Plum Cocktail Bar
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Plum Cocktail Bar

Permanently Closed

Asian-inspired cocktails & small bites in a vibrant space

asian fusion
craft cocktails
umami tots
tomato beef cocktail
happy hour
lychee dragon eye
vibrant atmosphere
friendly staff
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null
Plum Cocktail Bar by null

Information

2216 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 Get directions

$$

See Menu
Contactless accepted
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Wheelchair accessible seating

Information

Static Map

2216 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 Get directions

+1 510 444 7586
viridianbar.com

$$ · Menu

Features

•Contactless accepted
•Alcohol
•Beer
•Cocktails
•Wheelchair accessible seating

Last updated

Jan 24, 2026

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@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Plum Bar, Uptown by Arcsine. Plum Bar's cozy, crafted environment was one of Uptown Oakland's foodie trendsetters. Almost everything is homemade, at the very least novel, from mezcal ketchup and ginger beer to smoked fries and Albacore over romesco. The custom Zen-esque style and symmetries are present in details from the furniture to the table settings. Intimate or group occasions will find a rich experience here, Plum Bar and their brussel sprouts, are not-to-be-missed."

Oakland
Plum Cocktail Bar
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Mixiote Brings Slow-Cooked Mexican Meats to Oakland’s Plum Cocktail Bar - Eater SF

"Plum Cocktail Bar has booked its next guest chef residency: Alma Rodriguez of Mixiote, a La Cocina alum, will bring her Mexico City-style fare to the Uptown, Oakland space. Specifically, Rodriguez specializes in mixiotes, marinated meats wrapped in avocado and banana leaves and slowly cooked in their own juices. Given the setting, her residency menu will include some bar-appropriate snacky items, like fried potato-cheese cakes, guacamole, and fish tacos, but the highlight will be those mixiotes, served with black beans, nopales, pickles onions, and tortillas." - Janelle Bitker

https://sf.eater.com/2018/11/9/18079364/mixiote-plum-cocktail-bar-oakland-mexican-food-residency-alma-rodriguez-la-cocina
Plum Cocktail Bar
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Shrimp Étouffée and More Creole Classics Now at Plum Bar - Eater SF

"Oakland-based catering company Creole Creed is now at Plum Bar as part of the guest chef residency series at Daniel Patterson’s Oakland restaurant. Mother-daughter entrepreneurs Tekia Anderson and Queen Nefertiti Shabazz are serving Lousiana-Creole cuisine like a pork chop and yams, and étouffée with shrimp and crawfish through the end of October. They’re also offering brunch; check here for hours." - Ellen Fort

https://sf.eater.com/2018/7/17/17582320/creole-plum-bar-ohlone-cafe-brunch-san-francisco
Plum Cocktail Bar
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Brown Sugar Kitchen Opens for Lunch and Dinner Pop-Ups - Eater SF

"Plum Bar is hosting a culinary pop-up series featuring Chef Keith Corbin's California soul food, available Tuesday through Thursday evenings until early July." - Ellen Fort

https://sf.eater.com/2018/6/13/17460352/brown-sugar-kitchen-open-lunch-dinner-oakland
Plum Cocktail Bar

Ed E.

Google
And I really wanted to try the food... The ambience and decor look great. People looked like they were having fun. Unfortunately, my wife and I stood at the front for about 6 grueling minutes of staff passing by and not acknowledging us. We didn't want to sit at the bar. And maybe business is booming and they can be selective about the customer service they offer. Our experience was a little disappointing but yours maybe better. I do hope they can better this area of their business. -----REPLY TO OWNER 11/28/18 We were not seated. After 6 minutes of standing around making eye contact with staff behind the bar and in front (passing by) I took out my phone, snapped a pic, and we just left.

Z

Google
This place is one of my favorite local bars in the Lake Merritt area. It's pretty, the bartenders are friendly, and the cocktails are innovative. This place easily captivates you and makes you feel like you are exactly where you should be. Every time I go, I have a good time. Prices are average for the area.

Rebekah N.

Google
I really love the adult happy meal. It's a burger a shot of whisky and a beer. Pretty fun! Plum has changed the adult happy meal quite a bit over the years, which is somewhat disappointing. The burger itself has changed at least 3 times fairly drastically. I still love the concept though, and the place is cool and chill.

Melissa W.

Google
I rushed in a while back right after they opened (I think it has been at least two years) and liked my meal but it was pretty spendy and I wasn't totally blown away. I'm a big fan of great food served in casual settings and when I finally returned recently Plum hits the perfect balance so I'm giving a full five stars. We had seats at the counter and got a great show as they carefully prepared all the dishes. Herbs torn and placed just so by yes, hip kitchen staff who look pretty cool doing it. I had house made ricotta in ravioli in a fresh tomato sauce, joined a little unexpectedly by little chunks of fried okra... and you know what? It totally works. Delicious. The chicken was great as well, I'm so glad chicken is getting treated well in restaurants again after so many years as a throw away dish. My dining companion and I sipped our way through most of their barrel aged cocktails (passed through a window by the bartenders at Plum Bar next door) and could not resist indulging in two desserts. It was an exciting meal so when the check came it felt worth every penny. Well done! Random notes: street parking was quite easy on an early Sunday evening and we saw many of the other restaurant guests at the concert at the Fox we were on our way to after.

Amir A.

Google
Awesome place, super friendly staff, and the drinks are exceptional. They make several cocktails barrel-aged in-house! The decor is awesome, especially their walls that are plastered with pages of poetry... My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here. Not only did the manager Eli make the Opentable reservation for us, but he also gave me suggestions for champagnes that he offered to have chilled and ready for us. They even setup a flower jar for us and candle and let us take home the flower jar. Easily one of the top bars in Oakland. If you visit, try the happy meal - cheeseburger, fries, beer, and bourbon. Can't go wrong :-)

Farhan S.

Google
Romantic, artsy, and cozy! I love that each cocktail has a poem associated with it, and that the cocktail can really resemble the poem. The wallpaper is also full of poetry! Their food isn't too shabby either, but it is a little small on the portions side of things (but hey, it's bar food). Great spot for dates, relaxation, or just getting away from the world for a bit.

Brittany R.

Google
I would have to say the cocktails are what shines at the plum bar. The bar itself is trendy and designed beautifully but the food was just a little lacking. I expected more unique menu options and twists rather than the standard type bar food. But the cocktails were what sold me.

Anthony H.

Google
The bourbon and rye selection offers a variety of choices. The food is quite good, and the bartenders are friendly and fun. Plum Bar is always a great spot for after work drinks because it's a chill vibe and never gets too loud that you can't hear.
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Nina L.

Yelp
A go to spot for little bites and happy hour drinks. The cocktails are always creative and delicious. The service is fast and friendly. The little bites are good too. Some of my favorites are the garlic noods, the wings, the umami tots, and the best dessert so far has been the pandan crème brûlée. Happy hour is from 5-7. There are a few signature cocktails and bites on the happy hour menu. Shot and a lucky Buddha beer is a good start to a night out.
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Shannon T.

Yelp
Tasty themed drinks with really cool ambiance. I've been here twice and had a wonderful time. I love the decor inside! I really enjoy their tater tots to munch on while sipping on one of the cocktails. I've yet to try the hot pot drink...$88 but it's all to share! Bartenders are super friendly. There's a remote waitlist you can join if the place is busy. One of my favorite bars in Oakland!
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Leo C.

Yelp
Just an all around awesome cocktail bar with a solid food menu. I know this is gonna sound weird, but you need to try their hot dog. Super cool variety of cocktails that can cover pretty much any palate. Super friendly folks working the bar.
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Alejandra C.

Yelp
Amazing food, drinks, ambiance and service! One of our fav date nights and the first place we invite fam/friends over to. The salt and pepper wings are to die for! The garlic mushroom noodles..ahmazing!! Tater tots are soooo good!! Cucumber salad adds the perfect freshness! Lychee martini is delicious! Thai tea coquito is the perfect "dessert" drink for me here (: Still need to try other items but so far these are my fav.
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Lizzie S.

Yelp
I've had Viridian bookmarked for a while, since the SF Chronicle profiled them for their opening in 2020. A bar from a Michelin-starred Nari and Mr Jiu's alum? Hello! The Chronicle then wrote a few subsequent articles titled "Food is magic at Viridian, Oakland's new neon pink bar spinning Asian American nostalgia" and "It's time to revisit Oakland's standout Asian American bar. Here's why". They described it as "Wong Kar-Wai meets "Enter the Void"" which is very accurate. It finally took a comedy show at the Paramount to get this girl over the Bay Bridge. However, the trip to Viridian was very worth it and I will be back. It's so close to BART (and a Lyft bike station) that I have no excuse. Though I did not have their tomato beef cocktail as the Chron recommended, I did very much enjoy my Lychee dragon eye and my friend her white rabbit (both $14 at happy hour, $17 usually). I tried my friend's so I can confidently say I loved them both. Drinks were unique, fun, and vibrant--perfect to match the vibrant, fun, colorful, neon, slightly changing decor and atmosphere. The Pork Floss Risotto is congee prepared risotto-style. It was unique and spicy and fun. The same adjectives can be used to describe the Umami Tots. Service was very good. I will be back for more good vibes, good service, good people, good food, and good drinks.
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Brenda L.

Yelp
Came here to grab some drinks before a show and it was so fun! I loved the vibe from all the neon lights and the unique Asian-inspired drinks and snack offerings. We came for happy hour (5 PM to 7 PM) and ended up staying a little longer + ordered some food outside of their happy hour menu since it sounded so good. Some drink highlights: + Lychee Dragon Eye ($14) (4/5): Strong! The taste of lychee is very visible here which was nice. Definitely get this if you lean towards the sweeter side of drinks. + Li Hing Melon ($17) (5/5): This was my favorite drink BY FAR. The drink was bright and refreshing, and I loved how sweet the melon flavor was too! The food: + Umami Tots ($8) (5/5): A must get!! Every piece was perfectly crisp and the sour cream sauce it paired with was absolutely addicting. + Salt & Pepper Wings ($15) (4.5/5): Also so crisp!! They do a good job with the fried finger foods here lol. The salt / pepper flavor was strong and the sauce it also came with was so good. We got a few other food items, like the hot dog and pork floss risotto. A bit on the pricier side, and portions were small too. They were good, but I'm unsure if I'd order it again. Servers were friendly and proactive!
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Alondra C.

Yelp
My sister brought me here for the Thai tea coquito drinks and salt & pepper wings after bragging about it for the past month, and I will say she has all bragging rights. The play of Thai tea on coquito?? GENIUS and delicious. Their lychee martini is also TO DIE FOR. Now the salt & pepper wings come topped with sautéed onions & jalapeños that add so much more flavor but the sauce is comes with makes them a solid 10/10. The bulgogi cheesesteak on the other hand was good but nothing crazy, regret so much not getting the chicken fat rice plate. My ultimate favorite part of my whole experience here was our servers. These 2 gentlemen assisted us and were such characters, made my night memorable with my siblings. You'll definitely find me here again.
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Ama M.

Yelp
Good drinks went with a friend the last time I was there that knew the owner. He was super cool. We had a couple shots together. I would recommend.
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Lone E.

Yelp
Love Happy Hour here ! Make sure you all check it out!!! Food is so friggn good and cocktails A1! Youre welcome
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Dylan B.

Yelp
Been to Viridian about 3-4 times since moving to Oakland and can confidently say that it is my favorite bar in the Bay Area (albeit I am not much of a drinker to begin with). Everything from the oxymoronic high-end dive bar type vibes, the central location in downtown, the neon purple glow of the interior, and the playful takes on asian-fusion makes this such a unique place to spend a happy hour or late night at. They open right around end of business hours for most workplaces (5pm), so head right there after work because the line builds up pretty fast. Mostly 2-3 person tables + a few 4-5 person group tables + the bar in a pretty narrow space, so not great with large groups. They have by far some of the most inventive drinks and food offerings of any restaurant - seasonal cocktails based on specific holidays (i.e. Lunar New Year, Restaurant Week, Autumn Festival, etc.) and small shareable bites curated by former Michelin star chefs. There have been so many highlights: Viet coffee cocktail, honey walnut shrimp skewers, tuna tartare, thai tea boba snow (chef told us this was an asian-twist on a dish from a michelin restaurant they worked at), pork belly skewers, white rabbit bourbon, almond panna cotta, etc. Always a treat to swing by for a new experience.
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Anh T.

Yelp
My friend and I stumbled upon this place while searching for bars in the download Oakland area. When we walked in around 6:30PM on a weekday, the bar was full and had a long waitlist. We were on the waitlist for an hour and half, and we had time to explore the area while we waited. The bar is dimly lit and has beautiful lantern and dragon decorations across the ceiling. When we finally got inside, they only gave us one chair and one standing spot, so be aware that you may have to stand! We ordered the Uji Memory, Lychee Dragon Eye, and Umami Tots. My favorite item was seasonal Uji Memory drink, which complemented whiskey with the sweet taste of vanilla ice cream. The Lychee Dragon Eye had a nice balance of alcohol with lychee, which I usually cannot taste in alcoholic drinks but made a good appearance here. Finally, the Umami Tots were a great, crispy snack that satisfied us fully with our drinks. I understand the long wait for this bad and would wait again next time I'm here!
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Gary Y.

Yelp
Fantastic place to get a drink and sample a series of small bites if you are attending a show at the Paramount. There is a happy hour discount if you come between 5-7pm. For drinks, go with the tomato beef (there's no beef in it) for something that's really refreshing. One thing to note: tt definitely gets busy from 6pm+ onwards and will be a wait late into the evening during the weekend.
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Isabel M.

Yelp
This place is my go-to. The vibe is always chill, the music's good, and the people are super friendly. It just has that easy, relaxed feel that makes you want to stay a while. Drinks are always solid, and the staff are awesome. I always end up getting a side of tater tots with my drink. They are so good every time. Crispy, hot, and kind of the perfect bar snack. Just a great spot all around. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out.
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Sarah Z.

Yelp
Great fun experience here! This bar is definitely the type of place I'd head to if I wanted a fun upbeat vibey bar. It was very spacious inside and clean as well. Music was great too--a good mix of house music. Definitely on the louder side, if that's what you like! What we ordered - White Rabbit: 3/5 it tasted good but not really white rabbit. It just tasted like sweet alcoholic milk. - Lychee Dragon Eye: 5/5 loved this one! Can't go wrong with lychee. Very smooth and fruity. - Tom Yum Takeout: 3/5 I actually would have given this a 5/5, but I gave it a 3 simply bc it didn't remind me of Tom Yum at all. It tasted like a delicious fruity tequila based drink, which I loved! - Tomato Beef: 4/5 this was super smooth and easy to drink. It had a nice minty-ish after taste. Again, not sure if the tomato beef concept really came through. - Toki Highball: 3/5 nothing special but did the job. As for food, we got the Umami Tots. SO FIRE! Portion size was huge too. This is a must get bar snack. Overall drinks were great! Only thing is the food concepts for the drinks didn't really shine through for me. If it was named something not food related I would have rated this higher. But looking past that, had a great time! Fast service and friendly staff. Everyone had a smile on their face which I loved. :)
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Sahithi B.

Yelp
Came here for drinks after dinner with friends. The decor and ambiance was so fun, and the fusion cocktails were so good. I got the Thai tea inspired cocktail which was like dessert and my friend tried the tomato beef which was good as well and apparently one of their top sellers. The bartenders were kind and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend!
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Jack H.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try Viridian for the longest time, and I am glad I got the chance to come here after work. The happy hour menu is great. It has all of its greatest hits for a discounted price. The beef tomato drink is their biggest and most popular drink, and it can catch you off guard because of the clear color. The taste is unique and a one of a kind. You can take it to go too. The tater tots are extra crispy and the sauce went very well with it. The mayo was smokey and spicy, and you can put that on anything. The wings were great. They are sweet and savory and comes with a nice crunch. I recommend both of these to get off the happy hour menu or regular menu. It is worth it. The Nashville tenders were amazing as well. The spice level isn't over powering, and it is my favorite dish. The vibe is artsy and Asian driven. You feel the pride of the culture when you walk in, look at the menu and decorations around the restaurant. The owners are passionate for the culture and looks to engage with you to tell you the story of what goes on behind the craft of drinks and dishes. I would also like to mention that we had friends who had allergies, and the chef was able to accommodate by removing some ingredients.
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Tom K.

Yelp
Amazing drinks food and service! Will be back soon. Chill but refined atmosphere. Happy hour menu and drinks are the way to go! Perfect place to have a few apps before a show at the Fox or Paramount.
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Ann C.

Yelp
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!! I love everything about it..once you get to the dreamy holographic window, you're transported off the busy street to an intimate little oasis that's fun (cartoons projected on the walls) yet sexy (sleek bar; fun lighting), with really interesting and tasty craft drinks in beautiful glassware, actually delicious food (tater totes for the win and don't skip dessert), and amazing service. Also, I've rarely had to wait to get in on weekends, which is very convenient
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Allan L.

Yelp
Came here for the suntory tasting collaboration. The there was a special menu for the night which came with: 1. Japanese confit sweet potato, honey sesame, tuna heart. How they make potatoes so good?!? I was a bit confused about the tuna heart but I think it was part of the sauce. 2. Poached Tokyo turnip, amazaki, country miso, cashew. A simple but very delicious dish. 3. Five spice chicken +dried scallop dumpling. 4. Uni brioche toast. Very tasty dish but the toast itself was chewy and thick not to my preference. 5. Short rib, jujube jus. Very tender and goes very well with the jujube jus. 6. Lychee Raspberry kakigori, Kanten, jelly, mochi, yogurt. Everything was delicious but portions are small. I guess that's fine dining for you all. The drink/tasting menu camesl with: 1. Toki highball. 2. Yamazaki golden promise 2024 3. Yamazaki Islay peated 2024 4. Hakushu peated malt 18 years 5. Yamazaki mizunara 18 years My favorite was the hakushu, nice and smokey.
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Joanne H.

Yelp
The drinks and ambiance here are unmatched!! I prefer to come before dinner so it's quieter and you're guaranteed a spot. It's such a nice place to get drinks and hang out with your friends. Their menu changes seasonally but all the drinks are so unique. I recently got the red bean egg custard cocktail and it was soo good. I've never had a drink like this before. I also ordered the miso corn drink which I wasn't a huge fan of. The powder on top tasted like curry powder? I didn't taste corn or miso in the drink but it was still drinkable. Everyone who works here is really friendly and their ordering website is very user friendly. A must whenever you're in Oakland!
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Sandy L.

Yelp
Loveeee Viridian! Their cocktails stand out as they are always uniquely curated, and bring such inspiration and depth in every cocktail. The room is also filled with cute decor and ambient lighting. I think it's a nice spot to catch up with friends and have a yap sesh. I got the Lycheat day which was a well made mocktail. I also tried their limited edition matcha drink which was also delicious! I've also had their white rabbit drink which is super nostalgic and creamy. I've been here multiple times and can't wait to come back.
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Steph C.

Yelp
Love the modern upscale vibe with festive Chinese New Year decor to welcome the year of the snake. Staff are friendly and attentive. Ordered the Oaxaca Flocka and it was good, but not as spicy or smoky as expected. My friends mango cocktail was refreshing as well.
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Amanda S.

Yelp
Viridian is one of my favorite place in Oakland. The atmosphere is vibrant neon and the food and drinks match the aesthetic without compromising taste. The staff is always friendly and accommodating. A few things to note: this place gets busy and they do not do reservations. I recommend coming during the week on when they open at 5pm otherwise expect a wait. There is a strict 2 hour time limit on seating. The dishes are relatively small, but great for family style. The photos were taken during the Red Envelope event so there are special menu items and limited decor. Not shown in this photos but my favorite drink off their regular menu is the white rabbit.
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Natalie C.

Yelp
A great spot in a busy location near 19th street BART station, Viridian is usually very popular (especially with people grabbing drinks before concerts), so you often have to put your name down to wait for a spot. However, sometimes it is easy to get a spot right away. The inside is brightly lit with neon lights and such cute Asian-inspired decor! A very trendy vibe for a date spot or drinks with friends. Their cocktails are also served very artistically, with drinks served in glass bento boxes and garnished with unique leaves and fruits. They have small bites, like a pork belly dish which we enjoyed a lot.
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May Z.

Yelp
Alright so I finally made it to happy hour! Can I just say how exquisite it is that happy hour is 7 days a week aka Saturday & Sunday?! Like how are they blessing the community like that?! I ordered the caramelized crab sauce wings and they were some of the best wings I've ever had. 6 giant wings, perfect crunch, amazing savory caramel flavor, all for 13 dollars. Insane. The craft cocktails on the happy hour menu are thoughtful and delicious. I'm obsessed!! Immaculate vibes & service!
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Alex L.

Yelp
First time going to Viridian! We were seated as soon as we walked into the building. The seats are well isolated from other tables and provide enough space for each person. The interior was my favorite. I would come here when it's dark out. The drinks are Asian fusion and different from other bars I've been to around the bay. Def fun to see their twist to everything! The cups were the best, and the attention to detail makes these drinks worth their cost. Parking is tough. Restrooms are clean. I'll come back again!
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Krishtina L.

Yelp
Great. Drinks. Oaxaca Flocka Flame; mezcal with hints of cinnamon was absolutely to die for. (And the name is so clever too). Also had a White Rabbit cocktail; which I was very hesitant to get initially because of the condensed milk in the cocktail, BUT. It was delicious. Will be coming back, fashoooo.
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Victoria W.

Yelp
Friend and I swung by here for Golden Hour aka Happy Hour this past Wednesday, between 5-7pm. We were able to get classic cocktails for $12 (versus $15-17 during non-HH times), and I cannot recommend the Tomato Beef cocktail enough. It was a smooth drink, lightly sweetened and with no strong alcohol aftertaste - overall, it was just very clean and refreshing. I've been obsessed with savory-inspired drinks this year and this one really hit the spot for me in terms of taste and spirit combinations. Ambiance is always great here, they played a good mix of R&B, rap, even K-pop the night we went in. I always enjoyed the colorful, dim lighting, it makes you feel like you're at a club but with places to sit. We were also lucky enough to have met Ken, the amazingly fun bartender here, and turns out we were all into the same fandoms and had friends in common (what a small world)! Thank you for entertaining our Nendos with tiny chalices of "booze" and letting us dork out at the counter with you! 11/10 would come again for Golden Hour and to hang with Ken again!
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Selina T.

Yelp
3.5 stars TL;DR - Fun atmosphere with decent cocktails and bar food Perfect ambience for our girls' night! Came on a Saturday around 8:30 and didn't have to wait which was nice. We ordered the umami tots, chicken tempura and chili cucumbers to share. The umami tots were a little sweeter than I would have liked. In fact, I hadn't expected it to be sweet at all. The chicken tempura and chili cucumbers were good though. We also ordered some cocktails and they were both inventive and tasty. Finally, the server didn't mind taking multiple pictures for us which is always appreciated!
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Justine D.

Yelp
I LOVE Viridian! Honestly, I wish I could go every month, but the drinks will cost you a pretty penny, so it's probably more of a "treat yourself" opportunity. That being said, from drinks to food, everything is so well thought out and delicious. Additionally, after coming a couple of times, I think the consistency is also pretty astounding - if you order the tots once, you can be pretty sure that the next time you come, they'll be tasting the same (if not better). That being said, the drinks add just the perfect touch of whimsy and joy, while also being delicious. During their annual Red Envelope Event, they also serve the drinks in special (limited edition!) decanters that pair with the new year. I really love the Asian inspired flavors, and how the mixologists have thought about how to best pair them with "traditional" cocktails. The staff is also very nice, and the experience feels luxe for a small bar. From small towelettes to wipe your fingers after eating the chicken wings, to the very thick napkins, it's not fine dining, but it shows the extra level of care from staff to customer!
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Suraj P.

Yelp
Been wanting to try this place for awhile and finally when to check it out, I absolutely love how they have decorated it on the inside! It has a super cool vibe to it and the staff is all very friendly! Just had some happy hour snacks and drinks, the tots were really good. The lychee cocktail was my favorite! Definitely worth checking out if you haven't been before!
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Jessica S.

Yelp
This place is so much fun!! Iridescent windows, super cool decor - it feels like Lunar New Years inside :) Drinks are asian influenced - love the tom yum - this comes in a little chinese take out box. White rabbit is also delicious - reminds me of white rabbit candy The red bean drink is probably my favorite! Can't wait to come back for more
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Tiffany Y.

Yelp
Definitely my favorite cocktail bar in the Bay Area. I hate to admit this, but at one point, I was here 3x in one week because I enjoyed coming here so much hahaha. The drinks are cheaper than the ones in SF and are consistently good in addition to the place having a cool vibe! Even though White Rabbit is one of the more popular drinks, it's not my favorite since it's on the sweeter side. My favorite ones have been cafe sua daddy (like an elevated espresso martini), wood dragon, li hing melon, and tomato beef. As a bonus, the umami tots were amazing! I'm sure all their other food is great too.
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Ashley C.

Yelp
Super cool bar and the first time I went to the lunar new year pop up event. I enjoy the variety of cocktails and the way they are presented. It is fun to go with friends and show them. It is definitely on the pricier side and I haven't ever gone without needing to wait at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Stephanie A.

Yelp
Visited this place for the first time with a friend. We both ordered two rounds of Negroni even though they serve many kind of other cocktails. The Negroni was pretty good! Next time I'll try other ones.
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Brittany D.

Yelp
Visit date: 08/21/24. Golden Hour (HH) 5-7pm. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. They recently removed the phone ordering/payment system (told us that it was to avoid noncompliance with new junk fees law). Because of this, servers will come up to take orders. Notable foods: pork floss mustard greens, miso garlic noodles, umami tots LOVED the li hing melon cocktail! Since the menu changes, I will be back to try anything else during happy hour.
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Karena K.

Yelp
Highly recommend this place! Yummy Asian inspired cocktails and small bites. The inside is nice and vibrant. This is a good spot for a casual hang out.
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Ryan S.

Yelp
Been coming here for years - they have some of the most novel cocktails I've found in the area, so it's been a go-to spot to show friends from out of town. However, as of late, the menu seems a bit stagnant, and could use a breath of fresh air. On a recent weeknight visit, the staff were cold and incredibly slow (15 minutes just to place an order, despite sitting at the bar, and another 10 to get two drinks). Only one of three bartenders was mixing, and he seemed to be in the weeds. I should have taken the cue when I walked in and gone to Bar Shiru instead - lesson learned! Considering the price, the drinks were unbalanced and weak. It's a fun vibe if you're looking to get lit, but there are better spots for finely crafted cocktails. I do wish they hadn't gotten rid of the app-based ordering system. While slightly onerous to set up, being able to smoothly place a drink order without having to garner the attention of a distractible bartender was worth the minor inconvenience. It's great to be able to get drink advice from a bartender, but only when it doesn't take forever and a day to get that input.
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Morgan P.

Yelp
Viridian is one of my favorite bars in Oakland! The friendly & staff, well-decorated/vibrant ambience, & delicious are the reasons this is place has become a staple. Typically we order the Guava Island & Tomato Beef but we always explore their uniquely curated cocktails. And you can't go wrong with the Umami Tots & the Pandan Crème Brûlée *chef's kiss **I recommend keeping in mind this place is popular so if you're coming in on the weekend with a larger parties or later in the evening, you should expect some wait time ... but it's worth it! Photos are from LNY
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Amber H.

Yelp
Always beautifully themed and well-decorated. Amazing food and great service--this place never disappoints!
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June M.

Yelp
If you are looking for a date spot that has large selection of cocktails and small dish to share, with neon lighting and relaxing music, this place is for you. They have street parking near by, and depending on the hour of the week, you might expect a little bit of a wait. Their menu is Asian infusion with mostly fried dishes. This place is more like an after dinner spot, where you just want to grab a drink and sth small to pair with.
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Joaquina F.

Yelp
The spot was super cute, had Christmas music and such good ambiance. Staff was nice and friendly. We went there for drinks after dinner and did not get to try their food. We did order the dessert Pandan Crème Brûlée, pretty good.
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Renee R.

Yelp
My friends and I found this gem while out enjoying the black joy parade last evening and was delighted to have visited this cute and fun bar! The hostess did an amazing job accommodating our group of four in the busy bar by pulling in extra chairs for the small tables lined in the wall. We ordered yummy drinks and plates for the group to share. My favorite drink was the matcha melon drink and my favorite dish was the spicy cucumber salad. I definitely recommend this place for a fun after hours spot!
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Chris T.

Yelp
Excellence is found in the details and Viridian is zeroed in. The ambiance, food, cocktails, mocktails, friendly staff, to presentation - all show an extraordinary level of preparation and design. It's no wonder they're highly ranked amongst the top bars. For me, the Wood Dragon served in glass dragons (which you can KEEP!!!) are one of my favs. I do enjoy a reposado espresso martini now and again (I know, I know - red flag ). I appreciate all the fun nights and new friends made!
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Andrew L.

Yelp
Unique Asian/Chinese-inspired drinks that brought me back to my childhood. Definitely check out the tomato beef or white rabbit cocktails. They do serve small bites of food but I haven't had the chance to try yet. Service is friendly and the bar is beautifully decorated. It's a bit small inside but so far have been relatively short waits at most, but likely worthwhile to call ahead if going at peak hours just to check. Street parking only.
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Melodie D.

Yelp
Viridian deserves no less than 5 stars from me for: service, food, and atmosphere! We were greeted at the front door by the owner and seated promptly. I've heard the place is usually packed, but myself and my group of three were lucky enough to be the first people through the door for Thursday night happy hour. I've heard great things about Viridian from at least a couple Bay Area locals at this point...a testament to its quality and service! After my experience, I'd totally concur with those reviews. The drinks incorporated lots of Asian flavors that I'm accustomed to, and they utilized them strategically and well (I've been to some bars where these sorts of flavors can turn into something a little too gimmicky). The two cocktails our group got, the Wood Dragon and Li Hing Melon were well balanced...with the former on the more citrusy and fruity side and the latter being on the more lightly tart and refreshing side. The most special touch of the night was getting the limited availability dragon decanter they had available for purchase with their Wood Dragon beverage. I will definitely be back to try their other beverages and of course...to try and collect their other decanters! (Gotta catch them all )
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Calla Y.

Yelp
HUGE fan of their cocktails!! the spiked thai tea is delicious with the egg foam on top. i usually dont like milky cocktails but they perfected the milk to alcohol ratio. we also got the chicken wings which were extremely flavorful. they are on the sweeter and stickier side though. we also got the tater tots. i would not recommend re-ordering as it was nothing special. there is typically a wait. i would recommend putting your name down and grabbing a slide of pizza or daves chicken while waiting to get a text message. they do mention that your seat will close in 5 minutes so you must be quick! the place is decorated and a perfect moody ambiance. the bartenders are also extremely easy to chat with and are extremely kind.
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Michael L.

Yelp
The vibes here are amazing. Everything is absolutely Instagram-able from every angle. There is is just so much fun stuff to look at. The drinks and food are just as fun. Most everything has some sort of theme. Highly recommend.
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La M.

Yelp
This is my favorite bar in Oakland hands down. The drinks are well thought out and super creative and fun. The food is made with love with lots of flavor involved. Good place for solo, date night, or a group of friends. Can get busy,especially on first Friday. First come first serve.