Wow, this bar felt quite hidden away from the world behind gray doors despite being on a busy commercial stretch of Lakeshore. There was a cat sign, but Jamie W. and I kept missing it as we strolled back and forth just before it opened at 4PM. When we finally entered, it was a stylish space but overly so with vintage accents producing the requisite chill atmosphere. Let me be honest though. We came for the craft cocktails we saw on their website, and Keenan was the cool bartender who was there to make them for us. I tried the $14 Dear Irene, a blended Pina Colada riff with gin, coconut, ginger, mint, cane, and lime. A lovely libation. Jamie had the $14 Blue Meanie which had a more tantalizing tropical taste. It had a nice kick consisting of eight-year-old Haitian & Banana Rum, Giffard Coconut, lime, and blue curaçao (photo: So satisfying that we had another round. I went with the $14 E&E, a vibrant mix of tequila, mezcal, lime, cilantro, pineapple, and jalapeño over rocks. It was like a short margarita. Jamie tried the $14 Mata Hari, which sounds more mysterious than it was. It left out tequila and mixed mezcal, amaro nardini, lime, and tamarind syrup into a saucy, south-of-the-border libation (photo: While Dear Irene was the definitive standout, all the cocktails provided a nice symphony of compatible flavors. Otherwise I was just drunk. Either way, it made for a satisfying visit at this hidden hideaway close to Lake Merritt. COCKTAILS - 4 stars..,well tested libations with the Dear Irene a standout AMBIANCE - 4 stars...stylish, vintage space with a large enough bar at an inconspicuous address SERVICE - 4 stars...Keenan is a very helpful bartender TOTAL - 4 stars...a chill hangout on Lakeshore RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've patronized and reviewed:
SS Frederick
Especially love the Tuesgay vibe !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Etienne Fang
Very delicious cocktails. Great ambiance, with couches inside and a cute patio.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Alex Ellenberger
You may have to be patient with a new staff member, but the service here is friendly and the prices are just right for their excellent cocktails.This feels like a place where all are welcome. Come check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Anika H.
After catching up with a friend post-work over drinks at this bar, I was immediately struck by its charming interior and inviting atmosphere. The bartender, Kienn, if memory serves, showcased remarkable attention to detail and crafted some truly scrumptious cocktails. Despite a few patrons becoming overly boisterous and somewhat discourteous, Kienn managed the situation with admirable composure and patience. His professionalism alone merits commendation and, frankly, a raise.
C.
Lovely venue with the vibe of grandma’s house. Hey Irene is an excellent cocktail and they have many more on their menu. Outdoor seating in the back. Great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dylan Hyland
Great neighborhood bar with reasonably priced drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Pat C.
Love this place soooo much, love the decor , the music the play , the people who hang around here and live the drinks mixed just right. The cocktails are spot on , the beers are perfect. Love this place.
Andrea S.
This bar was once my favorite in the area, but I'll never go back again. They have changed bartenders and the service is now slow and surely, if you every manage to get a drink. The bar seems to be under new management and they have reduced the staff and hired awful people. Stay away!
Dylan C.
Cat house is a great neighborhood bar that's definitely worth a visit. Reasonably priced drinks and friendly staff.
Great smoke section In the back?, talk about "secret garden", also the drinks and beer are reasonably priced. Great place!Wheelchair accessibility: Door people are accommodating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katy Duffy-Sherr
Quiet bar with reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jude D.
Super cute bay kinda hidden away. I'd walked past it a million times and just happened to notice it the other night. Had a delicious hot toddie and my friend had a beer called death and taxes. Really enjoyed the drinks and overall ambience of the space
Aaron P.
Good vibes. Can chat up with the local community. J'Vonna is a great bartender. Come on down for happy hour if your in the area. Really nice music.
Wow, this bar felt quite hidden away from the world behind gray doors despite being on a busy commercial stretch of Lakeshore. There was a cat sign, but Jamie W. and I kept missing it as we strolled back and forth just before it opened at 4PM. When we finally entered, it was a stylish space but overly so with vintage accents producing the requisite chill atmosphere. Let me be honest though. We came for the craft cocktails we saw on their website, and Keenan was the cool bartender who was there to make them for us. I tried the $14 Dear Irene, a blended Pina Colada riff with gin, coconut, ginger, mint, cane, and lime. A lovely libation. Jamie had the $14 Blue Meanie which had a more tantalizing tropical taste. It had a nice kick consisting of eight-year-old Haitian & Banana Rum, Giffard Coconut, lime, and blue curaçao (photo: So satisfying that we had another round. I went with the $14 E&E, a vibrant mix of tequila, mezcal, lime, cilantro, pineapple, and jalapeño over rocks. It was like a short margarita. Jamie tried the $14 Mata Hari, which sounds more mysterious than it was. It left out tequila and mixed mezcal, amaro nardini, lime, and tamarind syrup into a saucy, south-of-the-border libation (photo: While Dear Irene was the definitive standout, all the cocktails provided a nice symphony of compatible flavors. Otherwise I was just drunk. Either way, it made for a satisfying visit at this hidden hideaway close to Lake Merritt. COCKTAILS - 4 stars..,well tested libations with the Dear Irene a standout AMBIANCE - 4 stars...stylish, vintage space with a large enough bar at an inconspicuous address SERVICE - 4 stars...Keenan is a very helpful bartender TOTAL - 4 stars...a chill hangout on Lakeshore RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've patronized and reviewed:
Especially love the Tuesgay vibe !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very delicious cocktails. Great ambiance, with couches inside and a cute patio.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
You may have to be patient with a new staff member, but the service here is friendly and the prices are just right for their excellent cocktails.This feels like a place where all are welcome. Come check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
After catching up with a friend post-work over drinks at this bar, I was immediately struck by its charming interior and inviting atmosphere. The bartender, Kienn, if memory serves, showcased remarkable attention to detail and crafted some truly scrumptious cocktails. Despite a few patrons becoming overly boisterous and somewhat discourteous, Kienn managed the situation with admirable composure and patience. His professionalism alone merits commendation and, frankly, a raise.
Lovely venue with the vibe of grandma’s house. Hey Irene is an excellent cocktail and they have many more on their menu. Outdoor seating in the back. Great ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great neighborhood bar with reasonably priced drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Love this place soooo much, love the decor , the music the play , the people who hang around here and live the drinks mixed just right. The cocktails are spot on , the beers are perfect. Love this place.
This bar was once my favorite in the area, but I'll never go back again. They have changed bartenders and the service is now slow and surely, if you every manage to get a drink. The bar seems to be under new management and they have reduced the staff and hired awful people. Stay away!
Cat house is a great neighborhood bar that's definitely worth a visit. Reasonably priced drinks and friendly staff.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great drinks, cool staff and beautiful deco!
Atmosphere: 5
Great smoke section In the back?, talk about "secret garden", also the drinks and beer are reasonably priced. Great place!Wheelchair accessibility: Door people are accommodating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quiet bar with reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Super cute bay kinda hidden away. I'd walked past it a million times and just happened to notice it the other night. Had a delicious hot toddie and my friend had a beer called death and taxes. Really enjoyed the drinks and overall ambience of the space
Good vibes. Can chat up with the local community. J'Vonna is a great bartender. Come on down for happy hour if your in the area. Really nice music.