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There's just something about a lounge that sounds inviting. After a long day at work staring into a computer screen, nothing could be better than kicking back at one of Oakland's finest lounges. It's hard to think of something more relaxing that the feel of plush leather couches of the Paragon Bar and Cafe or sipping on a concoction from the extensive cocktail list at Lost Weekend Lounge. Many lounges in Oakland offer live music, from jazz to hip-hop, creating an atmosphere ideal for dates or simply going out with friends. While checking out the East Bay's lounge scene, don't miss out on Berkeley's Pasand Lounge or Radio Bar in the heart of Oakland. For the classy drinker, shaken drinks and wines are available, but fans of pitchers and tall cans won't feel left out. These lounges cater to all including college students, professionals and retirees. Oakland has a lounge for everybody.
@17 th
510 17th Street, Oakland, California; Tel. 510.433.0577
Do you know where the hippest, upscale weekend party in Oakland is? Okay, let us clue you in, it's @17 th dance club every Wednesday through Saturday starting at 9pm and running it's ultra chic loungey decadence until 2am. You can chill out to some cool beats in their two lounge areas, get intimate in one of their private booths that have bottle service, or hang at one of their two bars and try to muster up the courage to talk to that hottie you've been eying all night. Real slick DJs provide the beats and you have to check out @17 th on Thursdays for the best weekday dance club party in Oakland complete with drink specials for the masses. A word to the wise, the dress code is strictly enforced so dress to impress or you'll be hangin' in the ride while your friends get it on inside. |
AIR
492 9th Street, Oakland, California; Tel. 510.444.2377
When you think of an ultra-lounge, your first thought should be of AIR in Oakland. This upscale, chic hangout for the hipper than thou features lounge seating, private booths, and beds... yeah, we said it, beds... for you and your guests to relax upon while you chill out to some of the Bay Area's hottest DJs. Also, as is becoming more common with the ultra-lounge set, AIR offers bottle service in any area. The bartenders are slick and the drinks are a little pricey, but hey you get what you pay for and all this hipness isn't free, which means leave your new Addidas at home and dress to impress or you're only getting as far as the doorman. |
Bench & Bar
2111 Franklin St., Oakland, California; Tel. 510.444.2266
For those of you that thought a trip across the Bay was necessary in order to get your Latin fueled dance party on, you're wrong. Bench & Bar in downtown Oakland has got you covered every night of the week with special gay dance club nights for both men and women, but Bench & Bar is not exclusively a gay club; the crowd is extremely diverse with Oakland clubbers just looking for a hip place to blow off some steam and dance the night away. Also, Bench & Bar does a kickin' happy hour from 2-7pm during the week to gear up for the hot club scene. |
Pasand Lounge
2278 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, California; Tel. 510.549.1973
Finally, a super chill local bar lounge without that annoying drive over the Bay: Pasand Lounge caters to an older crowd (mostly in their thirties) who prefer sipping a good cocktail to a beer bong. Pasand spins some great music that's never overpowering and, hey, they serve tapas as well. |
Radio Bar
435 13th St., Oakland, California; Tel. 510.451.2889
For a hip local bar with a dive bar flavor, it's hard to beat the up-and-coming Radio Bar, an establishment that's breathing new life into the Oakland bar scene. Equipped with a DJ booth that has a commanding view of the floor, Radio boasts some of the East Bay's best spinners winding out an eclectic array of chill tunes. There's a nice mix of cocktails to choose from and Radio busts out with happy hour on weeknights. Plus, the chic decor creates an atmosphere that rivals any lounge across the Bay, with Chinese lanterns that dance off the red walls. |
Paragon Bar and Cafe
41 Tunnel Rd., Berkeley, California; Tel. 510.843.3000
Paragon is a chic lounge that caters to the sophisticated set of Berkeley locals and out-of-towners, offering up soulful jazz acts four nights a week. You can sink yourself into one of many sumptuous leather couches or kick your swanky self back on the patio with its commanding view of the Bay. The libation selection is extensive and Paragon compliments its traditional cocktails with some choice house selections. Also, appetizers and dinner are offered, which are nothing short of delicious. Paragon does get crowded, but it's not your run of the mill bar throng; it's beautiful people. |
Lost Weekend Lounge
2320 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, California; Tel. 510.523.4700
Do as the name implys and lose yourself at the Lost Weekend Lounge, an A-lister local dive bar in Alameda. Heck, if you get there early or late you're probably going to catch happy hour, it goes from noon til 7pm 7 days a week, with cheap cocktails and beer. The place is almost always packed and, whether packed or not, always a good time. Lost Weekend's atmosphere has that retro cool dive bar feel and on nights when there's a DJ, they can musically transport you back to the eighties when they spin those now classic hits. This is definitely one bar you have to check out because we're sure you're much cooler now than you were in the eighties. |
—Oakland nightclub reviews by Ryan Osterbeck
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