Oakland · Alameda County, CA

Nightlife in Oakland

Scout analyzed 86 Oakland places and surfaced the ones that actually fit nightlife.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$75

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Complete outings

Date Night: Pinball & Dinner in West Alameda

Start your evening with some friendly competition and nostalgic fun at the Pacific Pinball Museum, where you can play vintage machines. Afterwards, transition to a cozy, vibrant bar for a pre-dinner drink, before settling into a sophisticated dining experience with a modern American menu.

Best neighborhoods for nightlife

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Downtown Berkeley

2 matching spots

Downtown

1 matching spots

Chinatown

1 matching spots

Grand Lake

1 matching spots

West Alameda

1 matching spots

Old Oakland

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Downtown

Sobre Mesa

Sobre Mesa is a chic cocktail lounge for an evening out, suitable for a date or girls' night. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person on drinks and small plates.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$50–$100 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Wood Tavern

Wood Tavern is a good spot for a dinner date or special occasion, offering Californian cuisine in a modern setting. Plan for about 1.5 hours and expect to spend $75-150 per person, especially if including drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$75–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Chinatown

Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard

Mad Oak is a casual bar with a patio, good for an evening drink and some snacks. It can be paired with dinner elsewhere or a casual hangout, typically lasting 1-2 hours for $20-50 per person.

CocktailsFoodOutdoors

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Grand Lake

The Alley

The Alley is a long-standing Oakland bar with live piano music, cocktails, and food, often featuring participation singing. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, costing around $30-$75 per person for drinks and a meal.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Berkeley

The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall

The UC Theatre is a mid-sized live music venue in downtown Berkeley, good for seeing touring bands. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $40-100 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$40–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

West Alameda

The Fireside Lounge

The Fireside Lounge is suitable for an evening drink or to catch live music, pairing well with dinner nearby. Expect to spend $10-35 per person for a couple of drinks over 1-2 hours.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$10–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Ivy Room

The Ivy Room is a neighborhood live music venue good for an evening of drinks and entertainment, typically pairing well with a pre-show dinner. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for entry and a few drinks over a 2-3 hour visit.

CocktailsLive musicFood

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Oakland

Oeste - Bar

Oeste is a chic bar and restaurant suitable for a relaxed evening meal or drinks. Expect to spend $30-$70 per person for a visit lasting about 90 minutes.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Berkeley

Study Hall Rooftop Lounge

This rooftop lounge is suitable for an evening drink or light meal with a view, often following dinner or before an event. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $30-75 per person for cocktails and appetizers.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Ivy Hill

Lakeside Lounge

Lakeside Lounge is suitable for an evening drink or to catch some live music, costing around $25-60 per person for an hour and a half. It can be paired with dinner nearby or as a standalone nightcap.

CocktailsLive musicRelaxed

$25–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking