Friends & Family

At the intersection of craftsmanship and camaraderie, you'll find Friends & Family, a gem of a cocktail bar nestled in the soul of Oakland. Combining laid-back elegance with the warmth of a neighborhood gathering spot, Friends & Family creates a unique atmosphere that welcomes both the casual imbiber and the cocktail aficionado.

Ambiance: A Homely Elegance

Walk into Friends & Family and you immediately feel at home. The dimly lit space, furnished with reclaimed wood and accented by quirky wall art, emanates a sense of ease. Oversized couches and communal tables encourage friendly conversations and new acquaintances. Whether you’re seated at the bar or lounging in a cozy corner, the ambiance invites you to relax and linger.

The Cocktail Menu: A Curated Symphony

Friends & Family offers a cocktail experience that harmonizes skill and creativity. Its menu is a handpicked anthology that pays homage to classic concoctions while daring to experiment. The bartenders, who pride themselves on their deep knowledge of mixology, approach each cocktail as a work of art. Freshly squeezed juices, house-infused syrups, and bespoke bitters are combined with artisanal spirits to create drinks that are not just delicious but memorable. Their repertoire often includes seasonal specials that highlight local, fresh ingredients. Imagine a summer evening with a lavender-infused gin and tonic in hand, or a winter night warmed by a spiced rum concoction. At Friends & Family, the menu changes but the exceptional quality remains consistent.

Community Spirit

One of the standout features of Friends & Family is its commitment to community. This is a place where locals gather, where bartenders remember your favorite drink, and where everyone feels like, well, friends and family. The community ethos also extends to the sourcing of ingredients, which are often locally acquired to support neighboring farms and distilleries.

Events and More

Friends & Family is not just about cocktails; it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s trivia night or an intimate live music performance, there’s always something happening here. During the day, the bar may host mixology classes and tasting sessions, allowing you to learn the very crafts that make this place exceptional.

What Makes it Unique

What truly sets Friends & Family apart is its ethos, best summed up as a commitment to excellence without pretense. Here, you’ll find some of the most complex and intriguing cocktails in Oakland, served up with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit.

Where Craft Meets Community in Oakland

Friends & Family is the epitome of what a community-focused cocktail bar should be. With its outstanding drinks, inviting ambiance, and constant events, it offers a rich, multidimensional experience. This is not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a place to connect, to discover, and to feel at home. If you find yourself in Oakland, make sure to visit Friends & Family. Your only regret will be not having discovered it sooner. Cheers!