Dive Bars in Oakland

The dive bar has to be the best possible way to get to know a city. All the frills and distractions are pulled away, revealing what's truly underneath. Most people seem to have a story about accidentally wandering into a dive at some point their lives, and this story often begins with fear and doubt. After getting past the inevitable knickknacks on the walls, the Christmas lights strung up in April, or perhaps even the doorless toilet stalls, dive bar stories—for those who stick it out—nearly always have happy endings. Oakland has more than its share of unique and pungent dives to choose from. From the infamous jukebox at George Kayne's to the unbelievable bargains found at Smitty's Cocktails, it's really difficult to go wrong when choosing the perfect Oakland dive bar.