Here’s where to go on your next Temescal bar crawl
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Visit North Oakland to spend a fun-filled day on a Temescal bar crawl. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Temescal is one of Oakland’s oldest neighborhoods. Surrounding MacArthur Station, a trip to this vibrant and diverse hot spot lets you visit everything from historic dive bars and craft breweries to sleek cocktail lounges and cozy wine bars. There’s no shortage of places to spend quality time with friends over a drink or two. Whether you’re in the mood for a pint in a sunny beer garden, a glass of natural wine with creative small plates, or a handcrafted cocktail on an art-filled patio, Temescal offers something special. These eight bars are worthy of a stop on your next Temescal Bar Crawl.
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Visit this cozy hangout for craft cocktails, comfort bites and a look through its curated bookstore. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
1. North Light | 4915 Telegraph Ave.
This cozy bar joined the Temescal scene in early 2019. Relax inside, chill on the plant-filled back patio under the retractable roof or enjoy the breezy parklet with top-notch drinks and snacks, like umami tots and pulled pork sandwiches. One of the things that makes North Light unique — aside from the tasty espresso martinis and whiskey sours — is the onsite bookstore curated by Bay Area authors and artists.
Don’t miss inventive martinis and creative hot dogs at this cool neighborhood bar. Photo courtesy of The Oaklandside (Carla Hernandez Ramirez).
2. Tallboy | 4210 Telegraph Ave.
Head to this Temescal bar for ‘tinis and weenies, and stay a while. Rumor has it that the martini originated from Martinez during the Gold Rush days, and this East Bay spot does them right, offering over a dozen varieties on their menu. You can also order hot dogs, like “The Classic,” or something more creative, like the “Cheese in the Trap.” Think dogs with spicy kimchi, aioli, scallions, sesame and American cheese.
Head to 51 & Tel for a friendly atmosphere, local art and cocktails on the patio. Photo courtesy of Eater.
3. 51 & Tel | 5018 Telegraph Ave.
51 & Tel is a laid-back yet stylish cocktail bar in Temescal from brothers Benyam and Yonathan Yohannes, who grew up helping at their family’s Ethiopian restaurant, Asmara, conveniently located right next door. They’ve transformed the former bar space into a fresh and friendly spot. The outdoor patio showcases local art and live music nights, and the drink menu ranges from creative cocktails to mocktails, wine and beer.
You'll love this dive bar with pool tables, a jukebox and laid-back vibes at The Avenue. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
4. The Avenue | 4822 Telegraph Ave.
The Avenue gives the term “dive bar” a new meaning. The vibe at this rocker haunt is totally laid-back and welcoming. There are pool tables, a fireplace in the back room lounge and plenty of PBR. The dark space is the perfect escape from a sunny Oakland sky, and the décor includes skulls, a jukebox, a record wall, skateboards and a cabinet of curiosities.
Sip beers and share snacks in this bright, plant-filled microbrewery. Photo courtesy of Rose's Taproom.
5. Rose’s Taproom | 4930 Telegraph Ave.
Rose's Taproom, opened by two artists, is a cozy microbrewery on Temescal’s Telegraph Avenue known for its house-brewed beers and inviting atmosphere. Inside the airy, peach-colored and a plant-filled space, the rotating lineup of beers ranges from tropical IPA to lagers and amber ale. Can’t decide what to try? Order the four-beer flight special. Rose’s Taproom also serves wine, cocktails and mocktails. Shareable snacks include everything from tinned fish and sandwiches to charcuterie boards.
Enjoy natural wines and seasonal small plates at Snail Bar. Photo courtesy of Resy.
6. Snail Bar | 4935 Shattuck Ave.
Snail Bar, a tiny yet vibrant natural wine bar in Oakland’s Temescal district, was created by chef Andres Giraldo Florez, whose résumé includes Michelin-starred kitchens like Saison and WD-50. Here, guests can sip orange wine by the glass alongside inventive small plates, such as bluefin crudo, oysters, crudités and, you guessed it — snails. The seasonal menu changes weekly, and the checkered-floor space provides a chic setting to savor and sip with friends.
Experience Oakland charm with shuffleboard, cold beers and a friendly crowd at Kingfish Pub & Café. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
7. Kingfish Pub & Café | 5227 Telegraph Ave.
A beloved Oakland institution since 1920, Kingfish Pub & Café is one of the oldest bars in the Bay Area. Originally located on Claremont Avenue, it faced demolition when the property was sold for a condo development — that is, until the owner saved it by relocating the entire building 35 yards to its current location on Telegraph Avenue, fully intact. Today, this no-frills local favorite retains its vintage charm, complete with shuffleboard, a jukebox and a cute outdoor patio.
Check out Temescal Brewery for easy-drinking craft beers and bites from rotating food trucks. Photo courtesy of Temescal Brewing.
8. Temescal Brewing | 4115 Telegraph Ave.
Founded by Sam Gilbert, Temescal Brewing is a bright 35-seat taproom and beer garden in the heart of Temescal. Known for its easy-to-drink, yet still complex beers — the brewery keeps its tap list fresh with constantly rotating selections. The sun-soaked patio out back is the place to be any night of the week. There are lots of food pop-ups and events, like Throwback Thursdays where you’ll hear old jams, catch cult classic flicks, and enjoy vintage pricing ($5 pilsners and $5 off pitchers). Rotating food trucks only add to the experience.
What's your favorite Temescal bar?
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by Nicole Findlay
Nicole Findlay is a Bay Area native. As a freelance journalist, she covers travel destinations all around the world, but her favorite place to write about is home.
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