Oakland Nightlife - Search for Cheap Airfare to Oakland

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Oakland's nightlife scene is diverse, even compared to its more famous twin, San Francisco. The city's neighborhood bars are full of personality. With ultra-hip lounges, down-to-earth blues bars, and raucous neighborhood pubs, Oakland does not have the sleepy nightlife visitors might expect. In fact, the lack of pretension at many nightspots might seem refreshing for Bay Area residents and those who are familiar with San Francisco's nightlife scenes.

Here are the best of the after-dark attractions in Oakland.

Budget

Pat's, (on Franklin Ave) is a low-key blues bar with a blue collar vibe. However, the live music has enough quality to draw music lovers from all over the Bay Area. There is an open-mic night on Wednesdays hosted by a local celebrity.

The Hut (5515 College Ave) is Oakland public house with an unusual history. The bar started as a church but changed into an alcohol-serving neighborhood hangout back in the 1930s. The brews are cheap, the room has a welcoming neighborhood feel, and the weekend crowd provides all the entertainment any patron could want.

Value

Pacific Coast Brewing Company (906 Washington Street) is a popular brew-house serving micro-brewed favorites as well as a decent selection of edibles. The vibe is quite laid back and it is often very crowded, though not raucous.

Conga Lounge (5422 College Ave) is a unique place with retro vibe (50's décor and dated lounge music) and a Hawaiian/tropical theme. This unique combination is not cheesy, but draws hipsters and scene-makers. Prices are very reasonable despite the "cool" attitude of many patrons.

The Ruby Room (132 14th) is an eclectic lounge with dim lighting, a dance floor and a hip, urban vibe. What is special about this lounge compared to all the others? The DJs aren't afraid to play different styles of music: country, jazz, rock, and funk are all considered fair game. This provides a laid-back atmosphere, especially on the dance floor, where things are decidedly easy-going compared to most other clubs.

Splurge

Easy Lounge (3255 Lakeshore Ave) is an ultra-hip nightspot favored by the Bay Area's scene-makers. Prices are not cheap, but if you want to get a taste of the see-and-be-seen scene, this is the best place east of San Francisco's Mission District to do so.

Kingman's Lucky Lounge (3332 Grand Ave) is one of those West Coast lounges with a cool DJ and designer décor. Unlike more pretentious joints of this genre, Kingman's has happy hours and a non-snobbish staff. Still, you would be out of place without your coolest clothes and dance moves.