Silver Knight Cocktail Lounge

Best dive bar in East Bay! Amanda is the best bartender ever ;-)

A fellow State alumna and I randomly dropped in on a Wednesday night.  We had just finished working a college recruitment fair at Los Medanos and wanted to take a moment to unwind before heading home.  Most of the businesses on Railroad were already closed, but we managed to spot The Silver Knight by its brightly lit sign.  The door was propped open with a bar stool.  We took it as an invitation, made a U-turn, parked our cars, and stepped inside.

The interior is small, but surprisingly state-of-the-art.  At least 4 flat screen televisions line the walls, featuring an impressive big screen (+50") mounted on a brick mantle overlooking the entire establishment.  The bar game machine and the jukebox are touchscreen, boasting an almost limitless selection.  Take a moment to bask in the wonders of modern technology.

"Katie" was tending bar.  The few patrons playing pool left shortly after we arrived, leaving just the three of us.  Whenever I find myself in the presence of a bartender with nothing to do, I take the time to make conversation.  I've learned that bartenders seem to lead interesting lives, given their job duties, as well as the collection of circumstances that led their employment.

Talk revolved around just that:  employment.  Universities cutting faculty and staff in the wake of budget cuts.  Factories laying off workers.  Job search frustrations told from the perspectives of the skilled and educated.  If I had not completely given up alcohol, I would have raised a glass to everyone that continues to struggle to make ends meet in the midst of difficult times, difficult people, and a difficult world.  I was drinking a Shirley Temple, but it just didn't seem appropriate.

In lieu of that enduring toast, I give this review of The Silver Knight.  "Katie," if you ever read this:  this one's for you.

Would love to go in the cool black shiny front door but as the gentleman sitting out front told me she closed at 6:30 pm and went home... I showed up at 8:30 pm.  just surprised... Email me if anyone gets the hours here so I can stop in.

The front door is so cool.