what you come across bars, but, overall, I had a great time and experience! There's also a ton of seating room inside and doesn't feel too crowded or compact. Definitely will be coming back!

    I visited a few weeks ago for the first time, and unfortunately, my experience started off on a…read morenegative note. After arriving, one security guard checked my ID and directed me inside. As I was walking in, I briefly stopped after recognizing someone I knew. At that point, another security guard began yelling at me and then grabbed me forcefully to move me along. I understand that security staff have a job to do and need to keep entrances and walkways clear. However, the way the situation was handled felt completely unnecessary. I was not causing a disturbance, and there was no reason for physical contact. Being grabbed so aggressively was uncomfortable and unprofessional. I hope management addresses this issue and speaks with the security staff about appropriate ways to interact with guests. First impressions matter, and this interaction immediately impacted my experience.

    Photos
    People love to come and have a great cocktail  after or  before dinner.
    People love to come and have a great cocktail after or before dinner.
    51 & Tel
    Frozen Halloween cocktail!

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    Frozen Halloween cocktail!

    Sand Bar - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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