This is a nice lil bar. I must have had ten minute conversations with about 5 different people as I waited for my friend to meet me. I may come back solo next time because I got to meet folks I wouldn't have otherwise had I been with my group.
Fun, relaxed a lil shy but open is the personality I would give the MW. The bocce games just add to the unique playfulness of this establishment as well :)
Make Westing is about the coolest bar in Downtown Oakland, which is why if you come any later than 8pm, this place is packed to the fullest. The best time to go is from 4 to 6pm anyway, because it's also happy hour. Happy hour is $2 off cocktails and $3 beers? It's so worth it. Where can you get $3 draft and $6 handcrafted cocktails nowadays? The draft line up is respectable, all California breweries and some locals too. They also have a $3 PBR tallboy. The cocktails are really where it's at. You'd think the alcoholic lemonade was the lightest cocktail on the menu, but the Williamsburg Lemonade was really stiff. Scotty's Lament was not so much, but delicious nonetheless, garnished with a raspberry, blackberry, and cucumber even. And then there's the garden gimlet which is everyone's favorite, but I think all the drinks on the menu are winners. Aside from the drinks, the second greatest apeal of this bar is the indoor bocce ball courts. There's only 2 lanes, so don't get your hopes up, but come early and it's not so difficult. Also, get the habanero and cilantro popcorn!
Review Source:After a few rounds at Dogwood, my friend and I came here to finally check it out. On previous attempts, this joint was way too crowded so we were glad to finally get in with a plentiful but not too crowded bar.
I didn't realize this place would be so big. And they have the whole bocce ball lane thing going too.
Actually, for a Wednesday night, the place was on the crowded side but we seemed to get our drinks in an orderly fashion and I don't have anything bad to say about them (we were a few in by that time anyway so I probably couldn't tell you much).
Great spot to hit up in Uptown!
The Conquistador is innovative and spicy just like I like my men! J/K but seriously this place is always packed on Friday and the weekends so I've never been able to check it out until a friend suggested we meet up for Happy Hour. Not the best happy hour prices but the drinks are worth it!
I didn't spend much time inside but on the way to the bathroom I was able to check it out. The bar is located pretty much in the certain of the room and it's massive! Tavern feel with a bocce ball pit (not sure if that's what it's called) in the back of the joint.
Do not go if you want to dance this is strictly a bar. Do not go if you are looking for sweet syrup drinks, these bartenders only serve up liquor for the mature plate.
Do go if you like the new Oakland Telegraph scene. I will totally be back for some free bocce ball probably on a slower night when the place seems to be filled with only locals.
I don't rate many places five stars, but for this place I think it deserve it. This is place is one of the most relaxing bar in the Oakland. They have some great happy hours (thought it short, but it's 7day/week), great specialty cocktails, and food.
It's busy during happy hours, shows at Fox, Paramount, and first Friday (but I heard they are going make it smaller). But don't let that discourage you from going, went you are inside the place is roomy enough room to stretch your body.
- During busy hours they should designate someone to dispense beer only.
- I like the fact that they have  bocci courts they, but people need to read the freakin' policies/regulations.
- Try their specialty drink, the Cumber Gimlet seems to the most popular, but don't just settle on the most popular...try others, too.
So--go out, have fun, be safe, and enjoy your evening out
Peace!
So hip - you'll never feel more cool than when you're rubbing elbows with trendy people at Make Westing. The atmosphere is great, and I love the idea of indoor bocce ball. I knocked two stars because they charged me $2 extra to change the bourbon in my Williamsburg Lemonade to well rum, and because the quality of the drinks is pretty inconsistent. Overall, a fun place to go with friends after work!
Review Source:I was super excited for my first night out in Oakland. I was especially excited to play boche ball.
We went to this place on a Saturday night. It was pretty packed and we never did get to play boche ball. I had some drink called a London, that tasted terrible, so I asked the bartender to make me a Rubber Ducky. They didn't have any of the ingredients (I was told they don't stock "fruity" liquor or bacardi, apparently), so I went with a Sex On The Beach instead. It was pretty good. Both drinks that I had were strong. We ended up leaving after about an hour to go dance somewhere else.
All in all, it was an okay experience. As of right now, I don't feel like I would need to go back to this place.
One of my fave places for sure! Right from the get-go, we walked in @10:30-11PM, and got drinks pretty quickly. Every bartender was hopping; pouring their signature drinks. One of the bartenders, Glenn was especially attentive. He was very cool and hooked me up with an Old-Fashioned and a Carolac right quick.
We will definitely keep supporting Make Westing as an important part of the downtown Oakland scene.
Don't sleep on Oakland ya'll. Â Especially uptown/ Jack London square, where a bunch of awesome gastropubs are popping up. Â Make Westing is one of my favorites because
- The drinks are on point (garden gimlet, williamsburg lemonade)
- Happy hour till 6
- FREE BOCCE BALL!
- The food is delicious; try their Roasted Chicken Sandwich
- Diverse, chill crowd Â
Check it out!
I love this bar...indoor BOCCE ball!!! Â woot woot!!! how fun! and they make this garden gimlet which is delish!!! The employees are really nice from bartenders to bouncers..the people are a total mix..ya never know and I LOVE that..its modern and has a slight divey attitude but is too fancy at the same time..it is for anyone.
Review Source:I've gotta say going out in Oakland is not my typical thing and especially not to go out to the bar scene. It was friend's birthday so had to make the exception plus they lived like a block away.  Anyway a group of us headed out to Make Westing and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with everything from the décor, crowd, drinks, bocce ball, to the ambiance it all built up too.
After much group discussion we came to the conclusion that the crowd best represented the 'Hipster" sub culture. We went as far as to Google it: Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. They have an "effortless cool" urban bohemian look and despite misconceptions based on their aesthetic tastes, hipsters tend to be well educated and with varying liberal arts degrees.
So back to the place- cool spot, had tons of fun despite losing in bocce ball, and definitely want to go back again
Three and 1/2 stars but I rounded up because the food was wonderful!
Context: we came in from the east bay on a Saturday night about 5:30 not sure if the place would just be drinks, or drinks and dinner.
Atmosphere: it's a bar, and very much like a bar. Lots of seats at the bar, high bar tables up against the bocce ball courts and a few regular tales on the edges. Â Decor is black but there are lots of windows and some outdoor seating so it has an ope feel. Some standing room as well. I could imagine it three or four deep at the bar at busy times. Luckily, while we were there, it was steady but to busy. Â There are two courts and those create some noise but if you are bored, you can always watch. They were busy the whole time we were there. There are also a couple of tvs. The place is loud but not chaotic. It has a good energy vibe.
Service: limited. Everything is done at the bar, including ordering food, and then the food is brought to the table. But it didn't take very long for us to get what we ordered.
Food: what can I say but the bread on the sandwiches was the best ever. I searched high and low on the web trying to discover where the heck that bread came from, but with no luck. We got a duck confit sandwich and the popcorn. The popcorn is very tasty and covered with herbs and spices. The sandwich was excellent starting with the crispy bread roll. Inside there was a sweet jam and greens and onion, I think. But I could eat those over and over again. Very good.
Drinks: they have a bit of an eclectic menu and the two drinks we selected were fine, but they don't measure and these were not finely balanced cocktails, but they were unusual.
While Make Westing has Bocce ball, that's really it's best attribute and the only reason I like going there. However, it is centrally located, has an outdoor patio, has a good range of cocktails and beer, and is quite large. Therefore, my friends really seem to like it, and I end up  getting dragged here pretty often. There's nothing wrong with Make Westing, really. Mostly my dislike comes from the crowd, and there's nothing wrong with them either, it's really just not my scene. The bartenders are okay, nothing fantastic. The ambience is okay, but the large space makes it feel like it should be more clubby (which is also not my scene).
Come for the Bocce Ball, but leave as soon as weirdos threaten to encroach on your Bocce Ball turf.
Downtown Oakland is home to a gem full of hip and young bars. Make Westing is always full of Bay Area hipsters and gives the feel of a casual night out. If you're not in the mood to drink, they have two boccee ball courts to keep you occupied.
The bartenders are always friendly and willing to offer drink recommendations. Drinks are refreshing and mixed well! Make Westing makes a great time on the weekends.
This has got to be one of my favorite bars. Thanks to fellow Yelper- Egan, I discovered this Oakland gem. Before going here, I never frequented many places in Oakland and was a complete "noob" when it came to the Oakland nightlife (weird, I know!). I didn't realize how much I was missing out! Telegraph and the surrounding area have some of my favorite bars to frequent now- #1 being Make Westing.
Not only did I get to enjoy a swankier bar with awesome bartenders, I also leaned how to play bocce ball! AND I am quite good at it *Toot toot*! I have always been here on weekday nights, so I have never had to deal with the weekend crowd. On weekends, people are in their like sardines and you see an overflow of people outside.
They have some amazing cocktails and the bartenders are definitely artists of their craft. I usually choose simple well drinks so I can't comment on that. However, every person I have brought here have had their signature cocktails and LOVED it.
Came in as first time patron on a Friday night celebrating with coworkers, and all I can say is hallelujah! A swanky local spot in Oakland with cool vibes in all the right places. Yummy cocktails for great prices! Started with the Basil Gimlet- super fresh, then up a notch with the Conquistador -- POW! Tasty and spicy with thin slivers of jalapenos... that's what I'm talking about! The music was funky and eclectic, the crowd even so but the bartenders... outstanding.
A special shout out to Moe, the young lady at the end of the bar near the entrance. Thank you for your attentiveness, smile and overall professional demeanor. And not just with myself and my boyfriend, but we noticed you were on point with everyone you helped. It was so refreshing to walk into a business (let alone a trendy-spot) on a friday night and be welcomed by the doorman, smiled upon by the bartenders, enjoyed well-made cocktails and leave without feeling price-gouged or invisible.
Make Westing-- I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
I'm back home, Oakland! I made like Jack London and made the westing winds.
What a welcome sight, this Make Westing. Well-stocked racks of quality booze. Bocce to the back. The black on black on steel and hardwood all aglow in simple rustic lighting. We stuck to Greyhounds, apparently now an Oakland specialty along side tall cans of ol' Blue. The Friday night revelers made for a hearty din, but I was several along and no conversation I'd have would shine with such brimming intellect that audibility would matter. To get to know the bartenders here might open a door to cocktail delights, but alas, our time wasn't long enough, Make Westing. Mayhaps a return is in order.
Oh, and Oakland welcomed me back that very night with the perpetration of a dose of Auto Clout, just a few blocks south. So take heed, revelers!
Love can't even begin to describe this bar with it's industrial bank-like interior (the old timey safe kinda tipped me off). Where else can you shoot the shiz either playing bocce ball (no I didn't stutter), at the bar or surrounding tables flanking the outer edges.
Started out with a Williamsburg Lemonade (Bourbon, Cointreau, Xante Pear Liqueur, Lemon & Club Soda - $8) and that in itself gave me the tingles followed by the woosles, from there I knew I needed a snack to soak up the sin.
Looking over their "bites" menu, it wasn't long before our little table decided on this bone marrow appetizer along with Pork Roulade. Both came with bread for spreading and was very delicious despite my initial hesitation.
I can definitely see myself coming back here.
This is a review for their drinks, boccee ball, and crowd.
Been here on weeknights and weekends -- very sharp contrast and obviously a different mix for each. Solid weeknight crowd = 20ish people, short wait for bocce ball, no wait at the bar, lots of seating. Complete opposite for weekends (certainly true for First Fridays/art murmur), nonetheless a fun crowd. Basil gimlet is pretty dope!
This is a fantastic bar. I love it here. My friend helped design the interior. It's just a neat place with mildly expensive cool cocktails (or a cheap tall can, if you're on a budget (like me)). The bocce ball court can be competitive to get into. It can also get SUPER crowded there, particularly on fox theater nights or just normal weekends
Good food. Nice bouncers. Friendly people. Me and a buddy met a girl who worked at St George's Distillery and gave us a 2 for 1 deal on the tour. I did not sense one tinge of aggressive people or people looking to start a fight. it was a totally nice place. i'm definitely coming back.
but yeah, only complaint: crowded.
What fun! Bocce ball on a Thursday night after work! Yes please. Â
While the bartenders weren't particularly warm and friendly, who cares when you come with a bunch of friends. About halfway through our time on the Bocce ball courts, the smell of popcorn had reached every corner of the bar. Oh boy did it smell delicious! Which means, time to head home for some real dinner.
Two bocce ball courts = tons of fun.
Can be reserved in advance, in increments of 30 minutes for $25.
First trip to Oakland and it was an experience alright. Despite of being yelled at to "get down" and locked in the bar since someone had a gun on Telegraph outside, the bar was great. That was kind of a night ruiner, but the bar itself was awesome. It was a big space, great for big groups. BOCCE BALL INSIDE?! unreal. so fun.
Don't get shot!!
Dare I say it? This is one of my new favourite hang out spots. Why?
Bocce Ball is free!!!
They have spicy popcorn and other things for snacks.
The drinks are strong from what I hear. I had already been tapped out from going to St. George's Spirits earlier.
Happy hour until 6pm everyday including weekends. At least they did on Sunday night when I was there.
Nice, friendly clientele - one guy at our table said former Mayor Willie Brown was here.
The tables shift around a lot so be careful.
It wasn't too crowded when we went but I'm sure when it is, it might be less fun.
I've only been for happy hour, and I've always enjoyed myself.
Must haves:
1. Habanero/cilantro popcorn
2. BBQ pork sandwich
3. Halibut cheeks, veggies, etc... served in jars!
4. Williamsburg (the Garden Gimlet just goes without saying at this point)
I've never played bocce ball there, but having a bocce ball section just adds to the playful and friendly ambience of the place. I'll admit that I'm not much of a barfly, and that I'm not as bothered by hipsters as the average hipster seems to be... but this it just a delightful hangout spot.
This has got to be one of the best (if not THE best) bar/s in downtown Oakland. Let me just cut to the chase with my swag check list:
- Friendly, flexible, fly bartenders... check
- Stiff drinks... check
- BOMB pork belly sandwich... SWAG check
- Jalapeno cilantro popcorn to make you say UH, NA NA NA NA... check
- Bocce ball (how do you play? Who cares!)... check
Make this your drink destination... and stay thirsty, my friends.
Oakland's nightlife has exploded in the past couple years in the Uptown.  Make Westing is no exception to this new cultural renaissance going on in Oakland  In fact, the New York Times proclaimed the Number 5 place to go in 2012. Â
Make Westing is a cool spot to grab a drink with it's industrial, steam punk decor complete with a patio in the front and a bocce ball court inside. Â Definitely a welcome addition the bar scene for Oaktown. Â Perfect spot to go before a concert at the Fox or for post-concert drinks!
Make Westing and Make Out with the Pork Belly Sandwich.
Then make out with the mixed drinks. You can also make out with the jalapeno cilantro popcorn, if you're like that...
Know before you go: Make out-ability differs from night to night. Thurs - Sat bar can get 3-deep, making wait time for aforementioned make out partner very difficult. But worth it!
Make Westing is the kind of place that makes me want to move back to Oakland.
Man, Oakland has come up since my childhood days and Make Westing exemplifies that.
Huge, huge space with fancy drinks at decent prices and all the diversity, hip, realness that exists in Oakland. I haven't found a place in SF that compares - and I love my SF life.
One day Oakland, one day - I will return!
Make Westing is nice addition in uptown.
A casual laid back friendly crowd of twenty and thirty somethings. No cover and no charge for bocce ball, a plus (more $$ for drinks). It was packed which is expected for a Saturday night.
The bartenders were quick to fill drink orders. I recommend the garden gimlet ($8.00). Don't ask, just order you will enjoy it. It is refreshing but be careful they do sneak up on you.
There are two bocce ball courts. It is first come, first served. Put your name on a chalk board and wait for your turn. You must stay on top of taking your turn or you will go all night waiting since it is not looked over by staff. Most likely you will not get a chance to play if you aren't assertive and end up SOL.
It is accessible by car and Bart. Street parking can be hard to come by but there is a parking lot a few blocks away.
There is security and they check IDs at the door.
Seating is limited. Inside there are a few small tables with stools and bar seating. There are tables outside that the smoking crowd had taken over.
Make Westing was a...well....interesting experience.
The service was fine there. I have nothing to complain about in that regard. It was just an offbeat kind of place that I didn't expect so many people to be at.
The most interesting thing about the place is probably the decor. It's got a lot of space and the seating is varied from tables, to the bar, to nooks. There is a lot of dark wood which is really pleasing to the eye. They have a bocce ball court. I don't play, so perhaps that is really exciting if you do.
What really left me confused was the food. It was tapas, but some of the oddest things I'd seen on a menu for a while. I believe one item was a trout cheek? I had some and it wasn't too bad, but th title leaves it unappetizing. The one that my friends and I got and I wouldn't eat was the bone marrow. Who serves bone marrow as a dish?! It looked like a bone with lots of fat in a jar. Gross.
So Make Westing and I didn't really get off to a good start, and I don't think I'll be returning......ever, but if you're down, who am I to stop you. :)
I have to admit, the name doesn't roll of my tongue or remembered easily. I had to keep looking up the name of the bar in my invite....I wasn't sure if the area was sketchy Oakland or gentrified Oakland. I'm happy to report that it was definitely the latter.
I had a great time here celebrating Aaron I's brithday and saw a lot of the OG Yelpers (gawd that makes me sound ancient!), you know who you are! It was nice to see everyone again. Everyone looked great and most importantly, were pretty tanked by the time I got there.
Yelpers raved about the eats there and since I was starving I had to try some of the small plates. We ordered the roasted chicken sandwich (Romesco, Lemon-pecorino aioli, arugula, red onion), breaded artichokes, and Habenero and cilantro oil fused popcorn - you heard that right. I am a cilantro hater but the bartender told me you can hardly taste the cilantro. He was right. If anything, the Habanero spice started to build upon itself so I had to stop eating after a few handfuls but that didn't stop Yelpers from inhaling the rest of it. Â
I really enjoyed everything we ordered and the bartenders were very attentive and friendly. I even enjoyed a Killer Bee Martini (Vodka, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, Lemon), which apparently was a hit with a lot of the ladies.
Great Happy Hour, good small plates. Oh and they have Bocce ball!
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