White Horse Inn

Did not try any food. Went to a event it was on Friday night. Not crowded as I thought. Overall the music was good. A lot of throwback from 2008 to 2015 just a range of different throw backs and also new songs. Just wish the music was a little better add more newer songs have the crowd dancing more. It was ok maybe need to try going on a Saturday will try again or add a mixture of music Spanish and English will bring in more crowded

Great local bar with a DJ both, dance floor, Photo Booth, and pool table

$50 for a preauthorization fee??? On one modello??? With no clear signs at the bar and no phone number to call??? And if that wasn't bad enough, once I got my Lyft to come all the way back out there from fruitvale to ask why there was suddenly $50 being taken out of my account, the bartender who I spoke to about the situation was EXTREMELY condescending to me. Most bars I go to do *not* have this fee and the ones that do it's NOWHERE near that high. I was excited to see this bar under new management, but this bougie, unfriendly vibe isn't it.

Opened a tab. Accidentally forgot my card at the bar. They charged a 60% tip. Card was stolen from behind the bar and used for a $160 lunch the next day. Shady place and manager. Couldn't even find the transaction when I came to find the card and asked me to leave.

My friend has been trying to drag me here for weeks so I finally caved and we went. Not a big fan of this location but once inside, its a perfect little haven with good drinks and great staff. There's a big space inside and it looks like there's potentially for a lot of cool things to go down in here. If dark and divey is your jam, head on over!

First time back since the renovation / new mgmt. Looks great! DJ kept the dance floor energy hyped. Good mix in the crowd as always. Friendly place, welcoming 🌈✨️grateful to have spaces like these in East Bay.

This was a reunion of two gay bars that no longer exist in Oakland cables and bench and bar, oh yes Bella Napoli. Live show and good friends enjoyed myself so much, thank you Lana

Updated: new metal horse is so weird, i feel like I’m at a Ford dealership. Super sad the smoking room is gone now too. I liked the old set up better. Otherwise, an iconic and historic queer bar. I love to sing 🌈🕺🏻great times, plastic cups, perfect environment.

Fun time. Came to check out one of the oldest gay bars in the USA. Good diverse crowd, nice staff, great service. Cover charge which always annoys me but I suppose reasonable and like to support the smaller bars. Seemed very safe. Not very familiar with Oakland but hear a lot of bad stuff, this place was totally safe. Love the rainbow crosswalk at the intersection. Would probably stop in again if in the area. Thanks for having us.

With 86 gay bars reviewed on Yelp (and counting), I wanted to wait until my Review #7,100 milestone before writing one for the oldest gay bar in the country. It first opened in the depths of the Great Depression in 1933, and it's in Jamie W.'s and my proverbial backyard on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. We had never been before we saw a recent news story about the new owner, Patty Nishimura Dingle. She's a self-described "futch Blasian lesbian" who appears to be committed in maintaining the vibe of a local watering hole. From what we could tell, she appears to be succeeding from the casual mix of regulars. Jamie and I are starting to become regulars ourselves. We appreciate the spaciousness and the thoughtful layout including an adjacent room where private functions take place. We already have our favorite bartenders identified. The gregarious Captain is a longtime veteran of the bar who made a customized $12 Espresso Martini. It was off the menu, so she crafted an excellent one (photo: https://yelp.to/5WONC5Jrmk). Sean is our other favorite, and he makes a mean off-menu Daiquiri as well as the $14 Fruity-vale, a vodka-vermouth mix with St. Germain, raspberry, and pineapple (photo: https://yelp.to/kK9mEuXioj). There's a strong sense of community here, a true gay-thering place. COCKTAILS - 5 stars...The Captain and Sean make top-notch libations even when they have to improvise AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...spacious and convivial SERVICE - 5 stars...we feel genuinely welcome here TOTAL - 5 stars...friendly spot for a mini-gaycation RELATED - Looking for a gay bar around the world? Here's my collection of bars I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3LJO7fd

The White Horse is said to be the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the US, having opened in 1933. It's the kind of neighborhood gay bar where I feel immediately at ease. It's not exactly cool, but it is deeply charming, and regulars sitting at the bar are very welcoming. If you're up for it, you may hear some pretty incredible stories. Let the Captain pour you a cold beer, and enjoy being transported back in time.

Me and my uncle went to get some quite alright vegan tacos down the block. No dine in here. Only take out. We don't live in this hood. What to do? We rolled up to the White Horse Bar. I spent a month in White Horse in the Yukon in northern Canada near Alaska doing a yoga intensive. The Yukon is where Jack London lived who wrote White Fang. There is Jack London square is in Oakland. Connect the dots. Everything is connected. Tendrel happens. Me and my uncle are both teetotalers aka we don't drink. We come to White Horse to enjoy vegan tacos and are grateful for staff here to let that happen. We loved the vibe here. My uncle got a ginger ale and got the pineapple juice. I didn't like the juice that much and only drank a third of it. First third like Neal Cassady's memoir. City Lights San Francisco. Legacy. Vibe here was amazing. Friendly folks. 49ers game on. We won against the Packers. My brother is in Wisconsin with sister in law and my nephew. Our team beat their team yet football is just a game. Game of life. We live it. A birthday party was happening. Vegan eats and vegan delights yet that was their party and we already have our vegan eats from next door that was quite alright aka four out of five stars. This bar is a five star for the vibe. My uncle played college basketball and I played high school basketball. We will come back again for vegan tacos and watch the Dubs on the tele would give this place bonus stars for that if Yelp allowed it. Peace.

As the oldest operating gay bar in the country, it must be doing something right to still be thriving! The vibes here are typically good and chill. There's a pool table, dance floor, and outdoor patio. The bartenders all come with sass and humor. Last time I came here was with a friend after brunch on a Sunday, and we were able to enjoy some nice cocktails while watching football. There are 4 screens conveniently located around the bar. There are also two gender-neutral, multi-stall bathrooms. This isn't like...a Port Bar. It's relatively more dive-y and mellow, so if that's what you're looking for, slide thru!

I'm not gay and didn't realize this was a gay bar but my wife and I love Oakland and SF neighborhood bars and ducked in for a drink. We pretty quickly realized it was a gay bar but the super friendly bartender threw down napkins and we were welcome. Cool place. Great people. It caused my wife and I to talk about how awesome Oakland is and how lucky we are to live here. Bravo White Horse.

Opened a tab, accidentally left my card, card stolen from behind the bar after charging themselves 60% tip. They bought a nice $160 for themselves the next day on me.

They even close the dance floor on Saturday nights?!! Jesus Christ. Snoozefest. We left before it even hit 11pm

A great place to meet up with a friend or two and have a drink. While I was taking pictures, someone gawked at me...I did my best to ignore them. I have read it is the oldest operating gay bar in the US. There's lots of space to hang out with friends. It is bigger than it looks from the oitside. They have a pool table, and a fireplace. It can be hard to find parking on the main street, but I was able to find parking on a side street. Drinks are reasonably priced.

Back in the day, this place was always a blast and full of people. Now, it's a shell of its old self. The "much needed facelift" destroyed the character of the WH. Drinks are small and overpriced and covers are crazy. These pics are from a recent Friday night at 11 pm and it's hard to believe this is the same place I used to be shoulder to shoulder with people. I've been a few times since the change in ownership, and I tried to be positive and supportive, but it's just not it anymore. Sad to cross this place off my list of bars to frequent or recommend.

So I forgot to take a pic of my drinks, but whatever, this spot is great cause it's queer friendly, cute and hella chill. Def a space if you're queer, femme or present as female and wanna feel safe. The bartenders are friendly and accommodating. Check it out.

Love the new staff and new owner. So much more inclusivity and good energy! The place looks 10000000x better! And it's finally clean! Also, in response to Jon S. desperate review (photo added)...I've been a patron for over 20 years and the new owner has done an amazing job at giving it a much needed face lift, being sure to be inclusive in their staff and welcoming to QTBIPOC, listening to us regulars and trying to accommodate the needs of not only us, but the community as a whole, to preserve this historical place. The old owners unfortunately lost their spirit in this community and allowed this place to be ran down. Myself, along with many regulars, are happy about the necessary changes that will give this place the foundation to be here for so much longer. And also...you obviously don't know who the owner is because she is a sole QWOC owner, from Oakland! And she is simply delightful if you even had a chance to speak with her.

Always a good time coming here. I went here for the first time in 2014. Last year it was a great scene. I like the location of White Horse!

This is a great spot for a night out with friends no mater the day of week. My only gripe is there is only one non alcoholic beer in there cooler. I don't always want to drink water or a soda. Please White Horse can you up ur selection for us non drinkers too? Just asking....

I've gone to the White Horse many times, and have had many great times there. The White Horse is an East Bay institution - a little tragic (which is also tragically great), but wonderful people - both bartenders and patrons. After dinner in Oakland tonight my partner and I went over to have some drinks. We had been there a few months ago and had such a great time...the bartender Isaiah remembered us and we had a nice conversation (and a hug when we left!). When we were walking in this evening, the door man outside said "We have new ownership", and I have to admit I was immediately concerned. When we walked in, it was obvious that everything was nicer. And that's nice. But the stools at the bar were gone - maybe only for New Year's, but not sure. There was basically no where to sit, as the open tables said "reserved" on them. We ordered two Tanqueray and tonics...whoa, now $22. And not the old heavier pours. And we stood by a nook near the bar and drank our cocktails in small plastic cups. We were half way through our drinks, when at 8:57PM they announced everyone had to leave due to a private party. No one told us when we arrived - e.g. "we're closing down for a private party, just FYI". They said you would wait have to wait in line. We weren't going to do that anyway, but it turns out they wanted to charge everyone in line $50! Whoa! Several people in line immediately stepped out. So I spent money on an Uber to go visit the White Horse for some cocktails, and I left pretty sad. Actually very sad. The White Horse was a warm welcoming neighborhood place. I hope the new owners bring back some of that. I want to walk in, get a nice drink at a good price, have a seat, and chat with fun bartenders and patrons. That was not my experience this evening. Given that it is a hike for me to get there, I sadly may not be back. I do wish the owners the best, but part of the magic is that people feel welcome and comfortable. It was a big miss for me tonight.

Yes!! i had BEST TIME OF MY LIFE i saw my dad but its ok he was having fun he said not to tell mommy or something.. Anyway it was so fun and the food was AMAZING, it was such a VIBE

First night out in Oakland and few of my friends wanted to go check out White Horse once we got in. His google said the bar closes at 2am. Got here a little past midnight and seen how many people were out on a Thursday night. Seems like a live band just finished performing. About a half hour in, house lights turns on. We're like what? We just got our first round! So we go back to the bar, and the bartender tells us he can still serve us even if we are working on the 1st drink. While talking with some of the regulars there, they said that the bar normally closes at 2am, but for some reason the owners wanted to end early. To find out the bartender was one of the owners, if I remember correctly his name was Kyle. I saw he didn't wanna serve this one guy any more drinks because he had way too many that evening, luckily for our group, we had just arrived and was serving us like there was no tomorrow lol. There's also these cool arcade machines where you can play "adult games." Haha. Upon leaving, I learned that this is the oldest gay bar in the US!

cunt millennial bartenders who can't deal with the job. can't mange more then one thing at a time and when they get in a bind run to mama Pattie to "save them" .

The White Horse is best bar in town. Patti, the staff, and DJs are not only sweet, but welcoming and fun! My best friend had her wedding reception here and everyone had a great time.

This bar is banging!! Fun decor, the music is fire, and awesome ambiance!! The new owners are wonderful... they are caring and work really hard to make it a great experience for everyone. Must try!!

I have been going to the White Horse for the better part of 6 years. I usually go to play pool, have a few beers and unwind. Recently the bar has come under new ownership and I'm LOVING the updates and changes they are making! It still feels like a locals bar with updated features. Keep up the great work and I'll be seeing the White Horse team soon!

Loved this bar so much!! The vibes were definitely where they needed to be, they have a dance floor and a dj, it wasn't too full the night we went but everyone was still dancing& having fun. Drinks were pretty good, regular price I believe.

OWNER IS NOT HOSPITABLE, HAS ATTITUDE AND WENT ON A POWER TRIP. Yesterday was my first time coming to the White horse bar. I was going to meet with a group of 10ish people to celebrate the birthday of one of our friends. When a few of our friends had arrived, we looked for tables we could all sit together in. We spotted 3 tables that were a couple feet apart near the karaoke area. Since these tables were light, we started to pull them a bit closer together so our group could sit together. That's when the someone from the bar loudly said "Woah what is going on here" and walked over to us. Again, they asked what we were doing and I replied with "Oh, we're just moving the tables closer since we're expecting a pretty large group." You would think they would just let us know we can't do that, but instead. They said "I'M THE OWNER, You don't just walk into someone's bar and start moving tables."... I replied with "Okay, we'll just put them back then." The owner continued with attitude "I need you to understand, you can't just move the tables without letting me know." Again, I understand, we can put them back. The owner seemed upset that I was replying so calmly. They were kind of on a power trip. Since this was our first time here, I didn't know to call in before hand, or to look for the owner. This first interaction was upsetting and if I wasn't there to celebrate a friend, I would've left. It sucks that as a customer, I was the one that had to deescalate the situation since the owner was all riled up. Our group eventually arrived and we all stood around one table since we weren't allowed to move the other tables together. Eventually, the owner came to the table we were all gathered by and told us to move since they needed to clear the space for Karaoke. Again, you would think they would move us and sit us somewhere else, but no, they just asked us to move. Rude. One of my friends, asked if they could move one of the tables closer to where the rest of the group was and the owner replied with " If you would've let me know beforehand, we would've been able to accommodate you. " My friend understood and asked if we could please be accommodated now, to which the owner walked away. Again, on a power trip, didn't offer any kind of resolution. Our group ordered a lot of drinks and despite the weird looks from the owner and some staff, we tried to have fun. It sucks that the owner soiled the experience for us and ruined the vibe of what otherwise would've been a really great night. I know it's hard for some people to be nice to others, but as the owner, the bare minimum is to be nice to customers. Since this was my 1st experience here, I will not be coming back. I know they don't need my money, but hopefully this review will encourage the owner to work on their attitude when dealing with customers.

$15 cover on. Sunday night! We just wanted a drink..., one drink - and having to pay $45 (3 of us) just to get in! And it was Pride weekend and they would t give us a discount. Won't ever be going there, sorry!!!

My partner and I had a great time at White Horse. Friendly people, nice dancing floor and fairly good music. But the night did not end well: When we went to our car, which was parked across the street, the car was broken into. Back window was broken. Nothing was stolen as there wasn't anything in the car worth stealing. But now I have a broken glass I need to replace Fu..ing Oakland Dear White Horse, we really had a great time, but I don't think we would be coming back. It's not worth my car to be broken into. You are just in a bad neighborhood.

They were out of ingredients for almost every drink they advertised at the bar one of us ended up getting a soda but it was in the tiniest cup full of ice.

The White Horse is a great welcoming gay bar, with friendly folks and good times. Been coming here for 40 years to hit the dance floor.

This place used to be a queer bar, and since its new ownership, has lost this special identity and has become nothing more than a sign of gentrification and changing times. Me and many people in my community have grieved the changes and loss, but are rebuilding elsewhere. Not sure why some people are saying the new owner is a woman of color - maybe they're thinking of a manager.

I previously wrote a five-star review after having some really fun queer nights with good music and vibes. However, the last few times I went for a night of dancing, the music was TERRIBLE- like night-ruining. And the place was much emptier- probably because the White Horse has been losing its people since new ownership. Very disappointing and depressing- I hope they can recover their feel-good, groovy, queer atmosphere but I am taking a break from this place.

Came last weekend to watch RPDR however 30 mins in they turned off the sound and a few minutes later our group, along with everyone else in the bar, was kicked out because they were hosting a party that you needed a wristband for. Reading other recent reviews it seems like this now happens frequently. It felt deceiving to let us in to watch the show and open tabs, just to kick us out 30 mins later, like they were bamboozling us into buying wristbands for this event. I really liked the White Horse for its divey vibes and diverse crowd but hope new management can get it together before they alienate the crowd that set them apart.

It's a dive, not a vibe. Same tired DJs over and over. The main reason I am giving a 1 star review is the price gouging during a pride event. $50 at the door (and the price not indicated on their Instagram even in the hours leading up to the event). But $10 in advance. All because a B list celebrity was there. Sadly, the White Horse did not care that several folks left the line and decided not to enter because of the major upcharge. Guess what? I just went to a much sexier queer spot in LA with good DJs and the cost was $15. Oh, and there were actual A list celebrities there. Never going back to White Horse.

The remodel is a huge upgrade! Went on karaoke night on Tuesday, Jeremey Jason was an awesome MC and the DJ was the sweetest to my friend. The energy there is amazing, a must visit

It's a fairly ok place especially if we want a gay bar. Staff is fairly nice. I especially appreciate the KJ, Jeremy, for hosting karaoke. However, I don't appreciate many of the patrons who are college boys. Many of them (not all) are very condescending and arrogant when I tried to talk to them. At least no body gets physical with me. Should be a lot better but hey, it's better than many of the other places I've been to.

Came here for the first time this past week when a friend invited me to the Manhaters comedy show. You could get tickets to this show online or you could purchase tickets inside (line was near the restrooms). We found free street parking when we got here. When you walk in, the bar is on the right and on the left is where the comedy show happens. Pros: -great comedy show! Cons: -bar has a $20 minimum credit card fee -ATM in bar charges a $3.25 service fee

This is where I met my husband 16 years ago The door guy on Fridays is awesome too.

The bar has a nice vibe, is in good shape, and has good people working there, but it's a horrible place to go out dancing. I don't know who's hiring the Dj's, but every time I've gone the music has been horrible. Not every night is a dancing night, but just understand this bar is not a place to go for that kind of vibe. Even when they host events more geared towards that energy it's a big flop. For example, I've gone now to several of the "Queer First Friday" events held at this location. The cover fee is outrageous, but I understand the need for it. I might be able to get over it if the DJs played any good music! They remix the same 4-beat track and keep that on loop for most of the night. Would NOT recommend if you're looking for a place to dance with good music.

I had just been released and the EBC wanted to go out for Drinks . Isabella suggested the White Horse Bar . This seemed like a Solid Choice and since I had a Fresh Charge on my Ankle Bracelet , I jumped into my Whip Black Beauty and rolled to Oakland and the White Horse Bar. I parked a block away . There is only Street Parking . I rolled into the White Horse with Ms. Isabella and we grabbed a seat at the Bar. The White Horse is a Large Bar . There are 2 Pool Tables . An Outdoor Patio that you can Smoke on if you like. A separate Dance area . They have a Full service Bar and a lot of Micro Brews to Choose from . I had a Few beers and rolled out No Cover as it was during the Day I would return its a pretty chill spot The Bartender was nice..

It's a nice bar and a local institution SEVERELY held back by its music, especially given their desire to become more club-like. Even on its busiest nights, the dance floor is mostly people standing around because they largely refuse to play anything from after 1995 or anything classically queer- when they occasionally throw on an abba song the whole floor lights up! If they start playing to their crowd more they could justify the otherwise questionable cover fee.

I absolutely love White Horse! I went for the first time in January and have basically been going every weekend since. It's hard for me to find a place where I feel both safe and comfortable enough to have fun and that's what I've found here! The drinks are reasonably priced, the staff is amazing and kind, the dance floor is huge and the bathrooms are always clean. What more could you ask for?!

New owners absolutely wrecked this place. When it was a dive bar, I'd come with friends multiple times a week. But since they fired all the old staff and remodeled, the drinks are weak, the music sucks, the trans girls are gone, the lights are obscene... The renovation seems mostly to have involved turning the whole bar into a big, empty, badly lit room with no good places to sit and sports on the tv. Worst of all, they charge a steep cover every chance they get and make you wait in line for hours: not because there's anything interesting happening inside (hilariously, it's nearly always empty when you actually get in). Maybe the new owners think we'll share their fantasy that the bar they've ruined is worth waiting for. It's a real tragedy. I miss popping in for a couple drinks with my friends and my community and meeting new people. I genuinely can't believe the gay bar is the worst night out in town.

Love the energy the new owner is bringing to this place. She not only cleaned up the place but is bringing in a more diverse crowd.

Awful experience. We were told we needed pink wristbands to enter the bar when there were none to be sold. We were able to find wristbands to buy our entry just to be told off for having pink wristbands that weren't ours. The bouncers were not just violent but RUDE and heterophobic. ZERO stars out of five. Very incredibly disappointing experience to say the least

Great karaoke on mondays and tuesdays! Super friendly & helpful staff and a great crowd

I like it here. I was nervous because a lot of queer bars are notorious for being antiBlack but this place was decent. I went on a Saturday and the music was good (mix of everything include hip-hop). But it was crazy empty like 20 people tops. I'll try it again in the future, hopefully it was just a slow night.

Loved it, loved the drag show, bartenders were friendly, parking was easy, public transportation is available. Joint starts to pop after 10.

So this place actually has a dance floor with people dancing as if there were no Covid in front of a keep 6 feet distance card. Lol.

Omg amazing ass bar, came here from Portland with some friends and I fucking love it thank you guys, we will be back don't even trip about that. This is by far amazing and the people so nice my bar tender was fun.

This place is just a big messy disappointment. I really truly don't think I'm ever going back here again. I get invited to gay bars with my friend sometimes and I almost always accept because I like being there to support him (and who doesn't like not having to worry about creepy men). Sooo last night was one of those nights. We go into White Horse and there is a $6 cover. That's really steep for a dive bar and place that isn't all that popping. Once in, I take a look around. The decor is dingy, the tables are sticky, the floors are dirty, and it's all around a musty vibe. The drinks here are so cheap! That's the saving grace of this place. But the bartenders? RUDE. I was sitting at the bar minding my own business when the woman bartender told me to move my leg out of the "service area" and that she had told me "three times that night" and that she would have to kick me out if I didn't move my leg. Mind you, I did not drink any alcohol the entire night so I was aware of my surroundings. She definitely did not tell me 3 times and her rude attitude was not warranted. Maybe instead worry about the lady you guys served way too much alcohol to that literally FELL backwards off the bar stool, straight onto her back, smacked the floor HARD, hit her head, and started projectile vomiting, and not whether or not my knee is too close to the serving area. I literally had to run over and make sure she didn't severely injure her back from the fall because I was literally the only sober person in that bar that was coherent enough to understand what was happening (the bartenders themselves were taking shots together and couldn't be bothered to help her). A lot of the patrons are regulars, but that translates to them not caring about other people because they're so used to their own little group. I was sandwiched between 6 grown men greeting each other and talking around me. I was sitting at the bar and my head was literally sandwiched between their bodies!! While they all screamed and hugged and kissed each other! It's funny to think about but if it were anyone else besides me I know they wouldn't have let that fly. The regulars seem to have no regard for others. As for music, the DJ was boring and the music they played was pretty okay. All in all, in my opinion the cheap drinks do not outweigh how much of a mess this place is. Maybe you can make your experience how you want it, but I truly came in here optimistic and excited and left super disappointed.

Honestly the go to bar. You can take the bus from UC Berkeley here (because Uber is cringe) which is super convenient! Anyway, the drinks punch back, the bartenders are so sweet, and environment is very safe. Love coming here every time definitely a highlight of college for me!