The Alley
Oakland, CA 94610-2738
Phone: (510) 444-8505
- Best of Citysearch:
- Dive Bar 2006
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 4pm-2am
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.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoDinner is served until 10pm and features sirloin steak for less than $10.
When to GoSerious 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 ExtrasThere'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
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.
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
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