The Lodge — Restaurant in Oakland

A pleasant place to have cocktails, The Lodge, whether lively or a slow night, always seems to have a welcoming vibe. Friendly bartenders and inexpensive drinks. The kitchen occasionally features an assortment of very good pop-up vendors. Unfortunately, they don't have a regular vendor in place. In the event of a late night attack of the munchies and no vendor, they have a selection of microwave junk food that's fairly good, i.e. cup-o-noodles, corn dogs etc. A neighborhood bar with a fair share of regulars, it is a step above what I would call a dive bar. Nice, dog friendly patio in the back. There's always a water bowl available. Good Dogs can always stop by the bar and get a free doggie treat. Dogs are required...

Went here on Tuesday for a night cap after a girls dinner. We met Michael the bartender who was absolutely wonderful - chatty but respectful, attentive to all the people at the bar and coming in, listened to me when I said I didn’t actually want the shot my friend ordered for me, and looked out for us when dudes were around - iykyk. Having a bartender that really had your back when your some girls out drinking was honestly the best part of our experience, though the popcorn machine and great drinks helped! Not to mention they allow dogs 😍

My favorite kind of neighborhood dive - Definitely...

Love this bar usually. Here 3-4 days a week. Just don't go on Mondays (at least this Monday). The bartender with the plugs will overcharge you and make you ask for change. If you don't ask he just keeps it. Other than that, great bar!

Edit: thanks for the response. Just wanted to check - have happy hour beers gone up to 8 dollars since Friday?

Still a little peeved about Michael taking my $10 and keeping the change without asking, but happy to revise/delete my review if you can confirm the HH...