Make Westing

Came here for the second time last night to celebrate my lady’s birthday. The environment is great, bartenders are friendly and make delicious stiff drinks, and there is bocce ball! Although it got really busy, the bartenders were extremely friendly and stayed calm. Will definitely return!

Well made cocktails, though not particularly alcoholic – I had three different gin drinks one night and felt completely sober. (And two is usually my limit as I’m kind of a lightweight.) The food in jars concept is pretty heavy handed and not really aesthetically pleasing. Come early to get in on the Bocce ball if that’s why you’re here – serious ballers take them over around 7 and never give them up.

I spent NYE here with some girlfriends and overall, not bad. It wasn’t super crowded which was probably the biggest perk. In past years, we’ve always ended up at venues where you’re pressed up against the person next to you. Although it took a little maneuvering to get places, it was doable. They also have a bocce ball court towards the back which, if I knew how to play, I’m sure would be fun.

I’ve visited this bar twice and both times I felt extremely uncomfortable and out of place.
After finding a seat at the bar, I was ignored by all three bartenders for atleast 15 minutes. Eventually, I enthusiastically waved one of the bartenders down to get his attention. When he finally acknowledged me, he seemed annoyed or bothered that I wanted to BUY a drink…
This bar seems to cater to a very specific crowd, which baffles me in the ever so diverse Bay Area of CA…
I never understand how customer service can be so bad and/​or exclusive especially when they don’t realize that they are offending patrons that are spending their money in these establishments.
I likely will never return to this place as long as it is the Make Westing.

SEE ME AT BOCCE BALL.
Just kidding, I suck, but that doesn’t stop me from talking smack to my competitors.
With plenty of leg room and the laid back vibes, Make Westing is a great place to grab a few drinks with friends. They’re perfectly located next to BART and Fox Theatre. Come on Thursdays and you can get your grub on at Off The Grid first.
If you’re a whiskey fan, I highly recommend the Buffala Negra. Its a beautiful cocktail consisting of rye whiskey, balsamic syrup, basil, and ginger beer. The French Muse and Penultimate are just as tasty.
I cannot recommend this place enough. You haven’t had a taste of Oakland nightlife until you’ve made a stop at Make Westing.

It is a fabulous place to grab a drink. I went on a Sunday at around 5:30, and not too bad. Plenty of seats, some fantastic Warriors fans and a few stragglers and their acquaintances. I came for the beer and that is exactly what I had with a great list to choose from. Staff were friendly and quick to take the empties away.
I like the atmosphere, I’m coming here more often

Good cocktails and beers, even better sandwiches. They have a two indoor bocce ball courts as well as ample seating inside and outside. My friend and I had the Lagunitas pale ale that was on tap along with the pulled pork and oxtail sandwiches. Both sandwiches were good but the oxtail was out of this world. I’m a big fan of oxtail and this place does not disappoint, it’s a must if you go there!

First of three stops during an early NYE celebration. Hubbers was impressed during a previous visit so he thought to bring me to try it out. We ordered a Hefeweizen each and wanted to check out a couple of things off their menu.
First: the roasted bone marrow. It is served with roasted garlic along with thinly sliced toasted bread. «Delicious» wouldn’t describe this dish justice, it is SO good. I would return for that over and over again.
Second: the Boquerones, served with thinly sliced toasted bread as well. The presentation was impressive, but putting together the marinated fish, bell peppers and the olive tapenade just made each bite out of bounds. It was almost heavenly.
The service was PERFECT. Bartenders were welcoming and attentive.
I feel like we robbed the place, because we ordered one more pair of hefs, and the total damage before we left was less than $ 40.
Fantastic place. I can’t wait to go back to try everything else.

After the office Christmas party I and a small handful of my coworkers still wanted to be out and about, so we made our way from The Lake Chalet over to Make Westing. We somehow managed to grab a table with seats for all five of us in the incredibly packed place, and after perusing the menu of house cocktails I decided on a Garden Gimlet (gin, cucumber, basil, and lime).
I’m not a big drinker and have always had a hard time finding cocktails I like, but the Garden Gimlet was really refreshing and light. Definitely recommend.
The bocce court was in full swing, the music was really good, and everyone seemed in good spirits. It was loud but we could still have a conversation, and in general the atmosphere was really positive. This is a cool place whether you’re coming as a group or a couple, and I’d definitely like to come here again.

I was visiting from out of state and my friend took me here on my first night. Definitely set a high standard for a bar. It was Sunday, probably not their biggest evening, but there was definitely a crowd. Service was fast and friendly; we sat at the bar.
One guy was kicked out for disorderly conduct, but we didn’t mind. (Those bocce ball games seem like they get a little intense, lol) Otherwise, it was pretty laid-​back. They have gluten-​free beer, which my friend likes.
Overall, we had a great night of conversation and drinks. I wish we would have had time to go back once more.

This place is so fun! My best friend and I came here on a First Friday and this place was packed!
She easily bought two drinks from the bar so the crowd wasn’t that big of a deal.
The line for bocce ball wasn’t too bad either! We waited, I think ten mins max? Anyway, I had no idea how to play bocce ball before, but now I freaking love it! It’s so fun and you make friends so quickly. The two groups that we played with (we won the first round, yay!) were super friendly and fun, even though we were slaughtered by the second group.
I love the atmosphere and the super chill vibes, even though it was busy that night. Will definitely come back again!

Braised oxtail sando!!!
I was able to sample there Braised oxtail sandwich and let me say I will be back for more, not oily, not fatty, near perfection on a toasted bun. The sandwich on a whole was a tad small, especially if you are sharing, but the meat was tender and flavorful, not to salty, more or less all around perfect on meat to bun proportion
I also sampled the bone marrow dish, no skimming on this dish, full heavy amount of bone marrow on the bone, like most places that offer this dish you are scraping the bone to get every last bit, here the marrow was heavy, oily, thick consistency, throw it on some toasted bread that is offered and it is delicious, you can dip the bread in the sauce found underneath the bone, ohh man sooo good,
I do recommend this place for the food, I did sample few beers, I would stay for there food that they offer
food **** oxtail sandwich is a plus, bone marrow also a plus
service **** no wait, walked up to the bar and ordered, received the food in 5 min
price $$
ambiance **** large venue, bochi ball not regulated size but folks compete here, allot of room to stretch your legs, better to go on a week night to avoid several crowds during the friday and saturday crowds
I will be back for more oxtail and bone marrow

I LOVE THIS PLACE!
It’s basically the most poppin place at night time!
I like their Garden Gimlet cocktail. It contains gin, cucumber, basil and lime. It’s very refreshing tasting!
I also like ordering their crispin cider. It’s super delicious!
Would I come here again?! OH HECK YA!

You never know who you’ll see at this bar!
A group of friends met up here before the Allen Stone concert at The Fox Theatre, and low and behold, the man himself is hanging out at the bar with friends. Super cool.
It’s a typical laid back, casual, hipster bar. Good prices, lots of space, and and nice bartenders. I’d come back here before a show next time, too!

11 111 日
非纯哈
This place rocks. Plus, felafel across the street. You can bring it in. DO NOT wear SF 49ers gear or bad shit may or may not happen.
谢谢

Love Make Westing. Located in what is now Uptown Oakland. Make Westing is serving up quality hand crafted cocktails from some of the most friendly bartenders. What I enjoy most at Make Westing is the cheese selection. Cow, Sheep or goat. I always go for the cow and each time I fall in love. Make Westing is serving Brie at its peak temp and they got it right.
Outdoor seating with views of the hustle and bustle of the city. Old school tavern feel inside. Indoor Bocce. clean restrooms and comfortable seating. Make Westing is definitely key for Oakland Nightlife.
I’ve had each of their house cocoktails and they are amazing

I have a soft spot for Make Westing because it was the first (and I think only) bar my friend took me to when I visited Oakland a couple of years ago. Little did I know I’d end up moving to Oakland and realizing that apparently everyone in the area adores or knows Make Westing… the range of drinks, the food, and of course the bocce ball. It’s a place I like to bring out-​of-​town friends. The bartenders are also quite nice.
It can get really crowded and packed though on weekends. It’s really best when NOT crowded — it’s got a nice, open, industrial interior. Because of this ambiance though, it’s really difficult to hear those around you when it’s crowded… so save any intimate conversations for elsewhere. Overall though, no matter if it’s packed or not, the vibe is not a rowdy clubby one. You can still relax despite the noise.
The French Muse and Garden Gimlet seem to be the most popular cocktails, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the cocktails… I’d say in this case, just go with the ingredients here you find most refreshing, rather than what seems the most ordered. A friend found the French Muse to0 heavy and the Garden Giblet more refreshing, whereas another found the opposite to be true! I tend to fluctuate between the two when ordering cocktails (which is less often than beer and cider), hah.
Maybe at first glance this place is easy to call «hipstery,» (because of its bare interior) but it’s not exactly the first word I would describe it after coming here more often. It’s got a wide mix of people from all crowds. And my older office has also been here for happy hour, when there aren’t many people.
Also, if you’re hungry, don’t hesitate to order from their food menu. Some pretty solid options, and the hearty sandwiches will definitely fill you up and pair well with drinks.

Make Westing was a stellar bar to visit before a concert at the Fox Theater. It was bustling and lively, but not so crowded that we couldn’t get a drink. They were really nice about the kitchen closing 15 minutes after we arrived… most bars are really pushy and rude about you ordering so close to kitchen close.
The burrata sandwich is a must-​try, with a unique chili aioli mixed in. The gimlet was so fresh and crisp, I couldn’t have just one. I might make the trip to Oakland just to visit Make Westing again!

DRINK
Garden Gimlet: gin, cucumber, basil, and lime. Refreshing and easy to drink. ⁴⁄₅
SERVICE
This place was packed on a Friday night. There was a large crowd inside and outside the bar. It took 15 minutes to order our drinks. There’s 2 lanes for bocce ball.

What can I say? Make Westing is a gem in Oakland. I love it to death. I wish I made more time to come here on a weekend. Not pretentious like San Francisco, and true to its Oakland roots. Plus, there’s bocce. I have yet to play, but if I come here enough, maybe I’ll have my chance.
OVERALL
This place as you walk in it may seem crowded but there is always space inside and outside, and it is crowded for a reason! The cocktails are mighty strong and delicious made by the bartenders dressed in all black! They have beer on tap, as I am not really a cocktail guy, but this place has got me hooked. I love them. They also have food, which can be a little slow, but not too bad. I recommend their popcorn, but somehow, $ 3 for popcorn seems too much.
CONS
Not really a con, but seating is limited, BUT this is due to the sheer amount of people here! Stand and enjoy a cocktail of a beer and chit chat. There’s no need to sit.
Great place in Oakland. Come and you won’t be disappointed.