Oakland's bars are a vibrant testament to creativity, boasting some of the wildest decor you'll find anywhere. Step into these eclectic havens, and you'll be transported to a world where fancy chandeliers hang beside neon signs, and fun-loving patrons dance beneath retro disco balls. Whether you're sipping a craft cocktail or grooving to the beats, Oakland's bars are a testament to the city's unique and colorful spirit.

Palmetto

Palmetto doesn’t disappoint; featuring stunning touches of baby blue and pink, the obligatory neon sign and actual palms looming over the bar, this new bar and restaurant is a destination for decor lovers.

Low Bar

Located on a desirable sunny corner, Low Bar seduces visitors with deep-green walls, plenty of lush plants, and servers in flowerful shirts. On the plane, inventive spins on classics like quesabirria tacos and tostadas go well with the fresh cocktails.

Viridian

Fancy your bar glowing in purple neons? Then Viridian, the uptown bar inspired by the city of Hong Kong, is for you. The lighting makes everything (and everyone) look great, although the crispy tuna tartare and the guava and oolong-flavored cocktails need no help.

Sobre Mesa

True to its Afro-Carribean roots, this cocktail lounge and restaurant features one of the most stunning spaces in Oakland; think leafy paintings, swanky white bar stools and huge disco ball lamps. Sobre Mesa cocktails are a must, and the tapas menu is full of flavor bombs.

Snail Bar

A big sexy mirror? Check. Plants everywhere? Check. Cool floors? Also present. Snail Bar, new to Temescal, has that sneakily chic vibe, plus natural wines, creative small plates and amazing people-watching opportunities.

About the Author:

Flora Tsapovsky

Flora Tsapovsky

Style, food and culture writer splitting her time between San Francisco and Tel Aviv. Founder of Parlar Series, a series of curated conversations about key concepts in our lives. Nature and art lover, culinary thrill-seeker, teacher of writing courses and instructor at the Academy of Art University.