My first visit here was to see one of my favorite local bands, The Helltones, who were playing last after two other bands. The Golden Bull is just one long room, with a bar in front. Having arrived early (natch), I sat at the bar and made easy conversation with the bartender and a photojournalist who sat next to me. She made a very nice vodka martini, knowing that it should never be shaken. The place never filled up. It seemed that half the attendees were members of the other band or their friends. The other guy I talked to turned out to be the bass player for the penultimate group. The sound was good, and it was easy to go back and forth to get a beer or whatever. I liked the casual and friendly vibe. I didn't know anyone, and felt welcomed. read more

This is my favorite bar - great staff good music /reasonably priced and a good atmosphere .

Love this place. The people working here are so nice. Vibes were 10/10. Came here to see my friend's band play, would definitely return!

Very narrow spot. I wasn't sure it was going to be great for shows. I drove up to see Loma Prieta and it didn't disappoint! The bartenders were really cool, fast and efficient. The vibe was really great too. I enjoyed the show from up front and way back when i got tired of standing. It was pretty rad to see Hellraiser on the tv when City of Caterpillar started playing. read more

Seen many shows here. This place is rad. Sound is great. Bartenders are nice, Bathrooms are clean. I appreciate them supporting Oakland music scene. read more

This was a great venue for a small rock show. I was really impressed. They have a great bar and bartenders. The stage is small but in all honesty there is plenty of room on the floor. The sound is also pretty good too for the size of the room. Their women's bathroom was very nice. It is a rock club so no surprise there. I loved the show and everything about the location. Its in an interesting neighborhood. Not to mention the great sandwich shop next door. If you get the opportunity to come to show at The Golden Bull do it. Its really fun. read more

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I booked a party here without having previously been at the venue and it was great! We were there on a Tuesday evening and the first ones there. Nice and clean with a lot of space for my group. The bartender was friendly and accommodating. I really recommend it; it seems like an undiscovered gem downtown. Close to BART, too. read more

I have been coming to Golden Bull steadily since its re-opening after COVID. It is a super welcoming bar, great staff and bartenders. Cocktails are outstanding and special shout out to Tony and Bill ,my two favorites!! read more

This place got tight recently! Noice! That's all I planned on writing, however Yelp has insisted that my review so far is a little short, so let's dive in... The stage looks radder, the vibe is sicker, and I have seen some tight shows there recently. And the Bart is like right there... (I have never Ollied those stairs) If I was to be ball park frank about it, I highly recommend this place. read more

What a fantastic place for a show and New Year's Eve party! The bar was full but bartenders were really on top of drink service! The place was decorated and super festive along with NYE swag for all. Bands were great, sound was good, other patrons all seemed to really be enjoying the festivities. Also, at midnight there was champagne for all! read more

The Golden Bull - a collage of new year's eve decorations - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

REVIEWER # 44 First experience at Golden Bull was with my lovely East Bay Happy Hour Meet-up! In December, this hippish bar was announced as a meet-up location for the month of December. Located right near the 12th Street Bart Station, how could I say no to a bar that is so convenient? Golden Bull is a well-known bar in the bay area known for their affordable drinks, amazing DJ's and live music, Pool table inside as well as their fancy events that they have each week! Bartenders seem to really friendly and nice. No cover charge to get in. During the time I came they had a special for the holidays, bring a toy and get a buy one get one free drink! I love it! The bar has a couple bar stools and on the other side are comfy bench seats to sit down with small tables. Near the very back there is a pool table. There are nice big stall bathrooms in the back as well! Men bathrooms are on your right and ladies restrooms on your left. This bar is totally wheelchair accessible as it's a one story venue with accessible bathroom stalls. Music too loud for your ears?! Don't trip, just ask the DJ for earplugs which are available upon request. HAPPY HOUR: Yes! This bar has Happy Hour! From 4PM-7PM. Did I mention that they make a delicious Moscow Mule? Yummy! I also tried their Paloma Drink and that was pretty tasty as well! Unfortunately, this bar doesn't serve food however you can bring your own food. There are a couple food joints around the area and seems to be very convenient. I would definitely want to come back to try more of their drinks and actually get a better feel of the bar with the live DJ and certain events that they have here. REVIEW 210/196 read more

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Rude staff, karaoke was dismal. I see other reviews that mention cocktails but the bartender flatly told us no cocktails as she rolled her eyes on top of saying no to a request of water. Definitely skip this place and go around the corner to a different bar. read more

Weak drinks, unfriendly bartender, narrow darkness trying to walk around. It's cool they do a goth night, though. Well, then the only women's toilet broke. read more

Great place for local music shows. Staff is great. Sound is always perfect. I love playing there and attending shows.

The bartender/manager Nikki , is a delight as she squeezing grapefruit for fresh grapefruit juice. Telling us specials and bar events. Clean establishment friendly atmosphere. I would definitely be back when in the area ! read more

The Golden Bull - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Golden Bull, once a run down dive bar, is now spruced up. the right wall panels commerates oaktown's notoriety, including bruce lee. the black panthers, many others Golden Bull gives patrons a chance to save $$ before heading to tribune tavern to be fleeced. HH ($2 off certain drinks): m-f, 4-7: 12-7,, sat, sun?, 10-2, sun to tuesday?. eats will be available in a few months when a new eatery opens nearby. imbibe: stella cider (3) happy hour -interesting.cider, goes down easy. notes: -long and narrow -there's a bar counter and some tables -internet jukebox. read more

I had planned to go to a gig here, while on vacay with my husband. We seen Cookie Mongoloid and ARNOCORPS (the greatest band of all time), who are both quirky bands so The Golden Bull was the perfect venue. A very long and well stocked bar runs along the side of the room. The staff were very friend and made sure no one was without a drink. They were also in costume, I was too - it was Halloween but this might be the case every night? The room itself is dark but atmospheric. This band have headlined Bloodstock so it was cool to see them perform such an intimate show. The classic style dive bar had approx 75 people there so it was amazing to be part of a crowd that was so interactive. There was a strong man contest, crowd surfing, a cookie cannon and the performer at the end just handed the mic to a fan for a whole song, so he could get into the mosh pit. It was epic. The bar made some cracking Greyhound cocktails (grapefruit and vodka) - which became my go to tipple on this trip. They don't serve food but there is take out right next door and you can bring it in and eat in the bar. No questions asked. They do however have wifi - and its pretty damn good. All in, a great place to go see a band and have a few drinks. Fun people and good times. It was very similar to my favourite bar 'Nice n' Sleazy' in Glasgow, Scotland. read more

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Fantastic venue, great dive bar with a friendly feel. My wife, two buddies and myself (better known as my rescue team) headed to Oakland to take in the audio assault of the mighty ARNOCORPS. This was happening at the Golden Bull. I have to say the venue was perfect, booze was reasonably priced, the servers were friendly, most importantly the sound was great. I'd recommend seeing any bar in this venue. Good stuff. Feeing a bit tender today. read more

The Golden Bull - Der Barracuda with the crowd surfing and all this! - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

The old Golden Bull and I have a history and I hate to compare it to my memory of what it once was. So I won't. I like this spot, they don't stock Stoli which pretty much means its not a regular hangout for me but they do have some of the usual cocktails and have some good beers (i hear). The bartenders were nice and they have a happy hour (see my pics). They have an ATM and a jukebox with some killer stuff on it. ( There was even 4 free credits that the bartender let me have!!!) The space is definitely different from what it used to be but i think the changes are more fitting. If you're looking for a dark, divey bar go over a street to Radio. :) All in all its a good addition to that downtown area. read more

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Risen like the Phoenix, there's a new Golden Bull in the old spot on 14th. They're still putting away bottles but took the time to make us some delicious cocktails. It's a really great space, new gold ceilings and the looooong old bar lacquered black like my heart. Lovely staff, stop in to welcome them. read more

The Golden Bull - The very first cocktail! - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I've never been here before pre-Rona, but I stopped here on a lazy Sunday. They have beer, cocktails, and some outdoor seating on the sidewalk and are offering pizza from Hoza (starting at $4). Friendly staff and good cocktail prices! I'd be happy to come back soon. read more

Great beer, easy to get to, and they allow you to bring food inside! In fact, when Hella Vegan Eats does their pop-ups next door at Analog, they'll deliver it right to you at Golden Bull. Not sure what it's like on a weekend night, but I came here on a holiday Monday and it was relaxed with what seemed like a lot of regulars. I would be a regular too if I lived closer. Definitely will stop there again next time I'm in Oaktown. read more

(2018 Review) We spent our 2018 NYE here. It was honestly fantastic. They had great music going, they had a giant countdown at midnight, and they gave LITERALLY EVERYONE IN THE BAR a free flute of champagne. It didn't taste half-bad - probably not because the alcohol was high-quality, but because all the people serving it were high-quality. The bartenders are awesome, the music is awesome. Special shout-out to the bouncer, who is also awesome. When we were walking by earlier in the night, I pointed out to a friend in my group the "No Fascists" sign in the corner. The bouncer looked me in the eyes and said something like "That's right. No fascists. Not here. Not ever." Like holy crap, how freaking awesome is that?? We were super stoked to spend our money at a real, local, and ethical dive bar. With free champagne! (2016 Review) Part of the burgeoning divey/hipstery scene of downtown Oakland. $6 pints. Rock shows are great. No wifi. Bartenders are nice. read more

Chill place at 5pm on a Friday. With happy hour prices (dollar off almost everything!) PBR tallboys are $2 and I got me a decent wine for $5. The bartender was pretty cool and attentive when we needed a refill. I like the ambiance here too. And oh that gold ceiling!! We left after a couple but when I walked past later that evening back to the BART, it seemed pretty hoppin'. BONUS POINTS: being able to park and lock your bike inside!! read more

The Golden Bull - Crabbie's Ginger Beer $6, $5 during HH - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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The gold sprints are off the hook This bar is awesome bad ass booze, Bike, and banggggggggggggingggggggg Biggggg, Bar read more

The Golden Bull - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Been here a few times and it's a great place for a drink and live music! Most recently visited for NYE. Awesome decorations, goodies were provided, and everything was pretty well organized. Highly recommend! read more

Worst bar i've been to in a while. Me and the seven of my friends went and were all disappointed by the drinks the rudeness of the bartenders and the bouncer As we were leaving the bar closed up and the bouncer would not let three women use the restroom because they were closing up. The ladies had to walk for 20 minutes to find the nearest restroom after pleading with the bouncer to let the women use the restroom and leave..... would highly discourage anyone looking to have a fun happy vibe to go here @Peppi Rose - Im sure letting someone use your restroom would be among one of the laws top concerns.... read more

Great spot to check bands, went here twice while in town. Community feel, solid drinks from the mixed to the beer selection. Keeping Oakland real. read more

The Golden a Bull is is of those don't miss attraction while visiting downtown Oakland. Its a mixed dive bar cocktail lounge and features ear shattering rock music and have various other acts performing there,including bad but amusing comedy. Its a great after work spot and features wonderful bartenders that lend you a sympathetic ear to your woes. All of them have PhDs in bar psych. I go on Monday and Wednesday Dara and Aiden working respectively on those days. Very competent and compassionate gals that run clean bars. Tuesday are also cool if you like classic Motown. read more

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A large bartender with a beard was incredibly rude to one of my friends while we were here for a show. From other reviews it seems like this isn't the first time he's been rude to customers. Won't be going back solely because of him. Extra star for the band because they were awesome. read more

All the downtown Oakland yes! Happy hour drink specials include $5 wells and $7 select fancy cocktails. They have a pool table, and although it leans hard back right, you get used to it. The bar is long with some side tables and bench seating toward the back. The bathrooms were stocked and clean enough. The bartender was friendly, and although they have a $10 CC minimum, the ATM only charges a $2.95 fee for your fast cash action. Overall, a great bar in downtown where you can feel comfortable sitting solo or meeting up with friends for HH (ends at 7pm). read more

Fun dive bar with live rockin' music. Full bar is a plus. Check out local live music here most nights! read more

Not really that divey. Looks like they put some thought and moolah into their bar. But ain't no yuppie cocktail lounge either, just a good clean bar that is somewhat spacious. Other digs: cheapish drinks, like 6 dolla call cheap. bucket glasses, hells ya! cool bartenders accepts plastic a few steps to the BART sub-station, super convenient. But I don't vibe well with the crowd or music though. It is loud and kind of frat-y as opposed to chill and diverse. Probably won't be a reg but convenient enough for the occasional hit-up. read more

I visited this place last July during a trip to the East Bay. Fun, casual atmosphere with great music, live bands and a friendly bar. Staff were professional and welcoming. Would definitely visit again and recommend if you're a fan of live music and great hangouts with a cool, laid back vibe. read more

This is a classic dive bar spot in Oakland and worth checking out if you are nearby and want to grab a quick drink in a cool place. I would come by with some friends and grab a couple brews! But this is good for a local dive spot. read more

This is a great bar! It's so clean and the bartenders are very cool. Plenty of floor space and they take credit cards! ($10 minimum). I will definitely come back here many times. read more

$10 debit/credit card minimum and $6 PBR tall cans w/ a shot. Clearly I would have more than one of those combos! I would bring cash if you just want a drink and go on with your night. Dark bar, loud (very loud) music, and not a ton of seating. I went here with a group of maybe 8 people and it's hard to talk with everyone when you are sitting at a bar top. Decent place but I think I'll stick with Dogwood or Make Westing. read more

I have been meaning to write a review for this place!! This is my Go-To after work on a Friday night!!! Now i have only been on Friday i dont know how the other days are in there but to me this place is my favorite bar so far! The music is great !!! The vibe in the whole place is just perfect!! Best of all i found one of the best bartenders in town!! Felipe is hands down the reason i love this place! He always has that COLD MUG WITH MY BLUE MOON WAITING FOR ME!!! Ive dragged along my co workers into liking this place with me ;)!!! read more

The Golden Bull - Plenty of pitchers to go around!!!! ;) - Dive Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Great set up and fantastic beer selection at this place. I like how the bar is wide and they have room for a pool table and a stage in the back. While we played pool, they played some cool NorCal punk music that I hadn't heard in a while and it put us in a great mood. I even won at pool which is a rare event. This place was a lot better than expected - especially after looking at it from the street. I can see this place becoming a favorite spot in this hood. read more

This place was so terrible! The employees were rude and unwelcoming. A lot of uncalled for attitude. Coincidentally I was the only ethnic person in our group and also the only one they were being rude to. Then when my friend tried to stick up for me they were rude to her as well. The toilet was broken, the drinks were weak, the venue was dark and narrow. The only good thing was the music but I still would never come back. I didn't even tip! Which is saying a lot because I'm always a good tipper. read more