"Viridian is offering up truly gorgeous cocktails in a moody, cinematic space in uptown Oakland, alongside dim sum and sweets that are just as photogenic (and delicious). A team of seriously talented Bay Area hospitality veterans are behind it, with experience at Lazy Bear, Moongate Lounge, and more. Drinks like the Yuzu Bamboo combine Asian flavors like yuzu, sesame, and Shao Xing wine with vermouth and curaçao, while a Baijiu Groni is a take on a negroni using Japanese gin, Baijiu, Italian bitter, vermouth, and banana." - Nico Bianchi
"Viridian is an Asian-American-inspired cocktail bar Uptown. The details of their Restaurant Week menu are still TBD—but here’s hoping it’s like last year’s—a $45 family-style dinner menu including arancini with salted yolk aioli and caramelized cod." - julia chen 1
"One of Uptown Oakland’s night-life hotspots, Viridian is a photogenic dream, a destination for its stylish, cinematic space and Asian-inflected sweets — it boasts a dessert menu that’s twice as long as its dim sum menu. Gorgeous, savory cocktails like the Yuzu Bamboo — combining flavors like yuzu, sesame, and Shao Xing wine with vermouth and curaçao — balance out the sweets." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Oakland has no shortage of bars, but Viridian’s party vibes stand out. Between the flattering neon lighting, intricate ceiling, and sophisticated Asian bar views and cocktails, this is a nightlife classic for a reason." - Flora Tsapovsky
"We’re in the midst of Reopening Season. And one bar that’s back (with a new executive chef) is Viridian. The neon-drenched Downtown Oakland cocktail spot has been offering indoor seating (walk-ins only) since April, along with a new menu of things like tempura calamari okonomiyaki, walnut prawn skewers, turnip cake and XO sauce, and crispy rice tuna tartare. The fact that Viridian was dubbed one of the “Best New Bars In America” last month should also give you the extra push needed to check them out, if you haven’t already." - lani conway