North light
Bar · Oakland
About North light
North Light, located in Oakland, is your intimate neighborhood nook for coffee, cafe fare, and cocktails. We also offer a curated selection of retail books and records. Enjoy our welcoming atmosphere with options for outdoor seating, dine-in, or convenient takeout. We pride ourselves on fast service...
North Light, located in Oakland, is your intimate neighborhood nook for coffee, cafe fare, and cocktails. We also offer a curated selection of retail books and records. Enjoy our welcoming atmosphere with options for outdoor seating, dine-in, or convenient takeout. We pride ourselves on fast service, a great beer selection, expertly crafted cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. We are dedicated to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. Open evenings Monday through Sunday, we invite you to experience North Light. Our 4.7-star rating from 334 reviews reflects our commitment to quality and service.
What Customers Say About North light
North Light is a popular spot known for its excellent cocktails, tasty small bites, and unique atmosphere. Customers rave about the ambiance, friendly staff (especially Justin), and the patio. It's considered ideal for dates and intimate conversations.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Happy hour and "cheap date" nights are a no-brainer! Also, consider going Monday - Wednesday 8 pm - close for the industry night special burger combo.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around North light
North light is located in Oakland, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Parks & Gardens
- North Oakland Recreation Center (A 600m) — park in Alameda County, California, United States of America
- Idora Park (A 705m) — defunct amusement park
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about North light
North light Oakland Reviews
This was a perfect place to gather with a few close friends when returning to the Bay area. Cozy and friendly vibe, funky and eclectic indoor space and beautiful patio with booths and tables. The cocktails were excellent and my friends enjoyed the food.they tried, the burger and a salad. Great addition to the Telegraph neighborhood.
I couldn’t love this place more. It’s all about perfectly crafted cocktails and a lonely indie atmosphere. They a little library with great titles that you can borrow or buy. Definitely a conversations starter. The drinks are like no other and they use only high quality ingredients, come to try some creative drinks spin on your classics and have a cute time. Very friendly and nice, the service is always excellent.
this was a nice, low lit environment for causal food and drinks with either friends or dates. it had the added touch of having books for purchase (or just to look at) which was fun and provided a side activity mid-dinner. the staff made it an even better experience by being so kind and patient. also, they gave some tasty food and drink recommendations. i will definitely consider going back again and again! (i do hope they have heated outdoor seating one day…)
Amazing spot for a great cocktail and the best tots I've had in a long time. Great service too, and the atmosphere is really fun. This would be a perfect spot for a date. I didn't catch the name of my cocktail but it was the mezcal + Japanese melon liquor, and it was 10/10.
I always come back for their espresso martini .It never disappoints.
This is a pretty great cocktail bar. Great fun different drinks and a really great inside and back patio options. Would 100% come back
Oh the ambiance! Matched by the uniquely fantastic cocktail list that will entertain and satisfy. Friendly staff as the bar manager kindly answered my random questions about the drinks and didn’t the staff mind that we were at the bar for 4 hours and didn’t order too much. Very fancy tater tots.
Cute little place with great cocktails and good eats. Loved the music and the patio that's an indoor/outdoor hybrid. The staff was very courteous. During my visit, my friend and I ended up staying over 30 mins after closing. It was totally an accident and when we apologized, everyone was soo polite and one even said we could still hang out if we needed to call a ride. It was really nice to know that they value the safety of their guests. I will definitely be visiting again in the future.
Drinks: Blue Lagoon and Spice Runner were both so esthetically pleasing and well balanced to be enjoyed on the front patio. They also have a back patio, which was full but would imagine for the ambiance to be solid. As for food, the Beets & Ricotta was as scrumptious as it looked - a plate of food art to fill our souls. We lastly shared Jalisco Dip - a play on birria but with a sandwich and flavorful consommé with the Umami tots. Still drooling over it all and can't wait to be back next time to try the other goodies!
One of my favorite brunch spots! The burger was excellent: classic cheeseburger on a Martin's portato roll. The grits (herbed ricotta, poached egg, and mushrooms) we're creamy and delicious. When described to me I thought North Light sounded like an identity crisis but it manage to accomplish everything it sets out to do; successfully bringing together literature, music, food and cocktails in a comfortable atmosphere with great service. And dog friendly!!
I couldn’t love this place more. It’s all about perfectly crafted cocktails and a lonely indie atmosphere. They a little library with great titles that you can borrow or buy. Definitely a conversations starter. The drinks are like no other and they use only high quality ingredients, come to try some creative drinks spin on your classics and have a cute time. Very friendly and nice, the service is always excellent.
This was a perfect place to gather with a few close friends when returning to the Bay area. Cozy and friendly vibe, funky and eclectic indoor space and beautiful patio with booths and tables. The cocktails were excellent and my friends enjoyed the food.they tried, the burger and a salad. Great addition to the Telegraph neighborhood.
this was a nice, low lit environment for causal food and drinks with either friends or dates. it had the added touch of having books for purchase (or just to look at) which was fun and provided a side activity mid-dinner. the staff made it an even better experience by being so kind and patient. also, they gave some tasty food and drink recommendations. i will definitely consider going back again and again! (i do hope they have heated outdoor seating one day…)
I always come back for their espresso martini .It never disappoints.
This is a pretty great cocktail bar. Great fun different drinks and a really great inside and back patio options. Would 100% come back
Amazing spot for a great cocktail and the best tots I've had in a long time. Great service too, and the atmosphere is really fun. This would be a perfect spot for a date. I didn't catch the name of my cocktail but it was the mezcal + Japanese melon liquor, and it was 10/10.
Oh the ambiance! Matched by the uniquely fantastic cocktail list that will entertain and satisfy. Friendly staff as the bar manager kindly answered my random questions about the drinks and didn’t the staff mind that we were at the bar for 4 hours and didn’t order too much. Very fancy tater tots.
Cute little place with great cocktails and good eats. Loved the music and the patio that's an indoor/outdoor hybrid. The staff was very courteous. During my visit, my friend and I ended up staying over 30 mins after closing. It was totally an accident and when we apologized, everyone was soo polite and one even said we could still hang out if we needed to call a ride. It was really nice to know that they value the safety of their guests. I will definitely be visiting again in the future.
Drinks: Blue Lagoon and Spice Runner were both so esthetically pleasing and well balanced to be enjoyed on the front patio. They also have a back patio, which was full but would imagine for the ambiance to be solid. As for food, the Beets & Ricotta was as scrumptious as it looked - a plate of food art to fill our souls. We lastly shared Jalisco Dip - a play on birria but with a sandwich and flavorful consommé with the Umami tots. Still drooling over it all and can't wait to be back next time to try the other goodies!
One of my favorite brunch spots! The burger was excellent: classic cheeseburger on a Martin's portato roll. The grits (herbed ricotta, poached egg, and mushrooms) we're creamy and delicious. When described to me I thought North Light sounded like an identity crisis but it manage to accomplish everything it sets out to do; successfully bringing together literature, music, food and cocktails in a comfortable atmosphere with great service. And dog friendly!!
I couldn't recommend this place more! Love the food and drinks here. Have been here many times, and never get tired of it. Justin takes amazing care of everyone, and the place entirely. Thank you, Justin!!!!
Excellent cocktails, excellent food, killer atmosphere for an intimate conversation. Happy hour and "cheap date" nights are a no-brainer!
Amazing cocktails, small bites and entrees. Love the patio and the service is always 10/10
Super fun and cute bar. Great food and drink specials. Their Monday - Wednesday 8 pm - close industry night special burger combo was great.
superb food, creative drinks, cool staff, a chill setting and playlists. haven't sat in front (the library) yet but the back area was comfortable and not too loud. great place to eat drink and chat with friends. not cheap. we spent over $300 (with generous tip because I was feeling.... tipsy) for a party of 4. the tater tots were worth it (:
How this place does not have a 5 is beyond me. I love this place! It’s great for date nights. They have a patio in the back and some space out front too. It’s a bit cramped but that’s most older buildings. Cocktails are great. Food is pretty good but usually we eat elsewhere and come here just for the drinks and the ambience. Temescal has so many options.
We chose North Light for a very special 50th birthday milestone event and cannot say enough the exceptional the food, ambiance, and service! We appreciated the attention to detail, and consistently responsive, warm service of every member of the staff. Our guests complimented the high quality of the food, especially the quality ingredients and expert preparation - everything was beyond delicious in every bite! Even though we hosted a large event with 70 guests, all of counters, tables, floors, and bathrooms remained sparkling clean throughout the entire event, like magic. The music played on vinyl was tailored to our preferences and always at the perfect volume, with thoughtful attention to our programming. All of our guests felt the consistent warmth, care, focus, and intention of every member of the North Light staff from the very first minute to the last. We really cannot thank North Light enough and would unequivocally recommend North Light for anyone looking for a one of a kind venue for a one of a kind event!
Amazing cocktails, small bites and entrees. Love the patio and the service is always 10/10
I couldn't recommend this place more! Love the food and drinks here. Have been here many times, and never get tired of it. Justin takes amazing care of everyone, and the place entirely. Thank you, Justin!!!!
Excellent cocktails, excellent food, killer atmosphere for an intimate conversation. Happy hour and "cheap date" nights are a no-brainer!
How this place does not have a 5 is beyond me. I love this place! It’s great for date nights. They have a patio in the back and some space out front too. It’s a bit cramped but that’s most older buildings. Cocktails are great. Food is pretty good but usually we eat elsewhere and come here just for the drinks and the ambience. Temescal has so many options.
Super fun and cute bar. Great food and drink specials. Their Monday - Wednesday 8 pm - close industry night special burger combo was great.
The vibe here is unmatched. Ideal for deep, intellectual conversation with just the right touch of moody, barroom charm. And the bookshelves? Total perfection.
We chose North Light for a very special 50th birthday milestone event and cannot say enough the exceptional the food, ambiance, and service! We appreciated the attention to detail, and consistently responsive, warm service of every member of the staff. Our guests complimented the high quality of the food, especially the quality ingredients and expert preparation - everything was beyond delicious in every bite! Even though we hosted a large event with 70 guests, all of counters, tables, floors, and bathrooms remained sparkling clean throughout the entire event, like magic. The music played on vinyl was tailored to our preferences and always at the perfect volume, with thoughtful attention to our programming. All of our guests felt the consistent warmth, care, focus, and intention of every member of the North Light staff from the very first minute to the last. We really cannot thank North Light enough and would unequivocally recommend North Light for anyone looking for a one of a kind venue for a one of a kind event!
Easy to make online reservations for the back patio. Warning that the patio and bar can get pretty loud with music and people trying to talk over it. Drinks were great. Good selection of mezcal cocktails. Entire menu is pretty vegetarian friendly which was nice. Umami tots and beet poke were good and complemented each other
Easy to make online reservations for the back patio. Warning that the patio and bar can get pretty loud with music and people trying to talk over it. Drinks were great. Good selection of mezcal cocktails. Entire menu is pretty vegetarian friendly which was nice. Umami tots and beet poke were good and complemented each other
This is a lovely spot and we'll keep coming back, but they've got to keep the quality up. Service usually great but can sometimes leave you stranded. Music usually lovely, but sometimes loud hop hop (which is great but just not for an intimate cocktail bar)
This is a lovely spot and we'll keep coming back, but they've got to keep the quality up. Service usually great but can sometimes leave you stranded. Music usually lovely, but sometimes loud hop hop (which is great but just not for an intimate cocktail bar)
Came here to have a great time with my best friend & have some drinks. Upon arrival everything seemed to be great, the bartenders were very nice. We ordered 2 espresso martinis ONE for each of us. After receiving the 2 drinks, the bartender did an absolute fantastic job making the drinks. It was a Creamy espresso martini. We both commented to her & told her how fantastic it was & the fact it was a creamy espresso martini. I’ve never had it prepared like that. Anyways my issue comes into play when this rude blond I’m going to guess the manager..if that’s what you want to call her. She was beyond ignorant & was harassing me & told me if I said the word creamy I was going to get cut off..”I said I don’t understand what the issue is it’s LITERALLY A creamy espresso martini…& she had me cut off..mind you I have had ONE drink from them. Which if it wasn’t for her ignorance we would have ordered another & spent double the amount of money. Long story short if you’re going there to have a good time with friends/family I’d make sure that sourpuss of a human being isn’t there to ruin your night for saying the word creamy.
Came here to have a great time with my best friend & have some drinks. Upon arrival everything seemed to be great, the bartenders were very nice. We ordered 2 espresso martinis ONE for each of us. After receiving the 2 drinks, the bartender did an absolute fantastic job making the drinks. It was a Creamy espresso martini. We both commented to her & told her how fantastic it was & the fact it was a creamy espresso martini. I’ve never had it prepared like that. Anyways my issue comes into play when this rude blond I’m going to guess the manager..if that’s what you want to call her. She was beyond ignorant & was harassing me & told me if I said the word creamy I was going to get cut off..”I said I don’t understand what the issue is it’s LITERALLY A creamy espresso martini…& she had me cut off..mind you I have had ONE drink from them. Which if it wasn’t for her ignorance we would have ordered another & spent double the amount of money. Long story short if you’re going there to have a good time with friends/family I’d make sure that sourpuss of a human being isn’t there to ruin your night for saying the word creamy.
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About North light
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4915 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
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4915 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
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