DREXL

Dropped into this place to grab a few drinks before our show at the Fox theater and highly recommend. Great cocktails, local brews, and knowledgable bartenders. No food but you can bring your own, and the takeout from the thai place just down the street they recommended was amazing.

The drinks here are amazing. And the price point is right. My only suggestion - the description of the "Haiku to a Daquiry" should read: dark rum, scotch, rhubarb, dill syrup, basque chartreuse orgeat, mole, bitters lime

The beer menu on the wall is extremely dark. Add some lights or use brighter writing.

Nice bartenders, but the cocktails are poorly executed, and super inconsiderate host. Not a placed I’d recommend hanging out

This spot is the best bar in Oakland, Bob and Alex are legendary bartenders and the selection/options are awesome; if you're in Oakland make sure you stop by for a drink.

Decent drinks for the price. Some were a little too sweet for my liking. It tasted like I was drinking straight up sugar syrup with a hint of alcohol. Great environment to socialize with other people. Drinks did take a little longer to make. If you come a little later the bar clears out and you’ll have a space to hangout with friends.

Great ambience, skilled and personable bartenders, unique and tasty drinks! Definitely making a return trip on my next visit to Oakland.

The best bar in Oakland. Hands down! They will make you anything you can imagine. They have the best mixologists in town. There is no other cocktail bar where you can order literally any drink and they can make it for you. I ordered an “amaro cocktail” and they gave me something that tasted like limoncello but is WAY better than limoncello. 10/10 we come here every week.

I had an amazing cocktail made by Marguerite! Don't ask me what it was besides tasty, smooth, creamy and strong! The bartenders are super helpful in helping you find your "something". It's a super dim, chill place with a good mix of industry professionals to vibe with in downtown Oakland.

Awesome bar in Oakland that has happy hour from 4 to 6 PM, where all menu items are one dollar off. They have really fun, cocktails with different bases depending on your preference. I went with a Kentucky meringue, which is a perfect in-between for sweet and strong. This is like a whiskey sour without the egg white, and also had additional ingredients such as watermelon, honey, and hazy IPA. They also have craft beer on tap, as well as wine for those who are wine drinkers. They have seating downstairs as well as an upstairs area. Aesthetics is nice, a little dark and intimate, but once people started coming in it became livelier. Definitely give this a try if you're looking for a happy hour with great cocktails.

I am giving a 3 because the end result of the night was not a complete disaster, but it got bad enough for us to leave our drinks (first drink) behind and leave as felt threatened but some patron that seems to have been regulars there from the way they were chatting it up with the bartenders. Based only on that part of the experience and how that was "handled" or lack of thereof I would have given a zero and I see in a recent unrelated review that is not uncommon there. Drinks were well done, liked the atmosphere and the music but there is NO way I am ever going back no matter what and I would never recommend this place to anyone. There are plenty of places to go to with good company and have a fun night. I do not need to look over my shoulder when I go out with friends, this place is certainly not for me. Please reconsider how you supervise what is going on at your business for the safety of everyone.

Great bar. Drinks are so creative and tastes great!!! The bartenders are always so welcoming and accommodating to the customers needs. All staff are helpful and make you want to keep coming back.

Came across this bar and David is the best bartender ever! He was able to curate a cocktail that was in my taste palette and had amazing service! I love this place!

Love this place. From the vibe to the bartenders. The owners make you feel at home. Parking is great too.

Great drinks great ambience legit service would definitely go to multiple times a month!

The ambiance was cute, but staff wasn't very friendly and the signature drinks we had were pretty bad...maybe just an off night for the bartenders.

Came here several times, its always been fun. Good service and nice atmosphere (it's pretty dark tbh). Drinks have always been good but I've never tried the food. Skeeball and disco upstairs and the door guy's always sharp

I was just there for a beer and the bartender was mad cool. I also had one of the best sours I've ever had.

Artisan craft cocktails! Great vibe! Deluxe menu. Nice backyard! Close to 19th St BART & the Fox theater.

I come up from San Jose to this place all the time. Definitely a spot worth visiting when in the area. The ambiance is chill, everyone is friendly. The drinks are constantly rotating and are top notch. Above all there's the awesome and amazing Bob: super friendly, really knows his stuff and makes the best drinks known to man. Highly recommended

Hadn't been here in quite some time but having said that the drinks were and are always on point ! This is an especially chill spot to hangout, grab a few drinks and enjoy the cool vibes.

Came after the black joy parade.. not many places were open which I dnt blame them ... after seeing Ashanti a friend and I didn't want to end the night so we came here to have a few drinks.. nice ambiance high ceilings nice decor and good music.. I'm sold... we sat at the bar.. I look over and see my favorite bartender . Yes Now I'm excited cuz I know I'm going to have some great drinks..(I'm not supposed to be drinking) but owell.. definitely coming back .. it was a good way to end a long day

Excellent Craft Cocktails at resealable prices. Knowledgeable and friendly Bartenders. Bob was the best.

Cute spot with happy hour. Nice vibes, comfy booths, good music, tasty wine and beers on tap. 10/10 for a local place to chill and work.

The bartenders here are the best. They were so personable and they answered all of our questions without skipping a beat. The cocktail menu is creative and unique but there is also a full bar so they can make almost any cocktail. There is outdoor seating with heat lamps to keep you warm on a chilly Oakland night. Another plus is that there is plenty of street parking around the venue. I definitely recommend stopping by, especially if you want to catch up with friends and actually be able to hear them. It's located near a few popular restaurants so it's also a great spot before or after dinner.

Haven't been to Drexy on a minute. First stop with my bestie for her bday. Bar hopping till who knows when . But $5 skee ball? Come onnnnnn. Drinks are amazeballs

Cool, chilled out cocktail bar with a nice interior decor and A chilled out outdoor sitting. The cocktails were a bit hit and miss though

Drexl, you sexy little thang, you! What a beautiful little bar with the most chill and relaxing vibes! I remember coming here some years back while bar hopping with friends one night. We were pretty toasted, so I couldn't remember the name of the place and was never able to find it after that. Fast forward to now, and I've been reunited! As soon as I walked in, my eyes lit up. This was that bar that I had been searching for. It's tucked away in Uptown right off of 19th street. I absolutely love the vibes here! It's super low key and intimate. It's a great little place to get away and escape the overcrowded Oakland bar scene. Now, don't get me wrong; this place does have its' busy nights. But you'll never have to push and shove your way through people to get to the bar. It's dark and classy with a gorgeous glowing bar! There's an adorable little lounge area upstairs with comfortable sofas and a few old school games. The atmosphere is kind of speakeasy-ish. They play great music here too! The crowd is mixed and everybody comes to truly just have a good time. The bartenders are really cordial. They have a fairly decent beer and wine menu available but their cocktails are where it's at. They make some bomb ass craft cocktails! Their cocktail list rotates but it's easy to find something that you'll like. I love watching the bartenders making drinks here because they're so passionate in their craft. I should also mention that the drinks are pretty strong. Sorry in advance for those super blurry menu pics.... your girl was pretty buzzed! I haven't been here for happy hour but the drinks are a bit on the pricey side. If you're planning on coming here outside of happy hour, be ready to shell out some serious cash! Aside from the high price points, this bar is golden! I will definitely be back again and I can't wait to check them out during happy hour.

I've only been coming here since the pandemic, but it's now my favorite go-to local place. I like that they seem to be open in the evening whenever I'm out, and if you go during the week, parking is super-easy on 19th Street! Bundle up in the winter! It's an old building so the ceilings are high and it's definitely cold inside. Fortunately, I happened to ask if they could make a hot drink, and the bartender offered a hot toddy which wasn't on the menu. She made it with rum, lemon, ginger and chamomile liqueurs, and fresh cinnamon and star anise. I don't know if this is a past drink from their menu, but I recommend they add it until it warms up!

TL;DR: avoid the buff bartender. he needs less time in the gym and more time in therapy. Walked into this bar because I needed the Wifi to work. Pull out your phone and it'll say "Drexl Free Wifi" as a connection option. Sit down, order a spicy cocktail and try to connect to the internet so I can work at this bar which clearly showcases its Wifi. (Evident by the name "Drexl Free Wifi") Discover that the Wifi isn't working. I ask the bartender if maybe he can reset the router really quickly. He says he doesn't know how. He's a grown man. Anyway, no wifi, no reason for me to be at THIS bar when if i wanted to get drunk, I could drink ANYWHERE. I chose this bar because the Wifi. Full stop. So, i tell the bartender that I won't be staying here, because whats the point if i can't work? MIND YOU I NEVER TOUCHED THE DRINK. He proceeds to try to guilt trip me into paying for the drink and his body language was less than cordial. Telling me how hard it was for him to make this drink and it was sitting there a whole 5 minutes, boo hoo. He proceeds to 86 me for life, FOR THIS ONE DRINK, and puts his camera phone in my face to record the experience. If i didnt know he was trying to humiliate me, I would have been humiliated. What blows my mind is his little smirk when he saw how uncomfortable I was with having his camera in my face... almost like he got off on making other people feel small. Later that night I spent over $100 at Cafe Van Kleef and Make Westing: two vastly superior establishments. Moral of the story: 86ing someone over one drink when your wifi isn't working is really bad for business.

Drexl Bar is a nice cocktail bar in downtown Oakland with a festive menu. The bartenders are super sweet and can always whip up something fun if you can't decide what you want. The ambiance is cool, there's 2-levels which makes it feel pretty open. Good place for Happy Hour vibes.

Loved the vibe in this bar. Very laid back, off the main foot traffic path. Great service, reasonably priced drinks, and good ambiance.

I can comfortably say that this is my favorite bar in Oakland. I make it a point to always bring friends here who have never been, I love introducing people to this gem. The downstairs has a small selection of tables and the upstairs has some seating as well as a skiballl machine. There is typically always a dj each time I've gone as well. Good for small groups or couples. The bar is beautiful and the drink Menu is delicious, the bartenders are skilled and are always willing to make you something unique based on your taste.

Great cocktails, fabulous service, cool vibe. The outdoor patio with heat lamps and rugs provides a cozy scene. Dog friendly. Bring in your own food.

Friendly vibes, the kind of place you can chat with with the staff at the bar or find a quiet corner for a date or catch up with friends. Open late, reasonably priced, great drinks and an Oakland staple. One of my go-to places.

I've been hitting up a few of these local bars lately, thanks to my date. Nice location in the heart of downtown Oakland. Perfect for an after work happy hour crowd. There was a big party going on upstairs when we arrived but they was a nice little booth in the front that we got cozy at and spent the evening enjoying one another's company at. The drinks seem to be reasonably priced, I was on a date so I didn't pay but he didn't complain lol The music was like a flashback to 80s rock/pop which wasn't really my thing hence the drop in star but oversell the bar staff was accommodating, walking by regularly to see if our glasses were empty and also getting your drinks refilled. If the music changed to a more soulful playlist this could be a spot I frequent. They have an upstairs area and two unisex bathrooms. If you're being a sober Sam or Sandy for the evening they have a pitcher of water and cups to the left of the bar at your disposal.

UPDATE: ask for a grapefruit beer! You won't be disappointed! I probably spend way to much time here but it's all worth it. At first I didn't want to go because I'm basically a cheap date when it comes to liquor. That and the fact I'm usually stuck in my ways and takes me a while to try something new. But here... they will make you try something new. I first ventured into Drexl for a co-workers birthday bash and I've been hooked ever since. Atmosphere: dark and intimate. Even though it can get a tad bit loud I've spotted a couple making out in the corner. There's plenty of seating complete with comfortable couches including upstairs or downstairs seBeautiful wood grain accents and plenty of standing room if needed. It's basically an upscale bar with the home like feeling of a dive bar. Perks: ski ball and old school pac man. Sometimes they hold tournaments and if you talk to the owner he's usually more than happy to host different parties and events. Staff: definitely a mixed crew. Multiple races and personalities. Bathrooms: pretty clean. I love a bar with a clean bathroom. Liquor: reasonable prices but you aren't going to find your average Jack Daniel's here. You might on occasion but they stick to liquors you aren't going to find at your local liquor store. Would I go back? Yes! Ten times over. If Howie or Cesar is working you will have a great night! If you want to laugh they will laugh with you! If you want to be left alone they will quietly check on you.

Stopped by after Oakland First Friday. It was busy. Nowhere to sit, and not much room to stand either. We ubered to First Friday and walked here, so I'm not sure how parking is. The bar itself, is nice. It's 2 stories, but the 2nd floor is a very small space with a few couches, small standing/dancing area with a DJ. Nowhere to sit so we went back downstairs. Stood around. Got bumped into a lot. The drinks were pretty good at decent prices. $9 for a moscow mule, not bad. It was busy, so it took about 15 minutes each round, waiting at the bar to order drinks. There's an "express lane" if you're just getting beer/wine. I thought that was a cool concept, however, that line was pretty long so not sure how fast it moves. Overall, Drexl is pretty cool and I'd come back again, but would definitely try to score an area with seats.

Met a friend for drinks at this bar and was not disappointed. The bartender Khalil was amazing and even made a specialized drink for me. It was THE BOMB! Nice vibe and ambience overall.

Wow, not sure why this bar has a low rating. This place is dope! It has a chill vibe and doesn't get overly crowded. The staff are all very friendly. There's an upstairs with some tables and a single skee-ball machine. On weekends, the music is old school hip-hop and maybe some soft rock. While any bar is pretty casual, this cocktail bar is a little more grown & sexy, but don't feel pressured to dress to the T, it's not THAT kind of place. It looks like a bar all the new techies would go to (if that's your thing or not). Their cocktails are pretty and taste good. They have tvs so they do play Warrior games here. I don't think they have food service here though. Although there's no dance floor, don't let that stop you from dancing in the middle of the bar, totally acceptable. I like this place to start off my night. It's a little more intimate than other bars like Mad Oak, Drakes, etc.

If your looking for a bar with great cheap drinks (both price and selection) then Drexl is the place to go. Its fairly spacious (upstairs and downstairs) and can get really crowded on Fridays. I tried to reserve a space for a small/medium get together but was unsuccessful via email. I get that running a business can be busy at times but communication sometimes makes or breaks businesses... When we arrived that night the space i wanted to reserve was completely empty, we were able to fit most of our guest upstairs so i guess it all worked out for the best! (Im glad we came early because the crowed turned up real quick!) The bartenders were nice and social, the drinks were cheap and the venue reminded me of a chill bar/lounge in SF. One of the staff pretended to take a shot with my group (even tho i knew it was water in his glass) but way to be social with your guest! Minus one star for the miscommunication but i will definitely be back since my party had a great time IN OAKLAND with no issues, just great memories! Go check them out.. Hidden gem in OAK!

This place likes its rating is exactly what I think this should be rated, 3.5 stars. Like my posts in the past, anytime I am on the fence on my ratings I round up. I came here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday at 9pm. We arrived early closer to 8:45pm, parking wasn't too difficult at this time. There is a good amount two blocks away from Broadway on Harrison St. Around the parking there was parking a plenty, although there isn't too much light around that area and there was a lot of construction when we went. Once getting to the bar we found it not being too crowded - not surprising for this time. There wasn't even a bouncer yet, just two bartenders and about 10 people around the bar tops. Nice. Around 10ish someone comes to check ID and things start to really happen. More people come in, but there is still a good amount of space for everyone. This place is on the more modern side, dark, yet well lit for a bar. There a few bar tops to sit and a long bar to hangout at. On the first floor there are three couches along with some tables to sit. Upstairs there is even more seating. Everything is open seating. Onto the nitty gritty. The drinks. Wasn't impressed. Considering everything they put on the menu I thought their mixology would be a lot better. Drinks were not made well, maybe that's just how they make drinks. I got something like the eye of the tiger - similar to the Manhattan - but it was not good. My wife got something a little tangy, it was better but still not great. The glasses are oddly shaped, especially for the whiskey tasting. It was $21 for three flights and the glasses are large, which makes the amount of whiskey poured appear to be quiet small. It's probably around a shot, but it sure looked like a sip. Overall this place was nice to go to. It was never packed. Drinks could be better.

Came recently on a Monday night. I love that they are open on Mondays! Friendly bar staff, spacious seating and even a back patio. Definitely enjoyed the experience.

This place is a disaster.The drinks are ok but the ambiance and the bartenders are the worst . The bartenders are rude and dismissive, including the owner Alex . They completely ignored their customers and always look annoyed even after purchasing a few drinks .I've heard they have racists tendencies as well and I'm not surprised at all.

Always good cocktails and the bartenders are friendly. Eclectic mix of people. Great place to chill

Very good drink selection, creative bartenders also informative. Service is good. Good vibes, there's usually always a pretty good DJ. Upstairs and downstairs seating. I believe they set up tables outside too depending on weather.

Nice bar and good drinks. I just hate that they need to hold a credit card. Never liked that. Do like the style and look. Will come back.

My daughter had her wedding reception at Drexl. The bartenders were helpful and hospitable. The cocktails at this bar were amazing! Watching them make the cocktails was entertaining as well. Great minds think alike so the variety of people attending was fun! Will definitely return. Drexl would be my "watering hole" if I lived in the Bay Area. Great place!

Went out with friends from work a while back. I liked this place for a casual get together. Nice sitting area upstairs to chill with friends. I would go back for sure.

Came here at 1am.. Had good drinks, fun vibes . Fun bartenders. Had too much fun here, albeit it was brief because closing time!

I always meet interesting people here, and the cocktails and barstaff are excellent. Plus, who can resist a place with a skeeball machine? So glad I live close enough to drop in here rather often.

Drinks are over priced and and customer service is even worse. Save your money and spend it at better places near by.

Fantastic bar with cocktails that are worth checking out. Bartenders are easy going and great company. We showed up early on a Saturday and Khalil hooked us up nicely. My wife ordered the 'Shortstop from Jalisco' and the 'Magnolias and Machetes'. I ordered the 'Roughneck Philosophy' and the 'Strange Arithmetic'. Based on these alone... I can't wait to come back for more! COME HERE!!

Drexl is a great bar, chill vibe, decent beers & prices. You know what slightly bothers me? Their pours aren't the sizes they claim to be, and in fact, it's the glass sizes that are too small. My buddy ordered a 16oz can. When he poured it into the supposed 17oz glasses they serve tap beers in, it didn't all fit. This was a cider, so it wasn't a matter of carbonation or head. Would be 5 stars if their glasses were accurate.

Leaving Drexl's right now and couldn't wait to write this review. Everything was going relatively well until the RUDE female bartender poured us cheap drinks and tried to pass it off as the premium drinks we ordered. To make things worse, she passed the blame on to us and had us kicked out when we called her out on it! Having helped run a family business myself, this is NOT the way to run a business: slow service, continue to employ rude bartenders (as other Yelpers have mentioned), and serve poor quality drinks to make a higher profit margin. I will not support such a business and regret spending money here at all. Please do not waste your time or money. There are plenty of other cute bars in Oakland to enjoy.

Who wouldn't love a bar where the bartenders can make a drink that you are imagining? Not just that, describe a feeling - like how it feels after rain in a meadow, and they will make a drink for you based on that... fancy huh? Reallly good place, with good bartenders and great beer!! I am going back for the pacman machine they have upstairs!! Up top

This is a cozy place and gets busy by 5pm and is within walking distance from my work. The front serves hot dogs, jam sandwiches, and few selection of small bites. Drinks are $1 off during happy hours. Upstair feels like a college lounge with PAC-Man machines and skid balls. I ordered a hot dog with two glasses of wine. The hot dog had interesting compliments of earthy beans with mushrooms mixed with some tasty seasoning herbs which made the hot dog more interesting. My colleague had a jam grilled sandwich with an interesting fillings aside from jam. She could not tell what that was, but only knew it was favorable. We were there on a business mixer, but would go back after hours for different choices of drinks and food.