Before we moved from Oakland to the north bay, I wanted to visit some of my favorite bars in Oakland to sip a perfectly-made cocktail. Of course there are plenty of bars in Sonoma County to try, but I know I’ll be constantly comparing them to the outstanding talents of Oakland. In an ode to one of my favorite cities, here is a roundup of my favorite cocktail haunts:

1. Plum Bar – One of my favorite local spots! They create seasonal cocktails as well as they serve up classics. I had my first Boulevardier here! The staff is great and they have the drinks to match.
2. Boot & Shoe Service – Though I prefer the pizza at Boot & Shoe’s Grand Ave competitor, The Star, I admit that the cocktails are better here. Be sure to try their homemade tonic in their signature G&T.
3. Penrose – The bar here is gorgeous and the bartenders are kind, always willing to answer my questions (or divulge a cocktail recipe). Though not on the menu anymore, I highly recommend the White Stag if you’re a gin lover.
4. Mua – I love Mua for so many reasons: the creative ambiance, quirky decor, incredibly delicious food, and of course, their delightful cocktails. You just can’t go wrong at this fun spot.
5. Hopscotch – I hesitate to include this as the space is so tiny it would be quite difficult to drop in for just a cocktail. But if you’re dining there, be sure to order one of their thoughtful and interesting creations.

Honorable must-mention:

• Though not in Oakland, one of the most outstanding bars I’ve been to resides in Oakland’s northern neighbor, Berkeley: East Bay Spice Company. This place is insane. Their cocktail menu is both extensive and gorgeously put together, and the drinks are complex, unique and so well curated. I also love that they publish their recipe book—exact measurements included—on their site, making it easy to recreate your favorites at home.

Still on my list:

• The Libertine – This one just opened, and I’m itching to stop in next time I’m in the nabe. The interior looks cozy and not overdone, it has a gorgeous bar and has gotten great reviews thus far.
• Cafe van Kleef – I can’t believe I never made it here! It’s a classic old-school bar—you probably won’t find trendy cocktails here, but you will certainly find a perfect Manhattan.
• Mad Oak – It seems to have a beer garden vibe (think games, outdoor space), but they serve a variety of cocktails as well. Seems like it would be easy to kill a summer afternoon at this spot.

Pictured above: Plum Bar, Boot & Shoe Service, Penrose.