Match Point Brewing began between friends with a penchant for tennis, and now that brewing business has blossomed into a taproom located in Albany, next door to burger restaurant 310 Eatery. Expect beers influenced by Asian flavors, such as a Vietnamese coffee lager or a jasmine rice lager, appropriately named “Tiebreaker Series.” The taproom also hosts events such as Mahjong Mondays and trivia night on Wednesdays, if you’re looking for a side of activity with your beer.

Adega Azul is both a wine bar and bottle shop, so visitors can choose between picking up something for home or staying awhile over a glass. Those who do stay will be rewarded with Brazilian pastries, charcuterie boards, and, of course, wine. Expect selections by the glass, bottle, and on tap, spanning both local and international winemakers — there’s even a modest natural wine selection. There are also some wine alternatives, including a couple of sake selections, beer and cider options, plus four non-alcoholic options, such as ginger ale from nearby Fieldwork Brewing Co.

The Westbrae Biergarten space on Gilman is a well-loved neighborhood spot, and Headlands Brewing took over the outdoor beer space and gave it a much-needed upgrade. Reopening in June 2024, the grounds now boast new fire pits, TVs for sports, and additional seating. Thankfully, Headlands knew to keep the kids’ area intact, and the business also launched a worthy food menu with smash burgers, sausages, and salads to keep locals happy.

Olfactory Brewing has expanded to this side of the bridge with a new taproom in the heart of Berkeley. Expect a mix of Olfactory’s brews, including pale ales, lagers, and some of the brewery’s mixed-fermentation brews, such as a raspberry sour saison that’s on the summer menu. There’s a modest food menu available that’ll come through in a pinch, with items such as the “Chicago Dawg,” an all-beef Vienna frank with no ketchup in sight, plus a roast beef dip and an Italian hoagie.

This self-proclaimed “martini dive bar” has already become a neighborhood haunt since its April 2024 debut, luring locals in with its highbrow-lowbrow combo that hits just right in the Temescal neighborhood. Expect a fun menu of martinis, smaller-sized cheekies, Jell-O shots, slushies, wine, beer, nonalcoholic options, and more. Meanwhile, the inclusive food menu is made up of fantastical vegan hot dogs and dishes created by Oakland’s now-closed (but much-missed) Lion Dance Cafe. Don’t miss the Lion Dancing Dog, an Impossible vegan dog dressed with sambal mayo, crushed peanuts, fried shallots, and soy sauce-pickled jalapenos.

New ownership took over Smitty’s Lounge and reopened the dive bar in March 2024, just in time for (what is believed to be) the bar’s 100th anniversary. Owners JJ Jenkins and Shari Murphy gave the interior a “subtly refreshed interior,” per East Bay Nosh, so expect much of the same divey charm as before.

Ruby Room was a 25-year staple of Oakland that was forced to shutter in December 2023, but thanks to the husband-and-wife team behind restaurant Blue Nile, Ruby Room is back. Music events continue on, with a mix of hip hop, jazz and funk, and classics.