Don't judge this bar by its cover. Wait... there is no cover! When I was invited to a "dive bar with a craft cocktail program", I was more than a little bit suspicious. Once I surrendered my accusations against the area in general, I was really glad I accepted. 1) it's not a dive 2) excellent cocktail program with fresh juice and fruit 3) 6 tv screens broadcasting relevant sports events- no discernible volume but it works 4) Great retro music, mostly 80s vibe (John Mayer, Green Day, gin blossoms) 5) Populated mostly by late 20-30 somethings but totally acceptable mixing of, ahem, more mature patrons 6) Attentive staff- ask for Brian read more

The Doolittle - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Cool little neighborhood watering hole. Jake's the man, straight up down to earth just one of the guys. Good people good vibes. Come Doolittle and drink a lot! read more

Oh man, do I love a good dive bar. We live in San Ramon and were tired of the corporate city-center vibe. Yelp did not steer us wrong on this place. Bartenders, locals and even the bouncer were cool AF. This is a must stop if you're in the area. read more

If I could give 10 stars I would!! All you need to know about this place is: (1) the espresso martinis are chef's kiss and (2) ask for B-ROCK. We'll be back!!!! read more

Doolittle is a cool little place. Met my co-workers for drinks and had a great time there. Staff is excellent, made sure we had drinks. They even passed around a pizza to everyone because a patron had to go and couldn't eat the pizza that he had ordered. Bottom line, great little place to have drinks and socialize. A big selection of drinks. Just be aware that if you blink you might miss the location in a little strip mall. read more

Local Castro Valley dive bar filled with regulars. Nothing fancy just goood ol' fashioned drinks and good prices. They stay open late and have been around forever. Eden Hospital peeps and Cops hang out here during the work week. read more

The Doolittle - Shots are cheap and we did all this in under 2 hrs. Yikes! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

It's too nice to be a dive bar and much better than the surrounding bars off the boulevard. I like the decor and exposed brick. The bartender wasn't friendly but got the job done. The pics made the place look larger. There are 5 or 6 booths, the bar and table top seating. Specialty drink menus are in the album covers at the booths. I didn't know this at first and went hunting around for one. Drinks are a little pricier than expected. Parking can be difficult since the business next door ropes off their lot. read more

The Doolittle - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

After eating dinner, Boyfriend and I didn't want to call it a night quite yet and decided to head over to a bar nearby. We parked in the small lot outside and heard a bunch of voices and music. Our first thought was, "Great, it's going to be super crowded and uncomfortable." However, we were shocked to see a healthy amount of people at the tables with several open seats scattered around the interior. There were a couple booths and spots open at the bar. It has a marine, but woodsy, but tribal theme to the place. I don't how to describe it. I really like how the place was decorated and yet still very nicely kept and clean. They also have a cool collection of old records. The bartenders were very friendly and welcoming. They have cocktails and wine, but we decided to go for a couple of beers and leave our tab open. We sat a booth near the back and had a great time. They have an assortment of different beers on tap as well as specialty cocktails. I don't think wine is as popular, but I did see that they had a good amount of selection in that area too. I want to say that this is one of the best bars I've been to, not only in the immediate area, but also in the Bay. I enjoyed its comfortable, yet cool vibe. I would definitely recommend to a friend and return again. Boyfriend said that this place as the best bar he has been to since his trip to Amsterdam last fall. Ambiance: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Overall Experience: 5/5 read more

The Doolittle - Back - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Love this new bar! I've never been to the waiting room before, but when i heard they took over and remodeled it, i came to check it out! The owners are awesome! they're friendly and can definitely have a good convo with you. They did a good job spicing the place up, the bathrooms are not your typical bathrooms, she put a flare to it and it looks good. ;) It's a nice place to come chill and actually have a conversation with your friends without the jukebox blasting in your ears. They do have a record player behind the bar and are always open to requests. They welcome food into the place, although they recommend and try to help out Palomares Cafe next door. But if you're down to just have a few drinks and chat it up this is the place to go. They are still getting their name out there, and aren't open as late as other bars, but if you've got people in there they're willing to stay open for you! Can't wait to play my Cards Against Humanity with a group of friends here. read more

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Here is a great little full service bar that is both quaint, hip, and relaxed. They took over the Waiting Room (total wreck of a bar) and made something really fashionable and friendly. The owners remember everyone and what drinks are their favorites. Their spirits and liquor/wine/beer choices are also first rate. Even better, they are supporting the local distilleries such as Hanger 1/St. Georges, Drakes, Buffalo Bill's etc. The mixes are mostly hand-made fresh. I had a rum and orange juice with freshly squeezed oranges made on the spot! What puts this place over the top is the record albums and turntable that supplies all of the music. The price points are very reasonable and they have no problem keeping the clientele low key so everyone can have a good time. This is now one of my favorite watering holes. read more

The best bar in Castro Valley. Great place to start the night. Try the fresh whiskey sour a la Eddie. Girls leave your boyfriend's at home he's a charmer. All the staff is great. Jacki and Brian, you can't go wrong when you're thirsty and you happen to be in Castro Valley. The Doolittle has a rotating selection of great draft beer. The bottle selection is strong too. The Manhattan is a must try if you're overwhelmed by the gin selection alone. The Dubliner is sublime and the Castro Mule is legendary with Hangar 1. Have Jacki serve you up a Dirty Shirley, Absolutely Absolut. read more

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A small hole in the wall bar located in Castro Valley? Are you sure? Yep one of the few bars in Castro Valley in my my option one of the best around. Not that you have very much choice in Castro Valley but it's a gem for sure. It's very low key it's easy going bar tenders and drink prices that won't brake the bank. I ended up here on a 1st date to meet up a very wounderfull young women. It was a bit of a blind date but it was a nice place. Plenty of places for me to park to exit if need be. There was a bunch of people around so If I get a drink thrown into my face. I have my witness. You can't never be to careful with these days. But it's a cool dive type bar with a bunch of TV's with sports playing to keep you busy. But lets be real you are in my company so it's a good time. I like it's pretty chill; no one is asking me to leave or putting roffies in my drinks. The people who go there are a bit younger a few older I would say 25 ish and older crowd. It's not 21 year old Bro's like the Chad's and Skyler's of the world slamming out some drinks and just SENDING it. It's more low key and chill place to go to hang out and have a few shots or custom made drinks. I had a pretty good time here but I ended up fronting the Bill on my 1st date. The girl didn't even offer to pay tip or 1/2 that's fine I wouldn't allow it as I'm a gentlemen; but at least offer sometimes it's the thought that counts :) I hope to come back here with a new lady friend sometime 1st round is on me :) read more

Could it be? A bar in Castro Valley that isn't crawling with creepy dudes over the age of 40? Dear Doolittle (drinks 'n such), I'm flabbergasted in a good way! I dropped by for the first time this week to catch the Sharks game with some friends. They lost but it's okay because I was actually enjoying myself at a bar in CV for the first time in my life. I'm guessing they're going for some retro 50s vibes with the record player and funny Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe quotes on the bathroom walls. I like the laid-back atmosphere with fun bartenders and good lighting. In my humble opinion, I would replace the four bar TVs with a pool table or like, foosball or something. That would be so fun if this place hosted karaoke. Don't get me wrong, I just think the vibes are great and could be even greater with some more fun bar activities available! read more

The Doolittle - lol cool - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

My first time in and I'm crushing on this bar. The bartender already is calling us by name. He's attentive and friendly, the drinks are good, you can have food delivered from next door. This place is a hidden jewel. read more

Love this place! Rob is an amazing bartender and the service was so sweet and funny. Although I wouldn't have noticed this place driving by and it's not quite my typical place but we will come back a lot! The drink (vodka diet soda) was the best I have EVER had because he added fresh lime- this was awesome to teach me after years of ordering these. read more

The Doolittle - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I came here after dinner because everyone raved about the cocktails. So I assumed it was a cocktail bar. However, I didn't see anything on the cocktail menu that I liked, so I decided to just order a Bees Knees, which is a simple signature cocktail. However, none of the bartenders knew what it was, which is just gin, honey, and lemon. Although they were nice enough to look it up, but I decided to go with a beer instead. Ordered the north coast pilsner, which was good. This is more of a beer bar, they have a decent selection. I also overheard one of the bartenders telling a patron that they rotate out their beers when they run out of one. The space is good, but not enough tables or chairs. Plenty of standing space. Décor is pretty cool, with a canoe that they use as a shelf for the alcohol. Also, cool little fake fireplace. Parking lot is little small here, but plenty of street parking. There's also 2 TVs here for sports. read more

Amazing Mixed Drinks. Jordan knows how to mix up a Man's Lemonade. CUCUMBER GIMLET. Pretty, but F'n good on a hot day read more

The Doolittle - Cumcumber Gimlet - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

So far so good!! Stumbled on this place and it turns out to be a nice dice into kind of bar. The have a turntable do they spin vinyl. Bartender is super cool and can make a stiff drink on request. Do yourself a favor. Put Castro Valleys number 1 bar on the map!! read more

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I wish you can keep rating your experience on Yelp and Google but o well. This is the best place in Castro Valley for a beer and/or cocktail! Yes the price may be more on the higher side but the service and quality of the drinks are second to none in the area. The vibe of not only the staff but the people in the bar is what brings me back all the time. It's a very sociable bar if that's a thing but you can talk and make friends with just about anyone here and I am a very introverted person. I recommend everyone to get drinks here. Worth every penny. If your looking for the standard dive bar, this isnt a place to go, if you're looking for a chill and inviting place to have some drinks and meet all sorts of people, this is the place to be read more

This is the best bar in the area by far. The owners know what they are doing in terms of beer selection. They have TVs around to watch whatever games you want. Friendliest staff in the bay. read more

Jake and Joe are the best. Very hospitable, awesome drinks and complying with all the Covid rules. Jake makes the best margaritas around. We are so thankful they can serve outside with total distancing. Our Friday night date night will continue, we love our favorite table. The best spot in all of Castro Valley. read more

Best Bar in CV, Brian and Jake are awesome Live Sports, Great atmosphere, Local brew, World class service read more

As someone who grew up in CV and who has frequented all the bars the town has to offer, I can assure you that hands down this is the best watering hole available. They did a great job cleaning up the waiting room and making it somewhere that the younger generation will frequent on a weekend evening. They have a really solid rotating handle of beers and can make a killer drink. It can get a bit busy on a Friday or Saturday night, but is the only bar in CV worth going to. read more

Jake, Joe, Brian and Ari are amazing! Best drinks and atmosphere to have a good time!

Jake is awesome! The rest of the staff is also friendly and welcoming. I've asked them to make drinks I've seen online and they're always down to try something new. Their Bloody Mary mix is SO GOOD! They recently renovated the bar and it looks really good! 10/10 recommend this place read more

Best place in Castro Valley. Jake, Joe and crew know what it takes to keep the customer satisfied. Our favorite 5'oclock somewhere place

My favorite bar to go to relax and unwind with my friends. Music selection is good (not too soft or loud), drinks are good, and the bartenders Jake and Brian are class acts. Been coming regularly for about a year and a half now and keep coming back for the service and convenience. They also have 6 tvs to watch the games. Did I mention that Jake and Brian are super down to earth dudes? From your favorite Asians who always sit in the corner booth, -Luke, Nate & Erica read more

My favorite bar in Castro Valley. They have variety of beers and it's always changing. It's a must go if in Castro Valley.

I have been here about 10 times over the last 3 months and the Doolittle never fails to disappoint. It's not a huge place - about 5 booths along one wall, some high top tables in the middle of the floor and about 15 bar stools - but feels like "just the right size". They keep the place clean, I haven't come across any sticky spots, spill beer / wine, or other nonsense that makes you turn up your nose. There are ~6 TV's scattered about the bar, mostly showing sporting events. There are usually 8 - 10 different beers on tap from around the U.S. A few local to NoCal and then a random assortment of others. There is sure to be something to suit your taste. There are several bottled beers as well, both import and domestic. There are a few decent wines available if that's your thing. The best part for me are the mixed drinks. A nice, but not huge, selection of liquor. The fruit for the cocktail mixes is always super fresh, just take a look at the what's been cut up for use by the bartender when you get to the bar. *Special Bonus* - they have a grapefruit press for squeezing fresh juice for greyhounds, salty dogs, palomas, or whatever else you might want. They also have fresh mint right from the garden on-hand for mojitos. If Brian is behind the bar, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a greyhound, mojito, or whiskey sour (these are killer.... I had never had one before and when I saw him make and serve it to someone else, it looked like something I had to try, and I was not disappointed). They do not have food....however, you can bring your own. There is also a good Italian place (Dino's) right next door and you can go there and order anything you like (even if it's not on the menu) and they will bring the food to you - napkins, plates, utensils, etc. You won't be disappointed with the Doolittle! read more

The Doolittle - The best whiskey sour...ever. courtesy of Brian :) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I like 'The Doolittle' it has charter, I love to kayak so I can't take my eyes off that wall mounted boat! The staff is always great. They have fresh stuff (fruit/mint) to make fancy drinks. Although I'm a beer drinker. Now (Michelob Ultra - I'm on a Keto Diet so that is my new choice). Even though they have all these fancy beers. The light stuff keeps me out of trouble. Well. Anyway. Friday seams to be the most hoppin' night. There is a mix of older and younger. And the staff, what can I say kool people. Family owned. Also they have games groups can come in and play board games. read more

This place is fun and has a good selection of beers. Until recently, I am not really someone who frequents a lot of bars considering it hasn't been until recently that I have become accustomed to enjoying a drink after work. I am now a completely certified middle school teacher. So, things have changed and alcohol is now becoming a more common thing in my life. That being said, this is a cool spot to unwind. Nothing too fancy. The ambiance is chill. There are wooden booths and nice long tables. No frills, but decent service, prices, and beer. read more

One of the coolest bars I've been to in awhile. It has the 'hella' cool vibe you'd expect from the East Bay with the chill vibes of a dive outside of Tahoe. The beers on tap are unique and mostly local, the liquor selection is top notch, and the service is awesome. We came here for the Raiders season closer and found it to be an awesome place to spend Christmas Eve. We were digging the Drake's selection and overall our time at the Doolittle. Looking forward to coming back soon. read more

The Doolittle - Plenty of tvs for game watching... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Had a great time at the Doolittle! Jake is awesome and gave warm tingly feelings when he greeted me with a smile. The bar is small, but it has the right selection to make your wildest dreams come true. read more

Great spot. Great bartender (Jake). Great atmosphere. Seems like a bit of a hole in the wall but definitely worth a stop if you are in the area! read more

Yes, you want to go to the Doolittle. Trust me. Delicious mixed drinks, excellent selection of craft Brews. Bartender introduced me to a Manhattan (yum), but my hands down favorite drink is the Castro Mule. Hangar One vodka, ginger beer, fresh squeezed lime. Crazy delicious. Only one minor complaint: no food, but you can order from the restaurant next door. If they ever do start selling food, that's probably the end of me because I'll just camp out here all day. Definite must. Sort of a hipter-ish vibe but all the bartenders I've met have been super nice and this is the only bar in town I'm proud to bring out-of-towners to. read more

Very friendly bartender, cute and small location. I remember living down the street back in the late 90's and walking over to this place when it was The Waiting Room, what a dump! I walked in and walked out. This place is really lovely, nice wood paneling everywhere and booths for more quiet conversation. I love that you can bring your own vinyl to play if you like. The choice of music was great, it was a classic rock station, love me some Fleetwood Mac. The drinks are good, the only funny thing is the super hipster crowd. These kids must have just turned 21 years old, everyone in skinny jeans, ironic flannels that are too tight and beanies that barely hang onto their heads. I called them "the beanie brigade" but I won't complain about that much, I'd rather have the beanie brigade than other drunken men or drug addicts and bud on tap!!! My friends had craft cocktails or beers which was nice, it wasn't so loud that you can't hear your own thoughts. I will definitely check this out again sometime in the future. Finally a local place that I can visit when I am visiting with friends and we have our CV nostalgia crawl :) read more

If you are under 40 (or young at heart) and living in Castro Valley, you should be here! There is really not a better bar in Castro Valley! I love that the owners took a chance on creating something real and fun in our little community, and they've largely succeeded. Stephanie and Derek are great bartenders and owners. They do a great job of holding the space while letting fun happen. The two cons: The drinks are a little pricier than I'd like, and no karaoke, yet. I was excited to hear about their plans for trivia night though. Walkable from Bart, from most of CV really, and a great space to meet up with friends, or to make new friends. read more

We went to dinner at Dino's next door and decided to stop in for a quick drink. Based on yelp reviews it sounded pretty good. I ordered a Makers Mark Manhattan and my wife ordered a White Russian. The tab was $18.00. Yes, $9.00 per drink??? That is rediculous. read more

Uptight pretentious bartender... Over it. Over you. Bye. Yelp is claiming this is too short so it's only a tip. That's BS.... read more

This is a cute little bar, but on my last visit the bartender strongly recommended that I not bring my service animal with me in the future. I was astonished! At no point did the bartender ask the standard questions like "is this a service animal?" Or "What service does this animal provide?" Instead he just made me feel very uncomfortable being there and completely unwelcome. read more