Swell Bar

I really do want to like this place, but my experiences there have been pretty sub-par. I've been there three times. The first two were unremarkable, and my most recent visit was pretty aggravating.

I like the bar decor, and the BBQ guy, Greg is awesome. I wish he were the bartender. Unfortunately, we were served by a blonde woman that seemed either drunk, or just really, really bad at bar-tending. The bar has never been full of people, and my visit today was no different, but it took FOREVER to get a drink. The bartender seemed more interested in chatting with her friends than welcoming new patrons, as pretty much everything she did favored those she knew already. She served an entire group of people that walked in after I had been waiting for over 5 minutes while she chatted, before getting to me. On top of being last on her list of priorities, she was kind of rude. She told my friend that is 30 that he looked 17. If she meant it as a compliment, it failed, because she certainly didn't make him feel very good.

I was willing to give it a shot (thus my three visits), but it is just like any other Alameda dive. As soon as the interior ages a bit, it will be indistinguishable from The Lemon Tree, John Patrick's, or the Shamrock -- a neighborhood watering hole full of aging alcoholics and completely repulsive bartenders. Service is something too many Alameda bars have no interest in; Welcome Swell to the club.  I'll continue heading to Forbidden Island (across the street from Swell), and Lost Weekend to get my kicks.

Everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came.

This is a great, little bar in Alameda.  The bartender is very friendly, and the bar is never too crowded.