East Bay Other Cities

Welcome to Citysearch!

Click around for recommendations and reviews of restaurants , spas , shopping , hotels and tons of other great things to do near you.
 | close

Best of Citysearch

East Bay Nightlife 2007

More

Vote Sponsored By

My Summary

Recently viewed

Recommended for you

More

The Alley

3325 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94610-2738
Phone: (510) 444-8505
Citysearch
Best of Citysearch:
Dive Bar 2006
Hours:
Tue-Sat 4pm-2am

Message from The Alley

Oakland's Only Historic Piano Bar

  • Nightly Drink Specials
  • Piano Bar nightly @ 9pm
  • Steak, Chicken & Burgers

The Alley has been serving stiff drinks and great food for over 50 years. Voted "Best Place to Sing a Little Night Music" and "Best Dive Bar" by the East Bay Express.

Happy Hour Tues-Sat 5-7pm

Rod Dibble tickles the ivories nightly Tues-Sat from 9pm-1:45am

Live Guitar nightly Tues-Sat from 7-9pm

Paid advertisement by The Alley.

Editorial Review for The Alley – by Tom Geck

In Short
The interior is dimly lit with low ceilings and ski-lodge-style shingles, while thousands of business cards cover the walls. The dining room is a maze of tables and booths; the tiny bar room is minimalistic. In the back, an old piano is surrounded by a wooden cover to rest drinks upon. A few nightgowns hang inexplicably on a clothesline. Microphones protrude from the piano bar and singers go round-robin, belting out Cole Porter to Hank Williams tunes. The bartender can sometimes disappear for a few minutes, but patrons never seem to be short of a drink.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Dinner is served until 10pm and features sirloin steak for less than $10.

When to Go

Serious singers show on Thursday nights for karaoke without the machine. The piano player has been holding court for years and adheres to a list of favorites.

The Extras

There's no smoking, of course, but the Alley still has a cigarette machine if you want to grab a pack of Camels and step outside.

User Reviews for The Alley

Citysearch (2), Dine.com (1 ), ChefMoz (3 ), All (6)

4 Star Rating: Recommended

06/05/2008 Posted by charmingkati

I mostly only go with my one Eat Bay friend (am a a "stay in the city"type girl), but I enjoy this place. It is usually quiet an divie, just the way I like a bar. Good for a drink and some chatting with my bestest friend! Not too keen on the rest of the crowd though.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/10/2006 Posted by blh2002

This place is great dive bar. They have a smal menu with good food, great waitresses and bartenders and there's never a long wait to get a drink. The place is decorated like an old alley and comes complete with a singing piano guy. They even have extra mics on the piano if you feel the urge to sing along!

Pros: Great Dive Bar, Good Food

Users Like You Also Viewed

View Lounge
55 Fourth St
San Francisco, CA 94103-3156

Royal Exchange
301 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94111

Related Searches

Editor's Review

Grand Lake revelers sing showtunes and eat steak at this funky watering hole.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Dinner is served until 10pm and features sirloin steak for less than $10.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Atmospheres

  • Pub / Tavern
  • Cabaret & Revue
  • Bars
  • Karaoke
  • After Work
  • 21 & Over

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Tue-Sat 4pm-2am

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express

Recognition for The Alley

2006 Audience Winner - Dive Bar

Site Links:

Citysearch is a registered trademark of Bluefoot Ventures Inc., and is used under license.
© 2008 Citysearch.com All rights reserved.

Partner Sites: