Starline Social Club

Recently moved to Oakland and this is by far the best bar within a 50 mile radius. They serve dank food, have fun events, and have a solid, reliable staff. Shout out to Doug!

I wanted to update my last review of this place, as the owner did respond and did rectify my issues from my initial review.
I appreciate that he went out of his way to make sure that as a customer, I was satisfied with the treatment that I received.

Went for an awesome concert featuring Skip the Needle. Sorry we didn’t know they served food because it looked great. We’ll be back for food some time.

Had an excellent Hanger 1 Martini, their Benedict-​like Naan concoction and their green salad with dill in it! Delicious! A sexy meal in a jazzy upbeat environment driven by the sweetest staff in the Uptown. Thank guys!

I really like the idea of this whole place — the restaurant downstairs, the music upstairs. However they need a lot of spiffing up to make it a really great spot.
The restaurant experience: Granted we were a large party but it had been reserved ahead of time and there literally weren’t enough chairs. My girlfriend and I actually had to sit on a piano bench that was much shorter than everyone else’s stools… awkward. And one friend only got a seat after they found a folding chair upstairs… adding one more to the «kid» table level. The waiter seemed completely overwhelmed and the food runner was too. They just kept shouting out food items when they neared the table and gave the wrong food a couple of times. To top it off, the lamb was flat out charred to a crisp and we sent it back.
Upstairs the sound was pretty bad and there were some odd projections on the walls the entire concert. The drinks were fairly expensive as well which just seemed a little weird as the environment was more 7^th grade dance than club venue.
I hope they find ways to improve as it has lots of potential!

This is a great spot for having a drink and conversation without the intensity and noise of most other joints in and near Uptown. The well-​stocked downstairs bar sacrafices tables for lots of open floor space, and the drinks are fairly priced. The bathrooms are a bit tight, but that didnt stop the couple who popped out ahead of me from making do with tight quarters for a little bow chicka bow wow. A free, fenced and video-​monitored parking lot is directly behind, accessible on MLK. Nice benefit in this area. Upstairs is the event space with a bar and a few bar top tables. Food smells great but I didn’t partake.

Disclaimer: I came to Starline for a show in the ballroom upstairs; this review only concerns the ballroom. I was hungry, and checked out the menu downstairs, but once I saw the $ 8 onion rings (the most affordable item) I decided to stick to cooking my own food rather than pay a cachet-​tax at a gentrification station. Glad I had Clif bars in my bag to enjoy the show without passing out.
Disclaimer #2: Don’t bring your handicapped or elderly friends here; it’s hardly ADA compliant due to the building’s historic nature, and the staff came off as agist on this occasion. There are no benches or anything provided for older folks who might have to wait outside with their aching joints.
I came with a friend of mine, an older gentleman who happened to be having a horrible gout attack in his left foot (think broken-​glass jammed into your joints), but we really wanted to see this band and already bought tickets; he also had a cane to alert the staff to his situation. We arrived at the venue at 6:30, which was the time printed on our ticket, and were then told that the doors actually open at 7:30…what the fuck. We tried to sit on the stairs since my friend could barely stand (we were determined to get a seat in the venue because of the pain in his foot). They told us we had to wait outside. on the sidewalk. We asked if they had any seating that my friend could wait on but they told us there’s a bar down the block that we could wait at… not gonna help us get a seat once the doors open. Then the bouncer we were waiting with disappeared to grab a chair… for himself.
The best part of my experience here were the musicians who played (they were supposed to play at Leo’s, which I love, but were moved here last minute due to a worker dispute at Leo’s). The second-​best part was the décor and splendid job at rehabilitating this historic gem of a building, without whitewashing it. The staff was friendly and cordial, but again, clueless as to how to handle handicapped people or anyone over the age of 50.
Apparently the acoustics are better if you are right up against the stage, because we could hardly hear anything at the back, it was all mud and echoes. Also, I don’t expect people to be quiet at a music show, but I was amazed that everyone paid $ 20 to see this show and 90% of the people here were screaming at each other in order to hear their own conversations, and most of these folks were absolutely not listening to the music. I could barely hear the band I came to see over the din of people socializing. I could not understand a single lyric whatsoever throughout the night, from any band. I guess the venue’s title is apt– a lot of socializing happening, but not much listening. Seems like people come here more to be scene than to hear music. Most likely won’t be returning here unless my arm is twisted… but the architecture though.

I regularly pass by starline on my way home from work. It has always strikes my interest and last night a friend recommended it for drinks. I was definitely impressed. Drinks were great, wait staff was friendly and the music was stellar.
The people watching in this establishment is something out of a movie. Tarot card reader stationed comfortably in one of the booths, 80’s dudes, full blown hipster regalia. Oakland gets better by the day and the starline serves the full spectrum of transients and cultures.
Overall, this place is solid. I would highly recommend.

Just enough grit. Just far enough away from it all. Just perfect for a place to dance into the night.
If you’re looking for an epic space that’ll serve up tasty and unique drinks while still bringin’ the jams to the dance floor, Starline Social Club nails it in every category. The huge ballroom upstairs is truly something to behold.
One of my favorite drinks for those brave enough: Grapefruit and rye, who would’ve thought?

This place was going swell, but now they’re charging $ 3 if you want a glass of their self-​made carbonated water — even when you order food. It was free before. We were pondering the value of the $ 6 onion rings, but now they jacked up to $ 8! It was fun, but I cut back my visits. I guess this place is just to make as much margin as possible off the guests that come for the shows.
Some of the salads are good, even if they’re $ 12-​$ 14 for a small plate. The ‘fried’ brussels sprouts for $ 14 were inedible after eating a few of them. Perhaps my mistake for ordering them. Hoping Oakland can have a place where I can get a decent, $ 5 bar burger (like in I’ve had in Seattle) ok, maybe $ 8-​$ 10, but it’s not happening when everyone is trying to shoot long shots on being in Saveur magazine.

Decently tolerable girls, but awful food.
Weirdly put together and unsatisfying
Had the nardellos (large coleslaw with cheese), the onion rings (no salt) and pork Bahn mi –it had pâté??!
Sorry we stopped by

The squid is really interesting, in that it has corn. Normally I would probably think twice, but I’m glad I didn’t. We tried about 4 of the small plates, and everything was good.
The décor is really off the charts, especially the walls and ceilings. A must check out!

Beautiful and remarkable venue. It gets noisy AF though! The service is attentive. Food is very expensive and small plates, but good quality. The kind of place where you have fun but end up spending a lot more than you thought you would…

The Starline Social Club is an amazing venue. While the exterior still has some grit, standing next door to an SRO and basically underneath a freeway overpass, when I walked through the front door, I sort of felt like Lucy walking though the wardrobe. My eyes popped at the high ceiling and well preserved architectural details.
We were served by a friendly lass in a 40s style shirt-​shorts outfit. Service was attentive and detailed. The food menu changes daily and is geared more for noshing than for a full meal. We had the anchovies (raw), cod, onion rings and oxtail fritters. The fritters were the star by far, with rings coming in a close second. The cocktails are served in the same twee little glasses that you find at Boot and Shoe and other places. Sadly that means there is less chance of an overpour because the ice is also plentiful in these teeny glasses.
Some of the knicknacks like the member attendance list and the clawfoot bathtub really bring some amazing and unusual life to this building. We are definitely coming back for another drink, some oxtail fritters, and hopefully for a show upstairs!

This place… I think I might be in love. Why has anyone been hiding away this building the last 15 – 20 years?! What an amazing transformation! This building was an Odd Fellows lodge and before that a saloon built around 1883 (I think?) but what they have done with this building has made it a real gem! I think this also was an old janitorial supply company too. Great Oakland history!
The bar area is long and very unique, the space is so open and not cold but rather inviting. I like the vibe.
Beer and full bar with a few specialty cocktails. and FOOD! I had already eaten before I came but I couldn’t pass up trying the onion rings. yum. And what??? Ribeye for two $ 55?! Wow.
I have seen pictures online of what the area upstairs looks like and I cannot wait to check it out.
Highly recommend.

I went to Starline last week for after work drinks after reading about it in Eater SF. The space is really cool and actually quite spacious. It has a very casual, hipster Oakland vibe but not grungy in any way. Lots of vintage furniture and curios. The neighborhood was questionable but once inside you don’t really mind.
They truly do not skimp on the cocktails. While the menu is small, they serve some really great recipes. I had the Oaxacan Oldie and my friend had the Corrupt Cities. Both were very strong but still drinkable — is that what they call a sippable drink?
My friend also had the Banh Mi which she said was good.

Excited that Starline has finally opened it’s doors to the public and pleasantly surprised with my 1^st visit!
I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a number of pop-​up experiences in the grand ballroom upstairs — which is supposedly being utilized as a performance space — but I’m happy to see the the spacious downstairs has been rehabbed to embrace the ecclectic vibe of the surrounding area. Observing the space from the inside, it still feels like it’s an idea still in development… and that’s totally fine, because it’s a great space with plenty of potential! Unconventional bar shape, plenty of elevated boothed seating for twos and larger booths for big parties, nice balance of brightness, and near bare walls with elevated ceilings that really opened up the space.
The experience: I arrived with a friend on a Wednesday night with the intention of having dinner and some drinks; we had no trouble nabbing a booth immediately. The food options seem limited (roughly 6 for now) and not substantial enough for a proper meal, though I don’t know if that’s subject to change… so we asked our server for some recommendations and settled on some cocktails and 2 dishes. We shared the black cod rillétes with toast and chili as well as the Spanish mackerel with fried artichokes, olive, and ramps. The food appeared super fresh, with a stellar presentation and a great set of flavor combinations thanks to quality ingredients and attention to detail in the kitchen. Service was on point as well! Also worth noting, it sounds like the kitchen will be serving dinner through midnight.
Overall a very promising space and a welcome addition to the area. I would recommend stopping by for a cocktail and few bites to share with friends if you’re in the area.

Update: week 2
What a difference a week can make. Went by for a drink on a busy Friday and the vibe at the bar was totally different. Awesome mixed crowd and a looser feeling in general. Really happy to see this space doing well.

Surprise Oakland adds another great bar to the already stunning line up of watering holes in the area. Though Starline has only been open for a short time you can see the potential oozing through the windows. It is actually unbelievable to think that for years this place sat virtually unused for decades (at least for social purposes).
I am told the team that put the venue together is a who’s who of the Oakland dining, drinking and art scene. They have gutted out a gorgeous space by simply peeling away any unnecessary crap and highlight the details of what I can only assume to be a classic members mid 1900’s social club. The downstairs bar is large and roomy with high ceilings. It’s well designed in that they did very little to take away from it’s built in character.
The menu for cocktails and food is small for now but clearly they have room to grow. What they do have so far is delicious and tasty on both ends. I’m not sure if the menu changes daily but if it doesn’t I would suggest the Bay Collins made with Green Chile vodka and the asparagus, snap snap peas, or steak tartare small plates. Hell just get all 3 and tell me about it later.
Staff is friendly and the owners are friendly and willing to chat it up about the details of the place. If you’re lucky maybe they’ll take you up to the ball room which is not in use yet. When they do start to do shows or what not up there, look out. I look forward to making this another one of my regular drinking holes when hanging out in the constantly evolving bar scene in Oakland.

Time: 6:37pm/63°F mostly sunny
Purpose: Had couple of hours left before getting off work. Message came through saying, how about this place if possible tonight? Gave some thoughts. Then it became apparent it sounds like they need me there. Went ahead made the drive.
Ambiance: Located in a not so upbeat part of Oakland, but still within walking distances of uptown Oakland. This place went through several business transformation before SSC got a hold of it. For the past 3 – 4 years it was on rebuilding stages. Once inside first thing you’ll notice is the condition. For a place that haven’t seen sunshine for over 30 years, it shows. Some of the of the décor includes a bath tub, wooden box speaker, board of resident member dues circa 1943, cast iron, scale, lounge chairs/​sofas, original saloon counter. The bar counter is really unique in its own way. Never seen a shape like that ever. Seating for the bar is a 20 person seater with non removable or adjustable wooden stools. Booth style seating with plush high back cushions. Four makeshift booths for two and couples of loose knee high stools. Walls left naked cement in touch and so is the floor. Seems like what ever was left during the non operational years, it was use for décor here.
Staff: A good balance of guys/​girls mostly early to late 20s. Couple of them looks like no experience, if any at all. Not saying its bad or good, they’ll evolved into the bar scene over time. Couple of them looks although they’ve been at it for years, pouring/​shaking and garnishing without looking at recipe. I didn’t have a problem throughout the evening. Went ahead sat down and do what everyone else is doing, order drinks. Would be better if they were more engaging instead of whispering amount themselves. That’s all right, as long as I wasn’t involved in their convo is fine with me.
Cleanliness: Grade A-​/​B, here’s why? The left over furniture of yesteryear years use here were better suited than the newer ones. The couples booth was somewhat icky. It was painted but, that new paint was sticking to my pants. Sliding was impossible. Paint was dry no damage to clothing. The gloss coating made it difficult to maneuver around. End up seating at end of bar area.
Eats/​Drinks: Only drinks for the evening went else where later on. Saw a guy with onion rings 6pcs to order with nice presentation, but not at $ 6. That’s a dollare per ring. Then another patron had steak tartare it was small looking portions too. Right there and then, I said not eating here tonight. Later was told full menu by next week. That’s when I’ll try the food and update. Tonight I had two Moonlight Brewing, Reality Czech Pilsners on draft $ 7ea. I like it, smooth and a little foamy goes down with no problems. Wish there were so kind of snacks nearby like popcorn or peanuts. Since food wasn’t all that being the first day of opening night. Oh well live and tell about it.
Main Features: Never seen before in three decades. A 1890s architectural nostalgic building from turn of a century. With 90% of the equipments still in use or for decorations.
Products/​Services: BBQ banh mi, steak tartare, snap pea, asparagus, onion rings, cocktails, wines, beers. Moonlight Reality Czech Pilsner is the only beer on draft, Anchor Brewing California Lager (12oz can)-$ 5, Miller High Life-​$ 3, Evil Twin Brewing Molotov Lite (16oz can)-$ 7. *Prices and choices are base on opening night menu. May change or increase in prices.
Punch Lines: After work drinks and apps, modest cost, décor leaves something to desired, easy night out, hip bar, reclaimed wood, calm vibe, laid back, light bites, plenty of seating, tea candles in use, lively atmosphere, can’t go wrong, charming atmosphere, open tab prefer, full service bar.
Tradeoffs: Located a little out of uptown district not cluster in with other newly open eateries and bars. This could be an issue for some especially ones who don’t drive or with mobility situations.
Final Thoughts: Nice place with mostly reclaimed woods and turn of a century décor. This place hasn’t seen daylight since 1985 when it was closed down. Went through several business finally found a fit. Strong cocktail drinks, limited beer selections, but food portions are on the smaller side. Give it some time it’ll find its way.