North Light

"North Light, a cocktail bar with a wood-walled patio, opened in Oakland in 2019. Books suggested by authors like Samin Nosrat (whose cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat won a James Beard Award); Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma; travel writer Pico Iyer; and musician Patti Smith line shelves and are all for sale. The most popular cocktail, Furtive Glance, combines mezcal, melon liqueur, lime juice, and mint leaves." - Sharon McDonnell

"It’s easy to get distracted by all the wonderful non-cocktail bits of North Light: there’s the book section, the charmingly lo-fi scratchiness of records played over the speakers, plus the cozy barside and patio out back. But the drinks at North Light are their own worthy reason to stop in, with a bar menu put together by a team that obviously loves experimenting with flavors. Most of the drinks come with a strong spirits backbone then expand into unusual ingredients, such as the Jaguar Shark cocktail, made with whisky, lemon, egg white, orgeat, orange curacao, toasted sesame oil, and squid ink. Given the menu, the bartenders are unsurprisingly not afraid to try something new on customers, if you ask politely." - Dianne de Guzman, Ellen Fort

"Sure, it’s easy to get distracted by the book section or the bar seating next to the record player spinning Shannon and the Clams, or whatever happens to be playing that night. But if you venture past the teal-tiled bar, you’ll find the door to a cute, covered patio, perfect for small groups. Order one of the bar’s latest drinks or order a small snack. Reservations for the patio are available to guarantee a seat." - Eater Staff

"This cozy bar joined the Temescal scene in early 2019, and while it’s no longer an all-day cafe as when it first opened, it still serves as a one-stop shop for top-notch drinks accompanied by snacks like umami tots and gemelli pasta with mushrooms, ricotta, and tomatoes, as well as books, records, and art. There’s also an outdoor courtyard and parklet seating, as well as a monthly drag brunch to enjoy." - Eater Staff

"Not only can you snag an affordable batch of quality cocktails to go at Oakland cafe and bar North Light, you can grab books, records, and even art. Those auxiliary offerings, alone, make it a standout, but let’s talk booze first: multi-drinker margs, Moscow mules, and daiquiris go for $25, a bargain given the care with which they’re crafted." - Eater Staff