Heart & Dagger Saloon — Restaurant in Oakland

I just had a very sad and racist experience here. I was outside on the patio and met a couple for a cigarette. I wanted to order them a drink because they were nice for giving me one. They asked for a double Jack and coke before going to the bathroom. I also followed behind them because I had to go as well. There was only one occupied stall so, thinking it was my new found friend, I called their name to let them know I was here. They did not answer and I found out that they left before without my knowledge. I used the gentleman’s room which one of the bouncers let me know was fine. After I went to the restroom, I ordered the double Jack and coke to which the bartender told me that I was way too inebriated to order for myself. I only had one beer that night and a glass of wine. I told her that it was just for my new found friend. She insisted that they had to order that drink themselves and she was not going to give a drink to me. I called my friend over and she decided to order two modelos . When I came back with my friend, the bartender decided to kick me out of the bar and accused me that I attacked her. My new found friend was dumbfounded and stated that she has never seen a situation like this occur before. It was very unfortunate since I have never had this experience in Oakland before. I have graduated from Bishop O’ Dowd Highschool and I also went to Cornell University. I also lived in Berlin, Germany and Italy and had never had such an experience like this before. My high school friends used to enjoy coming to this bar but will not anymore since this incident. It is very unfortunate since given such a trying time in...

The bartender is a huge jerk stocky guy with glasses). What I mean is I ordered a drink, my first drink of the evening, and get told me the drink cost 4$. When he delivered the drink, he said it cost 5$. I asked him about it and he said 'happy hour ended ten minutes ago'. I replied, it's 6:55 and he said, 'we're on bar time, it's 7:05', then I said, just before you said it was 4$, he then started swearing at me. He called me a F$#& and then was like 'is this dollar so important to you?!' then swore again and all I did was back away slowly and say 'i don't want any trouble' I felt very uncomfortable and all I wanted to know was the price of the drink. I left my money at the counter and don't want to ever come back. I will admit I did like the pinball and hipster element of this place, but just be warned that if you sit outside in the back, it will be in a cloud of cigarette smoke. Plus, the bartender may just jump down your throat for no reason, just an FYI. I hope you stay safe at this...

If you've ever been to Heart and Dagger, then you know it's a quintessential Oakland dive bar. No fancy frills or eccentric cocktail menus. Just decently priced booze, good music, and plenty of space for good company. The back patio is rather large and a cute little hangout spot with a gorgeous tree and some cool old signage! The only caveat is that it's a smoking patio, so if that isn't your thing, you'll just have to enjoy the inside and front. The staff gets their shit done and will definitely be nice to you as long as you're nice to them! But also, it's a dive bar: don't expect the fine dining experience and just have a good time! There are lots of yummy food options nearby that you can bring in. Sometimes, they even have a food vendor in the front, but I don't know much about the frequency.

(Also, they play hella movies that range from funny to...