Cocktail bars

Baggy's By the Lake

4.3 237 reviews 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM 288 E 18th St, Oakland, CA 94606, United States

Discover this place

Baggy's By the Lake, located at 288 E 18th St, Oakland, CA, is fast becoming a local favorite cocktail bar. With its welcoming ambiance and reasonably priced drinks, it offers a perfect spot for game nights or casual hangouts. Customers rave about the friendly staff, particularly the charm of the new ownership under Amoy, who creates a warm atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.

Reviewers highlight the dive bar vibe that resonates well with both regulars and newcomers alike. The establishment boasts strong cocktails and the convenience of allowing outside food, making it an attractive option for those wanting to pair drinks with bites from local eateries. Although the food selection is minimal—limited to bags of chips—the focus here is undoubtedly on the drinks and camaraderie among patrons.

The diverse clientele, ranging from local residents to travelers, adds to the bar's charm, making it a vibrant spot for socializing. Whether you’re in Oakland for a short visit or looking for a new regular haunt, Baggy's By the Lake is sure to leave a lasting impression and keep you coming back for more.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Delivery
Takeout

Highlights

Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Sports

Dining options

Outside food allowed
Seating

Amenities

Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Baggy's By the Lake before visiting.

Reviews for Baggy's By the Lake

4.3

237 reviews

100%

26%

10%

12%

Review highlights

Based on 237 reviews

Baggy's By the Lake is widely appreciated as a welcoming and unpretentious cocktail bar in Oakland, known for its friendly atmosphere and strong, reasonably priced drinks. Customers frequently mention the attentive and personable staff, which contributes to a sense of community and comfort, making it an ideal spot for both regulars and visitors. Though the bar does not offer a full food menu, patrons appreciate the flexibility of bringing outside food and the availability of small snacks like chips. Its central location and casual ambiance make it a favored destination for watching games or socializing. Overall, Baggy's By the Lake is celebrated for its combination of good service, affordability, and an inclusive, laid-back vibe.

Michelle chelle

Jul 19, 2025

Found my new go to bar to watch games or just have a drink. Drinks were reasonably priced. You can bring outside food and there are plenty of options around. They have lil bags of chips for sale.

Zackery West

Jul 12, 2025

Haven’t been in for a while. Under new ownership. Amoy(?) greeted me with a charming smile and made me feel right at home. Good ambiance and access from central Oakland. I recommend them highly.

Renée J

Jul 06, 2025

It’s a dive. Good prices, strong drinks, and they take credit cards. The bartender was chill even though there were 7 of us. Seems like a great place to be a regular. And no, there isn’t food besides chips, because this is a bar.

Ryan Lester

Jun 06, 2025

After 453 days they’re back open :)))) Great atmosphere, good service, owners are super friendly and prices are reasonable. A+

JMigz Jmigz

May 18, 2025

Travelled to California from the UK and stayed in Oakland 10 nights. We made a point of always ending the night in this bar. It’s class. The beer is excellent and the staff are friendly. There is a diverse mix of people of all ages and it’s extremely friendly. We were made to feel at home here. We’ll be back one day!

Rick H

May 13, 2025

Fun local neighborhood Bar, they do a monthly 5k around Lake Merrit that is a blast.

Crissy Tomlinson

Apr 26, 2025

GREAT bar to lay low, have a few drinks, chat it up with friends and acquaintances. Been coming here for years. Pro tip: order the Lake Merritt Slingshot, it's a secret menu and the best dang drink in town or my name isn't Crissy Genevieve Tomlinson!

Gabe Shalaby

Apr 11, 2025

Great service great vibe....a real community bar... They remember everyone and treat everyone with respect... But if you mess up and make patrons uncomfortable.... You are OUT. Always something good on the tvs or juke box, random art pop ups with no pressure...plus you can't beat the prices... Definitely worth the visit