Bartender decided to be incredibly rude and insulting in response to a simple mixup of leaving my ID at home (despite being obviously of age and having a PDF of my DL accessible to show). Unfortunately discovered it was not in my phone case when sitting down at the bar. Was gruffly told to leave and that I couldn't be in the room, as if I'm a nuisance and with zero humanity. I understand having and following rules around IDs, but you can do so in a way that isn't unwelcoming and rude to guests. I will not be returning, not giving this disrespectful establishment any more of my business. Good luck! read more

As I was in this neighborhood, I decided to stop in here for a drink (it was recommended when I was across the street at Burma Superstar for lunch). Friendly, low-key bartender, jukebox, pool table, and lots of cool stuff to check out throughout the bar. As no one was playing the jukebox, I got to play to my hearts content, which was very fun. I'll definitely be back, hopefully to play some pool. read more

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All right so we came here on the Fourth of July and we were greeted wonderfully. It's a crazy bar. Lots of things to look at. The ambience is your grunge look but not if that makes sense. They do have a great happy hour that's until 7 o'clock. It's a dollar off well drinks and the prices are great. Since today was the Fourth of July they were having a barbecue outside that had hotdog and hamburgers for FREE!!! There were great people around us lots of different diverse groups of people and what was awesome was when they were giving out hotdogs to the people that were driving by. While you're inside it kind of looks like a graveyard but hey, I love it! They also have a pool table back in the back so you can really enjoy your time there. The drinks are definitely strong. The people work in there are definitely nice. Here comes uncomfortable situation. As we're all celebrating Independence Day, we need to include everybody within. My friends and others around us started to feel uncomfortable when an individual on a bike came out with the confederate flag.... right afterwards an employee who works there came out with a don't tread on me with the snake flag... if you don't know what that means, look it up. As an establishment we're all there to really enjoy independence Day and just really be happy that we live in such a democracy. To see that someone that worked there had that flag on their head that represent politics really made me feel uncomfortable. Everybody has their opinion, but when you're working at an establishment politics need to be kept out of it! When you bring politics into your establishment, you're really turning off other people that really want to enjoy themselves. You did a great job of giving out to the community by providing a barbecue, but when you start to have political means on top of your head , it makes your establishment look like there is bias. I WASNT THE ONLY ON WHO FELT THAT WAY. This is a 5 star place... take the politics out and you'll encourage everyone to come. read more

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This is a cool bar with friendly vibes and no drama This bar was on our list for our X-mas Pajama bar hop and I am glad we made it here Drinks are good, prices are reasonable and I cant wait to come back here read more

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This would be a five star review if not for the tall white lady bartender who somehow manages to combine terrible cocktails with an even worse attitude. She won't even start making the drink until after she runs your card and checks the tip first, which immediately sets the tone for the entire interaction. The drinks themselves are genuinely embarrassing. She put an entire lemon slice into an Old Fashioned like she was decorating a glass of tap water, and the Moscow Mule tasted like straight ginger ale with absolutely no balance whatsoever. Every cocktail feels rushed, incorrect, and weirdly hostile. I've tried giving this place multiple chances, but at this point it's hard to tell whether she dislikes customers or just dislikes bartending. To be clear, this review is not about the bar as a whole because several of the other bartenders here are fantastic. The problem is specifically the tall white bartender, who consistently has the worst attitude and makes genuinely terrible cocktails. read more

Great place to hang out with other people! Also it's right near Mac Arthur Bart which is interesting. Haven't been here since 2023, but there might be a way of going back to this bar. I heard about this place in 2010. The drinks are sorta affordable and good. read more

A year round Halloween dive bar?!? What a dream come true! We were in the area wasting time before our dinner reservation and stumbled upon The Avenue. The skeletons on the outside caught my attention and I knew we had to check it out. The inside was a mix of a dungeon and a nerdy guy's bedroom who likes to collect Halloween decorations and toys. Skeletons line the ceiling and even the fireplace. There was a signed "Helter Skelter" book from Charles Manson and a guillotine on the back patio. The bartender was friendly and the drinks were decent - pricey, but decent! Even the bathrooms were a sight to see! I just love funky places like this and visiting made my little weirdo heart so happy! read more

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This is the place for year round Halloween lovers! I can't believe I hadn't heard of this place up until this year. Reasonable prices, good drinks, spooky vibes. Bartenders are attentive and chill. They decorate even MORE during Halloween time, and heard they do it up for Christmas as well. 10/10 bar and vibes. The one iffy thing I'd say is if you're driving there, be aware of the risks that come with parking in the area. Even though it's a "nicer" part of Oakland, no one's safe when it comes to getting your car bipped. Seen so many cars when I left with the windows smashed. Sigh. read more

The Avenue - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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A Halloween themed dive bar open year round. During October, they increase their decorations to maximize spooky vibes. They have a pool table, cheap drinks and cool staff. It's walking distance from tall boy and other fine eateries! read more

Love this bar but I advise everyone to ignore the white tall lady bartender. She's never nice and she only caters to and is nice to the older men in the bar. I think she really needs to work on her attitude and patience. Sure, she's working around drunk people, but she needs to get off her high horse and be a little more patient and less crabby. Just my two cents. read more

Calling all Horror and creepy vibes lovers! The Avenue is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some good goth music. I was pleasantly suprised to know they host Drag Shows and they had one on the dag of my visit. Super fun and good for groups. They have a billards table and seating in the back but also plenty of seating in the front and outdoor. The drinks were good and the bartender was fast and kind. read more

The Avenue - Entrance - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

My favorite bar in the east bay by far! Great music playing and I got helped by the best bartender Erica, she is the sweetest and helped me and my girlfriend to some amazing drinks. Will definitely be coming back to visit her!! read more

So I think we came on a bad day. The lady with the ram horns was in a horrible mood. She was the only one there but that doesn't mean treat your customers with an annoyed attitude. It wasn't even that busy for her to rush everyone's order and not interact/be welcoming/be friendly!! I've never experienced this at a bar. I had high hopes for this bar. read more

This place has such a unique dark vibe, spooky. Halloween all year long. Great drinks, chill crowd, and awesome bartenders. Perfect spot to hang out and unwind in Oakland! read more

The Avenue is the all year round Halloween decor dive bar located in Oakland in the Temescal area off of Telegraph. Located in the area where a lot of restaurants are, we tend to come here while waiting to be seated for ramen or after getting some Cuban sandwiches. Watch out where you park here because it's bip central. But The Avenue has a full bar with cheap drinks, brews, and everything. They have a pool table, tons of seating areas, and other activities and I think you can watch games here. Service is great and a vibe inside. read more

The Avenue - Outside - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Fun place, with awesome decor! Saw a Sunday night football game here, which they played with the sound on. We were also served free popcorn, which was a plus! Wish they had a larger draft beer menu, but otherwise had a great time. read more

The Avenue - Back of the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

This is a cool dive bar! Last time I was there, lots of young people were chatting and drinking their brews. Hanging out at the bar, and other places. Cheap drinks!!! A great place to gather with your peeps! Or maybe reach out6 make new friends. The atmosphere is "spooky", funny, and festive! I am impressed how well the place works together visually. It just all flows. Imagine Halloween all year. There are lots of different areas where friends can hang out, and drink. Or play pool? Or cuddle with a friends in front of the fireplace. I noticed that the ceiling looked different than the last time I was there. There had been a severe ceiling leak, that the owner fixed it, and re-designed the ceiling decorations. There is alot to see. Each time you go, I recommend going to a different area to check out what is to be seen. Also, walk all the way to the very back and check it out. If you have friends coming in from out of town (that like to drink) this is a unique place to take them that they will probably remember. Or get to know your friends in the East Bay better. read more

The Avenue - Above entrance - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Coolest bar in the Bay. Maybe California. Maybe the galaxy. What did I do in a past life to deserve a horror-themed dive bar within walking distance? There are places one should go. This is one of them. Have fun. read more

This place is just the right kind of spooky. It's the perfect dive bar. Great bartenders, great crowd, great decor, great prices!!

Love love love this place! I really only remember to come here around the decor heavy holidays (Halloween & Christmas) because they go all out. This is the kind of bar you bring your friends from out of town to. You know the friends who have just the slightest inkling towards dark and twisted, all times of the year? Yea, those ones. Plus the bartenders make some legit drinks. Don't expect anything fancy (no egg whites on my whiskey sour) but I've always had consistently good cocktails. read more

So much to look at! Get a drink and play iSPY, def a nightmare/xmas vibe...but way more exciting though. Fast service and decent drinks! read more

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Closes early despite posted hours. Last call was at 12:30 on a Saturday--even though they advertise being open till 2am. Disappointing and misleading. read more

One of the last nice dive bars in Oakland. The ambiance is what it is all year around which is cool. The drinks are potent and amazing. The only thing that sucks is they close at 1am everyday. Which can be a plus or a minus. Either way always a great time when I come in! read more

Love the Avenue - cool decorations, cheap drinks. One of my fav after dinner drink spots

I love this bar. The decorations is how I feel like I would decorate a bar. I have come in a few times before, but the Halloween decorations really kicked it up a notch! The bartenders are awesome, fast and attentive. The crowd is a good mix of Oaklanders and it's a great chill and fun vibe. I've always enjoyed our nights here & it's right across the street from Burma Superstar. Parking can be hard so you will have to walk a few blocks on a busy night. Drinks are priced nicely. Definitely a good unique time! read more

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Such a great bar! I went in on Fourth of July, a Sunday and the bartender was sooo sweet! She made the best Moscow mule I have ever tried, and trust me, I have tried a lot. I didn't get her name but she is tall, has beautiful tattoos, and glasses. I hope I get another chance to see her! The bar is pretty nice in size and has a pool table! The pool table only takes quarters but it is 50 cents a game if I remember correctly. They have a nice patio outside a well. All of the people here were friendly too, which was kinda shocking! I will go here in the future if I want to avoid the crowds in Downtown Oakland. I recommend! read more

Came here for a quick drink but ended up staying longer for their pool table. This is your friendly neighborhood dive bar decked out in Halloween décor, LOVE. If you need a beer, come on by. What more do you need. read more

Love this bar! Definitely a must if passing through Telegraph Ave! Right now the bar has outdoor seating for drinks. You are able to sit inside for food. Nicest staff ever! read more

The Avenue - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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Super creepy scary skeleton shiver down your spine kind of bar! Fun as heck to stop by have one two or three drinks. Beers are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is relaxed drinking culture. Service was quick and the music is chosen by the ppl who pay haha so beware read more

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I love this place. Cool decor. Cool bartenders. Good, but not fancy drinks. This is my go to spot while I wait 45 minutes for my table at Marufuku Ramen next door. Make sure to play the Bimini ring game, it's a lot of fun. read more

It was our first time checking this place out and we thought it was really cool with wall to wall Halloween decorations that grab your attention from all angles. The beer and cocktails list was right up are alley with good ipas and tasty drinks. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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Funny bar with cool Halloween theme. Good drinks and friendly bar staff. They have a pool table too. Lots of places to stand and a cozy feel. Super fun! read more

Good vibes. Happening spot. Good music. Had fun on nye there. Everybody seemed cool. I like the venue. It has very interesting decorations, lay out and like a little secret chill room in the back that was very cozy and comfortable. read more

This is a Hallowen Themed bar and really a sight to see. It was a one drink stop bc it was a random weekday stop but worth it to just pop in one day read more

It was really quick to get a beer here which was nice but to be honest there was an overpowering strange smell in the bar that ranged from body odor to stale dusty furniture. I am absolutely aware that this is a dive bar and there is a lot of charm in the decorations and the bartending staff was quick and attentive. The lighting and the feel it's pretty fun however just keep in mind that it is a dive bar. read more

The Avenue - Denogs - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Give it to me, give it to me, give it TO me! O M jeezy! The dive of all dives! I'm talkin' skeleton heads and chains hanging from the ceiling, cheap ass drinks, and DMX playing in the background! DMX people! They played a DMX medley! Damn, I just love you Avenue! I was bustin' out in all kinds of raps! I love when a bar pays homage to some of the best rappers of our time. They were bumpin' Ice Cube and Bone Thugs... daaaaamn, I can't even right now! This place is FIRE! Hella tables and bar seating to accommodate me and my crew! Tons of TV's to watch the games. Arcade games and a pool table. Cheap beer and alcohol! Stoppit! Just STOPPIT! I would live here on Friday nights with my peeps! For real! The ceiling is so scary but the neatest art compilation that I have seen! This place is just full of entertainment! The bartenders are legit and fast as well. I loved that it wasn't crowded on a Friday night while the Warriors were playing. Cheap beers! Only $5 for drafts and bottled beers! Yes sir-e-Bob! My only nitpick is the $10 minimum for card use. But with the cheap drink prices, you have to get more than one drink here! So many fun and interesting people at this bar! I admire unique and trendy dives like the Avenue. They follow their own rules and I love that to pieces!I will be stopping by here again in the near future for sure! read more

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Love this place but they need a second pool table! Super fun atmosphere, people are friendly , bartenders are welcoming and attentive.

This place is quintessential Oakland, owned by a son of Oakland Curtis, born and raised here. All good people working here in a very eclectic setting. If you like Halloween or horror movies you should check it out. Great prices and generous pours. Danielle is best, most honest bartender ever. I paid cash and she tracked me down because I overpaid with my bills stuck together. read more

If you like stale cigarette smoke, stanky bouncers, rude douchebag men, and cheap Halloween decorations then you have truly found your place to be. The bartender was real cool though. She makes an awesome vodka on the rocks. Curtis was pretty cool except when challenged about those rude bouncers. read more

One of my new favorite dive bars. To be honest, I hate writing about places I love because I hate to expose it and then contribute as to why it gets super crowded later on, but this place deserves a review. With everywhere getting all hipster and gentrified nowadays, this place kept its spunk. I love the imitation of cave stalagmites on the ceiling, the dark ambiance, the wall decor, and skulls along the bar next to the liquor. The locals/regulars are nice and the bartenders are always pretty awesome. The drink prices are decent as well. read more