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Oakland Nightlife

Oakland's diverse nightlife has a vibe for every crew.

Best Bars in Oakland

4 venues

Viridian

cocktail bar
4.5
$$$

Inventive cocktails and stylish, upscale ambiance.

Uptown5pm-12am

Chic and modern cocktail bar with creative, Asian-inspired drinks.

The Ruby Room

dive bar
3.9
$

Cheap, strong drinks and a classic dive bar atmosphere.

Downtown7pm-2am

Dark, red-lit dive with a jukebox and pool table.

The Alley

dive bar
4.1
$

Live piano music and a classic, no-frills vibe.

Grand Lake6pm-2am

Old-school piano bar with a lively, sing-along atmosphere.

Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon

dive bar
4.4
$

A true piece of Oakland history, with a famously tilted floor.

Jack London Square12pm-9pm

Historic, slanted saloon built from the timbers of a whaling ship.

Best Night Out in Oakland

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

Mad Oak Bar & Yard

Downtown · $$

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

Mad Oak Bar & Yard

Downtown · $$

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

Yoshi's

Jack London Square · $$$

Nightlife Neighborhoods

Uptown

The heart of Oakland's nightlife, with a dense concentration of bars, restaurants, and music venues.

Best for: Bar hopping, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Crowd: Young professionals and creatives
Walk Score: 98/100
ViridianCrybabyThe Layover Music Bar & Lounge

Jack London Square

A scenic waterfront neighborhood with a mix of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.

Best for: Dinner and drinks with a view, live jazz, and a more relaxed vibe.
Crowd: A mix of tourists and locals
Walk Score: 85/100
Yoshi'sHeinold's First & Last Chance Saloon

Downtown

A central hub for nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from.

Best for: A little bit of everything, from dive bars to rooftop lounges.
Crowd: A diverse mix of people
Walk Score: 95/100
Mad Oak Bar & YardThe Ruby Room

Grand Lake

A more residential neighborhood with a handful of classic bars and a historic movie theater.

Best for: A low-key night out, with a classic neighborhood bar feel.
Crowd: Locals and long-time residents
Walk Score: 88/100
The Alley
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
UptownBar hoppingYoung professionals and creatives
98
ViridianCrybaby
Jack London SquareDinner and drinks with a viewA mix of tourists and locals
85
Yoshi'sHeinold's First & Last Chance Saloon
DowntownA little bit of everythingA diverse mix of people
95
Mad Oak Bar & YardThe Ruby Room
Grand LakeA low-key night outLocals and long-time residents
88
The Alley

Local Nightlife Tips

  • Oakland is a large and spread-out city, so it's best to focus on one or two neighborhoods per night.
  • Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, but can be expensive on weekend nights.
  • Many bars and clubs have a dress code, so it's always a good idea to check before you go.
  • The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is a great way to get around the city, but it stops running around midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best neighborhood for nightlife in Oakland?

Uptown is widely considered to be the heart of Oakland's nightlife, with the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

What time do bars close in Oakland?

Most bars and clubs in Oakland close at 2am.

Is there a cover charge to get into bars and clubs in Oakland?

Some clubs and music venues charge a cover, especially on weekends. It's always a good idea to check the venue's website or social media for information on cover charges.