UPDATE (September 2026): My wife and I had an opportunity to taste one of their margaritas at a Marg Festival in Oakland. It was pretty tasty indeed. read more

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Simply the place to be, a neighborhood and a LGBTQ+ bar that has been in community for as long as I can remember. Many ownership changes but the people and the ambiance remains welcoming. read more

Major disappointment. Didn't have a special. The event I came for ended Two hours early. Unlikely to ever go again after such a disappointing time. Huge waste of time. read more

With 86 gay bars reviewed on Yelp (and counting), I wanted to wait until my Review #7,100 milestone before writing one for the oldest gay bar in the country. It first opened in the depths of the Great Depression in 1933, and it's in Jamie W.'s and my proverbial backyard on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. We had never been before we saw a recent news story about the new owner, Patty Nishimura Dingle. She's a self-described "futch Blasian lesbian" who appears to be committed in maintaining the vibe of a local watering hole. From what we could tell, she appears to be succeeding from the casual mix of regulars. Jamie and I are starting to become regulars ourselves. We appreciate the spaciousness and the thoughtful layout including an adjacent room where private functions take place. We already have our favorite bartenders identified. The gregarious Captain is a longtime veteran of the bar who made a customized $12 Espresso Martini. It was off the menu, so she crafted an excellent one (photo: https://yelp.to/5WONC5Jrmk). Sean is our other favorite, and he makes a mean off-menu Daiquiri as well as the $14 Fruity-vale, a vodka-vermouth mix with St. Germain, raspberry, and pineapple (photo: https://yelp.to/kK9mEuXioj). There's a strong sense of community here, a true gay-thering place. COCKTAILS - 5 stars...The Captain and Sean make top-notch libations even when they have to improvise AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...spacious and convivial SERVICE - 5 stars...we feel genuinely welcome here TOTAL - 5 stars...friendly spot for a mini-gaycation RELATED - Looking for a gay bar around the world? Here's my collection of bars I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3LJO7fd read more

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Great staff, friendly atmosphere, lots of delicious and creative mocktail options, nice community bar vibe.

My friend and I decided to check out White Horse after a concert because one of our friends was DJing there. It was our first time visiting, and we were genuinely excited. That excitement disappeared the moment we got to the door. The staff at the entrance were rude, cold, and made us feel like we weren't wanted there. First impressions matter, and theirs was terrible. We tried to ignore it and give the place a chance. The bartender was the only bright spot of the night--friendly and made good drinks. We found a place on the dance floor and had been dancing for about 20 minutes when an employee came over and put up rope dividers, forcing us to move without any explanation or apology. Instead of trying to enjoy the night somewhere we clearly weren't welcome, we finished our drinks and left. For a club that promotes itself as LGBTQ+ friendly, it definitely didn't feel welcoming. It felt like they only want a certain type of gay person in their space, and if you don't fit whatever image they're looking for, you're treated differently. Whether that was intentional or not, that's exactly how the experience came across. I won't be returning, and I definitely wouldn't recommend this place if you're looking for a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. read more

Nice neighborhood bar with an eclectic gender diverse crowd. Pretty friendly and chill, dancing in the back room and karaoke some nights. Decent pool table! read more

Me and my uncle went to get some quite alright vegan tacos down the block. No dine in here. Only take out. We don't live in this hood. What to do? We rolled up to the White Horse Bar. I spent a month in White Horse in the Yukon in northern Canada near Alaska doing a yoga intensive. The Yukon is where Jack London lived who wrote White Fang. There is Jack London square is in Oakland. Connect the dots. Everything is connected. Tendrel happens. Me and my uncle are both teetotalers aka we don't drink. We come to White Horse to enjoy vegan tacos and are grateful for staff here to let that happen. We loved the vibe here. My uncle got a ginger ale and got the pineapple juice. I didn't like the juice that much and only drank a third of it. First third like Neal Cassady's memoir. City Lights San Francisco. Legacy. Vibe here was amazing. Friendly folks. 49ers game on. We won against the Packers. My brother is in Wisconsin with sister in law and my nephew. Our team beat their team yet football is just a game. Game of life. We live it. A birthday party was happening. Vegan eats and vegan delights yet that was their party and we already have our vegan eats from next door that was quite alright aka four out of five stars. This bar is a five star for the vibe. My uncle played college basketball and I played high school basketball. We will come back again for vegan tacos and watch the Dubs on the tele would give this place bonus stars for that if Yelp allowed it. Peace. read more

White Horse Bar - a purple and orange sign - Gay Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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As the oldest operating gay bar in the country, it must be doing something right to still be thriving! The vibes here are typically good and chill. There's a pool table, dance floor, and outdoor patio. The bartenders all come with sass and humor. Last time I came here was with a friend after brunch on a Sunday, and we were able to enjoy some nice cocktails while watching football. There are 4 screens conveniently located around the bar. There are also two gender-neutral, multi-stall bathrooms. This isn't like...a Port Bar. It's relatively more dive-y and mellow, so if that's what you're looking for, slide thru! read more

White Horse Bar - Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Love the vibe. We don't have a gay place to hang out where we live. The short dark hair female / person. Made us each 2 shitty drinks. So we went to the other end of the bar to try for a better drink. And the guy bartender tried to send us back to her. I said, we don't like her drinks. So he had to stop doing what he was doing to make us a decent drink. read more

The White Horse is said to be the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the US, having opened in 1933. It's the kind of neighborhood gay bar where I feel immediately at ease. It's not exactly cool, but it is deeply charming, and regulars sitting at the bar are very welcoming. If you're up for it, you may hear some pretty incredible stories. Let the Captain pour you a cold beer, and enjoy being transported back in time. read more

White Horse Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Fun atmosphere, live music, and a very welcoming environment for people of all persuasions, beliefs, backgrounds.

Somebody is doing dirty business and changing credit card bills. Rounding up, adding on, it's a whole system to cull off the top by stealing from the customers. Way to ruin a business for the owner. It's once, twice, three times you're ripped off at the old, gay bar! Ask for a receipt from your drink, save it, check your bank statements later. The bill and the tip are likely to be bumped up. Seems the manager may have gotten some of the younger staff into it. Had thought it was individual bar tenders but only some of them seem to know about it. Ask and some are blank, others are squirrelly. Time to clean house. read more

Fun time. Came to check out one of the oldest gay bars in the USA. Good diverse crowd, nice staff, great service. Cover charge which always annoys me but I suppose reasonable and like to support the smaller bars. Seemed very safe. Not very familiar with Oakland but hear a lot of bad stuff, this place was totally safe. Love the rainbow crosswalk at the intersection. Would probably stop in again if in the area. Thanks for having us. read more

I'm not gay and didn't realize this was a gay bar but my wife and I love Oakland and SF neighborhood bars and ducked in for a drink. We pretty quickly realized it was a gay bar but the super friendly bartender threw down napkins and we were welcome. Cool place. Great people. It caused my wife and I to talk about how awesome Oakland is and how lucky we are to live here. Bravo White Horse. read more

I had a good experience the first time I came here - with two people who knew the staff and everything was smooth and great. The second time I came was on my own and I learned that this place really is picky about who they let in. I was a lone female trying to get in the bar and they do not like that. I was very disappointed how much they do not like lesbians. Too bad. read more

They even close the dance floor on Saturday nights?!! Jesus Christ. Snoozefest. We left before it even hit 11pm

So I forgot to take a pic of my drinks, but whatever, this spot is great cause it's queer friendly, cute and hella chill. Def a space if you're queer, femme or present as female and wanna feel safe. The bartenders are friendly and accommodating. Check it out. read more

White Horse Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Love the new staff and new owner. So much more inclusivity and good energy! The place looks 10000000x better! And it's finally clean! Also, in response to Jon S. desperate review (photo added)...I've been a patron for over 20 years and the new owner has done an amazing job at giving it a much needed face lift, being sure to be inclusive in their staff and welcoming to QTBIPOC, listening to us regulars and trying to accommodate the needs of not only us, but the community as a whole, to preserve this historical place. The old owners unfortunately lost their spirit in this community and allowed this place to be ran down. Myself, along with many regulars, are happy about the necessary changes that will give this place the foundation to be here for so much longer. And also...you obviously don't know who the owner is because she is a sole QWOC owner, from Oakland! And she is simply delightful if you even had a chance to speak with her. read more

A great place to meet up with a friend or two and have a drink. While I was taking pictures, someone gawked at me...I did my best to ignore them. I have read it is the oldest operating gay bar in the US. There's lots of space to hang out with friends. It is bigger than it looks from the oitside. They have a pool table, and a fireplace. It can be hard to find parking on the main street, but I was able to find parking on a side street. Drinks are reasonably priced. read more

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Back in the day, this place was always a blast and full of people. Now, it's a shell of its old self. The "much needed facelift" destroyed the character of the WH. Drinks are small and overpriced and covers are crazy. These pics are from a recent Friday night at 11 pm and it's hard to believe this is the same place I used to be shoulder to shoulder with people. I've been a few times since the change in ownership, and I tried to be positive and supportive, but it's just not it anymore. Sad to cross this place off my list of bars to frequent or recommend. read more

White Horse Bar - Sad, empty vibes - Gay Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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First night out in Oakland and few of my friends wanted to go check out White Horse once we got in. His google said the bar closes at 2am. Got here a little past midnight and seen how many people were out on a Thursday night. Seems like a live band just finished performing. About a half hour in, house lights turns on. We're like what? We just got our first round! So we go back to the bar, and the bartender tells us he can still serve us even if we are working on the 1st drink. While talking with some of the regulars there, they said that the bar normally closes at 2am, but for some reason the owners wanted to end early. To find out the bartender was one of the owners, if I remember correctly his name was Kyle. I saw he didn't wanna serve this one guy any more drinks because he had way too many that evening, luckily for our group, we had just arrived and was serving us like there was no tomorrow lol. There's also these cool arcade machines where you can play "adult games." Haha. Upon leaving, I learned that this is the oldest gay bar in the US! read more

Opened a tab, accidentally left my card, card stolen from behind the bar after charging themselves 60% tip. They bought a nice $160 for themselves the next day on me. read more

I've gone to the White Horse many times, and have had many great times there. The White Horse is an East Bay institution - a little tragic (which is also tragically great), but wonderful people - both bartenders and patrons. After dinner in Oakland tonight my partner and I went over to have some drinks. We had been there a few months ago and had such a great time...the bartender Isaiah remembered us and we had a nice conversation (and a hug when we left!). When we were walking in this evening, the door man outside said "We have new ownership", and I have to admit I was immediately concerned. When we walked in, it was obvious that everything was nicer. And that's nice. But the stools at the bar were gone - maybe only for New Year's, but not sure. There was basically no where to sit, as the open tables said "reserved" on them. We ordered two Tanqueray and tonics...whoa, now $22. And not the old heavier pours. And we stood by a nook near the bar and drank our cocktails in small plastic cups. We were half way through our drinks, when at 8:57PM they announced everyone had to leave due to a private party. No one told us when we arrived - e.g. "we're closing down for a private party, just FYI". They said you would wait have to wait in line. We weren't going to do that anyway, but it turns out they wanted to charge everyone in line $50! Whoa! Several people in line immediately stepped out. So I spent money on an Uber to go visit the White Horse for some cocktails, and I left pretty sad. Actually very sad. The White Horse was a warm welcoming neighborhood place. I hope the new owners bring back some of that. I want to walk in, get a nice drink at a good price, have a seat, and chat with fun bartenders and patrons. That was not my experience this evening. Given that it is a hike for me to get there, I sadly may not be back. I do wish the owners the best, but part of the magic is that people feel welcome and comfortable. It was a big miss for me tonight. read more

Always a good time coming here. I went here for the first time in 2014. Last year it was a great scene. I like the location of White Horse!

This is a great spot for a night out with friends no mater the day of week. My only gripe is there is only one non alcoholic beer in there cooler. I don't always want to drink water or a soda. Please White Horse can you up ur selection for us non drinkers too? Just asking.... read more

This bar is banging!! Fun decor, the music is fire, and awesome ambiance!! The new owners are wonderful... they are caring and work really hard to make it a great experience for everyone. Must try!! read more

White Horse Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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I have been going to the White Horse for the better part of 6 years. I usually go to play pool, have a few beers and unwind. Recently the bar has come under new ownership and I'm LOVING the updates and changes they are making! It still feels like a locals bar with updated features. Keep up the great work and I'll be seeing the White Horse team soon! read more

The new owner turned this down-to-earth dive bar and historic queer club into a gentrified space for who can pay more. From the overpriced covers and drinks, to the disastrous remodeling, we are left searching for the spirit of old White Horse. The new management removed most of the smoking room (where we used to socialize), and now became full of "reserved" tables where you could be asked to leave at 9 PM for a private party! So it's true that greed and classism ruin everything. Can the new owner listen to the old patrons and repair the damage to maintain much of the White Horse lost identity and warm energy!? I honestly don't know! But to start, bring back the iconic Red Walls and the Smoking Room. Also avoid hiring young inexperienced bartenders with "I hate it here" attitude. Bring back the old friendly ones who were full of energy and stories. The old experienced staff were a big part of the White Horse magic. We miss them dearly. Lastly, bring back the reasonable prices for covers and drinks. Get rid of reserved areas and private parties. That's not what the White Horse is about. Let's all of us in! All these changes were not necessary. It has been over a year and we still can't adjust. P.S. The metal horse makes me feel that I'm in a car dealership. read more

My partner and I had a great time at White Horse. Friendly people, nice dancing floor and fairly good music. But the night did not end well: When we went to our car, which was parked across the street, the car was broken into. Back window was broken. Nothing was stolen as there wasn't anything in the car worth stealing. But now I have a broken glass I need to replace Fu..ing Oakland Dear White Horse, we really had a great time, but I don't think we would be coming back. It's not worth my car to be broken into. You are just in a bad neighborhood. read more

$15 cover on. Sunday night! We just wanted a drink..., one drink - and having to pay $45 (3 of us) just to get in! And it was Pride weekend and they would t give us a discount. Won't ever be going there, sorry!!! read more

The White Horse is a great welcoming gay bar, with friendly folks and good times. Been coming here for 40 years to hit the dance floor. read more

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Loved this bar so much!! The vibes were definitely where they needed to be, they have a dance floor and a dj, it wasn't too full the night we went but everyone was still dancing& having fun. Drinks were pretty good, regular price I believe. read more

They were out of ingredients for almost every drink they advertised at the bar one of us ended up getting a soda but it was in the tiniest cup full of ice. read more

This place used to be a queer bar, and since its new ownership, has lost this special identity and has become nothing more than a sign of gentrification and changing times. Me and many people in my community have grieved the changes and loss, but are rebuilding elsewhere. Not sure why some people are saying the new owner is a woman of color - maybe they're thinking of a manager. read more

Yes!! i had BEST TIME OF MY LIFE i saw my dad but its ok he was having fun he said not to tell mommy or something.. Anyway it was so fun and the food was AMAZING, it was such a VIBE read more

Came last weekend to watch RPDR however 30 mins in they turned off the sound and a few minutes later our group, along with everyone else in the bar, was kicked out because they were hosting a party that you needed a wristband for. Reading other recent reviews it seems like this now happens frequently. It felt deceiving to let us in to watch the show and open tabs, just to kick us out 30 mins later, like they were bamboozling us into buying wristbands for this event. I really liked the White Horse for its divey vibes and diverse crowd but hope new management can get it together before they alienate the crowd that set them apart. read more

Came here for the first time this past week when a friend invited me to the Manhaters comedy show. You could get tickets to this show online or you could purchase tickets inside (line was near the restrooms). We found free street parking when we got here. When you walk in, the bar is on the right and on the left is where the comedy show happens. Pros: -great comedy show! Cons: -bar has a $20 minimum credit card fee -ATM in bar charges a $3.25 service fee read more

I had just been released and the EBC wanted to go out for Drinks . Isabella suggested the White Horse Bar . This seemed like a Solid Choice and since I had a Fresh Charge on my Ankle Bracelet , I jumped into my Whip Black Beauty and rolled to Oakland and the White Horse Bar. I parked a block away . There is only Street Parking . I rolled into the White Horse with Ms. Isabella and we grabbed a seat at the Bar. The White Horse is a Large Bar . There are 2 Pool Tables . An Outdoor Patio that you can Smoke on if you like. A separate Dance area . They have a Full service Bar and a lot of Micro Brews to Choose from . I had a Few beers and rolled out No Cover as it was during the Day I would return its a pretty chill spot The Bartender was nice.. read more

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The remodel is a huge upgrade! Went on karaoke night on Tuesday, Jeremey Jason was an awesome MC and the DJ was the sweetest to my friend. The energy there is amazing, a must visit read more