Best Cocktail bar in Oakland

Z Cafe & Bar is a contemporary American restaurant located in the heart of Oakland, California. It offers unpretentious contemporary American Bistro fare using the freshest, locally grown meats and produce around the Bay Area. The menu changes seasonally to provide flavors at their peak, and the bar features exciting new alternatives with house cocktails infused with fruits and fresh-squeezed juices. The restaurant's kitchen works with fresh, locally sourced meats and produce from around the Bay Area, keeping every dish simple, seasonal, and thoughtfully prepared. Guests enjoy warm service, a cozy setting, and a menu that changes with the seasons. Every visit feels easy, welcoming, and well cared for. Z Cafe & Bar is only a 10-minute walk from the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA, making it a quick and easy stop before or after a show. The menu features scratch-made American café favorites built around fresh ingredients, including house soups, crisp salads, hearty sandwiches, flame-grilled burgers, and comfort-style entrées prepared daily. Vegetarian and plant-based options are available, along with lighter plates and filling classics. Seasonal updates keep the menu fresh while familiar favorites remain easy to enjoy any day of the week. The bar at Z Cafe & Bar is designed for connection and comfort, with fresh juices, house infusions, and carefully prepared specialty drinks made to pair well with the menu.

Xingones Cantina is a Mexican food establishment in Oakland, California, offering a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and nachos. Their menu features bold flavors and good vibes, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients to create delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. Xingones is a spot where locals gather for good food and good company, with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Their menu includes a range of options, from classic street food like tacos and nachos to more innovative dishes like fried chicken burritos and Mexican hot chocolate scones. The restaurant is known for its big flavors in every bite, with standout items like the First Friday taco featuring fried chicken and the Hella Hot and El Coreano tacos offering spicy and flavorful options. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including seasoned fries that are crispy and loaded with a secret spice blend. Xingones offers easy ordering options, allowing customers to order online for takeout or delivery at their convenience. The restaurant's staff is dedicated to making customers feel welcome, from the friendly service to the warm and relaxed atmosphere. With a focus on serving the local community, Xingones is a great option for those looking for authentic Mexican food in a welcoming and convenient setting.

Viridian is Oakland's premier bar and restaurant for innovative craft cocktails, comprehensive spirits, and locally sourced food inspired by Asian-American nostalgia. Driven by modern culinary technique and Northern California influence, our food and beverage programs are led by world-class hospitality professionals. Since 2020, Viridian has been recognized across the industry as one of the best cocktail bars in the nation and globally. Viridian is a top 10 U.S. restaurant bar, according to the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. We're proud to announce that the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation has named Viridian a 2026 nominee for Top 10 U.S. Restaurant Bar. Our accolades include The World's 50 Best Discovery, Esquire "Best Bars in America", and Tales of the Cocktail regional nominations for Best New American Cocktail Bar, Best U.S. Bar Team, and Best U.S. Restaurant Bar. Our menu features a small selection of Asian-inspired dishes, including our famous Szechuan Salt and Pepper Wings, which were named the "most stellar" in Oakland by the SF Chronicle. We also offer a variety of craft cocktails, including our signature drinks like the Beef Tomato and Black Sesame Espresso Martini. Our bar team is led by experienced professionals, including Ken Kawachi, Nicole Nathan, Sky Sczesny, and Q Bolan, Jr.

Tay Ho Oakland is a renowned restaurant that brings authentic regional Vietnamese street food to the heart of Oakland. The restaurant is established in 2010 and has been praised for its dedication to authenticity, using locally sourced ingredients to ensure the freshest flavors and the best Vietnamese dining experience. With a menu that features a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes, including banh mi, rice bowls, and breakfast options, Tay Ho Oakland offers a unique twist with craft cocktails that incorporate ingredients from the kitchen. The restaurant's specialties include Bún Thịt Nướng, Bánh Khọt, Bún Bò Huế, Phở, and the exclusive "lunch-only" hand-rolled Bánh Cuốn, delicate steamed rice noodles that transport your taste buds straight to Vietnam. Tay Ho Oakland offers a wide range of options for diners, including vegan-friendly meals and gluten-free options. The restaurant's menu is carefully crafted to ensure that every dish is a bridge between traditional flavors of Vietnam and the innovative spirit of Oakland, crafted with care and served with soul. Tay Ho Oakland's location at Oakland International Airport allows the restaurant to cater to travelers on the go, offering a convenient option for those looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's service has been praised for being quick and efficient, making it a great option for those with limited time. Despite being located in an airport, Tay Ho Oakland manages to maintain a clean and comfortable dining area with table seating, allowing guests to sit and enjoy their meals rather than rushing through fast food alternatives.

Sobre Mesa is an Afro-Latin cocktail lounge located in Downtown Oakland, California. It's a reference to what you do after the meal, once the hunger has passed and real conversation can begin. The name Sobre Mesa literally means "over the table." The business offers a range of options for intimate gatherings to grand events, with private party packages tailored to suit specific needs. Their menu is selectively curated to bring out the flair of the culture, featuring fresh local ingredients and flavors designed to pair perfectly with the cocktails. The tapas menu is a joyful expression of the chef's culinary journey and heritage. Sobre Mesa features lush surroundings, refined cocktails, and seasonal cuisine, with influences from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Latin countries. The business is perfect for a fun night or a date night, offering a range of options for groups and parties. The staff is friendly, and the chef's dishes are exemplary, with favorites including the bone marrow, stuffed sweet plantains, and oysters.

Popoca is a Salvadoran-inspired restaurant in the heart of Oakland, California. It serves progressive Salvadoran food, blending traditional flavors with a modern Californian twist. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as pupusas, tamales, and ceviche, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Popoca's wood-fired cooking techniques and commitment to using high-quality ingredients set it apart from other restaurants in the area. Popoca's menu is a reflection of Chef Anthony Salguero's love of Salvadoran cuisine and his desire to create a new vision of this underrated cuisine. The restaurant's dishes are inspired by traditional Salvadoran wood-fire cooking and recipes, but with a modern twist. The pupusas, for example, are made with fresh-milled masa and feature inventive fillings such as cheese, chicken, or mushroom. The restaurant's menu is designed to be approachable and elevated, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Popoca is available to host private dining events, with a full bar and the ability to do seated and banquet-style dinners, as well as passed app and cocktail-style service. The restaurant has a cozy and stylish atmosphere, with a wood fire grill for ambiance and a beautiful view of the brick oven where pupusas are made by hand. Popoca's friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, and its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.

Pizzaiolo is a wood-fired pizza and pasta joint located in Oakland, California. It offers an all-organic, all-local menu that changes frequently. The business is built on the idea of taking life from the world around us and presenting it to customers to sustain their own lives. Pizzaiolo has a beautiful dining room and patio area that are open for dinner, with walk-ins only. They offer take-out and delivery services, and are available for happy hour from 5 pm to 6 pm on Sundays through Thursdays. The business is open from 5 pm to 9 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, 5 pm to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays. Pizzaiolo is located at 5008 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, California, and can be reached by phone at 510-652-4888. They have a strong online presence, with a Facebook page and a website that features their menu, events, and gift cards. Pizzaiolo is a popular destination for foodies and locals alike, with a reputation for serving high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Pizzaiolo's menu changes frequently, but they offer a range of options including salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, and desserts. Their pizzas are wood-fired and feature a variety of toppings, including locally sourced meats and produce. Pizzaiolo's staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and they have a strong commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The business has received rave reviews from customers, who praise their food, service, and atmosphere. Pizzaiolo is a great destination for anyone looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming and intimate setting.

NōKA Ramen & Bar is a Japanese restaurant in Oakland, California, serving authentic Hakata-style ramen. The restaurant focuses on real Japanese flavors, homemade noodles, and a relaxed experience that feels easy and welcoming. Guests can dine-in, takeout, or delivery, and the team works carefully to make each visit smooth and friendly. NōKA Ramen & Bar offers a variety of ramen options, including Hakata Tonkotsu Style, which features a creamy, rich, and cooked-for-hours tonkotsu broth paired with homemade artisan noodles. The restaurant also serves cocktails that pair with ramen and chashu, and guests can enjoy a cocktail with dinner or relax after a long day. The bar brings flavor and a lively, inviting space together for everyone to enjoy. NōKA Ramen & Bar is known for its delicious and flavorful ramen, with customers praising the service and the quality of the food. The restaurant welcomes groups of any size, and the team ensures meals for large groups are smooth and enjoyable. NōKA Ramen & Bar offers catering for offices, parties, and special events in the Bay Area, and guests can book reservations to guarantee seating at the restaurant.

NIDO's BackYard is a restaurant located at the edge of Jack London Square in Oakland, California. It offers a unique outdoor dining experience, focusing on seasonal Mexican cuisine and a curated list of agave spirits and cocktails. The restaurant features a margarita garden, which is the first of its kind in the Bay Area. NIDO's BackYard is a place where people can come to enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes, from traditional favorites to modern twists. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that the food is always fresh and exciting. The restaurant also has a full bar with friendly bartenders and a beautiful hostess and waitstaff, making it a great spot for both foodies and social gatherings. NIDO's BackYard is a family-friendly establishment that is suitable for a wide range of occasions, including dinner with a vegan option. The restaurant is located near Domain Oakland, a residential complex with apartments for rent, although the two businesses are separate entities. Despite its proximity to the apartments, NIDO's BackYard is a popular destination for people from all over the Bay Area.

Mesa Maguey is a Mexican restaurant located in Oakland, California, that specializes in Oaxacan cuisine. It offers a traditional menu featuring dishes such as mole negro, tlayudas, and handmade memelas, all crafted with dedication to authenticity. The restaurant's agave bar also boasts an impressive selection of mezcal, offering flights and creative cocktails infused with flavors like hibiscus and tamarind. The knowledgeable staff at Mesa Maguey provides a tasting experience that is both educational and enjoyable, making it a great destination for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to mezcal. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally, and the chefs use only the freshest ingredients to craft each dish. This dedication to quality and authenticity has earned Mesa Maguey a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Mesa Maguey is a casual, cozy spot that is perfect for solo dining, lunch, or dinner. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including takeout, delivery, and dine-in service. The menu features a range of options, including vegetarian dishes and small plates, making it a great choice for groups or individuals with diverse tastes.