The Double Standard — Restaurant in Oakland

I just want to start off by saying that the Double Standard's management is highly unprofessional. I started communication with them in early May (the 10th?) as I wanted to book a private party for my 30th birthday. The communication was a little bit difficult at first but I was able to speak to Ali on the phone and he was super excited about having a private party. He also told me he would provide balloons and tables and I could bring in food, dj and photobooth. He told me he would send me an email of what my options were in terms of renting out the Double Standard, which I never received, but he just gave me a quote on a PhotoBooth. So the last time I heard from Ali he told me he was going to get a quote for a flipbook Photo Booth which I never heard back from him at all. So I sent numerous emails asking him to call me back so I could finalize the details so I can go ahead and book everything that goes into throwing my private party. I even left a voicemail on the bars phone number... So the date is fast approaching, it's now June 13 and still no word... So I went onto my phone bill to find the number that he had contacted me from and called him. Finally getting a hold of him he told me that things were still up in the air and they were still deciding and he would let me know by Tuesday if they were willing to still throw a private party. He told me they were up in the air because they didn't feel right closing for a private party.. THIS IS A MONTH LATER!! I had already booked a dj and Photobooth!!! So Tuesday (June 14) comes around and I hear nothing from him. So I called him Wednesday and he told me they were unable to do it, but I'm welcome to come in still! Sorry buddy I'm not bringing my 150 guests to spend money at your venue when you were completely unprofessional to me with your lack of communication. First of all, Ali, if you had reservations about closing the place for my private party ,et me know as soon as possible so I can find another venue. Big parties don't happen over night! They take time and you have to book things in advance. Now you all can imagine how frustrating this is for me. So do not try to do anything with this place because they do not have the common courtesy to follow up with you when you have requested a booking...

Even before the pandemic, The Double Standard was always a great spot to meet up, whether for birthday outings, watching the Dubs continue to maintain excellence, or just to drink and have a good time. Since the pandemic, some things have changed. Here's the breakdown:

Ambiance - The outdoor patio has changed, with additional tables, lights, chairs and TVs (!) to watch basketball or football games at. There are still a couple of small tables and TVs in the inside if you prefer that, but don't be surprised if you find yourself standing either way. This place usually gets packed quick. A mixture of hip-hop/R&B usually plays in the background (which I always appreciate).

Drinks - cocktails fall between $10-13, depending on what they offer. I'm always a fan of the Pimm's Cups the bartenders make here personally. Beers are standard Bay Area pricing ($5-9).

Just a few notes I've learned over the past several visits:

during First Fridays or Warriors playoff watch parties, they will charge a $5 cover per person, regardless of how early you get there (I went at 4pm). If you ever want a large group of you to save a seat, get there early. Like 5pm at most. Especially if game day or First Fridays, as there were already several groups saving tables and all. They're pretty chill with you bringing in food from outside, since they don't offer food. I ended up grabbing burritos from across the street at Burrito Express while watching the Warriors win the Finals this year there

Overall, some things have changed, but some haven't changed for the better. I'll always drop by for a few drinks when I'm in the area with friends Here's to ring no. 4 for our...

I wish there was a better platform to express my gratitude and appreciation for this venue and their incredible staff. Seriously, I stopped in randomly with a small group of my restaurant-industry coworkers to unwind after yet another insane day at our shop; while our group certainly was not the best behaved, we were treated with the upmost respect by the DS staff — who were clearly doing their best to maintain the smoothest possible operation under the current circumstances (the technology is especially impressive — put our own online ordering system to shame!) Follow the rules, listen to the staff and you’ll have a great time — hopefully the next time we’re there our team will all be on the...