Kingfish Pub & Cafe
| Address: | 5227 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609, USA |
| Phone: | +1 510-655-7373 |
| Site: | kingfishpubandcafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 3PM–12AM 3PM–12AM 3PM–12AM 3PM–2AM 3PM–2AM 12PM–2AM 12PM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 21
PA
pam
I completely forgot about my visit to this bar, it was completely last minute. I was at a store a few blocks away and one of my brothers was here and wanted me to join him and his friend. This bar is located in a rather odd, off the beaten path spot and parking is a pain, its all street parking. Lucky me, found a parking spot directly in front of the bar. I dont frequent bars often, so I wouldnt know what is considered divey. I personally think the bar is kind of cute. I dont know if its okay to consider a bar cute. But I do. Its dark inside, there were a couple of tall tables splattered with all kinds of decor anything from Cal Berkeley paraphernalia, fishermen quips / quotes, and stickers and some other sort of stickers. There was also a couple of shorter tables where customers were sitting, the place was packed. Instead of peanuts/pretzels or assorted nuts for snacking, there is an endless amount of popcorn you scoop from a portable popcorn stand yourself, its situated in the corner to the right of the entrance when entering. The area inside is small and tight, not much elbow room. But its not unbearable. There is one large shuffleboard table inside with a large crowd watching, playing or waiting. There is an outdoor patio out back, and its a completely different world. Honestly, its like "Hipster" land, it was a much younger and quieter crowd. Reminded me of a page out of a Pottery Barn Catalog. The patio had white lights strung across, which made it a bit more festive. There is also a full bar outside. As far as food is concerned, I was told they dont really serve food, meaning there isnt a kitchen so if youre coming here to eat, it could pose a problem. You can order food, but they dont make it on the premises, instead they get it from another restaurant in the area and bring it back. Ha ha! Im glad to have visited this legendary, historical, community rooted bar. Its cute, fun and alive.
KA
katherine pinello
I love Kingfish❤ Ive been there casually, for games, for football, just to hang; every time we go, the bartenders are friendly and patient. Great beer and cocktails (excellent bloody Marys!). Just last night, the back bartender, John, was patient and fun with me and my three kinda crazy guy friends. They are large, loud and argue about everything like brothers. He was funny and really nice to them and I. We shut the place down and my dudes were so angry and drunk and naggy.... and John was just awesome. Thanks John, and thanks for your patience and laughs!
A
A Private User
I was incredibly disappointed in the quality of people in this bar. I was even more disgusted with the conversations I overheard, one even involving one "Hipster" talking about how he was into Mr. Rogers before he was "mainstream" and how Fruit-loops represent "Modern oil addiction". My only regret is that I do not posses the ability to go back in time to slap that individual and bleach her upper lip so that she would never gain the ability to grow a mustache.
KI
Kimi San
This place is right down the street from where I work, so I often go for a cocktail to wait out traffic. Its almost always crowded but not overly so. The staff is friendly. They dont serve food, but you can bring food inside. On busy nights you may find a random food truck conveniently parked out front. Its always happy hour and their signature drinks can be a little... strong. Tip: the Pain Killer does exactly what it says it does.
A
A Private User
Crappy food, $12. Stale beer, $8. Therapy session after visiting the pub, $60. Anti-depressants I had to start taking after just one visit, $15. Knowing that I just went to hell and back and survived the whole thing...priceless. If you want to kill yourself, just visit the Kingfish. But make sure you have your will and testament in place before you do so...!
TO
Todd Cook
The facade was relocated from its original location across the street. Costumers enter the new location through a tiny front bar that opens into an outdoor bar with additional seating. The staff here are courteous and fun. While no food (other than popcorn) is served at this location, there is a Caspers and many other restaurant within a 5-minute walk.
BA
Barry Wainstock
This is a quaint dive bar in Oakland that epitomizes the idea of a "local." Everyone from the neighborhood shows up here to watch sports games, hang out, and play some shuffleboard. Not from around town? Dont worry, people here are super friendly and have no problem chatting with you.
MI
Mike Wilson
This is an awesome, old school place to grab a beer and some popcorn. The perfect spot to watch the game and chat with friends. It is a bar full of regulars, a few of these have been coming here for decades. This is truly a classic spot to grab a beer in Oakland.
PE
Perry Shirley
As local a joint as it gets. Lotsa history. Come here for Cal/Raiders/As game to watch with people who know their facts. Good indoor/outdoor mix of space. Two shuffleboard tables. Jukebox. Some food but if you bring some from outside, they dont mind. Two bars.
CH
Chris Collins
For what it is, it is the best. There is nothing like it...um...anywhere. Like a Heinolds without the tourist, bigger, free shuffleboard, dollar beers, great popcorn, and accessible. I am sure this place was rockin in the 1930s looking just like it does now.
ZA
Zander Maverick
This is one of my favorite bars. The staff is friendly, the crowd is mostly good. They have great drink specials and heavy pours. There is a place that you can rent out for the day with free skeeball. There is shuffleboard in the back patio area.
RA
Rachel Murray
Great place to watch a game. My bartender was kind of lame - had to tell her how to make a gimlet & it was still mediocre. Make sure to head to the back section - the front is the original bar & kind of a tight fit on game night.
RO
Rob Redfield
Great sports bar with new outdoor under the sun area. Great spot for any Bay Area sports event. Kingfish was awesome to watch the Warriors games this season. No food just cold beer, cocktails and bowls of popcorn!
JO
Jonathan Frantz
the kingfish is the best bar in temescal when you are just looking to hang out, watch some sports, play some shuffle board, and enjoy life. the new addition of the patio is fantastic
LI
Lisa Sims
The bartenders are friendly and they have a small food menu to choose from. Popcorn machine keeps me coming back. There is an outdoor seating area and second bar in the back.
ER
Eric Swanson
One of my favorite bars in Oakland! A very clean dive, if you can imagine it. Free shuffleboard and popcorn, cheap drinks, a jukebox, and a pretty laid-back friendly crowd.
RE
Rene Paik
This place is much bigger than it appears. Its like a Harry Potter magical ten. Good, cheap drinks with a nice outdoor patio in the back, complete with palm tree.
ZE
Zephyr Albright
Its the fish, but improved with the exact old building on a new lot with an expansive outdoor bar area. Must check this place out, the people are the best.
JA
James Watt
Cheap beer, great atmosphere, shuffleboard, and an apartment. Just dont talk about the apartment and thatll ensure that I have it for my next visit.
GA
Gardner W
Great place to watch football on Sunday.. TVs everywhere! Free popcorn, decent drinks, good vibe. Great patio action in back with the shuffleboarders
RI
Richard Pagano
Great place, cheap drinks. Got this 3 for the price of 2 pitcher of beer. Pretty impressive. +10L of beer. Who wouldnt love it. Free popcorn too.
