- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Oasis Restaurant & Bar
Categories: Nightlife Dance Clubs Restaurants Caribbean Dance Clubs, Caribbean [Edit]
135 12th St(between Oak St & Madison St)
Oakland, CA 94607
Neighborhood: Lake Merritt
(510) 763-0404
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Dennis A. said: "You'll either appreciate the changes made to Easy, or walk in, look around to see what they've done with the place, and begrudgingly sit and enjoy a drink(or two) and some food. Gone is the dance floor, and the corridor that used to be…" read more »
86 reviews for Oasis Restaurant & Bar
Review Highlights
"Dub house disco reggae and free carne asada."
(in 32 reviews)
"Black Market Techno night."
(in 2 reviews)
"Great reggae, dancehall and soca, sometimes hip hop, esp."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
86 reviews in English
-
Review from Em L.
1/9/2012
Oasis the Club is badass.
The space is gigantic! With an outdoor patio, outdoor dance floor, indoor lounge space, indoor bar & indoor dancing area, pretty much the city & country folks will all find a spot to feel at home.
The owners are really friendly, accommodating & easy going for how busy this place gets! -
Review from Leah A.
Alameda, CA
12/11/2011
This review is for Oasis as a club- I haven't been to the restaurant.
I love the ma & pa ownership, the Caribbean vibe, the eclectic and respectful crowd and the fantastic DJs and bands that play at Oasis. I've been there on Wednesday night for reggae and for Kelakuta on second Saturdays - both of which I would recommend to others looking for a nice space to hear great music, dance and hang out. There is a small front room that generally serves as the restaurant, a huge back dance floor and a great patio for chilling. I love the layout but I haven't yet made it there on a warm enough night to fully relax and enjoy it. In fact, I've been in every season of the year and found that it is often positively freezing there - even inside. Hence, a missing star in this review. I do think that with some minor measures such as closing doors, Oasis could create at least one warm and cozy spot in which to hang. The other missing star is for the bar itself. All of the drinks I've ever had at Oasis have been painfully weak both in strength and flavor. I finally decided just to pay the $4 for bottled beer (no tap) for the sake of predictable taste and alcohol content. -
Review from Ryan B.
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not the best selection at the bar, but the place is pretty big with an outdoor patio. Plus Reggae nights are the shit!
-
Review from Robin K.
Hayward, CA
7/13/2011
Great patio area. Huge space and super chill. Our party rented out the patio/stage area and the bartenders couldn't have been anymore accommodating to our party. They made sure all our demanding drink orders were supplied and even let us plug in our own iPods into their stereo system for drunken dancing.
Not sure if this can be classified as a restaurant. There were only about 4 or 5 items on the menu and everything is previously frozen and plunged in the deep fat fryer.
Definitely a nice venue to rent out on a late weekday afternoon. -
Review from John M.
10/7/2010
Just down the street & around the corner at the OMCA, the girlfriend & I wanted to grab a bite to eat. The cafe in the OMCA had a very long line & the credit card machine was down, so we ventured out to the streets. A quick check of Yelp apps led us to Oasis Restaurant & Bar.
We both ended up very happy to have been led here by the all-knowing oracle that is the Yelp app. Oasis Restaurant & Bar somehow melds a small, family-run, hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves real, home cooking up front with a bar & expansive music stage/ club patio space out back. We didn't stay for any festivities that they may have out in the primed-to-party area in the back, but it has the obvious potential for some real sensational blowouts.
We were there for Happy Hour and enjoyed numerous $3 margaritas. For food, we ordered Happy Hour appetizers plus a single entree: beef curry lumpia, tofu 7 spice lumpia, tilapia cakes, chicken & fries, chicken vegetable stew. All of the food was outstanding with tantalizing spice/ flavor combinations. Everything we ate was fresh & home-made, like we were guests over at a friend's place for dinner. A friend who really knows how to cook.
In addition to a really great space & delicious food, the service was fantastic. At Oasis, they truly treated the girlfriend & I like friends & personal guests.
In this part of Oakland, Oasis lives up to its name. Innocuous from the street, it would be easy to walk by & not know what is within. Step inside & find a delicious, down home meal along with a lively, fun atmosphere on an otherwise bleak street. -
Review from Mr. b j.
Hercules, CA
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not my scene. A true dive but interesting.
-
Review from i. o.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2007
Discovering that Oasis *might* serve Nigerian food was concurrently exhilarating and distressing, because so far my search for my home food in the Bay Area (other than "chez iroro") had only turned up abject disappointment in the form of closed restaurants, dead interweb links and disconnected numbers.
On my way here with my brothermang ati iyawo re, I was very tense and uncharacteristically overwrought. The prospect of eating eba or iyan with egusi, banga or ogbono, or jollof rice with ripe plantains and washing it all down with cool palm wine was weighing heavily on my mind, I prolly couldn't take another wretched disappointment.
Thankfully, the place was open and the food was the real deal! I ordered pounded yam (iyan) and egusi (delicious soup made from vegetables & ground melon seeds) with goat meat. Then after scarfing that down like I'd never seen food before, I ordered another batch of jollof rice (West African style rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, red pepper, vegetables and spices ) with stew and chicken to go!!
When I got home, I watched Chron 4 news at 11 while polishing off the rest of it. Niiiiiiiiice!!!
For being the only restaurant in the Bay Area that serves Nigerian food: 5 Stars!!
For a taste of home w/o having to do it yourself (cos you inevitably eat all the ingredients before they can self-realize): Priceless!!Listed in: My Home Food
-
Review from Rosie C.
Oakland, CA
11/12/2008
I love me some Oasis. Typically I have certain criteria for judging night venues, however I do not apply that criteria to the Oasis. Can't really explain why exactly, I guess the Oasis is such a fun easy place to go and hang out, I don't need all those other frilly things to enjoy it.
So does this club have the most fashion savvy people? Well excluding me, not really, every once in a while. Does it have the best DJ's? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Does this club have the best vibe ever? That would be a 5 solid star yes. Does this place have the best people watching entertainment in California? Oh hell-to-the yes.
I can't tell you how the food is because I have never gotten around to eating it, but I love the drinks. One thing to note: a tip and some good old fashioned manners will get you everywhere with these bartenders.
The best night to go is a Friday or Wednesday, and especially the fourth Friday of every month.
Ladies and actually come to think about it Gentleman: In advance please note that some dance invitations may require a tad bit more that a polite no. Sometimes the men and woman here need something more like, oh say: "GET FECK AWAY FROM ME" and that's okay at the Oasis.
Have fun! -
Review from Sierra S.
Oakland, CA
10/2/2007
I love me a great reggae night and the opportunity to snake it down. Oasis excels at both. At first glance, you're thinking what the hell am I doing here. At first step, you're thinking, this can't be the place, it's way too damn small. At first journey down the hallway, through a small room, and around a corner, you're thinking, ahhhhh I found Oasis.
The large outdoor dance floor has got to be the coolest, most fun thing I've seen for a long time, decorated with murals and Christmas lights. Despite the clubbiness, and drunkenness, I could even imagine having a romantic evening here. The DJ rocked, the crowd rocked, and when my feet were crying, forcing me to sit my ass down, I was highly entertained with people watching. -
Review from Surf R.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2006
Came here on Saturday night for Club Retroactive. Was initially confused when I walked in to the small front area where there was a DJ spinning 80s music before I walked back to the patio where there was another DJ.
We got there early to save cover money for cocktails and it wasn't too happening, but by the time it got to be 11ish, it was hopping with cast of characeters ranging from aging burning man types, barely legal raver boys, the standard crew of goth look alikes, and the random person in leather pants (did I miss a memo?).
Drinks are standard prices you'll find anywhere $4-$5 range. Not a wide beer selection nor anything on tap.
Our crew had fun, but I think the DJ could have been a little tigher on the song choices to keep the crowds dancing to 80s stuff. There were moments that had people emptying the dancefloor. I'll be back though and maybe even check out Oasis for reggae night. -
Review from One Black Mans POV.. ..
Oakland, CA
8/1/2008
People (or People's) Party every 4th Saturday. The BAY (not just Oakland) needs more parties like this. Its one of those parties you go to and say to yourself "This is where are all the laid back, beautiful, cool people (who like to have a good time) are. How come this is the only place to find them???"
I've been twice, the first time it was off the hook cuz they played hip-hop, soul and soulful house. The second time was cool, but they only played soulful house music. I'm not that into house music, but the crowd makes it worth it. -
Review from K P.
Oakland, CA
7/18/2010
I really love the atmosphere!! Very fun with great easy listening/dancing music...
Great mix of people!
Only thing that was disappointing to me were the two female bartenders, it seemed as thought neither one of them had ever bar tended before and were more focused on the "regulars" "friends" or were more focused on the flirty type.
Anyway, I can get over that, I'll just have to send the right person in the crowd with my money to get my drinks!! : ) there's always a solution to incompetent tenders -
Review from Jess k.
Corvallis, OR
3/14/2010
I don't think this place is a restaurant anymore, but I heard that by summertime they'll have the outside area cleaned up and ready for bands!
They have live bands and DJs like every Thursday night. And they have a killer drink special: bottle of beer and a shot o' whiskey for $4. -
Review from Brian H.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2008
I've been in The Town for a decade, and I keep waiting for our 'undiscovered secret' to blow up...but it hasn't yet. With more and more people moving into downtown (eventually), Oakland will soon have a real nightlife. At the moment they have a great venue; it just needs bigger crowds to support the shows there.
I highly recommend Bottom Feeder and Black Market Techno, great techno/minimal/dark dance tracks with fat basslines, as well as SmartBeat's 'Mas Disco'. The sound is supreme, and I mean SUPREME (I'm picky). It's a perfectly tuned system with unbelievable acoustics, odd...since it's in the middle of a concrete jungle down by the Law Library and Courthouse. Plenty of couches on the perimeter and now featuring some working outdoor heaters for the main dance area.
I'm telling you...once downtown finally blows up for real, Oasis is going to take off -
Review from Jamaica Y.
Philadelphia, PA
5/25/2008
It's 4 am, I just got back from Oasis, and I could only begin to tell you what genre of music they played. It was a hodgepodge of reggae, pop, funk, throw-backs, pretty much whatever the DJ felt like. The result was a thumbs up with an occasional odd look at your dance partner as if to say, "Did he really just throw in a Michael Jackson classic?"
I love Oasis because people come to do some serious dancing. Plus there were a few vendors, which meant that you could not only get delightfully sweaty, but also get a henna tattoo or a plate of food! I will definitely go back to Oasis, and for those looking for a truly Oakland vibe I HIGHLY recommend it. -
Review from Loris M.
Oakland, CA
7/8/2007
Cool on the last Friday of each month. Best place to go and get a hit off a doobie from a complete stranger. Drinks are pretty decent.
The parking is horrible and you take your chances parking in the lot located a block away. It's on the verge of becoming a sleezy spot, if they don't step up security and actually screen who is allowed in the club.
I've eaten here several times over the years. I always order the chicken plate w/ jollof rice & plaintain. The food tastes different every time I've gone as if they have cooks on a rotating schedule, but it's not that bad. The waitress takes her time, failing at hiding the fact that she doesn't want to be there. -
Review from Jason W.
Oakland, CA
9/6/2007
PON DI OASIS! DUB FI DUB!
The Oasis is the spot to check out REAL ass Dancehall and Reggae. They do have other nights which display House and Hip Hop, but for the most parts the Dancehall nights POP OFF! Expect a thick crowd and long lines for drinks, which is why I can not give it a 5. However, this is the place to go shake some ass and listen to some of the hottest caribbean music out. From local MC's chatting on the MIC. To the host of wonderful guest from Jamaica and all over the states. You just can not go wrong.
The outdoor section is completely awesome. Something about dancing under the stars or looking up at three huge buildings with visuals projected on them. Oasis is sandwiched in between three large builds which are about 10 stories tall, or it seems that way when your baked and drunk. This is great since the sound get stuck in to a cove and allows promoters to project videos/visual on to them. It really adds to experience. Let me not forget the "jungle" feel you get as plants surround you.
Great spot for Hip Hop, House, Drum and Bass, Caribbean styled music, and outdoor dancing.
PS. the outdoor section is fully covered on cold nights/rainy days. You're still good to go on those "Seattle" nights. -
Review from A. DeWitt R.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2008
I was supposed to have gone here a year ago, eight months ago, five months ago....you get the point. Something always kept me from checking this spot out. This time it wasn't planned just on the fly decision.
I was under the impression it was a reggae/dance hall spot at all times so I was prepared to sweat! sweat! sweat! like David Bowie...uuugggrrrhh I mean Shabba Ranks. Surprise! No reggae. Instead the spot was filled with a soulful groove that you couldn't front on if you wanted to. Slamming drinks or nursing drinks wasn't necessary to get into the rhythm or any other "helper", just a positive attitude and good dancing shoes. So I guess I am giving 60/40 to the crowds effort to maintain this energy and Oasis for housing this effort. Props has to go DJ Cali whore tore it down!!! There were also two live soul singers from Philly (hometown) which made me grateful my stars lined up this night to go to Oasis. Its always a treat to hear a sweet sound that's from back home when you're miles away; with universal appeal.
I know I said you didn't need drinks to get into the swing but I still had a few that were strong but not overpowering and I got change back from a $10 bill..SCORE!
This good time didn't end until around 3:00AM too..SCORE! I hate the
1:15 AM last call that ruins that important deal closing time and exposes everything you didn't want to see in the light an hour too soon.
Now I am not sure if I should wait for another magical night to take me over again or force the action and go back soon. However it goes down the next time, I'm already looking forward to it.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
-
Review from Darling N.
Oakland, CA
3/12/2008
No place like it in the East Bay! Indoor/outdoor with a chill staff and drink prices that won't leave you gasping at how much $$ you spent. Good eats during the day and a variety of DJ's at night throughout the week. Check out 3rd Saturdays for Black Market. Bringin' electronic music to the East Bay like no one else!
This place has been around for a looong time and has a rep for bringing dance music of all varieties. If you're lookin' to stay clear of the blah scene that can dominate and get into somethin' with a little more flavor and a lot more room to shake it, this is your spot.
I'll see you there, darlings. -
Review from Rocco B.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2007
This place is very speak-easy-ish. I arrived waiting for my friends, and sat at the front bar of this Nigerian eatery. It was very restauranty, and I was quite confused, because my friends said this was a nightclub.
But when they showed up, they escorted me through a little corridor out to the HUGE back patio where they had electronic music, drug addicts, and a gigantic projector playing artsy crap along the back wall of the adjacent building.
It was a sausage fest, but, eh, what's new? -
Review from Spratt M.
Oakland, CA
7/5/2006
This is my DJ tip: If you are a DJ attempting to break through the tragedy of an empty dance floor at Oasis's 80's night, and people approach you with suggestions to help get your sorry ass off the loser list, DON'T treat them like crap and deny their requests. We know you left the good crate at home. Get over it, or get out of the booth, and let someone with "decent" taste (it IS 80's, after all) play some dancing music for my dancing feet.
As they say in 21 Jumpstreet, dude, you're a total 'tude case. -
Review from Kimi m.
El Cerrito, CA
10/7/2007
This is my favorite place to shake my booty in Oakland.
There's a huge outdoor patio and lots of room to dance. Call ahead of time to figure out the schedule because it has a totally different vibe depending on what night you go. I have been to reggae nights and electronica nights and have enjoyed the vibe of both kinds of parties.. the crowd is drastically different depending on the music.
I remember the drinks being good and strong. I will have to go back and actually try the restaurant portion (they serve Nigerian food). -
Review from Brandon H.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2011
Came here for Reggae Night last Wednesday. Had a great time! I dont know how its not more packed. Very nice people, great vibe, huge back patio /smoking area, great DJs spinning awesome music! Im only giving it 4 for now because it takes a few times to win my heart. Ill be back soon and might be changing my vote to 5 stars.
-
Review from Andrew P.
Oakland, CA
3/11/2009
The music went from reggae to electro reggae to something funky and I really didn't care because everyone around me was having so much fun. It's like second-hand weed at a concert -- you really can't help but share that same high.
The patio area is totally awesome. The first time I came, I couldn't believe I paid to get in. But that's before I discovered the dimly lit hallway that led to the back, which made me blink because it felt like a whole new world.
The service at the bar could be very slow, so make sure you get multiple drinks at a time. -
Review from Brielle H.
Berkeley, CA
5/15/2007
One Sunday afternoon-early evening a month at the Oasis (for Butta) has become a ritual amongst a couple of friends of mine.
I have been three times already.
You just can't beat it... good tunes (although I could do without the techno section-- no offense, just not my thing), chill people that can actually dance (sad that this is a stated highlight.. but y'all know how it is.. bad dancers bring the whole experience down a notch in my opinion)
Anyways. The atmosphere is just too cool. The group is diverse racially, age, gender, etc..
I love going and getting down on the mac and cheese (again my southern roots) and then dancing for hours and hours.
Be forewarned... there is a constant stench (or aroma, depending on how you view it..) of "herbal remedies" pretty much all night. The venue is both inside and out, so at least you get the fresh breeze..but come 6-7 o'clock it's so packed, you'll be more focused on the line for the bathroom that is wrapped around the bar because you have sipped on a little too much something since you got there at 3..... -
Review from Duke T.
Oakland, CA
The Oasis is the home for The Oakland Poetry Slam & Oakland Comedy Slam!!! Every 2nd & 3rd Thursday!!! Great Poetry, comedy, music, cheap drinks, wings & fries for like 6 or 7 bucks!!!! See yall on the 9th at the comedy competition!!!
-
Review from Molly W.
11/4/2009
I had a work conference next door, and partly because of laziness and the other part because my fellow conferencees were dining there and I didn't want to lunch alone, I went to Oasis for lunch.
There were maybe 5 people in there. It took 20 minutes to get my diet coke. 20 minutes after that came the mushroom cheeseburger, while reasonably priced was not tasty (and not hard to mess up). The fries were good, and the service was AWFUL. The lady serving us maybe should have ordered herself and us (on the house...) a round of very strong cuba libres. My lunch mates didn't finish their meals either, one actually pulling a sandwich out of her purse to eat instead. (why she had a sandwich in her purse I am not sure of...low blood sugar?)
The kicker is when we went to pay, I was charged double what my meal was. When correcting the mistake, the lady just said "oops" and blamed the calculator. I understand. $6.50 + $1.75 is definitely not mental math-able. -
Review from Liana T.
Napa, CA
4/25/2010
We went there and it's closed! There's an official window placard noting that the establishment is closed due to alcohol violation. Also, the restaurant owner posted hand-written flyers saying it's closed for remodeling April 21-28 (or thereabouts). What???
The management should have posted that it's closed, on its website. We wasted a drive from San Francisco. What a disappointment. -
Review from Steve F.
Oakland, CA
2/23/2008
Reggae! If my girl tells me she wants to go dancing, this is where I want to go. If I just feel like kickin' back, drinking a couple beers and relaxing, this is where I want to go. If I want to meet a few new people and puff a little bit, this is where I want to go. I read the other reviews and a couple of people hit it right on...
Oasis is basically 3 bars in one and depending which night you end up there, you could probably increase that number by a few. And apparently they have an interesting dinner menu as well, though I've yet to make that trip.
The front of the house is basically the restaurant during dinner hours transformed to neighborhood bar during the off-nights, transformed to booty shakin' mayhem on the on nights. When they're spinning, there's a lot of hip-hop and R&B coming from the adequate speakers in this room.
Behind this front room is almost a lounge type atmosphere, though honestly, they could use a stepping up in this room. When it get's busy, this room tends to turn into a line for the bar. It's small, but they have some comfortable seating, low lighting and you can often hold a conversation.
Beyond "the lounge" is the cream of the crop and exactly what makes this arguably the best reggae bar in California, perhaps nationwide. Oasis holds down the best patio I've ever seen. Sandwiched between multi-story, cinder block buildings is what could easily have been transported from Kingston itself. Half of the patio is under roof, but with a very "shantytown" shack feel if you will, complete with grass thatching and jerry-rigged siding. It's perfect. The other half is under the stars with the right mix of vegetation, heatlamps, and an oddly appropriate pickup truck. You have to see it to appreciate it.
So outside of the afforementioned "oasis" like atmosphere, dem DJ's do it right. Oasis has consistently gotten great DJ's and MC's to drop it. This guys are on point with pullin' out new shit that I can't believe I haven't heard yet, layin' down the hits you'd expect to hear and are glad you did and of course, these guys drop the classic roots like nobody's business. They also setup a nice projector on the roof towards the cinder block walls I mentioned earlier... it's a pretty dope effect.
And last but not least, drinks are reasonable. I love Oakland and I love Oasis. This place is bound to erupt any minute now.
Peace! -
Review from Chia C.
Oakland, CA
9/10/2008
Oh Oasis...how you have disappointed! Maybe it wasn't you so much as the hype. People go on and on and on about how great you are...and well you were good, but not great. Don't get me wrong...the potential is amazing, the venue is amazing, but everything else is mediocre at best.
If I wanna go and watch 5 people monopolize the dancefloor all night with thier handstands and floor routine, then yes...I would have had a great time. Or if I wanted to go somewhere people didn't really socialize, or even smile at each other, then again...yeah, this would be right up my alley.. But if you're spending $10 to go to the big Oasis monthly event "The People", then I expected more.
I would go back, but I won't pay to get in ever again, and I'll only go to hang out and have drinks with friends. If I set my expectations low I'm sure I'll have a great time from here on out.
Oh...and they need a friggin' website.Listed in: Funner if you stumble home…
-
Review from Felicia P.
Oakland, CA
6/15/2010
I'm gonna hit Oasis with 3-stars today pending further visits.
Last Thursday, a couple of friends and I attended the Oakland Poetry Slam/Open-Mic that's once again hosted at Oasis; and overall, we had a good time. Personally, I haven't been to Oasis in probably 4-5 years (I used to attend an all women's monthly event here.). During those times, it was always way overcrowded, and I never really had the opportunity to truly enjoy the space. This past Thursday, however, the potential was gleaming.
This is the perfect space for an artsy event, or any other musical event that is well-managed and not filled to capacity and beyond. In fact, I look forward to attending the Battle of Bay Slam on the 24th, and getting my reggae on one Wednesday in the near future.
P.S. I should add that 3 rounds of drinks/beers for 4 was a little over $50--not too bad. -
Review from Sandrita R.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2008
Congratulate me. I actually made the trek all the way across the bridge in inclement weather to party at the Oasis.
Who can blame me?
Oasis features an outdoor patio, in n' out dance floors, serves up
bumpin' techno and yummy plantains all in a very homey, low-key setting!
Hot damn.
+ a friend just happened to be workin' it behind the bar.
I'd been b/f for friends' Summer parties, but hadn't made it out much in the cold.
In spite of the icy weather, the dance floor was hot with heat lamps and plenty of booties struttin' their stuff.
Black Market Techno night.
Go now, b/f it gets too packed. -
Review from Rebecca R.
Berkeley, CA
11/23/2009
I've been to lots of great parties here. It's really a neat space. Lots of room to dance and an ample area out back for all the smokers and those who need to cool down. The DJs play good reggae/world/house type stuff. Always a nice mix of ethnicities and everyone getting along and interacting in a positive way.
The restaurant also has good African food if you want to coat your stomach before getting your drink on. -
Review from Tiffany B.
Antioch, CA
5/19/2011
Oasis is by far the best spot for a chill atmosphere in Oakland. I love bringing people here because they are so skeptical from the outward appearance... but once u step inside and get to the back patio and dance floor their jaws drop! The staff is SUPER friendly, and go the extra mile to make sure u have a good time. (like free drinks all night! not a promise but me an my girls were regulars). I've been going on a regular the past 6 weeks, every friday. Love the outdoor patio. A nice change from the stuffy, sweaty indoor nightclubs. Candles on the tables really give it a sexxy vibe. Havent tried the food yet, but they do offer food during the night hours. So here are some key points:
1. Free before 11. $5 all night for everyone after
2. Drinks range from $6-10 (my usual adios is $9)
3. reggee on wednesdays and fridays
4. Awesome staff, bartenders, family owned
5. Outdoor patio area gread for summer nights (2story projection screen with videos depending on the dj in the back patio)
6. Great crowd. Not a fashion show like some other stuck up clubs, but still sexxy
7. 2 dj's that like to compete with each other for the crowd.. its kinda cool cuz they both play great music.
Might i also recommend Karribean City for the after hours spot. Its on 14th and Webster (literally around the corner). they are open until 4am and 5am on occasions... about $10 cover ($15 if an event night). No alcoholic drinks served at the after hours but they have carribean food, and play reggee all night or until the last 30mins when they play hiphop. Nice way to keep the party rollin after leaving Oasis.... I sware its like taking a mini vaca to jamaica every weekend!! lol -
Review from Kathy S.
6/29/2008
The music was a little too loud and the crowd was smelly.
The drinks were cheap though and I found the crowd funky and fun.
Some people were walking around taking everyone's picture all night. Our group got our pic taken. I asked the guy what website the pics would be on, he said http://www.peopleofoak... I checked the site today and it doesn't even exist. Sketchy..
I wouldn't go again.. -
Review from Alice C.
4/3/2009
Oasis is kind of place that you will have to warm up to.
There is the front side that usually have a different DJ, it is the resturant during the day, you go around the bar and through a narrow hallway, bam, are you in a oasis in the concrete jungle.
Reggae night is definitely its busiest night. People from all walk comes to chill and have a good time. I love the fact they are selling food out in the courtyard in the middle of night, so that you can wash down those bbq with a bottle of chilled Red Stripe.
Yes, you will have to pay cover, but thank god the bar is on the cheap side. The crowd are pretty friendly and casual.
When I don't feel like going to the meat market and get smoother, I come here. Great place to be during summer. -
Review from Lush L.
Austin, TX
12/28/2007
Four stars for the restaurant, Three for the bar.
The food is really good, and they were really nice to us when we ate there.
The club is alright, I hate that men there always think they can touch you, like no issues, it seems worse here than other places I would go.
I like the big outdoor area out back, its really nice on a warm summer night.
The bar on a busy night SUCKS! The bartenders move slow like molasses! Don't they get it? The faster they move the more money they make....? -
Review from Loreto R.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2009
This review is about the restaurant. You all seem to have the bar department covered. (I've had some great times at this place at night with friends. Back in the day a friend of mine rented the place and we had an awesome party.) The back patio is very spacious and a lovely place to be on a warm East Bay night.
I'm so sad to post this because the first time I ate at the Oasis it was definitely a 5-star experience. I went this weekend with my husband and son and we were all disappointed.
First of all, when we arrived at 5:00 P.M. for dinner the place looked closed. We thought it was closed but it was just that there was no one inside (except for one guy who didn't even let the waitress/cook know we were trying to call them and get in.) Apparently I didn't pull the door hard enough because when my husband pulled on it it opened. The waitress made us feel like we were bothering her. Even my son felt guilty being there and said we should leave because it seemed like we were intruding.
We all ordered the Rice, Beans and Dodo (friend plantains) with either fish or chicken. The food was served quickly but it wasn't the delicious Nigerian food that I remembered. She forgot our beans and when I politely asked about them I got an annoyed, "You want beans TOO?" When she brought them out, half of them were ice-cold.
The waitress also explained that the plantains were a little too green and that maybe they would be too hard. She said she could cook them for us but wasn't sure if we would like them. I told her she could skip them but then she tried to convince us we should try them anyway so we agreed. They were a little stiff but definitely still edible.
The service was pretty bad overall. We were the only ones there but we felt like we were disturbing them and it just made us feel awkward. The food was a little tasty but not awesome. (The "fried sauce" is good and it makes everything taste better.) The restaurant was really run down and dirty. Tagging on the wallpaper, crumbs all over our table, etc. I had been looking forward to eating there for a long time because of positive past experiences and it was sad that it turned out to be such a dud. Maybe I shouldn't have told my husband and son before we went, that they would like the Oasis as much as they like pizza and burritos. Jinxed!!! -
Review from Kelli H.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2008
Fun place to go and chill while listening to lively music. Good food too, if you are into Ethiopian cuisine..
They play all genres of music depending on the night. Last time I checked it was house/techno music Saturdays, hip hop and reggae on Wednesday and Fridays.
My girlfriend and I would always hang out at this spot during the summer time to enjoy the weather as well as the starry nights. Yes, I said enjoy the stars. They take their roof off when the weathers nice. Plus, they have a side yard filled with plants and couches so you can hang out and smoke (if you smoke). -
Review from Chris P.
Oakland, CA
4/7/2008
This is one of the hottest reggae spots in Oakland. If you like dancehall this is where you need to be. It is expensive to get in (15), but it is well worth it for the experience. There is a lot of places outside to sit, chill, and relax while still enjoying the music.
When I was there, they had a DJ in the front and one in the Back/Outside (both tearing it up). The dance floor was populated with a good mix of males and females. No drama that I witnessed. Dancehall mix that kept your feet moving, head bobbing, and mind wondering where they got it from (I heard so much new stuff).
I have not been there on another day beside reggae/dancehall nights or during dining hours...so this review is for the nightlife aspect only.
