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    Town Bar and Lounge

    4.4 (58 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:30 PM

    Town Bar and Lounge Photos

    TOWN BAR AND LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Intimate
    Classy
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Town Bar and Lounge

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    Darin T.

    Last Thursday, a few friends and I decided to check out TOWN bar and lounge, before even arriving it started off on a good note: it's literally a minute's walk from the BART exit -- super convenient if you're coming from the city or parts of the East Bay and don't want to hunt for parking. Walking in, we were greeted by a super friendly bouncer (a pleasant change from some of the aggro vibes you get at Castro bars), and immediately hit by the chill atmosphere and music. They had a DJ spinning a dope Aaliyah and Diana Ross mashup-- pure gold for anyone who's a fan of the old school BET/VH1/CMC days. It's the feel-good, throwback music you seldom hear in gay bars anymore. The place wasn't just about the music though; the ambiance was on point too and every detail felt intentional. My friends and I grabbed a spot near the fireplace surrounded by cute candles, and even had a chance to chat with the owner. He was incredibly welcoming and genuinely interested in supporting and uniting the LGBT community, which really made an impression on us. Service was top-notch all evening. The bartenders were amiable and even let my friend sample some unfamiliar wine before deciding to buy -- again, not the type of vibe you get in the Castro and made it feel homey. While I stuck with my trusty Jack and diet, the signature cocktails looked tempting enough to try next time. And oh, the bathrooms -- finally a place that gets it. Instead of the typical divey drug den vibe of other bars, TOWN offers actual ~rooms~ with toilets, a communal sink area that adds to the inclusive co-ed vibe. It's these thoughtful touches that elevate the whole experience and are welcome from the typical bars where people can see you doing your business through a half-inch gap in the door. Whether it's watching the Warriors game or even a variety of board games available for anyone to use, this lounge is all about good vibes and a welcoming atmosphere. TOWN has nailed a dope mix of soulful, danceable hip-hop and R&B, cute drinks, and a grown and sexy atmosphere. I'm already planning my next visit and this time, I'm bringing more friends. If you appreciate good music and a welcoming spot to chill, TOWN is the place to be and just what the Bay Area needed.

    Montage of images from Town Bar and Lounge
    Ed U.

    My rainbow bulb must have been on a dimmer because I didn't realize Uptown was turning into the Castro of Oakland. I just figured the Port Bar was a random gay bar with overpriced cocktails (review: https://yelp.to/oKSNNikHrl). However, the arrival of Town around the corner on 20th Street in the old I. Magnin Building has signaled a genuine community is starting to form in these parts. It was a welcoming place with a decidedly vintage vibe somewhere between the '70's and the '90's without the tackiness. Jamie W. and I were thinking "Boogie Nights", Studio 54, and C+C Music Factory. Sure enough, the video montage behind the bar had plenty of New Edition, early '90's Mariah, and Janet showing skin in "Love Will Never Do Without You". The owner Josh was tending the bar on our first couple of visits. Yes, we've been twice. Don't judge us. Josh made us feel at home and handles multiple customers with dexterity, no small feat. His cocktail selection was quite literally intoxicating. The $16 Caribbean Dreamin' was tasty with rum-washed coconut oil, pineapple juice, and almonds that are torched in front of your eyes (photo: https://yelp.to/qN3aKsJUYC). A tangier treat was the $12 Hibis-Kiss with hibiscus-infused tequila, sour cherry liquor, and agave (photo: https://yelp.to/Lo3Sg5uQ1R). A fruitier libation was the $14 Crème-Me with vanilla vodka, passion fruit, and lemon and orange juice (photo: https://yelp.to/YIQD6EW85L). As you can tell, Jamie and I are thorough cocktail samplers, and besides, we love chart toppers from the last third of the last century. Great job, Josh. COCKTAILS - 5 stars...Josh was a master mixologist and the prices felt tight AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...Boogie Nights SERVICE - 5 stars...we felt welcome TOTAL - 5 stars...going to Town RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

    My salty dawg
    Azteca L.

    Decided to take a stroll and stumbled into the Town. I follow them on the gram and been meaning to check them out but when Im with others, hey always wanna go out to the same spot and not willing to ventura out. I arrived a minute b4 opening and a wonderful gentleman let me in. I approach the bar in which is nicely set up for the holidays. I hear a band rehearsing for tonight's special event in which Im bummed I didnt get tickets for the entre. When I took a seat at the bar, I was greeted and welcomed. I used the same darnos corny line "what do you recommend" and end uñ going with something else. Mars who was tending the bar made my salty dawg which was great, not too strong and hit the spot. I will def check them out at their monthly events. Def recommend and would be disappointed

    Great artwork around all over the interior.
    Jason B.

    This new and fresh queer lounge is a great addition to the area! A friend and I stopped in for a quick drink and Kiki session.. the cocktails were tasty, and bartender was very kind with great music taste. Only taking a star away for the comfort level of some of the elevated booth seats(made for smaller butts), and the lack of mirrors in a gay bar's bathroom... there is a variety of seating options, which is a saving grace, and can invoke different vibes depending on where you are sitting. Overall, good vibes and pleasant staff! This is a great alternative for local queers that aren't so into clubbing, but still want a communal space to enjoy a cocktail with your gworls

    Brennan B.

    The nonprofit I volunteer for held an event at Town Bar and we couldn't be happier with the service we received. The staff was kind, the drinks were delicious and the overall atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. I will definitely host another event here and suggest others to do the sa

    my bff
    Sadaf S.

    i went here for the first time last night with my bff and we had the beeeeeestest time! drinks, dj, bartender, bouncer, and ambiance were alllll a vibe! OH YEAH! order the hibiscus kiss and thank me later

    Roger E.

    The Oakland/Bay Area communities are, without a doubt, blessed to have Town Bar and Lounge open in the historic I. Magnin and Co. building. Having seen this establishment rise from emptiness to the welcoming, classy, yet unpretentious LGBTQI+ bar and lounge, I am proud and truly honored to see my dear friend Joshua, his family, and work team bring Town Bar and Lounge to life. Whether you are looking for a finely crafted cocktail, an exceptional spot to have a drink with that special someone, a place to have a celebratory drink, or anything in between, I am confident you will be thoroughly pleased with Town Bar and Lounge. Stop on by! Cheers to Joshua and his staff!!

    Chadie G.

    Come out on a Friday and check out DJ MK2 resident DJ for Happy Hour 6-10!!!! Loved all his sets and vibe!!! He played for the crowd and knows how to get the crowd moving!!! I loved the videos he incorporated with his sets. Added to the aura of the place. Great time to come if you looking for a happy hour location!!!!

    Nelson Y.

    I always have a great time at the town, great and friendly bartender alone with a very welcoming owner Jdun Didit.

    One of the seating areas
    Brendan W.

    The classiest bar in town! Since this place opened it's been a haven for the Bay Area lgbtq+ community. If you're visiting Oakland, this is a must visit spot. Amazing cocktails, skilled bartenders, and in a lush, gorgeous environment...you cannot go wrong! Check it out before a show at the Fox or Paramount, or just make this your destination for one of their shows or theme nights. Don't forget to get a photo in the free Photo Booth!!!

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    4 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Fun spot. I don't drink, but their service is impressive. Cool vibes. Nice do have such a chill and safe spot downtown.

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    7 months ago

    Amazing atmosphere! The music is great and ppl are so nice. Bartenders are accommodating and very pleasant.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Ambiance ain't bad if you like black hip hop music but they need to mix and play a little bit of everything too

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    1 year ago

    The bar service was very friendly, professional, and tidy, and the DJ was lighting up the dance floor. Really welcoming spot to hang out.

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    2 years ago

    Great staff and ambiance. I would support again. They took care of my friend on her birthday!

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    2 years ago

    Wish I could give six stars but yelp only lets me give five. Everyone who works here is great at their job, but also hot -- love that!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Town Bar and Lounge

    What time is happy hour?

    It’s 5pm-8pm

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Town Bar and Lounge

    Came here after a concert at the Paramount to keep the good vibes going and this place delivered!

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Fluid510

    Fluid510

    3.8
    (80 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Clean organized bar and lounge in DT Oakland with full bar, dance floor, DJ/scene setup for parties…read moreand night events. Open area good for mingle, dance, socialize. Good variety of American and Mexican food. They serve brunch too with decent selection of breakfast dishes. Service is OK and can get slow when busy. Parking is at mercy of DT Oakland, somewhat difficult with paid street parking. Flat entry and wide routes inside make it accessible. Great for parties, groups, get to gather for sport events. Big projector screens make it great place for events watching.

    So here's my update on this absolute dumpster fire of an establishment from Friday, March 20…read more I came in, ordered ONE margarita, and within about five minutes, the bartender was physically fighting with a drunk patron and trying to choke them out while the security guard stood there being completely useless. Truly incredible to watch a place be that understaffed, unprofessional, and unsafe all at once. But wait, it gets worse. After I already left a review about being caught in the middle of their little bar brawl, these geniuses charged my card AGAIN for $52.92 after I had already left. For what exactly? The drinks from the drunk people THEY were over-serving before the fight broke out? Because it definitely wasn't mine. Let me be very clear: I walked in. I ordered ONE drink. A margarita. That's it. So somehow I got front row seats to a bartender throwing hands, security doing absolutely nothing, and then got charged like I sponsored the chaos. This place is a joke. Unsafe, sloppy, and apparently so incompetent they can't even charge the right customer after turning the bar into a live-action WWE event. If you enjoy being overcharged, caught in the middle of violence, and watching staff behave worse than the intoxicated customers, this might be your spot. Easy 1 star. Honestly, zero if I could. 3.24.26 I now have to dispute a charge that never should have been on my card in the first place. This place somehow managed to turn an already awful experience into an even bigger mess by fraudulently charging me $52.92 after everything that happened. I am beyond irritated. At this point, if I have to press charges against the bartender for charging my card without authorization, I will absolutely do it. The level of incompetence and unprofessionalism here is unreal. Not only was I subjected to chaos, but now I'm wasting my time cleaning up a problem THEY created

    Photos
    Eggplant Lasagna
    Eggplant Lasagna
    Shrimp Sliders! So
    Shrimp Sliders! So
    Chicken Wings

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    Chicken Wings

    Town Bar and Lounge - lounges - Updated August 2026

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