Black Oak Tavern

Awesome bartenders … Super tentative, great selection of draft beers and liquors ! Ladies night is fun too.

Magnificent! Super friendly bartender who was clearly a super sweet soul here to salve the wayward locals. Loved listening I the clearly tipsy older locals bend her ear I. Traditional barkeep fashion.
No smoking means nice environment to enjoy a local brew. :) I was enticed to enter by the Duvel sign… we must have a story here!!!
Stop in if you are in town. It is as earthy as other reviewers mentioned but I felt very comfy relaxing and watching game on a Monday night

The Black Oak is a good representation of Oneonta’s nightlife as a whole: active, drunk, and usually pretty rowdy. That being said, I could not be more proud to be a part of it.
I was in a very active band throughout college, which took place in Oneonta, so we played at the Oak all the time. We’ve had some really great shows there and some really mediocre ones, but more of the great ones. At least a few nights a week there are live bands playing, whether they are touring bands, college-​related ensembles, or local acts looking to gain some exposure and make a few bucks.
There’s not an abundance of room at the Black Oak, with the bar and its stools bridging the stage section and the pool and darts section, where people can socialize if they’re not interested in the music. However, the alcohol fueled townies in this smaller space create a homey atmosphere – kind of like hanging out with your drunk uncles.
This bar is one of the longest running bars in Oneonta, and during a time where businesses are closing and being replaced all the time, the Black Oak faithful would never let that happen to Oneonta’s favorite tavern.

Cool bar. Had a band that was kick ass! Beer prices very good. Had an Arrogant Bastard pint for only $ 6.00!

Awesome local hangout… not fancy… not trendy. its been the same for years. full of townies … but fabulous for place to shoot back a shot of jamison and grab a pint !

The Black Oak is my favorite bar in Oneonta. It is a typical Oneonta bar — dirty, loud, and full of townies… but I think they have the best atmosphere in town. I am not a fan of the music that gets played over their speakers but am a fan of the live music there. I like it so much there because they have 2 pool tables, an electronic dart machine, and one of those screens you can play games on… Photo Hunt is so much fun!

The Oak is an acquired taste — not for the weak at heart. Don’t be intimidated by the bartenders, they’re actually good guys (and girl). Picture yourself in a dark room, Radar Love is playing on the jukebox followed by Wagon Wheel. A mix of 30 somethings are sitting over their Hennepins and get up to dance… they are here every day. It smells a little like bleach and last weeks spilled whiskey. It always feels like 2 am at the Oak.
The drinks are good and cheap (enough). The bathroom is cleaner than some. If you’re depressive, I’d stay away or at least limit your visits. Don’t order foofy drinks at midnight on a Saturday night otherwise you may get a scowl from the staff. A fight might break out, but not to worry, the bouncers and bartenders are ready to protect and serve! The black Oak has been deemed Oneonta’s «Gay Bar» but it’s more like a place that accepts all. So, if you’re into getting your drink on (gay or straight) and don’t mind a little grit, stop in.