Town Bar & Lounge

The nonprofit I volunteer for held an event at Town Bar and we couldn’t be happier with the service we received. The staff was kind, the drinks were delicious and the overall atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. I will definitely host another event here and suggest others to do the same!

This spot is pretty small, but it's a fave of mine. The bartenders are always super nice, and this place has a nice little vibe to it. One of the few gay bars I frequent often, and although it is a gay bar, all is welcome. My friend didn't even know it was a gay bar until I recently told her, lol. Sidebar: Restrooms are spacious and very clean.

My partner and I have frequented this establishment almost since it's inception. The service, drinks and music is absolutely amazing. This space holds the culture and values of LGBTQ Oakland perfectly, while welcoming those who may not be as familiar with "Town Bizzness." We have hosted out of town guest here and all have raved about their experiences. Shout out to all the staff at the Town Bar! It's lit 🔥

I gave this place one more try. Sorry, guys-- three strikes and I'm out. They've now hiked their Happy Hour price for wine to $11. Perhaps they have a devoted cadre of faithful well-heeled customers but the place was practically deserted when I visited. One interesting addition to their decor-- a display of 1 to 3 star reviews from Yelp. What better way could there be for proprietors of an establishment to insinuate to the public that they have no regard for the public's opinion? ----- Previous reviews below. Nicely appointed space-- skip to "UPDATE" for the bottom line. I guess it goes without saying that, because it's Pride, prices have been inflated. Ordering a glass of wine, I asked the bartender the cost and he said "$9" then he went to the register and turned back and added, "That's $10". Hmmm...

The ambiance is beautiful! Bartenders are super friendly, makes awesome drinks. Great place to wine down after all long day at work

Very expensive drink menu. The bar is beautiful, very classy, and chic. Owner and crew are wonderful. Unfortunately, very expensive. The bathroom is wonderful. It is an all inclusive bathroom suite with three individual and Private rooms and a shared sink area.

Such a great vibe. The people, the music. It’s so exciting to see another LGBTQ+ bar in the area pop up, and one that feels really well managed. They’ve got a handful of craft cocktails and a fully stacked bar for everything else your heart’s desire. The bartenders are friendly and quick. If you are in the neighborhood you should definitely swing by.

I was absolutely blown away by the incredible experience I had at this amazing bar nestled in the heart of Oakland! From the perfectly crafted and delicious drinks to the impeccable atmosphere, every detail of this place was simply outstanding. The centerpiece column, adorned with lush greenery, soft moss, and live plants, not only added a touch of natural beauty but also held the space so well that it effortlessly elevated the entire ambiance. However, the entire place has beautiful interior design, and every inch has an intentional and cozy environment. The staff, led by the talented bartenders Diana, Oscar, & Kyle, went above and beyond to ensure that my friends and I were welcomed and taken care of with their exceptional hospitality. The music was another highlight of the night, as the DJs played tracks that had the entire crowd dancing and grooving for hours on end. I haven't had that much fun on the dance floor in ages! All in all, I had an amazing time and I can't wait to go back to this spot. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable night out in Oakland. If you're in the area, don't miss out on this gem

Decided to take a stroll and stumbled into the Town. I follow them on the gram and been meaning to check them out but when Im with others, hey always wanna go out to the same spot and not willing to ventura out. I arrived a minute b4 opening and a wonderful gentleman let me in. I approach the bar in which is nicely set up for the holidays. I hear a band rehearsing for tonight's special event in which Im bummed I didnt get tickets for the entre. When I took a seat at the bar, I was greeted and welcomed. I used the same darnos corny line "what do you recommend" and end uñ going with something else. Mars who was tending the bar made my salty dawg which was great, not too strong and hit the spot. I will def check them out at their monthly events. Def recommend and would be disappointed

The nonprofit I volunteer for held an event at Town Bar and we couldn't be happier with the service we received. The staff was kind, the drinks were delicious and the overall atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for. I will definitely host another event here and suggest others to do the sa

I've been coming here for a couple of years. I have always had a good time or interesting experience. Great Dj and I adore most of the bartenders and the rest are fine. The owner is kind and accommodating. I've had my birthday celebration here and have joined many parties here.

Last Thursday, a few friends and I decided to check out TOWN bar and lounge, before even arriving it started off on a good note: it's literally a minute's walk from the BART exit -- super convenient if you're coming from the city or parts of the East Bay and don't want to hunt for parking. Walking in, we were greeted by a super friendly bouncer (a pleasant change from some of the aggro vibes you get at Castro bars), and immediately hit by the chill atmosphere and music. They had a DJ spinning a dope Aaliyah and Diana Ross mashup-- pure gold for anyone who's a fan of the old school BET/VH1/CMC days. It's the feel-good, throwback music you seldom hear in gay bars anymore. The place wasn't just about the music though; the ambiance was on point too and every detail felt intentional. My friends and I grabbed a spot near the fireplace surrounded by cute candles, and even had a chance to chat with the owner. He was incredibly welcoming and genuinely interested in supporting and uniting the LGBT community, which really made an impression on us. Service was top-notch all evening. The bartenders were amiable and even let my friend sample some unfamiliar wine before deciding to buy -- again, not the type of vibe you get in the Castro and made it feel homey. While I stuck with my trusty Jack and diet, the signature cocktails looked tempting enough to try next time. And oh, the bathrooms -- finally a place that gets it. Instead of the typical divey drug den vibe of other bars, TOWN offers actual ~rooms~ with toilets, a communal sink area that adds to the inclusive co-ed vibe. It's these thoughtful touches that elevate the whole experience and are welcome from the typical bars where people can see you doing your business through a half-inch gap in the door. Whether it's watching the Warriors game or even a variety of board games available for anyone to use, this lounge is all about good vibes and a welcoming atmosphere. TOWN has nailed a dope mix of soulful, danceable hip-hop and R&B, cute drinks, and a grown and sexy atmosphere. I'm already planning my next visit and this time, I'm bringing more friends. If you appreciate good music and a welcoming spot to chill, TOWN is the place to be and just what the Bay Area needed.

Sheldon was an amazing bartender and gave us great recommendations. I love the hobos-kiss and the town sun drop and he's lovely to talk to :)

Love this bar. It's been the hottest LGBTQ spot in Oakland for a couple years now. Great music and decor. Friendly staff who are from the community. Great for after work happy hours with coworkers or club night out with friends. Can be a little packed on the weekends but that's part of the charm and how many different cute faces you may see here in one night. Generally more POC on fridays and saturdays however very diverse all week long.

The classiest bar in town! Since this place opened it's been a haven for the Bay Area lgbtq+ community. If you're visiting Oakland, this is a must visit spot. Amazing cocktails, skilled bartenders, and in a lush, gorgeous environment...you cannot go wrong! Check it out before a show at the Fox or Paramount, or just make this your destination for one of their shows or theme nights. Don't forget to get a photo in the free Photo Booth!!!

My rainbow bulb must have been on a dimmer because I didn't realize Uptown was turning into the Castro of Oakland. I just figured the Port Bar was a random gay bar with overpriced cocktails (review: https://yelp.to/oKSNNikHrl). However, the arrival of Town around the corner on 20th Street in the old I. Magnin Building has signaled a genuine community is starting to form in these parts. It was a welcoming place with a decidedly vintage vibe somewhere between the '70's and the '90's without the tackiness. Jamie W. and I were thinking "Boogie Nights", Studio 54, and C+C Music Factory. Sure enough, the video montage behind the bar had plenty of New Edition, early '90's Mariah, and Janet showing skin in "Love Will Never Do Without You". The owner Josh was tending the bar on our first couple of visits. Yes, we've been twice. Don't judge us. Josh made us feel at home and handles multiple customers with dexterity, no small feat. His cocktail selection was quite literally intoxicating. The $16 Caribbean Dreamin' was tasty with rum-washed coconut oil, pineapple juice, and almonds that are torched in front of your eyes (photo: https://yelp.to/qN3aKsJUYC). A tangier treat was the $12 Hibis-Kiss with hibiscus-infused tequila, sour cherry liquor, and agave (photo: https://yelp.to/Lo3Sg5uQ1R). A fruitier libation was the $14 Crème-Me with vanilla vodka, passion fruit, and lemon and orange juice (photo: https://yelp.to/YIQD6EW85L). As you can tell, Jamie and I are thorough cocktail samplers, and besides, we love chart toppers from the last third of the last century. Great job, Josh. COCKTAILS - 5 stars...Josh was a master mixologist and the prices felt tight AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...Boogie Nights SERVICE - 5 stars...we felt welcome TOTAL - 5 stars...going to Town RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

This new and fresh queer lounge is a great addition to the area! A friend and I stopped in for a quick drink and Kiki session.. the cocktails were tasty, and bartender was very kind with great music taste. Only taking a star away for the comfort level of some of the elevated booth seats(made for smaller butts), and the lack of mirrors in a gay bar's bathroom... there is a variety of seating options, which is a saving grace, and can invoke different vibes depending on where you are sitting. Overall, good vibes and pleasant staff! This is a great alternative for local queers that aren't so into clubbing, but still want a communal space to enjoy a cocktail with your gworls

I always have a great time at the town, great and friendly bartender alone with a very welcoming owner Jdun Didit.

My favorite bar in Oakland--I've never had anything but a great time here. The music, staff, and bathroom cleanliness are top-notch. The drinks are bomb, making it my go-to spot any day of the week! The vibes are top-tier, with so many great spots for pictures.

The staff, drinks, music, venue and patrons all get 5 starts from me at this bar. It's easy to meet people here. The vibe is relaxed and the crowd very diverse.

Nice artistic cocktails. Service can be better over all due to the bartenders playing behind the bar.

This bar is really cute! The theme right now is Alice and wonderland, beautifully decorated and great lighting, very nice ambiance. I will definitely return and excited to see the next theme.

Think cheers the TV show but 2024. You're crazy if you don't go here. I love the green eyes envy me except I don't have green eyes.

Arrived during happy hour since The White Horse was closed for the holidays. The Town Sun Drop is really delicious. Very friendly staff and great vibes all around. I'll be back!

I LOVE Town!! It's such a fun experience! The bartenders are great, the cocktails are amazing!! I always have so much fun every time I come here 10/10 for cocktails and cute vibe! They also have a trap high tea about once a month that is so much fun!! Can't wait to visit again!!

My girlfriends and I tried the lounge for a long overdue catchup. Everything about this spot was fantastic! The bartender, ambiance, drinks. All the other patrons were friendly. They have board games and cards available and small packaged snacks for sale. I can't wait to go back. Oh!! Bomb DJ.

really cute queer bar located right in down town Oakland!! The inside is nicely decorated, the often play movies or music videos on their projector, and there's some space to dance when they have live DJs come thru! Service is friendly and quick! Shoutout to Mars :-)

The Oakland/Bay Area communities are, without a doubt, blessed to have Town Bar and Lounge open in the historic I. Magnin and Co. building. Having seen this establishment rise from emptiness to the welcoming, classy, yet unpretentious LGBTQI+ bar and lounge, I am proud and truly honored to see my dear friend Joshua, his family, and work team bring Town Bar and Lounge to life. Whether you are looking for a finely crafted cocktail, an exceptional spot to have a drink with that special someone, a place to have a celebratory drink, or anything in between, I am confident you will be thoroughly pleased with Town Bar and Lounge. Stop on by! Cheers to Joshua and his staff!!

Come out on a Friday and check out DJ MK2 resident DJ for Happy Hour 6-10!!!! Loved all his sets and vibe!!! He played for the crowd and knows how to get the crowd moving!!! I loved the videos he incorporated with his sets. Added to the aura of the place. Great time to come if you looking for a happy hour location!!!!

If you haven't already checked out Town Bar and Lounge in Oakland, you're missing out! Warm and friendly staff, delicious cocktails, drink specials, amazing art deco style bar, rotating art by local artists, and excellent rotating events! Check them out! 5 stars all around!

This place has great decor, wonderful cocktails, exceptional bartenders, the sweetest bartender ever and a vibe that can't be matched. It's ceratinly one of my favorite gay bars in the Bay Area. Check it out!

Always a great vibe and very welcoming by staff and owner. I've taken a few friends from out of town and the first thing they've all said, "this is a nice place." It's not overwhelming in size, music is always good and drinks are on point, although I'm not that adventurous outside my normal sidecar.

What are the security guard I've ever met in my entire life? I said do not come here if you do not really really have to!! We passed

The space is great and the atmosphere and vibe are incredible. Great place to stop in to before a show at either the Paramont or the Fox theater.

Great staff and ambiance. I would support again. They took care of my friend on her birthday!

Music was like turning on 2000s-2012 radio. It was millennial core af. That was a bit annoying. The place is soooo tinyyyyy it's comical. The design is pretty nice, it looks like a tv or movie set. But I'm giving it a 1 star cuz the night we went my friend had his wallet stolen there, they not only used his card to pay for their drinks but they spent $500 before his ccs recognized it as frauds. Some bums be going here

Stop here with a friend at the recommendation of some folks that we met at MUA. After being there for about an hour, my friend decided to mingle and I stayed by the bar. Female security told me leave with no explanation after asking her several times.

Wish I could give six stars but yelp only lets me give five. Everyone who works here is great at their job, but also hot -- love that!

i went here for the first time last night with my bff and we had the beeeeeestest time! drinks, dj, bartender, bouncer, and ambiance were alllll a vibe! OH YEAH! order the hibiscus kiss and thank me later

Love the place and Josh and his family. Always a good time. Come down every other Sunday for fun Disco songs. My favorite.

Had a few signature cocktails prepared by bartender Mars. Delicious drinks. Nice atmosphere. Was even offered complimentary snacks, in addition to the board and card games available free for customer use. Will definitely be back next time I'm downtown Oakland.

A hop away from Port Bar is this place, a more elevated queer space. Its smaller than the Port Bar (yes I know!). But what it lacks in size makes up for in ambiance - cocktails are far more craftier and the decor/atmosphere feels grown n sexy (over 30 crowd). The space is not great for dancing but I haven't been when its more mellow. Come here for a better cocktail in a queer space but be prepared to make friends given the tight space.

Don't come here if you want to feel safe to be honest about your experience or the atmosphere inside and out. They were very rude to my friend and I will never come here again.

The most adorable bar!! I stumbled in here after a Taylor Tomlinson show at the Paramount. The drinks were amazing, the music was fun, and the crowd was a vibe. Such a fun spot! The bathrooms were also SUPER nice and fancy. Highly recommend!

Wow, what a beautiful spot. Everywhere you look you can see every detail that has been thoughtfully placed. Bar staff are wonderful, and drinks are delish. Go for a happy hour, catch a screening, enjoy the DJ, whatever you're looking for - go to Town!

The place has a wonderful ambiance. It feels exclusive but so inviting. When you walk in this is a wall with live plants and there is a really fun drink menu

Waited until the bartender finished their conversation for 5 mins! After that they helped the people behind me! RUDE!

This place is such a gem!! The service was wonderful. Everyone from the door man to the bartenders was so nice and welcoming. I mean , the place was gorgeous!! The decor sets itself apart from any other bar I have visited. There was this lovely fragrance that was lingering in the air. It's so different from the usual "bar smell." To top it off, the music was upbeat and kept my friends and I dancing all night. I am so happy to know this place exist and will be back!

Happy to review here! Lots of great vibes, cocktails and plants. Low light, can be for either a cozy date or a group of friends. There's good lounge seating, mirror balls, lights and Even a DJ when I went on Thursday night. The drinks are on a great price for the quality. This address is 2001 Broadway building but the bar its on Thomas L Berkley way. I ordered a Ami-Go drink with mezcal i believe and was great, i had 4 more after :-). This is a fun place to go when and want a delicious cocktail or Dance And Have FUN!!!

Baby! Town doesn't miss! This is what Oakland needed for a long time. A hopping LGBTQ+ bar with the best DJs, drinks, and vibes! Every weekend since their opening it has been lit! It's a smaller venue but the people love. Get one of their sexy drinks or order what works for you! Did I mention the decor! They have really outdone themselves. Can you say plant daddy wall?! Dance or chill with friends. It's the best spot for LGBTQ+ folx in the bay!

The drinks, atmosphere, and music were all great! The Crème Me cocktail was 10/10. Great to have a new gay bar in the area.

Anxiously been awaiting the opening of this new addition to Uptown Oakland..... Went Saturday night (5/27). Oscar, the very gifted mixologist, created top notch cocktails. Great DJ, music was bumping. Can't wait to go back!!

Amazing and inclusive bar in downtown Oakland! Intimate setting and cozy seating area with beautiful, unique accents throughout. Great drinks and specialized cocktails. DJ booth is also a nice touch, highly recommend

Loved it....great place to chill or turn up. Staff was so nice too. I will definitely be back.