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Penelope Bar & Lounge
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Penelope Bar & Lounge
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Penelope Bar & Lounge

Bar · Oakland

4.5 · 82 reviews Google

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www.penelopeoakland.com

About Penelope Bar & Lounge

Penelope Bar & Lounge, located in Oakland, is a chic spot offering artisan cocktails, specialty beers, and fine spirits. We pride ourselves on fast service and a great cocktail experience, as reflected in our 4.5-star rating from 82 reviews. Enjoy our offerings through dine-in, takeout, or relax wit...

Penelope Bar & Lounge, located in Oakland, is a chic spot offering artisan cocktails, specialty beers, and fine spirits. We pride ourselves on fast service and a great cocktail experience, as reflected in our 4.5-star rating from 82 reviews. Enjoy our offerings through dine-in, takeout, or relax with outdoor seating. We are fully wheelchair accessible. Join us Monday through Thursday from 4-11 PM, Friday from 4 PM-12 AM, and Saturday & Sunday from 7 PM-12 AM. We offer a wide selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, food, and hard liquor.

What Customers Say About Penelope Bar & Lounge

Penelope Bar & Lounge is a small, cozy cocktail bar known for its excellent, high-quality cocktails and friendly bartenders like Sam and Desmond. Customers rave about the atmosphere and unique drinks. Some find the service inconsistent or the crowds unpredictable.

Popular Dishes

empanadas (3) Caffe Verde coffee-based cocktail Oakland Heat charcuterie plate

Best For

Couples Solo Dining Locals Late Night Casual

Tip: Try the Caffe Verde cocktail to start your evening, but be warned that the Oakland Heat is very spicy. Happy hour offers reasonable prices.

Features

🌳 Outdoor Accessible
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy Trendy 👥 Groups

What to see nearby

Lafayette Square
A 97m

Lafayette Square

parque

View details
Arlington Hotel Building
A 240m

Arlington Hotel Building

edificio

View details
Q136350317
A 264m

Q136350317

edificio

View details
Preservation Park
A 275m

Preservation Park

parque

View details
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
Heritage
A 291m

African American Museum and Library at Oakland

biblioteca

View details
Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
A 314m

Frank H. Ogawa Plaza

parque

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Penelope Bar & Lounge

Penelope Bar & Lounge is located in Oakland, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Historical Heritage

  • African American Museum and Library at Oakland (A 291m) — public library in Oakland, California, USA Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
  • Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (A 324m) — church building in California, United States of America Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos

Parks & Gardens

  • Lafayette Square (A 97m) — park in Alameda County, California, United States of America
  • Preservation Park (A 275m) — park in Oakland, California, USA
  • Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (A 314m) — square in Oakland, Alameda County, United States of America

Other Points of Interest

  • Arlington Hotel Building (A 240m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
  • Q136350317 (A 264m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
  • Leimert Building (A 330m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
  • Union Savings Bank - Easton Building (A 335m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
  • Elihu M. Harris State Office Building (A 346m) — building in Oakland, California, United States

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Penelope Bar & Lounge

Penelope Bar & Lounge is located at 555 12th St Ste. 120, Oakland, CA 94607, Oakland.
Near Penelope Bar & Lounge you can find points of interest such as Lafayette Square, Arlington Hotel Building, Q136350317, Preservation Park.
Penelope Bar & Lounge offers bar cuisine.
Penelope Bar & Lounge has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Penelope Bar & Lounge offers the following services: dine-in, takeaway.
The most recommended dishes at Penelope Bar & Lounge based on customer reviews are: empanadas, Caffe Verde coffee-based cocktail, Oakland Heat, charcuterie plate.
Penelope Bar & Lounge is ideal for couples, solo dining, locals, late night, casual dining.
Penelope Bar & Lounge is a small, cozy cocktail bar known for its excellent, high-quality cocktails and friendly bartenders like Sam and Desmond. Customers rave about the atmosphere and unique drinks. Some find the service inconsistent or the crowds unpredictable.
Try the Caffe Verde cocktail to start your evening, but be warned that the Oakland Heat is very spicy. Happy hour offers reasonable prices.
82
Reviews

Penelope Bar & Lounge Oakland Reviews

4.5
82
5★
74%
4★
16%
3★
4%
2★
2%
1★
4%
Reviews (40)
M
Margie Wu

We were here 12 years ago, and now that we’ve moved back, we’re pleasantly surprised to see Penelope still here. Different bartender this time, but the drinks are still excellent. After living in San Francisco for long and now returning to Oakland downtown, the prices feel adorable — yet still very much up to San Francisco standards. High-quality cocktails. Friendly staff. Friendly guests, too. Love this place. We’ll definitely be back.

J
Jonathan Kiesler

Stumbled into this cozy little spot for happy hour and ended up staying way longer than planned—thanks to Sam, the bartender who somehow makes pouring drinks feel like a masterclass in hospitality. Seriously, Sam’s the kind of person who remembers your name, reads the room perfectly, and makes everyone feel like a regular—even if it’s your first time in. The vibe is relaxed, no-frills, and exactly what you want when you’re winding down after a long day. Great drink specials, solid pours, and good conversation if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar. I came for a quick drink and left wondering if I should become a regular just to hang out with Sam more often. Highly recommend for happy hour, first dates, or solo nights when you just want a good drink and great company. Just don’t steal my seat at the bar.

M
Melissa Dee

great cocktails, chic bar, nice employees. what else can you ask for?

E
Etienne Fang

The inside of the bar gives me speakeasy vibes and ambiance, with elegant dark wood, and fun sprinkle of apothecary. Delicious cocktails served fancy glasses. Friendly bar tenders.

M
Michael Wu PhD

little known bar off the busy downtown oakland.

N
Nik !

Very nice neighborhood bar. Our bartender for the night was Desmond, He was AWESOME! very delicious and unique menu and the atmosphere was beautiful. Definitely going back

P
Pinaki Joadder

Did a stand up show on Wednesday there, It was very Oakland.... But I had a great time.. very intimate

A
Alexandria

Great drinks, fun comedy night & empanadas

Margie Wu
Margie Wu

We were here 12 years ago, and now that we’ve moved back, we’re pleasantly surprised to see Penelope still here. Different bartender this time, but the drinks are still excellent. After living in San Francisco for long and now returning to Oakland downtown, the prices feel adorable — yet still very much up to San Francisco standards. High-quality cocktails. Friendly staff. Friendly guests, too. Love this place. We’ll definitely be back.

Jonathan Kiesler
Jonathan Kiesler

Stumbled into this cozy little spot for happy hour and ended up staying way longer than planned—thanks to Sam, the bartender who somehow makes pouring drinks feel like a masterclass in hospitality. Seriously, Sam’s the kind of person who remembers your name, reads the room perfectly, and makes everyone feel like a regular—even if it’s your first time in. The vibe is relaxed, no-frills, and exactly what you want when you’re winding down after a long day. Great drink specials, solid pours, and good conversation if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar. I came for a quick drink and left wondering if I should become a regular just to hang out with Sam more often. Highly recommend for happy hour, first dates, or solo nights when you just want a good drink and great company. Just don’t steal my seat at the bar.

Melissa Dee
Melissa Dee

great cocktails, chic bar, nice employees. what else can you ask for?

Michael Wu PhD
Michael Wu PhD

little known bar off the busy downtown oakland.

Etienne Fang
Etienne Fang

The inside of the bar gives me speakeasy vibes and ambiance, with elegant dark wood, and fun sprinkle of apothecary. Delicious cocktails served fancy glasses. Friendly bar tenders.

Nik !
Nik !

Very nice neighborhood bar. Our bartender for the night was Desmond, He was AWESOME! very delicious and unique menu and the atmosphere was beautiful. Definitely going back

Pinaki Joadder
Pinaki Joadder

Did a stand up show on Wednesday there, It was very Oakland.... But I had a great time.. very intimate

Alexandria Maisoka
Alexandria Maisoka

Great drinks, fun comedy night & empanadas

M
Matthew Shiroma

Penelope's is very similar to a Japanese Sunakku Bar with counter seating, limited small table seating, & the bartenders acting as your hosts. Like a Sunakku there are very limited snack choices. Clientele come for the drinks & socializing with the regulars & the bartenders. I always enjoy the crew & the clientele here!

W
William Ward

Penelope's is an amazing place with great bartenders. The care of their craft comes through in the flavors of a cocktails they share.

I
Israel Cisneros

The place is great, but I wouldn’t mind some pickled eggs for christ skate.

L
Lyden Hehn

Staff was beyond accommodating and genuinely created the perfect environment for our group. The cocktails were wonderful accompanied by a great beer menu!!

J
Joe Sorquist

Owner and main bartender Johnny really delivers! Great selection and he's a master cocktail crafter! Good crowd of locals always ready to have a chat if you're in the mood. Love the empanadas, too! Always enjoy my time here!

S
Sarah Vaccaro

Such a great cocktail bar. The drinks are very good, high quality. And the atmosphere is super friendly and welcoming. They have both indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate groups. Will be going back again soon!

M
Marty B

Small but amazing bar! You will not find a bar like it in the downtown Oakland area. Great cocktails and wonderful bartenders! Try out their empanadas too! Definitely one of my go-to spots on the weekends.

D
Deven

Great little find! Very good cocktails with friendly bar staff & pleasant atmosphere. Try the Caffe Verde coffee-based cocktail - great way to start the evening.

AJ Slater
AJ Slater

Lovely small cocktail bar off the main drag.

Joe Sorquist
Joe Sorquist

Owner and main bartender Johnny really delivers! Great selection and he's a master cocktail crafter! Good crowd of locals always ready to have a chat if you're in the mood. Love the empanadas, too! Always enjoy my time here!

Sarah Vaccaro
Sarah Vaccaro

Such a great cocktail bar. The drinks are very good, high quality. And the atmosphere is super friendly and welcoming. They have both indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate groups. Will be going back again soon!

Deven Parghi
Deven Parghi

Great little find! Very good cocktails with friendly bar staff & pleasant atmosphere. Try the Caffe Verde coffee-based cocktail - great way to start the evening.

Marty B
Marty B

Small but amazing bar! You will not find a bar like it in the downtown Oakland area. Great cocktails and wonderful bartenders! Try out their empanadas too! Definitely one of my go-to spots on the weekends.

William Ward
William Ward

Penelope's is an amazing place with great bartenders. The care of their craft comes through in the flavors of a cocktails they share.

Matthew Shiroma
Matthew Shiroma

Penelope's is very similar to a Japanese Sunakku Bar with counter seating, limited small table seating, & the bartenders acting as your hosts. Like a Sunakku there are very limited snack choices. Clientele come for the drinks & socializing with the regulars & the bartenders. I always enjoy the crew & the clientele here!

Israel Cisneros
Israel Cisneros

The place is great, but I wouldn’t mind some pickled eggs for christ skate.

D
David Walton

We found this place on a whim and we’re pleasantly surprised. The craft cocktails are excellent, full of flavor, and reasonably priced. The food menu is limited (didn’t try anything) so we decided to just have a drink here and head somewhere else for dinner. Venue is cute but small so it can get busy and fill up fast, especially when it’s too chilly to sit outside.

B
Bakery of Doom

The drinks are amazing, and they have a reasonable happy hour. Oakland Heat (pictured) is really freaking hot! They are not messing around. Consider yourself warned. The charcuterie plate is not at all worth ordering. I would have given five stars if that hasn't been so disappointing.

David Walton
David Walton

We found this place on a whim and we’re pleasantly surprised. The craft cocktails are excellent, full of flavor, and reasonably priced. The food menu is limited (didn’t try anything) so we decided to just have a drink here and head somewhere else for dinner. Venue is cute but small so it can get busy and fill up fast, especially when it’s too chilly to sit outside.

Bakery of Doom
Bakery of Doom

The drinks are amazing, and they have a reasonable happy hour. Oakland Heat (pictured) is really freaking hot! They are not messing around. Consider yourself warned. The charcuterie plate is not at all worth ordering. I would have given five stars if that hasn't been so disappointing.

Z
Zaria

The drinks here are awesome but the service has never been great. I always feel like I’m interrupting the bartenders’ evening and I definitely wouldn’t order anything other than exactly what is on the menu. Overall, a fine place for one drink before a night out

Zaria
Zaria

The drinks here are awesome but the service has never been great. I always feel like I’m interrupting the bartenders’ evening and I definitely wouldn’t order anything other than exactly what is on the menu. Overall, a fine place for one drink before a night out

T
Tyler Harding

Penelope is a strange place... Packed and empty, all in the same sitting - the crowds here seem to come in waves. Speaking of crowds, that's also a mixed bag. There were several loud and obnoxious middle aged dudes, hanging around and gambling with dice at the bar (apparently a somewhat normal occurrence here). Otherwise there was a wide array of loud people discussing everything from company stock options to good school districts.The music was popular 90s hip-hop. I had the Beso and Manhattan Project, which were strong, but in a good way. You pay on average $11-12 per drink, so not particularly cheap, but the drinks definitely hit you (only high-end alcohol is used here, so at least you're paying for quality). For the building itself, small doesn't do this place justice - it's TINY! Also, the door was left open the whole time, which brought in smoke and cold air the whole night. Overall - very good drinks, but for the higher prices and poor atmosphere I would pass on Penelope in favor of other nearby bars.

Tyler Harding
Tyler Harding

Penelope is a strange place... Packed and empty, all in the same sitting - the crowds here seem to come in waves. Speaking of crowds, that's also a mixed bag. There were several loud and obnoxious middle aged dudes, hanging around and gambling with dice at the bar (apparently a somewhat normal occurrence here). Otherwise there was a wide array of loud people discussing everything from company stock options to good school districts.The music was popular 90s hip-hop. I had the Beso and Manhattan Project, which were strong, but in a good way. You pay on average $11-12 per drink, so not particularly cheap, but the drinks definitely hit you (only high-end alcohol is used here, so at least you're paying for quality). For the building itself, small doesn't do this place justice - it's TINY! Also, the door was left open the whole time, which brought in smoke and cold air the whole night. Overall - very good drinks, but for the higher prices and poor atmosphere I would pass on Penelope in favor of other nearby bars.

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About Penelope Bar & Lounge

How to get there

555 12th St Ste. 120, Oakland, CA 94607

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Highlights

Highly Rated
4.5/5 stars
💬
Well Reviewed
82 reviews
💰
Moderate Price
Price level
👨‍🍳
bar
Cuisine type

Services

🥡 Takeout
🍴 Dine-in

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In
🥡 Takeout

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
4-11PM
Rating
4.5/5
💬 Reviews
82
💰 Price Level
$$
📞 Phone
+1 510-922-9571
🌐 Website
www.penelopeoakland.com

Amenities

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

The Neighborhood

Lafayette Square

park in Alameda County, California, United States of America

A 97m
Arlington Hotel Building

building in Oakland, California, USA

A 240m
Preservation Park

park in Oakland, California, USA

A 275m
African American Museum and Library at Oakland Heritage

public library in Oakland, California, USA

A 291m
Frank H. Ogawa Plaza

square in Oakland, Alameda County, United States of America

A 314m
Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption Heritage

church building in California, United States of America

A 324m
Leimert Building

building in Oakland, California, USA

A 330m
Union Savings Bank - Easton Building

building in Oakland, California, USA

A 335m
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