A robust spirit of inclusion in Oakland extends to liquid spirits - the city is home to gourmet experiences for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. In the last decade, complex yet alcohol-free adult-oriented beverages began appearing on restaurant and bar menus. Advancements in alcohol removal have led to nonalcoholic California wines, beers, and distilled spirits being made to the same exacting standards as their proofed siblings.
This article visits some of Oakland’s bars and restaurants that serve superior low- and no-alcohol drinks, beverages that appeal to drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Whether you’re abstaining, sober-curious, or simply looking to enjoy a refined refreshment without the buzz, the city’s vibrant mixology scene has something for you.
Temescal favorite Burma Superstar pours tropical non-alcoholic coolers, like a mango-tamarind spritzer, and a highball made of jackfruit and Sprite. Nearby, trendy Tallboy shakes up concoctions based on Seedlip and Giffard non-alcoholic spirits. Also on Telegraph, acclaimed modern soul-food restaurant Burdell offers sherry and amaro-based low-alcohol cocktails as well as several zero-proof drinks.
On Piedmont Avenue, mainstay The Wolf slings mocktails along with classic cocktails. Abstainers can choose from an Aperol-like spritz made from Giffard aperitif, a “phony negroni” and an all-juice take on the cosmopolitan. Down the street, The Lodge creates alcohol-free cocktails made from non-alcoholic distillers such as Pathfinder and Ghia; try the Amaro Naynay for a convincing take on the sweet and bitter Italian digestif.
In Rockridge, many of the neighborhood’s inventive restaurants provide inclusive options on their bar menus. The pasta experts at Belotti Ristorante offer both low- and no-alcohol spritzes, while vegan touchstone Millennium includes a seasonal, vegetal virgin drink on their cocktail menu. Vietnamese restaurant and bar Holy Basil Pho has an extensive menu of alcohol-free beverages, from a virgin mojito to a salted plum soda, and sweet and rich Vietnamese-style iced coffee and Thai-style iced tea.
In Oakland’s party destination, the Uptown District, it’s easy to find alternatives to high-proof drinks. Stylish Viridian takes the craft cocktail approach to non-alcoholic refreshments like a highball made with soda, passionfruit, and vanilla seed.
Laid-back Low Bar slings a bottled non-alcoholic Aperol-style spritzer alongside near-beer, hot water, and gourmet sodas, while karaoke-centric Legionnaire Saloon includes a rotating selection of fruit-based mocktails on its cocktail menu.
Yoshi’s in Jack London Square presents fresh and fruity mocktails on their cocktail menu, like the aptly named Ginger Blossom and a pomegranate spritzer. Located in both Grand Lake and Dimond, Grand Lake Kitchen boasts a large selection of low-alcohol options alongside their popular breakfast and lunch menus. Dimond hotspot Bombera offers house-made, zero-proof fermented sodas, while in the Laurel District, Michelin-recommended Jo’s Modern Thai has mocktails, non-alcoholic wine, and many other alcohol-free options. Their newest brunch restaurant, The Peach, also has an extended list of alcohol-free options.
Take the spirit of craft mocktails home with you before you leave Oakland! Explore the world of zero-proof distillates at vibey bottle shop Alkali Rye, find shrubs and syrups at Oaktown Spice Shop, and score that exotic fruit garnish at Rockridge Market Hall Foods. From alcohol-removed wines, beers, and distilled spirits to exotic fruit and flavor combinations, there’s a rich world of no and low-alcohol beverages aimed at a sophisticated palate.
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