Oaks Card Club

I was in sf for 3 days and was looking for a game. Chanced upon this place which is more than 100 years old (not always been a card club). Place is big and has limit and no limit games as well as other casino style games where you place against the house. For poker, rake is capped at 6$ and there are hourly high hand $100 and bad beat jackpots. I played no limit and two main games are available 1/2/3 or 2/3/5 where max cap is $500 and $1000 respectively. The first blind starts on button. Overall organisation of games and dealers were of good quality. 24 hour outfit and I went at all times and was always able to get a game. They have a bar and kitchen in house which is well stocked and prepares good snacks and Chinese food. All are chargeable. Areas of improvement : place could use some remodeling (it’s old), and maybe some complimentary free drinks like water would be nice.

Most of my past experiences here had been decent, however just recently I had been playing blackjack and hit for blackjack twice and they didn't want to pay me my 6:5. I didn't notice it right away yet days later I had realized my money was short for what I had originally met and won. I returned to the card room to speak to a manager who was very short and antsy with me. He refused to listen to what I had to say and would not even take a moment to review the camera footage from just a few days prior to this event of when I came in to demand the rest of my winnings. If I do ever return here again to gamble I'm going to clean them out no mercy.

Great place. Exciting. The staff are the very best. Clean and well run. It has been there for decades and will be for many more.

Pretty nice. Has some of the basics, but no food and no digital screen showing the board. Can straddle from any position. Feels like how it is- it's more like a small town card house than a big city casino.

Best staff and atmosphere emeryville can offer. Whether you want to eat some delicious asian or american food or have a drink at the bar with our wonderful bartender, jorge, a America or john EITHER WAY, IT GOES, THEY WILL TREAT YOU LIKE THEY'VE KNOWN YOU FOREVER. IF YOU LIKE TO GAMBLE, SIT DOWN AT THE CARD TABLES AND HUSTLE ALL NIGHT LONG.

Nice place. Friendly staff. No table service though. Lots of games going on so it was easy to get on a table fairly quickly.

Good entertainment. And good food as well.

Very old and dated room. Dirty carpets and tables. Depressing atmosphere.

Great place to play hold'em if you ever have an itch. People here aren't afraid to bet their life savings. I wish they still had 1-2 limit though.

Worst place. They don't card you at the entrance, my husband banned his name from all casinos and they let him in and once he started winning the management would start crowing around his table and when he won and went to retrieve his money then they would say that he can't because he banned himself but how contradicting of them because they let him in and spend money

limited food service is back. Pleasant dining area and a nice place to take a break. 1-2-3 and 2-3-5 NL often with a winner's straddle. 4-8 Limit holdem and sometimes a 6-12 Omaha 8. During mid-day usually 6 to 8 tables going. Pretty good drop structure, $5 with $1 promotion drop. "No flop, no drop" and reduced rake when table is short handed.

Oaks Card Club bar and food OPEN again!! Good service at the bar and the food was great! There's a variety dishes from BLT with fries, salad, chicken wings, chicken enchiladas and beef chow fun (option to add egg on top), also pastries. Everyone had such good energy talking about "back in the days" and of course good ol football! We'll definitely be back

I don't recall ever seeing a more miserable bartender. I was so happy to have drinks served again but I felt like she sure didn't want to be there. I asked her if her back hurt because she had a brace on and her answer was no. Sothat is not the reason for being a b"tch I guess.

They have incompetent employees... first off Im drinking and the dealer said I pushed so I picked up my money and left to the next table and then the manager comes up and said I had lost after I picked up my money and left to another table. Like how is it your dealer don't know how to play a game that they are dealing and make a mistake... and come at me like I'm drinking and they should not say I pushed so I pick up my money and go next table and they ask me for my money when it's the dealers fault for calling the play and I'm drunk and I take the dealer word for it and the manager comes and says they fucked up. They should be ones in the wrong

don't even bother. highly unprofessional org. wasn't carded walking in. staff is rude. management/dealers have no sense of customer service. If you want to lose money and be treated like a sub human. Come here.

Rude person on the microphone with attitude and very unfriendly - might not want to come back again. Also they no longer serve food here anymore. I had to walk across the street for Panda Express.

As a first time customer. My experience was amazing. I went to the bar to have a drink and was greeted with a smile from Savannah. The bar top was lively with plenty of friendly patrons. Savannah gave us a great recommendation with the Mongolia beef rice plate with a fried egg on top. For two people with drinks we spent 60 dollars. It was very affordable. There were managers around consistently checking on people. I would definitely come again.

Dirty asf. No food. Community is low quality, rude. Stinky dusty. better off going to California casino. At least you can get an ice water while you are winning some and losing some.

Good card room for hold 'em, old school, plenty of tables. Security outside is good. If you're in the east bay this is where you go to play honest hold 'em.

The dealers make a lot of mistakes. They also make big decisions when they should call the floor. When players are heated and they call the floor, the floor comes over and cracks jokes. Floor decisions are regularly inconsistent. Floorman P solicits tips. The nighttime floorman throws players out if they curse- I'm talking the S- word here! This was one one of the best rooms in California- known to all and frequented by many. Now it's a dump run by people who don't care. Plus, you can't even get water! The place sucks.

First time here...5p.m. Monday evening Great place to have a few cold ones and watch the game...thatz exactly what I did..dont gamble much but the card room was packed...I chilled at the bar with the regulars...gotta lot of info from the long time veterans of the bar...Food looks really good...review to come

This is a card club? This place is a joke, went here on a Saturday morning expecting to play poker. Very few tables going the atmosphere is 1960's. Old carpet out dated tables no drinks served. For a place to stay and enjoy an afternoon of poker this is not the place to be.

It is what it is . Its a Card Club that's open 24 Hrs . Tons of sketchy Characters , Thugs , Degenerate Gamblers and just plan old Regular Folk. What it does have is a 24 Hr Diner located inside the Card Club. It serves Chinese Food and American Diner Fair . I stopped by to visit one of my sidekicks Mob Deep and decided to get a Rib eye Steak and Eggs Breakfast . As with most Gambling Joints Cash Only . The Breakfast was pretty Tasty the Steak was Perfectly cooked as were the Eggs . When I tipped my Waitress she thanked me and Bowed with Respect . I got a kick out of that at 3AM in the Morning . Be Careful in the Parking Lot ,Don't get caught slipping .

Dated interior and takes $1 collection on blackjack. $1 collection is ridiculous and a blackjack is only 6/5.

Great action, fun place to play. I wish they served drinks at the table so I would not have to leave the table and go to 7-11 for water and coffee.

Best action in all of emeryville. I don't even know what I'm doing but I win 8/10 times I come. The dealers are great the food is amazing. The drinks are amazing. The homeless people are friendly. When I get mugged outside it's great. I love it. It's like I'm donating to a crack house. God bless.

It is what it is. 5 stars Tighter than lucky chances but really varies across tables. Drinks service is kinda slow

Just an absolute shithole of a place. Seedy, rude people(patrons). Staff is okay. Think they have fleas in the joint. Beers at the table are $6. Everywhere else is $1 or free. (Hint hint they want you to get drunk so you play loose and lose...).

One of my favorite card rooms in the whole Bay Area. Great action, fun atmosphere, and good parking. The charm comes from continuing to come here, as the employees are really cool and environment has to be felt to be properly appreciated. Bruno is awesome and plenty of other people there whose names I forget. Absolutely the spot to go, as I live really close to the California Grand, but hate their horrific wait times. Oaks is way better about that, with the ability to call in and even place your name in online.

Ok for poker. Security gaurd are asshole.

My favorite restaurants are closing.... what a cub do??? I found a new home! Been 4 times in two weeks actually. 1. Jorge (bartender) = efficient, friendly, affordable, delicious, charming....great dude with great recommendations. My wife and I ordered a Bloody Mary and he suggested using gin instead of vodka. Excellent choice! The bloody mix was everything I enjoy Spicy, not too tomatoey, lime, pickled green beans, 1 olive. Simple and delicious. A plus, sir. Took me back to my New Orleans days. 2. The ever impressive menu. I was a little overwhelmed reading the board so my buddy , Chicara and I sat at the bar and watched what others were ordering. Lots of regulars here. Most come to play cards. Eating is my thing. So, I asked the security guy what his favorite thing was, then Jorge, then observed other patrons. What did I select?? The Thursday special "taco plate" and chicara got the corned beef plate with mashed potatoes. Both of us were stoked! The corned beef was tender and as close to Brennan's as you can get. And... my taco plate was as close to Mexicali Rose as I wanted. 2 of my favorite spots wrapped into 1. And.. about $10 cheaper! Cha Ching baby Next day, Woke up to an "Oakes?" Text from Chicara. Guess who's back on friday? We is! This time I went Vietnamese menu. The menu is on paper at the end by the cashier. We sat down at bar, Jorge welcomed us back, enjoyed a frosted glass PBR and I ordered the pork chop, grilled spicy shrimp combo plate. Chicara got the turkey dinner. Both were amazing! My combo plate came with a side of fish sauce, spicy pepper sauce and a giant scoop of rice. Loved it! Chicara barely spoke until his turkey and stuffing was gone. 3. Another Jorge recommendation... order from him at the bar, he will help time the food and the bill can all be tied into one transaction. Unlike Brennan's policy of bar/ restaurant separate tabs. Another winning move, Oakes. 4. Coconut Catfish Clay pot ....boney but extremely flavorful, fresh cilantro, pickled onions, lots of sauce. So good. My wife ordered the corned beef plate and it was as good as the week before. Impressed again Can't wait to go back. So much on the menu. Everything is around $10 5. Two parking lots of FREE parking 6. People have been nice ...Every time I've been. 7. Lots of TVs if you are into Sports. The had the dubs game on last night. Couldn't think of a better place to watch Klay Thompson break the 3pt record. Had some yummy wings and a bite of a $7 burger. Please stay in business for ever Oakes. New regular

Great staff, great games, great giveaways. The Oaks has been a great place to play poker since I first started going there in 1990. The dealers are among the best, the floor people do a solid job, and the action in the games is generally pretty good. The mood is better here than most card clubs, with more smiles and jokes from players and staff than your average joint. Lately they've been giving away $100 or more for the highest hand every 30 minutes, along with weekly drawings for many thousands of dollars. The food servers are attentive and the food is reasonably priced and most dishes are available 24/7.

I went into this casino to play one of there card games I've been losing at the game in the same spot for all most an hour the lady that was playing with me in that spot left another man comes in sit down right in the same spot waited for the bank to come around an took the bank from me out of nowhere this is unfair how they allow people to pass the seats to whoever they want when other people that been waiting there should have first opportunity at the seat

I spent close to six hrs today at this casino and wish to express my positive response.. having had an unpleasant experience t the Grand casino in Pacheco, Ca recently,, the Oaks was a pleasant change..for example..the pit guys were clear on waiting time for a 2-3-5 table and gave me the option of playing 1-2-3 until the other table.was open. I actually had fun at that table..most important. I kept be looking for a means of obtaining water from a closed bottle. Eventually, a pit boss gave me a bottle with no need for monies. EVERYONY ONE WAS FRIENDLY including the other gamblers. I won some and lost some..over-all I will ko back for more fun..Thanks ya all

Never a spectacular place but since COVID they are operating on A bare minimum level. No food, drinks. Only limit game offered now is 6-12. They may have 1 or 2 no limit games going. Barely anyone in there. You'd expect that would make them increase their level of customer service to keep the small amount of patrons they have but no, they are the same rude, dismissive, aholes they have been since time immemorial.

Best poker room on the planet! I only have a chance to play a couple times a month. I live an exit away from California Grand Casino but I come the extra 20 miles to go here because of the incentives and conversation that I enjoy. They give away $100, $500, and $1000 every 30 minutes during a time window each day for the high hand. You tell me any other card room that has more of a competitive advantage than the Oaks?! They've given away 2 new jeeps since December. The 2nd jeep I had a chance to win but it wasn't my day. Play smart, play at the OAK$ and you won't regret it win or lose.

I've never gamed here as a destination. usually it's with friends who say: "try it. you'll like it." the last few times i came here was to look for co-workers who were overdue on their truck runs. invariably when i find them, most funds received by them were gone.

I started taking an interest in poker several months ago. I'm a nerd, I come from Magic: The Gathering and I've never been one for gambling. I take poker fairly seriously as a student of the game. This is more of a review for folks who are interesting in improving in cash games and wondering if Oaks is a good place for that. Some people say its sketchy here - sure, if you live in the hills or suburbs around Oakland/Berkeley or even further out from there, you're probably not used to seeing as many homeless people or interacting as much with lower income people who have different values than you. I don't really think its sketchy though, its just an urban city vibe that most of us city-dwellers are quite used to. Suffice to say as a West Oakland resident myself, I saw nothing out of the ordinary that made me feel threatened. I've played here for a while now. I play the 1/1/2 NL game a couple times a week for a few hours at a time, since Oaks is along the bike route home, I'll stop in for a game. There's a good number of gamblers at these tables who bet big on drawing hands. In general, playing a TAG strategy and picking your spots well will be profitable for you. People are generally good natured, often even when they lose. I've had very few negative interactions here and I've found myself becoming friendly with people whom I'd never have a pretext to meet in my day to day life. The dealers are friendly and often chatty between hands, and most tables I've played at have been action packed with lots of table talk. If you're looking for a "Casino experience" I think you should head elsewhere. This isn't a premier "experience" type of place. Its a room to play cards in. As far as rooms to play cards in go, I don't think you can really do much better. The people are good, the action is good, and you can get a beer at your table for six bucks while you're at it. I don't think you're too often running into extremely skilled cash players here, however, if you're looking for a place to have a decently hourly, get reps in, and meet some interesting folks, I highly recommend Oaks. I'm a simple guy who loves to play poker, and this is a simple room, one I imagine I'll be returning to in the very near future.

Should be called "watching monkeys try and fuck a football", or "assholes with too much money who couldn't calculate pot odds with and a super computer". Having played here for almost 20years, watching the new brand of "poker payer" is physically sickening. Most players are at best less than 2 years in. At worst you have morons with too much money. Long game means lots of money for those willing to struggle through the mud. I personally think there should be an IQ test to open the front door. Go somewhere else. California grand, lucky chances, or bay 101. Save your money when playing against idiots with deep pockets

If you not a gambler (and have no intentions of becoming on), then you'll probably drive by this place and not think twice. Yes, the parking lot is really sketchy (especially after dark). Yes, there are tons of seedy characters milling around. And yes, Emeryville does not scream "place to hang out" except to hang around Bay Street or Ikea. But despite the outward appearances, this place isn't that bad. The food is pretty good and not overprices. Make sure you bring cash, though. Also, if you stay late, Emeryville has a law that shuts down all alcohol sales after 2 AM. This includes any drinks already served. If you've ordered a drink at last call, make sure it's down before the witching hour. Otherwise, the staff will be forced to take it, empty or not. For the poker players reading this, this is my preferred place to play poker in the East Bay. There are plenty of tables spreading different limits, as low as $1-$2 limit. I usually stick to the $100 or $200 max spread limit games, as the rake won't kill you. Also, the main jackpot will max out at $50,000 for having any quads cracked. The tournament structure is OK, though only 20 or 25 minute levels. The Oaks does have tournaments 5 days a week, which draws in plenty of players.

My Review here is mainly for the food :) I have come on many occasions, mainly on drunken nights where i'm tricked into coming here with the boys lol. On some nights, I will play a little pai gow poker tiles. I used to win here and there, but mainly now I loose every time, so I no longer choose to play here. The dealers are nice and still recognize me and will greet me when they see me. The servers come around often and say hello every time they see me too. The service here is friendly! If you have been here before, you will know what I mean when I say, "SEEEERRRVICEEEE!!!" Now.. the best part of this place.. the FOOD! I have yet to come here sober, but each and every time I come here, My drunken appetite is always satisfied. I usually get the Duck won ton soup with only wontons, no noodles. The flavor of the soup broth is really unique, and the wontons are delish too. The fried rice is bursting with flavor, If I don't have room for it, I will order it to go. And no drunken meal is complete without an order of CHEESE FRIES! Yummy in my tummy each and every time I come here! My goal is to come here sober at least once!

For many year's I've driven on San Pablo and have passed the Oak's Card Club. For a long time, I've wanted to go into a card club or casino and play the Texas Hold'em Poker tables but I've been rather intimidated. On a whim, last Friday, I went there with a good friend who gave me a tour of the place. As shown in the picture, you'll see a pit of about 40-50 tables. The poker subculture is fascinating to me. When you walk in, everyone at every table will stare yah down. That poker stare to obtain any info on you. Maybe they all were just staring off listlessly. In order to play poker, you have talk to a table monitor who has a a list of tables open for play. His list is divided by the type of poker game (Texas Hold'em, Stud, Omaha, etc.). In a Hold'em game, it's pretty standard. Pre-flop and flop bets are between $0.50 and $100 depending on how much you wanna gamble. And on the turn and river, you're looking at $1 up to $200. There isn't "no limit" except during weekly tournaments. Usually, if you get there at around 10-11pm, you're looking at a 1 hour wait on the $1/$2 tables. I lost my "poker playing virginity" and dared to play on the $3/$6 tables. If you play tight, you're gonna come out a winner unless you have bad luck. I had average cards and left winning $93.00 in 2 hours of play. The action at the table is fairly quick and the neighboring players and dealers are accomodating within reason. Don't be shy to ask questions and be weary of people trying to figure out an angle on how you play and bet. That means, from time to time, you should call a player's bluff. I had a two pair K's/J's and some nutcase had the nerve to raise my $6 bet another $6 when he had a measley 10,2 2-pair. That win was as easy as going to an atm machine. If you play sober and patiently, you're gonna make a lot of money here. I hear the food's not bad but when I play, I have no appetite. I might have a beer just to relax, but that's about it. Remember that while you play, keep your hands to yourself. Do not touch your face. And when you finish playing or break, wash your hands! You do not know what kind of filthy hands have touched the chips and cards you will have been holding! Sure the people seem a bit seedy. It's a gambling establishment so you're gonna see some shady looking people. But there are also professionals, old souls, gypsy looking dudes, Asian thugs, normal Asians, other thugs, but mostly males of all sorts of walks of life. It's not a social place in the "club sense." It's a very intuitive and serious, but polite environment. There's a tremendous amount of security and in fact, swearing is not allowed at the tables. Again, the parking lot is pretty secure too. While playing, do not feel shy about leaving at anytime. I kind of felt guilty walking away with people's money. But they didn't care. They were too focused on winnin' the next pot. I had fun here so I expect to come here again sometime.

I came in this place and was up all night at the black jack table. It was great. I even won several times. I really enjoyed my time there. The night time security and the bartender Ms. Kim. I will definitely return to play more games. Unfortunately, in the morning when I was tired and hungry the problems came in. I sat down in the dining area for coffee and oatmeal. The waitress failed to greet me or take my order. Instead, when I began to doze off (fall asleep) she had the security guard tap me. I sincerely did not appreciate being startled by the security guard instead of having a nice waitress with the minimum customer service come to m and check in with me and ask me if I'd like to order. To be very transparent I have a mood disorder and I was so frustrated. I wasn't sitting there for my health. I wanted to throw their dishes however I didn't want to make a scene or get in trouble with the security of the management. Instead I decided to express myself in a more responsible way of contacting the manager and comment on what happened. A young lady named Yera helped me! She was nice to me and she helped me order my food! I gave her a tip. I was so pleased with her it inspired me to write a positive review about her compared to a negative review about the rude waitress (habesha) who didn't help me and then had the never to call me a liar to her manager. F*vk the people who are mean to you and wipe your hands clean of the bs they put you through. Embrace those who uplift you and are nice people. Great job Yera for making me feel better. I'm willing to return, play, and even order again. (Kim and Yera only) *the picture is the rude woman who refused to take my order and then when I confronted her with her manager she defended herself by insulting me and calling me a liar rather than just apologizing and taking my order.

Surprisingly enough, my review is simply for the food area. Literally, one of the best burger and fries I have ever had. The menu is extensive, but there is always something that you could eat. The tri tip salad is amazing as well. Not tomatoes with thousand island is a winner!

Order the Duck Wontons here! Parking is terrible here.

Worse place to be discriminated, walked in party of 7 people and a server named Michelle gave all of us bad treatment while placing our order. She used curse words and had an attitude to fight with us just because one guest in our party spoke broken English. Michelle, needs a program called, anger management and stay away from sharp objects because she has uncontrollable temper. Let this by a notice to the public in case a law suit arises from an employee named, Michelle who has the potential to be a liability to the business.

I don't (usually) gamble - so let me instead review their food. I really like their Chinese food - served there - or to go. They used to serve 24/7 - which was awesome - a place in the neighborhood with food at 3 am! Recently they are serving to around midnight. They re-did their kitchen, they are now back-in-action with the same good food and the same reasonable prices. Hooray for pot-stickers and vegetable fried rice at Midnight!

The Won Ton soup is nasty here!!!! Thus is my first time here and I needed some GOOD soup and this wasn't it!!!

I have played all over the nation. I play in a new state almost every week. This is my second session at the Oaks. The place deserves the five star rating. I appreciate the energizing atmosphere, competition, racial equality and diversity, service, and most importantly the poker! The tournament I played yesterday was exciting and challenging! There is a certain level of flow in Oakland; Emeryville that can only be appreciated once experienced. This place has history, talent, service, and the dollars make sense for MTT Holdem players. Equally as important as the dollars the experience makes sense... The local poker players here almost all understand poker etiquette and you can't help but appreciate the level of talent in one atmosphere. The people are friendly and it's always a better experience when the experience is fun! Thanks for the great experience to the Oaks and it's heartbeat, the players... To the security guard that made the joke with me about the $10.00 To the lady that entered me into the tournament the first time... who saw me leave after 30 seconds by losing to pocket aces...only to return for a second shot after talking with the wife. To the poker floor manager that was humble, hard working, and respectful. To the cashier that smiles as I cashed out my second place winnings. To the Oaks overall. To the players of Oaks. To the lady that was my waitress. To Kimo who won the tournament with me. Two way chop. First and second place. To all of the cool people at the final table as well as the people throughout the tournament. A Poker bucket list for anyone... Another great memory on this beautiful journey. Showing the west coast love back ... All Heart

I'm updating my review to 4 stars from 3. Mostly because the food continues to be outstanding every time I go. Last night I got a marinated Vietnamese pork chop, grilled shrimp, spring roll and rice for $9.95. This place just can't be beat. Secondly, the place needs to be graded for what it is. If you look at all the 1 or 2 star negative reviews, you can sum most of them up into two categories - 1) Card players that lost money, don't understand card rooms or poker, or got tossed out for some reason, and 2) Princesses who think this is supposed to be a Las Vegas Casino. It's a Card Room! - no where, anywhere does the Oaks claim to be a "Casino". There are no slots, blackjack sucks here, there is no neon and no dance floor. It's NOT Vegas. This is a serious card room for Poker Players. Yes, there are some shady dudes hanging around, but nothing too dangerous. This aint Chuck E Cheese. If people were really getting mugged in the lot here every week, how long before the cops shut the place down? Sorry if you don't like it, but don't rate it 1 star because there is no disco, you spoiled twit. Come to the Oaks for the excellent, inexpensive food, or come to play some poker. Go somewhere else to be pampered.

Best no limit action in the Bay Area. Pai Gow tiles has some big action. Get that Vermicelli bowl. A hungry mans dream food. All around vibe is great. Oaks apparently has been there for almost a hundred years. Very friendly dealers and floor men. A place to relax and win some money. Also starting to love their high hand promotions that run pretty much all day. I won a $100 plus ticket for some weekend drawing on a quad Queens. There is way more action here now than like five years ago. Oaks must be doing something right

Oh, you talk about having fun playing poker? Oaks is the spot.. you might get shot when you leave but you'll have fun playing! So many Characters I tell ya! I think it's the most diverse Card Shop in the Bay. For you ballers on a budget they have $.50/$1.00 blinds $10 buy ins ;0) Make sure to have enough gas to get home. Would hate to read about you the next day! Ladies: what did D-Jay say from Hustle & Flow? "It's NOT hard out here for a pimp" Fellas: Don't walk in to play cards and end up going home with crabs! Be safe! be easy!

I went today, past noon, and as i pulled in; the parking lot was full. And by full, i mean---i spent 5-10 minutes trying to find something. Eventually i talked to a security guard, he told me that "buddy, it's pay day. This place is going to be like this until 4PM. Quit being lazy and pay the $2 valet--you prolly gonna lose $100 in there, whats another $2?" I tell the security guard thanks, as i drive off....i think to myself....$2 dollars saved is gas money bitch! Eventually i had to park a few blocks away, but these few blocks were just the icing on the cake....the tip of the iceberg is to come. I never knew Pixar Animation Studios, is about 3 blocks away from Oaks Card Club, until i had to find parking a few blocks down. I felt a little scared, but then at the same time its broad daylight....so i wasn't too worried or anything. I passed a few cop cars, so it was chill. I got to Oaks and it was fairly packed. I make my way to sign up for the $100 Max tables, (what i've been playing lately), but unfortunately the table was full, and i said to myself, "fuck it-- 200 Max or nothing." I took out my precious Benjamin...crisp and clean. I lay it on the table; simultaneously the dealer yells, "Chips please!" and so it begins. I only won two MONSTER hands...played pretty damn tight. Walked out with $570 The first hand i tripled up with: Pocket 7's ---I was dealt 7-7's and somebody raised $21 dollars preflop. There were a few callers. When action came to me...i contemplated...should i call, or all in (I kind of had this gut feeling that if i pushed in, maybe i would get one caller, and the rest to fold?---Yes amateurish i guess? Yeah, i had a false sense---that any of these guys could have pockets that WOULD and could wipe 7's clean. I don't remember the entire flop....but i went in with 7's...and in my understanding of the game....7's are a gutshot. My rational...which i was banking on...that maybe these guys (three other players) are splitting higher cards. It just felt like as if someone had higher pockets....but boy was i wrong! Pocket 7's beat AK, KQ, and Pocket 6's to triple up. Holy lucky number 7! The second hand is UTTER poker skill, and perfection. My only regret and mistake is that i forgot i was playing $200 max, and probably could have milked a little bit more off my opponent. The Jack-Queen Nutz on the flop! I am sitting pretty...in small blind position. There are about 8 callers making a $4 dollar base call. My cards have been dealt to me, and i take a peak. Q-J...."Pretty sweet" i think to myself. I know its not a flawless hand or anything...but everybody checked/called. The action is on me. I decide i want to get under peoples' skins. I do the, "double the call raise". It's a raise that most people call, because they are pot committed. I did it because i wanted people to call, but test the waters and see if anybody would fold. No one folded. I mentally chuckled---i knew this would happen. The flop, 8-9-10. Action to me! I kept my poker face, and checked. "Check, Check, Check" and then this one guy goes all in for about $30. This other dude across from him; looks to his right, and then turns left. Noticing that there are two potential callers left---he feels good that his hand will hold, so he decides to call. Mentally my mind is jumping in glee, as i struggle to maintain my poker composure. I just want to jump up and shout. I have the NUTZ bitches! But no. A true poker player is never that stupid. I raise $50 more on the All in. I Check the turn, because i fear a potential flush. The river card is an Ace. I am no longer in doubt. I Bet $100. By now, the guy feeling pot committed, calls my $100, and i bust out with my nuts. I win fat. Play a few more hands, and walk out up $470. Make it $370 because i owed my buddy for last time. After the hand, i heard some guy say, "He pulled some online poker shit" That made it a good day. On the side note, i have been trying more food at oaks, and the Deepfried Shrimp with fries is really good. Overall, i must say. Oaks is fun, if you're not hung over it "not being a casino, casino" The level of competition makes way for a varied level of play. Good luck and remember....think twice when you play with 7's.

Wow, didn't even go here and I hate the place. I called in the morning to see what games they had running. First offense was the snarky toned, "what are you looking for?" Ok, reading this without hearing the tone, I know you don't get me. Second, I ask for no limit and he says we don't have no limit. Then I said not now going or ever? Same response, "we don't have no limit" I ask, so ever? Finally I get a "no". Third, finally he answers my question of "what do you have running right now?" He says "3-6 and $100 $200 spread limit" I ask, "What is spread limit?" He responds "Spread limit" (wow, what a tool). I continue to ask him what it means and he keeps responding "spread limit". I should have yelled at him like, "using the word on the definition of the word isn't a definition!" But I figure this guy already showed me his lack of intellect, tack, and rudeness that it'd just be me wasting my breath on the DB. Needless to say, left a real sour taste in my mouth with such piss poor customer service.

We live in a world where poker is considered a sport. It's shown on ESPN2, glorified on ESPN and translated into Spanish on ESPN Deportes. ¿Cómo se dice "Open-ended straight"? There are kids out there who dream of becoming Phil Hellmuth instead of Tom Brady, which, I am sure, is a cause for concern for some parents. Believe me, it'll take a few years and several amendments to Title IX before Stanford begins offering a poker scholarship. Here's a piece of advice for all the parents out there: if you want to make sure your 14-year-old doesn't take up poker and lose all his/her money, take him or her to Oaks Card Club. I guarantee you that after 15 minutes inside, your kid will never want to play poker again. Eli Lilly has not manufactured enough Prozac to lift your spirits after walking into this establishment. Small, cramped room with old, weathered tables and chairs is just the beginning. Before playing here, take a look around. Look at the faces of people hunched over their chips. Look at their shaking hands as they reach for two $1 chips to reluctantly put them in the pot. Finally, take a good look at the dealers: do they look content? WOW. It's a film noir waiting to happen. It's a "Don't Gamble With Your Life" PSA in action. It's a sad, sad edition of "Where Are They Now?" for addicts and has-beens. There's a tired poker joke: Q: Why doesn't anyone play 7-card stud anymore? A: Because old-timers have Alzheimer's, and young guys have ADD. Well, at Oaks Card Club, old-timers with Alzheimer's play the $1/$2 game. I didn't try to play with them, but I think you're required to be over 80 years old to sit at that table. Bring your own walker and oxygen mask. The house is not responsible for unexpected heart attacks. I sat down to play $6/$12 game, the highest limit available at the time. They also spread a $15/$30 game, but not when I was there. The $6/$12 played like a $1/$2 game with people chasing ridiculous draws for no reason whatsoever. People who were winning cussed at the people they beat. People who were losing cussed at everyone and everything. I felt as though people were gambling with their rent money, food money or insulin money. Pathetic. Oh, and by the way, Oaks Card Club has some of the worst house rules you'll ever see in a poker room. The wait list is kept on a dry erase board, visible only to the person writing them down. You'd have to twist your neck or twist the arm of the guy at the front to figure out where you are on the list. Spectators are not allowed to stand next to their friends at the table. In the rare event of small blind player getting up or busting out, the rules require that two players post big blinds! Preposterous! The rake is pretty consistent with the norm, but it's not spectacular by any means. I walked out feeling dirty, disgusted, down a few bucks, dejected and, yes, depressed. This is no place to play poker. Drive an extra 15-20 minutes from wherever you are and visit Lucky Chances (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucky-chances-casino-colma#hrid:wrUBR2vkYORCZJp9LUlRXw) or Bay 101 (http://www.yelp.com/biz/bay-101-san-jose#hrid:y6jyrHeUss7sskLM-6tCEA).

This is my regular casino, and has been for about 3 years now. Typically I can sit down at the $100 1/1/2 spread or the $200 2/2/3 spread - bringing $300 in cash - and after about 2 hours leave with $600 or more. I find the time to do this about once a week. It's not that this place is full of bad players, because it's not - it's that people will pay you off on their draws if you are patient and wait. Play few hands, and get a healthy amount of Value on your good starting hands or your hits. A lot of the players are very "Draw" heavy here, so be prepared for a bad beat or two - and don't put your entire chip stack on the line with one of these gamblers if you're not ready to pay them out when they hit. Anyways to actually review the casino - yes it's great, it's big, they have plenty of tables and lots of action. I only play cash games here, and occasionally will play their tournaments. Cash Games - They have two decent cash games. The $100 spread 1/1/2 is one of the most affordable cash games I've played. People play this game much looser, because it's so dirt cheap. I mean $2 - $6 is the average preflop cost, so you'll be able to play more cards, and have more fun. The $200 spread 2/2/3 can get much more costly the average preflop cost being $3 - $10. Sitting here, you'll have to tighten up a little more, and play more solid cards. I prefer these tables, because you're less like to see bad beats, and more likely to stretch your money into more money. Tournaments - Their tournaments are great. Usually 1 tournament a day varying from late in the AM, to around 6PM for start time. They offer a large variety of tournaments - and most of them are very affordable in the $70 - $300 range. They have Bounties, Rebuys, Guarantees, Satellites, and Add On Tournaments. The levels are also decent - around 15 - 20 minutes. Starting stacks range from 3k - 20k but most of the smaller starting stack tournaments opt for an Add On chip to bring you to a healthier starting stack or to be used for a Rebuy. Overall they offer something for everyone. So, if you're local to Emeryville or one of the surrounding cities, I really recommend you try Oaks out. I will say parking is a bit annoying as they only have one small lot across the street, and street parking is not very convenient.

Don't let the outside fool ya or the neighborhood scare ya! The Oaks is AWESOME!!!! The best place to play poker in the Bay Area. I love to hang out on the .5/$1 table which you can do all night with $50. Also, the players there are super nice, some may not have all of their teeth, but they're fun. The casino restaurant is surprisingly good - especially at 2AM when your stomach is grumbling and you can't walk away from the table. Try the shrimp fried rice.