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A colorful walking path and the bar area at Nido’s Backyard Patricia Chang

16 Oakland Patios Perfect for Dining and Drinking

Where to eat and drink outside in the East Bay

by Eater Staff Updated
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by Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new
Patricia Chang

Oakland is all but immune to the advance of Karl the Fog, making it the best place to soak up the sun with a beer in hand. Head to one of these beer gardens, restaurants, and bars for a day or night of outdoor fun. Many of these locations are cool with both kids and dogs — meaning the more, the merrier. Check out these 16 spots for a weekend (or weekday, if you’re lucky) of fun in the sun.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Oeste

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Oeste’s rooftop and bar sit above an inviting cafe serving a mix of Latin and Southern food — tacos and crispy fried catfish are on the menu. It’s a sunny option in Old Oakland, where cozy lounge furniture and plants create an ideal environment for cocktails and snacks.

730 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 817-4157
(510) 817-4157
Courtesy of Oeste

Stay Gold Delicatessen

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This patio has everything: picnic tables and umbrellas, mannequin body parts painted gold, vinyl records as decoration, a fountain, and a foosball table. Most important, it’s a great place to kick back with a deli sandwich, po’boy, plate of barbecue, or local beer.

2635 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA
Stay Gold Deli
Stay Gold Deli/Facebook

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine

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Farmhouse Thai has an expansive waterfront patio in the heart of Jack London Square. Like its other locations, the restaurant and its patio are an explosion of tropical touches and bright colors. This is an ideal place to sip on a fruity cocktail and dig into a spicy Thai dish (add more bird’s eye chili for extra kick).

336 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 419-0541
(510) 419-0541

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Telegraph Bar and Beer Garden

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Known for its clever Beeryland sign, Telegraph has a full bar, a big list of beers, and slushies. Chill at picnic tables with your pals, surrounded by the work of local graffiti artists, and consume a burger that’s half beef, half bacon. Many other such delights fill the menu, which is perfect for drinking.

2318 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 444-8353
(510) 444-8353

The Double Standard

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Craft cocktails in a super no-frills environment is the name of the game here. A roomy back patio with a friendly redwood tree and potted plants beckon drinkers at all hours of the evening. No food here (but you’re allowed to bring some in from neighboring restaurants if you promise to clean up after), and it’s 21 and up.

2424 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 879-7601
(510) 879-7601
The Double Standard

Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack

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Located steps from MacArthur BART station, Arthur Mac’s is a counter-service spot featuring pizzas, hot wings (or hot cauliflower), and sweet potato tots. The glorious patio is the place to be, with one of the restaurant’s excellent beer selections, which are also available by the pitcher. Plus, it’s very dog- and kid-friendly.

4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA
The beer garden at Arthur Mac’s Arthur’s Tap and Snack/Facebook

NIDO's Backyard

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Lawn games, tables galore, and finally, something to drink beyond beer: Those are the draws at the “margarita garden” from the team behind popular Mexican spot Nido’s. The “backyard” is a collection of more than a dozen shipping containers, with plenty of space to enjoy food and drinks.

104 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 500-9757
(510) 500-9757
Seating and awning coverage at Nido’s Backyard Patricia Chang

Friends & Family

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If the fact that Friends & Family was nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program isn’t enough for you, there are plenty of other reasons to recommend this Oakland spot. There are the drinks and abbreviated food menu, of course — don’t skip mom’s carrot cake! — fun vibes, and a concrete patio with artwork and plants to give the space a cozy backyard energy.

468 25th St, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 225-0469
(510) 225-0469

Also featured in:

Drake's Dealership

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All of Drake’s beers are on tap, plus you can order pizzas, pretzels with beer cheese fondue, and more drinking snacks. The service is iffy, but who cares as long as you’re sitting by a fire pit enjoying Oakland’s superior weather? Dog- and kid-friendly, as well.

2325 Broadway Auto Row, Oakland, CA
(510) 568-2739
(510) 568-2739
Drakes Drakes

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Mad Oak Bar

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Atwo-level patio and rooftop garden, plus more than 40 beers on tap and rotating kitchen pop-ups make this a real destination in downtown Oakland. No kids are allowed here, which may make it more for a day or night date. 

135 12th St, Oakland, CA
Mad Oak

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Temescal Brewing

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Always sunny, and always lively, the Temescal Brewing patio is a haven for dogs, kids, people who love beer, and food trucks. Try one of Temescal’s constantly changing beers, and pair it with one of the rotating food trucks that supply snacks.

4115 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 899-5628
(510) 899-5628
Temescal Brewing Patricia Chang

Also featured in:

North Light

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Sure, it’s easy to get distracted by the book section or the bar seating next to the record player spinning Shannon and the Clams, or whatever happens to be playing that night. But if you venture past the teal-tiled bar, you’ll find the door to a cute, covered patio, perfect for small groups. Order one of the bar’s latest drinks or order a small snack. Reservations for the patio are available to guarantee a seat.

4915 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-1113
(510) 891-1113
North Light

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Pomella

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If you find yourself wandering busy Piedmont Avenue in search of outdoor space to meet with a friend, Pomella can easily be that place. Linger over a plate from chef Mica Talmor’s selection of mezze options on the outdoor patio, while sipping on something from the craft beer or wine menu.

3770 Piedmont Ave Unit B, Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 250-9215
(510) 250-9215

Also featured in:

Portal

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Simple gastropub fare — plus beer, wine, and cocktails — and brunch are on offer on Portal’s spacious patio six days a week. The wood bench-and-umbrella setup is pretty typical, but the view of Lake Merritt and downtown from the eastern side make it special. Kids are welcome, but not dogs.

1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 663-7678
(510) 663-7678

Also featured in:

Brotzeit Lokal

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It’s tough to beat Brotzeit Lokal’s waterfront beer garden, set right along the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. The star of the menu is a selection of sausages, but there are other German classics, plus 20 beers on draft and dozens more in bottles. Bonus: It’s kid- and dog-friendly.

1000 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 645-1905
(510) 645-1905
Tony G./Yelp

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Ghost Town Brewing

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West Oakland’s metal-themed brewery has expanded to the Laurel District neighborhood with a massive patio, 32 taps, and a full kitchen in what was the former location of 4505 BBQ’s first East Bay location (a casualty of the pandemic). Now the crew at Ghost Town has painted over the flying pig mural. The kitchen is turning out fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and small plates like the Heaven and Hell Hummus (jalapeño black bean hummus and citrus white bean hummus with fresh vegetables and pita).

3506 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 227-6009
(510) 227-6009
The new mural at Ghost Town Brewing
Ghost Town Brewing

Also featured in:

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Oeste

730 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607

Oeste’s rooftop and bar sit above an inviting cafe serving a mix of Latin and Southern food — tacos and crispy fried catfish are on the menu. It’s a sunny option in Old Oakland, where cozy lounge furniture and plants create an ideal environment for cocktails and snacks.

730 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 817-4157
(510) 817-4157
Courtesy of Oeste

Stay Gold Delicatessen

2635 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA

This patio has everything: picnic tables and umbrellas, mannequin body parts painted gold, vinyl records as decoration, a fountain, and a foosball table. Most important, it’s a great place to kick back with a deli sandwich, po’boy, plate of barbecue, or local beer.

2635 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA
Stay Gold Deli
Stay Gold Deli/Facebook

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine

336 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607

Farmhouse Thai has an expansive waterfront patio in the heart of Jack London Square. Like its other locations, the restaurant and its patio are an explosion of tropical touches and bright colors. This is an ideal place to sip on a fruity cocktail and dig into a spicy Thai dish (add more bird’s eye chili for extra kick).

336 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 419-0541
(510) 419-0541

Telegraph Bar and Beer Garden

2318 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA

Known for its clever Beeryland sign, Telegraph has a full bar, a big list of beers, and slushies. Chill at picnic tables with your pals, surrounded by the work of local graffiti artists, and consume a burger that’s half beef, half bacon. Many other such delights fill the menu, which is perfect for drinking.

2318 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 444-8353
(510) 444-8353

The Double Standard

2424 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA

Craft cocktails in a super no-frills environment is the name of the game here. A roomy back patio with a friendly redwood tree and potted plants beckon drinkers at all hours of the evening. No food here (but you’re allowed to bring some in from neighboring restaurants if you promise to clean up after), and it’s 21 and up.

2424 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 879-7601
(510) 879-7601
The Double Standard

Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack

4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA

Located steps from MacArthur BART station, Arthur Mac’s is a counter-service spot featuring pizzas, hot wings (or hot cauliflower), and sweet potato tots. The glorious patio is the place to be, with one of the restaurant’s excellent beer selections, which are also available by the pitcher. Plus, it’s very dog- and kid-friendly.

4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA
The beer garden at Arthur Mac’s Arthur’s Tap and Snack/Facebook

NIDO's Backyard

104 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607

Lawn games, tables galore, and finally, something to drink beyond beer: Those are the draws at the “margarita garden” from the team behind popular Mexican spot Nido’s. The “backyard” is a collection of more than a dozen shipping containers, with plenty of space to enjoy food and drinks.

104 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 500-9757
(510) 500-9757
Seating and awning coverage at Nido’s Backyard Patricia Chang

Friends & Family

468 25th St, Oakland, CA 94612

If the fact that Friends & Family was nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program isn’t enough for you, there are plenty of other reasons to recommend this Oakland spot. There are the drinks and abbreviated food menu, of course — don’t skip mom’s carrot cake! — fun vibes, and a concrete patio with artwork and plants to give the space a cozy backyard energy.

468 25th St, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 225-0469
(510) 225-0469

Drake's Dealership

2325 Broadway Auto Row, Oakland, CA

All of Drake’s beers are on tap, plus you can order pizzas, pretzels with beer cheese fondue, and more drinking snacks. The service is iffy, but who cares as long as you’re sitting by a fire pit enjoying Oakland’s superior weather? Dog- and kid-friendly, as well.

2325 Broadway Auto Row, Oakland, CA
(510) 568-2739
(510) 568-2739
Drakes Drakes

Mad Oak Bar

135 12th St, Oakland, CA

Atwo-level patio and rooftop garden, plus more than 40 beers on tap and rotating kitchen pop-ups make this a real destination in downtown Oakland. No kids are allowed here, which may make it more for a day or night date. 

135 12th St, Oakland, CA
Mad Oak

Temescal Brewing

4115 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA

Always sunny, and always lively, the Temescal Brewing patio is a haven for dogs, kids, people who love beer, and food trucks. Try one of Temescal’s constantly changing beers, and pair it with one of the rotating food trucks that supply snacks.

4115 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA
(510) 899-5628
(510) 899-5628
Temescal Brewing Patricia Chang

North Light

4915 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Sure, it’s easy to get distracted by the book section or the bar seating next to the record player spinning Shannon and the Clams, or whatever happens to be playing that night. But if you venture past the teal-tiled bar, you’ll find the door to a cute, covered patio, perfect for small groups. Order one of the bar’s latest drinks or order a small snack. Reservations for the patio are available to guarantee a seat.

4915 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-1113
(510) 891-1113
North Light

Pomella

3770 Piedmont Ave Unit B, Oakland, CA 94611

If you find yourself wandering busy Piedmont Avenue in search of outdoor space to meet with a friend, Pomella can easily be that place. Linger over a plate from chef Mica Talmor’s selection of mezze options on the outdoor patio, while sipping on something from the craft beer or wine menu.

3770 Piedmont Ave Unit B, Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 250-9215
(510) 250-9215

Portal

1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606

Simple gastropub fare — plus beer, wine, and cocktails — and brunch are on offer on Portal’s spacious patio six days a week. The wood bench-and-umbrella setup is pretty typical, but the view of Lake Merritt and downtown from the eastern side make it special. Kids are welcome, but not dogs.

1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 663-7678
(510) 663-7678

Brotzeit Lokal

1000 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606

It’s tough to beat Brotzeit Lokal’s waterfront beer garden, set right along the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. The star of the menu is a selection of sausages, but there are other German classics, plus 20 beers on draft and dozens more in bottles. Bonus: It’s kid- and dog-friendly.

1000 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 645-1905
(510) 645-1905
Tony G./Yelp

Related Maps

Ghost Town Brewing

3506 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619

West Oakland’s metal-themed brewery has expanded to the Laurel District neighborhood with a massive patio, 32 taps, and a full kitchen in what was the former location of 4505 BBQ’s first East Bay location (a casualty of the pandemic). Now the crew at Ghost Town has painted over the flying pig mural. The kitchen is turning out fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and small plates like the Heaven and Hell Hummus (jalapeño black bean hummus and citrus white bean hummus with fresh vegetables and pita).

3506 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 227-6009
(510) 227-6009
The new mural at Ghost Town Brewing
Ghost Town Brewing

Related Maps