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- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Ying F. said: "One of my favorite causal bars in the haight. Actually, there is nothing super fancy in the haight. Everything here is pretty relax and causal. It's nice for me to break out of the financial/soma/marina yuppy scene once in a while…" read more »
197 reviews for Lucky 13
Review Highlights
"Their beer selection is hands down glorious."
(in 31 reviews)
"Black & White Photo Booth."
(in 5 reviews)
"Oh- and the bartenders are awesome."
(in 49 reviews)
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197 reviews in English
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Review from Stephen R.
Alameda, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great beer selection on tap and in bottles. The eatery next door delivers tasty (if slightly overpriced) food to your bar stool. Staff is friendly. But I must register 2 major complaints:
1. The music is obnoxiously loud here. No one is dancing. In fact, most people are trying to talk. Could we turn the music down to a reasonable level maybe?
2. Cash only. If you're going to be cash only, don't sell draft beers for more than $5. It's insulting. Obviously, we're saving the establishment some overhead cost or hassle by circumventing the whole credit card scene. How about passing along the savings to customers? Pliny is great, but $8? 8 FRICKIN' DOLLARS AND I CAN'T USE MY DEBIT CARD? Seriously, what's going on there? -
Review from Anna H.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2012
I Love Lucky 13. Lots of seating, pool table, outdoor patio, great beers on tap, LOTS of options. A popcorn machine free access. A Stromboli place next door that will deliver goodies TO you. AND I've only had awesome bartenders. I've definitely been here A LOT. I will keep going too.
Be sure you bring cash though; it is cash only. Also, bring your laid back attitude, it's a no bullshit kind of place. Love. -
Review from Johanna M.
Alameda, CA
1/17/2012
Oooooh, Lucky 13!
I've lived in Alameda for 3 years and I can honestly say, I call it home. Awwww! The tree-lined streets, public parks and quaint shops littered around town make me feel like I'm in the black and white version of 'Pleasantville'.
And to add to its wholesome image, the nightlife is...ummmm...lacking. So! If you want to have a raucus ole' time in lil' Alameda, then, you go to the 13!
Without a doubt, the Lucky 13 has the best bar staff in Alameda. From Patrick to Tofer to Sam, they are all super friendly, energetic and seemingly glad to be working. Who knew!?! And you'd probably think that the bathrooms are kinda gross and the place could use some 409 ...only if you were a SQUARE, zing!
It's a rock 'n' roll club. It's loud, it's dirty, it's fun and it encourages smoking ;) There's a spacious patio in the back. Which is a treat for someone like me, who then doesn't have to lean against the building, puffing like a race horse and stare at my drink from the window outside. Rather, I can sit, smoke, drink and enjoy myself after a long days work.
Keyterms: loud music, awesome bartenders, you smoke, decent crowds, dirty bathrooms. -
Review from Lex B.
Oakland, CA
2/3/2012
Best Bar I've found for those living in east oakland. Blind Pig and Old Rasputin baby!
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Review from Rich P.
Concord, CA
1/8/2012
I honestly wasn't expecting much from this place when my friends invited me to go for a drink after dinner. When I walked in and saw what there was on tap, I just about lost it. No Bud. No Miller. No Coors - Halleluiah!!! What they do have on tap - Blind Pig, Pliny, Racer5, Stone IPA, Old Rasputin among others...
Downside to this place - cash only... even the jukebox.
Would I go back? With cash in hand!! -
Review from Eryka V.
Oakland, CA
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my spot during the day drinking hours. Good spot to eat the bites from next door while sipping on a nice cold pint of any of there really good beers on tap.
Excellent selection of beers from Hoegaarden, Pliny the Elder, Old Rasputin, Scrimshaw, and many more. $4 for my Hoegaarden during the day, and most of the bartenders are chill and attentive. They have a jukebox full of classic "drink your whiskey and beer" tracks, along with plenty of old school pin ball machines, skee ball, and of course the pool table. The outdoor is excellent for those warm summer nights, and for all the lush lovers who love to light their cigarette while feeling the steepness of their buzz.
Its a cash only spot but there ATM is located in the back so your not totally inconvenienced. Definitely a chill spot with plenty of seating, plenty of liquor choices,and plenty of eye candy serving the drinks. Your day could use a few hours spent here. Trust -
Review from Norris T.
Alameda, CA
12/31/2011
A 5th star would be earned by added a shuffleboard table. But, that's a minor knock.
One of the better beer selections around with bartenders that can "talk beer". Tell them what you like and they'll drop a shot glass of something to sample.
Make sure to grab food from next door to go with your beer! -
Review from Nick S.
Awesome bartenders and Chimay on tap. What more do you need?
I'd normally knock off a few points for the lack of food and cash-only policy, but this place is so cool it gets a free pass. Besides, you can get a damn tasty basket of fries from Scolari's next door for $5, and they're bring it back over to your table. -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lol, Lucky times. The official after party spot to our softball games played in Alameda recently. It really is a fun place to meet up with friends and have a cocktail or two. I've been here twice now and both times were so fun!
They have skee-ball, a pool table, arcade games and a patio. A full bar, attentive bartenders, a handsome security guard and some awesome murals. They have ample seating everywhere, fun jukebox and gets packed with fun. What else does a girl need?Listed in: Adventures in the East Bay!, Cocktails, Dahling?
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Review from Jenn R.
Alameda, CA
1/9/2012
Great Jukebox, nice artwork if you are into Kozik and Coop, atmosphere is laid back...but it is pretty pricey...beer choices are only for the elitist...the only domestic is PBR and lets face it...only hipsters desperate for attention drink that swill. However, if you are going to offer PBR for hipster points couldn't you offer Bud Light for a discount? Not all of us are rich/trendy enough to hang in this "punk rock indie" bar....
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Review from Diana D.
Hayward, CA
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was here this past weekend as part of the zombie crawl, it was packed and stuffy in the main bar area. So my zombie crew and I went to check out the back area.
It was small and also packed but at least it was outside and we got some fresh air. Its basically a parking lot space with a fence, tarp/tent cover and a small bar. We hung out here for a bit had a few $2.00 beers and moved on. Crowd was cool & kick back (minus the perverted old man that was taking pics of me and my girlfriends with his old ass flip phone) =|
Also no music back there so its good if you want to drink up and chit chat. -
Review from Mel P.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Two different Lucky 13's in a 3-day span...awesome!
I like the patio area because they let me ruin my lungs out there. The graffiti in the restroom makes for some fun reading. I wish I had a marker to add my quips.
Great place to unwind after a long day of eating and drinking and pretending to watch softball.
*Cash Only* - booo -
Review from Joseph P.
Emeryville, CA
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best bloody marys in the bay area!
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Review from Camille K.
Alameda, CA
9/25/2011
Kill that obnoxious black light already, will you? No one wants to see your lint balls, or my lint balls, for that matter. There is also a jukebox, a cigarette machine, a pool table and various arcade games. Combined with the new food business next door, Lucky 13 becomes Chuck E. Cheese for adults!
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Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Yay, my pup can come in with me and she even gets treats from the bartenders!
In addition, we ordered food from next door and OMG IT WAS SO GOOD and perfect to go with our drinking. Win!Listed in: Island Living
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2011
What looks to be the best bar in Alameda. I mean, Skee Ball?! Sold.
Be forewarned - cash only, "No… Read more »
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Review from Jason P.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2011
This place was a nice find. Spacious, stiff drinks, a skee-ball table (!!!) and best of all an *outdoor bar*. Factor in the fact that Park Street is safe and within walking distance to my bro's house, and I think we have ourselves a winner!
Bonus points for the realistic Johnny Cash mural too!Listed in: The East Bay Bar Scene
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Review from Mariel F.
Alameda, CA
4/26/2011
Lucky 13 is one of the three Alameda bars that I frequent.
Hobnob and Churchward are the other two.
Every time I come here, I see someone that I know.
Alameda is a small town.
Everybody knows each other.
It's like a (school) reunion every time.
I Love their selection of Beer especially Lindeman's Framboise, Lindeman's Kriek, Lindeman's Peche, Lindeman's Pomme, Floris Apple, Wyder's Pear Cider, Wyder's Raspberry Cider, He'brew Origin Pomegranate Ale, and Meantime Coffee Porter.
Any place that has Patron Silver and Belvedere is good in my book.
Lucky 13 only takes cash. -
Review from William E.
Alameda, CA
3/20/2011
Great bartenders, excellent jukebox, incredible assortment of high quality micro brews (Russian River, Drakes, Bear Republic, plus Belgian's galore) AND Scolari's right next store make this a great place to hang out with the guys or for a date. Quasi-dive like look, but I've never had a problem day or night.
Additionally for those in the know, any place that regularly scores Russian River Pliny the YOUNGER when released for a nano-second twice a year is a true resource for the IPA beer-o-phile.
Highly recommended! -
Review from Daniel H.
Alameda, CA
5/11/2011
Lucky 13 holds a special place in my heart as I got my first (and second, and third, maybe more) legal drinks here. I came the night of my 21st birthday (a long time ago) with several of my closest friends and Topher was a great bartender for us.
I have made one return trip since then, and it's Alameda so can't really expect too much. I'm always slightly scared of running into people who know my parents. -
Review from Anna K.
Milpitas, CA
1/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a bar person. I've been to very few and I'd say I'm more of a lounge person. On NYE my hubby, sister-in-law & brother-in-law ventured out to downtown Alameda to have a few drinks and to count down to the new year.
Originally we planned to go to Churchward but when we got there we were informed there was a $20 cover because it was NYE. We passed and headed to Lucky 13 since it was free. It was crowded and the music playing was alright... not my kinda of music but I sucked it up. Lucky 13 seems like a really chill place but the restrooms need to get cleaned up. There was lots of tagging in the ladies room and it took FOREVER to get a drink but we can blame that on the holiday. -
Review from Soo Jin K.
Alameda, CA
3/6/2011
"You wanna go where everybody knows you name...and they're always glad you came..." NORM!
Lucky 13 is very Cheers, circa 1990's. From the decor to the jukebox, I was expecting Sam to ask me what I wanted to drink. This is my definition of a "neighborhood bar"-- I'm always surprised when people who don't live in Alameda come here.
The place never gets packed and if you get bored you can play pool or some old school video games, like pacman. They have a great range of beer on tap. The dress code is super casual, think hoodies and chucks. Although, I did see a bachelorette party there once...dunno why, but whatever floats your boat.
After some beers, you can always walk across the street to Jack and the Box and grab some tacos. -
Review from Jennifer F.
San Leandro, CA
9/25/2011
I love this place. Great beer selection, patio area, you can get a terrific burger delivered from Scolari's next door, they welcomed my dog with a doggie bone and have a dog bowl in the back for the canine regulars. The mix of people is eclectic and friendly. I usually meet some Alameda friends of mine here and it's a really comfortable place to hang out on the island. Big plus for the awesome women behind the bar and the jukebox.
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Review from Gray K.
Oakland, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pass by many times. So I thought I would have a look during zomble craw lol. Really small and a bathroom for 2 mayb 3 tops. The backdoor area was a nice touch tho. overall nice people. Drinks good but pricey and kinda small ( like I said it was during zomble craw ).... But i would go back
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Review from Joe P.
Alameda, CA
10/8/2011
Don't go here unless you like to be ignored and treated like a second class citizen. Poor service and rude. Never again ! OR .... It just could be my skin color... I'll never know.
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Review from rosylen m.
Oakland, CA
9/16/2011
It's a bar with lots of beers on tap. Always a good thing. A smoking section in the back. Hooks under the bar for my purse. Attentive bartenders. Lots of space. And pretty empty the few times I have gone (a plus for me as I am not one for crowds). No complaints here.
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Review from Rachel L.
Alameda, CA
2/27/2011
Lot's of alternative types migrate from SF to Alameda, and they've insisted that some SF favorites do the same. To date, Alameda has its own Burma Superstar, Burgermeister, Blue Danube, and Lucky 13 bar.
The cool thing about all of these places being here, is they have managed to maintain a similar vibe to their SF counterparts. Lucky 13 is no exception.
Everything we love about the SF Market street location is offered here in Alameda. Cheap pints: check. Awesome tattoos: check. Photo booth: check. But get this. The Alameda bar also has ski ball AND and outdoor patio. ZING! These 2 bonuses, plus the friendly bartenders make this my new local favorite. -
Review from Ed V.
22 drafts
Outdoor Patio
Pinball
Pool Table
Black & White Photo Booth
No Bud. No Miller. No CoorsListed in: Dive bars / Pubs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2010
nice decor
But, seven bones for a Russian River Brew's Blind Pig I.P.A. Draft in a dive bar- WTH???… Read more »
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Review from Robert V.
San Leandro, CA
2/17/2011
It's a bar. I've been to great bars and I've been to some real dive-holes and Lucky 13 sits right in the dead center. I do like the seating arrangements. You've got the actual bar and then the part by the window that looks like it was ripped from a decent high school cafeteria.
I've got friends that swear by this place, but I don't really see it. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could because the bartender Topher was a pretty cool guy. Dunno if he still works there, though.
I might feel differently if I lived in Alameda, but it takes me 20 minutes to get there and if I'm going to Alameda, there are other places I'd rather hit up first. -
Review from Betty H.
9/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Go there, be part of the experience, and have Scolari's bring you your lunch.
Best dive bar I've ever been to. Okay, it's the only dive bar I've ever been to, but it was hella fun
Pet friendly out door seating.
Sunny and bright during the day, with artistic clientele -
Review from Adriane M.
Alameda, CA
10/10/2010
I used to live in Alameda and would sometimes hang out at this place. They have an excellent beer selection and the back patio is great. I stopped coming because I didn't really care for some of the service I was getting there.
Yesterday, we went there for my friend's birthday party. There was a new bartender, Amber. She was amazing. Very attentive, sweet, funny and made sure everyone was happy.
I would definitely come back when she is working. -
Review from T V.
San Ramon, CA
1/6/2011
I dropped by here after celebrating my birthday with some friends and I do have to say that the bouncer is awesome!! I forgot his name, but hey my excuse was that I'm celebrating my birthday!!!
I liked the playrooms that they had, but too bad I didn't get to play because it was crowded. From what I saw, there was a pool table, dart board and some arcade looking machines.
Will I be coming back? YES!! There's a food place next door that DELIVERS!! How great is that?? -
Review from Joe M.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/13/2011
For some reason my first review, lamenting the then new "shots in shot glasses" policy was filtered not long after it was posted. I thought this may have meant that shots in rocks glasses were back. Wrong.
Others have mentioned the "stiff drinks". If the mixed drinks are stiff, I'd guess they have more than a shot glass of the good stuff in them. Why can't those of us who prefer to not dilute our whisky get a decent shot?
I really like the place, but have pretty much avoided it due to the "shot policy" in recent months. I miss the "Cindy's Salad" from Scolari's, too.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/29/2011
Lucky 13 is one of my three or four "main places" (props to Heart & Dagger, and Merchants), but the… Read more »
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Review from Rae'esah N.
Antioch, CA
7/20/2010
13 is my lucky number so as soon as I saw the signage on the windows I knew this place was meant for me!
I give you five sexy, drunken, loud music, cool bartenders, free popcorn, strong cheap drinks, photo boothed, black cat stars!!
A definite trip back to Alameda is in my near future as a result of you, my Lucky 13!!! -
Review from Person m.
Alameda, CA
9/11/2011
good:
bartenders generally good and friendly.
music good
beer selection good.
customers cool mixture of people
bad: music is always so freakin loud you cant have a conversation. What!? huh!? oh blah! blah! what's that!? Say again! totally annoying. Even the bartenders cant hear me. I leave there every time hoarse and with my ears ringing.
I'm done with that place. -
Review from Justin C.
9/2/2010
I am a pretty big fan of this place. Always a good selection of beer, a lot better than most dives. Good music, with some fairly friendly bar keeps.
Bring cash. There are some ATM's down the street. Parking nearby can be a hassle on the weekends.
Enjoy the photo booth, great juke box, interesting decor, and cold PBR.Listed in: Watering Holes, Five of my Favorite things.
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Review from T A.
Alameda, CA
6/7/2010
Ya know what I hate about this place?
Pretty much everything.
Lame people, lame bartender, lame place. -
Review from Lori F.
Alameda, CA
6/7/2011
Beer selection is the best in Alameda, hands down. Drawback, nothing to nosh on. Fun for meeting friends for a quick drink before dinner but not a place to linger unless you're just looking for a hometown bar experience.
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Review from Kimberlee H.
Fremont, CA
1/2/2011
When I walked in this bar, it gave me this "emo, 80s" vibe for some reason. I felt like I was in the Grease movie walking into this bar. It wasn't bad, the whole theme and decor of this bar just gave me that "feeling." It was dark in this bar, they had a pool table in the back, the bathrooms were all neon lighted, and there was plenty of seating.
Saturday night, and it was mostly the younger crowd (21-30). I don't remember the theme of the music they were playing cause I wasn't really paying attention, but this would be a nice joint to hang out with a group of friends. Not sure if they served food, cause I seen a little snack menu on the table, but I'm sure that is during regular business hours.
Didn't know there was spots like this in Alameda. I'll be sure to return with a group of girlfriends! -
Review from Jen M.
9/12/2010
Seriously? $8 beers? I'm willing to pay more for craft brew, but not THAT much more.
I don't recall the prices sucking so hard when I went to the SF location. -
Review from IAN W.
Napa, CA
4/25/2011
Im Kidding About the stars.
I love this bar. Everytime I go I am surrounded by great,awsooome,and friendly staff and people. Not to mention good food. Lucky 13 rocks.
