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Swell Bar
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Alameda

Swell Bar

★★★★ 4.4 · 0 reseñas

Swell Bar, located in Alameda, is a neighborhood favorite known for its relaxed, dimly lit atmosphere. We offer a wide selection of beers and spirits, alongside exciting bar games like darts, lively trivia nights, and DJ entertainment. Enjoy fast service, great cocktails, and a f...

Swell Bar

Bar · Alameda

4.4 · 230 reviews Google

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About Swell Bar

Swell Bar, located in Alameda, is a neighborhood favorite known for its relaxed, dimly lit atmosphere. We offer a wide selection of beers and spirits, alongside exciting bar games like darts, lively trivia nights, and DJ entertainment. Enjoy fast service, great cocktails, and a fantastic beer select...

Swell Bar, located in Alameda, is a neighborhood favorite known for its relaxed, dimly lit atmosphere. We offer a wide selection of beers and spirits, alongside exciting bar games like darts, lively trivia nights, and DJ entertainment. Enjoy fast service, great cocktails, and a fantastic beer selection while catching a game. With a 4.4-star rating from 230 reviews, we strive to provide a welcoming experience for everyone. We are open daily, with extended hours, and offer accessible features including outdoor seating, parking, restrooms and seating. We look forward to seeing you!

What Customers Say About Swell Bar

Swell Bar is a friendly neighborhood spot with a welcoming vibe, attentive bartenders, and good music. Customers praise the safe environment and caring service. Recent renovations include new TVs, but some miss the old dive bar feel and dart boards.

Best For

Locals Late Night Casual Groups

Tip: The bar has a laid-back, family vibe and is welcoming to newcomers. Bartenders are known to remember names and provide great conversation.

Features

🌳 Outdoor 🅿️ Parking Accessible
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy 👥 Groups

What to see nearby

Buena Vista Park
A 292m

Buena Vista Park

parque

View details
Franklin Park
A 687m

Franklin Park

parque

View details
First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Building
Heritage
A 959m

First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Building

iglesia

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Swell Bar

Swell Bar is located in Alameda, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Historical Heritage

  • First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Building (A 959m) — church building in California, United States of America Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos

Parks & Gardens

  • Buena Vista Park (A 292m) — park in Alameda County, California, United States of America; geonames ID = 5331622
  • Franklin Park (A 687m) — park in Alameda County, California, United States of America

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Swell Bar

Swell Bar is located at 1539 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, Alameda.
Near Swell Bar you can find points of interest such as Buena Vista Park, Franklin Park, First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Building.
Swell Bar offers bar cuisine.
Swell Bar has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Swell Bar offers the following services: dine-in.
Swell Bar is ideal for locals, late night, casual dining, groups.
Swell Bar is a friendly neighborhood spot with a welcoming vibe, attentive bartenders, and good music. Customers praise the safe environment and caring service. Recent renovations include new TVs, but some miss the old dive bar feel and dart boards.
The bar has a laid-back, family vibe and is welcoming to newcomers. Bartenders are known to remember names and provide great conversation.
230
Reviews

Swell Bar Alameda Reviews

4.4
230
5★
60%
4★
24%
3★
11%
2★
1%
1★
3%
Reviews (40)
M
Martin Mutugi

Awesome Pub. The Bar tender is a jolly fellow and the service is exceptional. Will definitely visit the place again.

J
John Brynda

Friendly neighborhood bar, I was made to feel very welcome by both Chris and the patrons

Martin Mutugi
Martin Mutugi

Awesome Pub. The Bar tender is a jolly fellow and the service is exceptional. Will definitely visit the place again.

John Brynda
John Brynda

Friendly neighborhood bar, I was made to feel very welcome by both Chris and the patrons

J
Justyna Battle

Great and caring service from one of the owners Gabriel. Fine cocktails including non alcoholic mixes. Good music

J
Juls Vale

Nice spot for a late night drink with a nice pool table and juxbox

J
J.D. Stone

I love this place! They've got this really cool game — there is a a hook attached to the wall and a ring attached to a string hanging from the ceiling 2-3 feet back. The goal is to get the ring on the hook. You pull the ring back and release it with a slight sway to the side and hope it catches on the hook. Hours of fun! The drinks are well made and reasonably priced.

F
Frit Togo

Baddest bar tenders! My god!

S
SCOOTS510

The staff and guest are well mannered. It’s a great mature environment. The area is a safe place. It’s clean and the drinks are made with love. You won’t feel rushed. How much you spend always depends on how much you feel like drinking.

S
Scott Badovick

Great neighborhood spot. Stiff drinks, friendly faces. They have pinball

j
jordan tremble

these guys are AMAZING. my bestfriend had a horrible 21st birthday party and these people went above and beyond to make it the best night ever. we made connections with the staff that i’ll never forget. I highly recommend this place to anyone who needs a good drink and some great conversation. 🩷

J
Joshua White

There isn't any food offered but I gave it 5 stars anyways because most bars don't have food. So it doesn't make a difference. This place has a laid back and family vibe. Most people here are regulars and are very welcoming of newcomers. Great selection and great prices.

C
Charlie Awst

Great folks, always friendly and welcoming

A
Alex Blanchard

Bartenders learned my name first night and continue to catch up with me. They have real dart board, good music, and good crowds throughout the week. I bring dates here a couple times a month and always have a good time. Do it.

Scott Badovick
Scott Badovick

Great neighborhood spot. Stiff drinks, friendly faces. They have pinball

Juls Vale
Juls Vale

Nice spot for a late night drink with a nice pool table and juxbox

jordan tremble
jordan tremble

these guys are AMAZING. my bestfriend had a horrible 21st birthday party and these people went above and beyond to make it the best night ever. we made connections with the staff that i’ll never forget. I highly recommend this place to anyone who needs a good drink and some great conversation. 🩷

SCOOTS510
SCOOTS510

The staff and guest are well mannered. It’s a great mature environment. The area is a safe place. It’s clean and the drinks are made with love. You won’t feel rushed. How much you spend always depends on how much you feel like drinking.

Joshua White
Joshua White

There isn't any food offered but I gave it 5 stars anyways because most bars don't have food. So it doesn't make a difference. This place has a laid back and family vibe. Most people here are regulars and are very welcoming of newcomers. Great selection and great prices.

Justyna Battle
Justyna Battle

Great and caring service from one of the owners Gabriel. Fine cocktails including non alcoholic mixes. Good music

Alex Blanchard
Alex Blanchard

Bartenders learned my name first night and continue to catch up with me. They have real dart board, good music, and good crowds throughout the week. I bring dates here a couple times a month and always have a good time. Do it.

Ted Hommert
Ted Hommert

New owners are doing a great job. New interior, new & more TVs, and Stevie the bartender is fabulous. Cannot wait until it is fully open with inside seating!

Sami R
Sami R

Bartender kicked out a drunk guy who grabbed me before I had a chance to react. That has never happened before in any bar I’ve been to in the bay. I felt so protected and safe. This bar will forever be my first choice.

J.D. Stone
J.D. Stone

I love this place! They've got this really cool game — there is a a hook attached to the wall and a ring attached to a string hanging from the ceiling 2-3 feet back. The goal is to get the ring on the hook. You pull the ring back and release it with a slight sway to the side and hope it catches on the hook. Hours of fun! The drinks are well made and reasonably priced.

L
Lilli Keinaenen

The OG swell bar was a classic dive bar, in the best way. Then it changed owners, they did a millennial gray renovation, got rid of most of the mermaids and added sports bar TV's. The opening weeks were rough, new bartender girlies looked barely old enough to drink, and were so drunk themselves they couldn't serve anyone, one was throwing up, and the other sat on the floor. They couldn't find anyone's cards to close out, didn't serve anymore drinks. A bar patron jumped in to help so we could get outta there. Also since the bouncer had been let go, a fight broke out. That was a few years ago. Went there again, and was pleasantly surprised! Jukebox. And Long Drink, yay! Met the new owner, he's now personally involved, and not living far away. We had a lovely time, will come again.

Lilli Keinaenen
Lilli Keinaenen

The OG swell bar was a classic dive bar, in the best way. Then it changed owners, they did a millennial gray renovation, got rid of most of the mermaids and added sports bar TV's. The opening weeks were rough, new bartender girlies looked barely old enough to drink, and were so drunk themselves they couldn't serve anyone, one was throwing up, and the other sat on the floor. They couldn't find anyone's cards to close out, didn't serve anymore drinks. A bar patron jumped in to help so we could get outta there. Also since the bouncer had been let go, a fight broke out. That was a few years ago. Went there again, and was pleasantly surprised! Jukebox. And Long Drink, yay! Met the new owner, he's now personally involved, and not living far away. We had a lovely time, will come again.

D
David Crane

It was a quiet night there, we were able to talk without raising our voices, and Bridget was extremely attentive as our bartender.

T
Thomas Schumann

I had been to this bar on previous occasions for a pint and to throw steel tip darts, however, yesterday with the same goal in mind, I found the bar had removed it's dart boards and no longer offered this activity. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed (the online listing for the bar still says they have darts)...BUT it's still a good local pub, and they do now have a pool table. I ended up playing a few games of pool with one of the other patrons. Bartender Steve was great.

T
Turnstyle Vintage Group

Great dive bar, good drinks, good service! Perfect for that last drink in your way home. Seems like a place full of regulars. Good vibe.

S
Senaah Adams

I don't go too bars but this place was nice for a whole in the wall and a quick meet up in back area. They have a dart game in the back that was fun to play. Also lots of board games. Also ppl can watch sports here. Drinks was nice. I had a glass of 🍷.

Thomas Schumann
Thomas Schumann

I had been to this bar on previous occasions for a pint and to throw steel tip darts, however, yesterday with the same goal in mind, I found the bar had removed it's dart boards and no longer offered this activity. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed (the online listing for the bar still says they have darts)...BUT it's still a good local pub, and they do now have a pool table. I ended up playing a few games of pool with one of the other patrons. Bartender Steve was great.

Turnstyle Vintage Group
Turnstyle Vintage Group

Great dive bar, good drinks, good service! Perfect for that last drink in your way home. Seems like a place full of regulars. Good vibe.

Senaah Adams
Senaah Adams

I don't go too bars but this place was nice for a whole in the wall and a quick meet up in back area. They have a dart game in the back that was fun to play. Also lots of board games. Also ppl can watch sports here. Drinks was nice. I had a glass of 🍷.

David Crane
David Crane

It was a quiet night there, we were able to talk without raising our voices, and Bridget was extremely attentive as our bartender.

J
Jon Purdy

A nice chill place to hang out. Happy hour prices were reasonable, but the bartender refused to make the daily special (“I don’t make that”) and made other drinks poorly/inconsistently without measuring. Would return but avoid bartender who caused problems.

Jon Purdy
Jon Purdy

A nice chill place to hang out. Happy hour prices were reasonable, but the bartender refused to make the daily special (“I don’t make that”) and made other drinks poorly/inconsistently without measuring. Would return but avoid bartender who caused problems.

C
Cody Cassani

Went in on Saturday afternoon around 3pm on 12/3. The bartender was drinking behind the bar, granted there was only 3 other people in the bar, but the kicker was that he continously made jokes about my friend even after the situation had been made awkward and everyone on the room could feel it. The worst part is he tried to blame his autistic ways for acting like such an @$$. Never going to patronize this place ever again. That bartender should be fired.

f
filash sthapit

Wow wow wow! I came here to celebrate my friend's bday party with her friends. Everything was good until the bartender ruined it. She insulted my best friend and her FAMILY. She was insulting other people and going around yelling at people. And the worst part is, She even made our precious bday girl cry because of her disgusting attitude. She needs to be reprimanded and she needs to learn her lesson. I know this bartender and I've had issues with her in the past and I swallowed it with a grain of salt. But because of what happened today, I have 0 respect for this person. Ill never ever go to a bar where she is working, period.

filash sthapit
filash sthapit

Wow wow wow! I came here to celebrate my friend's bday party with her friends. Everything was good until the bartender ruined it. She insulted my best friend and her FAMILY. She was insulting other people and going around yelling at people. And the worst part is, She even made our precious bday girl cry because of her disgusting attitude. She needs to be reprimanded and she needs to learn her lesson. I know this bartender and I've had issues with her in the past and I swallowed it with a grain of salt. But because of what happened today, I have 0 respect for this person. Ill never ever go to a bar where she is working, period.

Cody Cassani
Cody Cassani

Went in on Saturday afternoon around 3pm on 12/3. The bartender was drinking behind the bar, granted there was only 3 other people in the bar, but the kicker was that he continously made jokes about my friend even after the situation had been made awkward and everyone on the room could feel it. The worst part is he tried to blame his autistic ways for acting like such an @$$. Never going to patronize this place ever again. That bartender should be fired.

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About Swell Bar

How to get there

1539 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501

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Highlights

Good Rating
4.4/5 stars
💬
Many Reviews
230 reviews
💰
Budget Friendly
Price level
👨‍🍳
bar
Cuisine type

Services

🍴 Dine-in

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
2PM-2AM
Rating
4.4/5
💬 Reviews
230
💰 Price Level
$
⏱️ Typical Visit
People typically spend 30 min to 2.5 hr here
📞 Phone
+1 510-263-8004
🌐 Website
www.swellbarca.com

Amenities

🅿️ Parking
🌿 Outdoor Seating
Wheelchair Accessible
🚻 Restroom
💳 Credit Cards
📱 Mobile Payments
🏘️

The Neighborhood

Location

1539 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501

📍 Explore the Neighborhood

Weather
13°
Weather updated hourly · Jobs and events refreshed daily
Buena Vista Park

park in Alameda County, California, United States of America; geonames ID = 5331622

A 292m
Franklin Park

park in Alameda County, California, United States of America

A 687m
First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Building Heritage

church building in California, United States of America

A 959m
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