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Conga Lounge

5422 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone: (510) 463-2681
Conga Lounge
Cross Street:
Hudson Street
Best of Citysearch:
After-Work Bar 2007, Exotic Drinks 2005, Exotic Drinks 2004
Hours:
Tue-Sat 5pm-close

Editorial Review for Conga Lounge – by Amanda Scotese

The Scene
More lounge than spring-break party pad, the neighborhood's young grown-ups head here to keep a 1950s fad alive. Polynesian masks, wicker furniture and bamboo-lined walls contribute to the tiki theme. But this small second-floor bar just misses creating a truly retro South Seas atmosphere--bright, modern lighting, bare ceiling and non-kitsch mural of big tiki heads give it a contemporary feel.
 
The Draw
On the authentic side, original 1950s cocktail recipes like the sea breeze and "Gilligan's Island" comprise the ever-changing menu of specials. The yummy appetizers uphold the retro flair with Hawaiian and '50s potluck-style dishes, like ahi poke salad and jazzed-up tuna casserole. On the weekends, DJs enhance the tropical atmosphere with exotica and lounge mixes. Some funky dancing may ensue, as well as a round of limbo.

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

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Lounge usually closes between 10pm and midnight.

Save Money

Relish in two dollars off specialty drinks (Wednesday-Thursday 5pm-7pm; Friday-Saturday 12am-2am).

Where to Sit

A couple of tables are available on a tiny balcony.

Save Time

Guests can also order from the menu of Pizza Rustica, which is located beneath the Lounge.

User Reviews for Conga Lounge

4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/03/2007 Posted by skim123

I had my birthday dinner there and had a terrible experience. However, the owner personally called me to apologize about the service and invited my family and I back for a complimentary dinner with drinks. I was impressed that he took the time to figure out why I had such a terrible experience and assured me that he spoke with his staff in order to prevent something like this to happen again. When we went back, the service was much better and we were treated like royalty. I met 3 of the owners and they were very nice and definitely hardworking. Even though someone had called in sick and it was very busy, the staff really tried their best to make sure we were well taken care of. The food was great and I would come back again. However, the upstairs is not equipped to handle parties larger than 15.

Pros: Owners are great

Cons: Not good for large parties

4 Star Rating: Recommended

10/10/2006 Posted by makeupchica

You can easily miss this little upstairs spot located above Cafe Rustica on trendy College Ave in the Rockridge neighborhood. The decor screams Gilligan's Island meets Gidget. There is 60's island memorabilia everywhere, even in the bathroom. Lots of creative drinks that give a congaish tripical feel to the place. I tried some martini with cherry juice that slid right down. the bartender was attentive and poured a nice potent libation. The crowd was minimal, mostly middle aged women. The bar food was pretty good. We had chicken wings that had plenty of spice and taquitos that were a little on the limp side. But the Guacamole was good. We also had a pizza that was from the kitchen downstairs, so of course it was yummy. (Cajun)

Pros: good food and drinks at a great price

Cons: parking, there's no parking!

Schedule

05/23/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
05/30/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
06/06/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
06/13/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
06/20/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
06/27/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
07/04/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
07/11/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
07/18/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    
07/25/2008 Rock the Tropics
  10:30 pm-2:00 am    

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Editor's Review

Tangy island concoctions and exotica tunes evoke tropical paradise at this East Bay tiki bar.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the Lounge usually closes between 10pm and midnight.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Atmospheres

  • Bars
  • Romantic
  • Specialty Cocktails
  • Clubs
  • Neighborhood

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Tue-Sat 5pm-close

Payment Types

  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Recognition for Conga Lounge

2007 Audience Winner - After-Work Bar
2005 Audience Winner - Exotic Drinks
2004 Audience Winner - Exotic Drinks
2004 Audience Winner - Signature Drinks

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