Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileHeinold's First and Last Chance Saloon
Oakland, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A historic saloon that pours a tight, inventive cocktail list at a uniform $12, including the lychee-forward Gin Lay-Chee and the coffee-laced Bittersweet Good-Rye. The draft list leans on Bay Area locals like Almanac and Faction, while a modest wine shelf covers the basics. The setting is the draw, but the drinks hold their own.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Gin Lay-Chee for a refreshing, fruit-driven cocktail, or the Bittersweet Good-Rye if you prefer something roasty and bitter. For beer, the Almanac Flow Pale Ale is a dependable local choice.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- History buffs and casual drinkers who appreciate a quirky, storied atmosphere with solid, accessible cocktails and a local craft beer selection. Not the destination for serious wine or spirit connoisseurs seeking deep lists.
- When should I go?
- Anytime, but the outdoor patio is a draw for enjoying drinks in a unique setting. Weekends may be busier given the tourist pull of Jack London Square.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails are $12 each. Draft beers run $8 for 16 oz, with a few bottles or cans at $6. Wines are $8 a glass, $10 for the Prosecco, and non-alcoholic beer is $6.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A saloon dating to 1884, with a beverage program that leans into local Bay Area producers. The cocktail menu is compact but creative, and the spirits list is surprisingly broad for the tight quarters.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A compact list of seven specialty cocktails at a flat $12, featuring local spirits and fresh ingredients. Classic cocktails like Old Fashioned and Margarita are also available. The menu admits limited space affects variety.
Menu strengths
- — Creative specialty cocktails with local ingredients; Uniform pricing at $12
Standout selections
- — Gin Lay-Chee – gin, lychee syrup, fresh lemon juice
- — Bittersweet Good-Rye – rye, Montenegro, St. George NOLA coffee liqueur
- — Heinold's Hot Toddie – hot water, whisky, honey, lemon, cloves
Pricing: Specialty cocktails uniformly priced at $12.
Wine
A small list of five wines, mostly J. Lohr from Paso Robles and one Prosecco. Functional but unambitious, covering the expected varietals.
Standout selections
- — La Prosecco di Conegliano – sparkling, 187 ml
Pricing: Wines are $8 per glass, except Prosecco at $10.
Beer
Six drafts and four bottles/cans, heavily favoring Bay Area breweries like Almanac, Faction, and United. A good local representation with a range of styles.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating selection of local Bay Area craft beers
Standout selections
- — Almanac Flow Pale Ale – Alameda, CA, 5.5%
- — Faction Brewing 1970's Lager – Alameda, CA, 3.9%
- — United East Bay Nights Black Lager – CA, 5.3%
Pricing: Draft beers $8 for 16 oz, except cider at $10; bottles/cans $6-$8.
Nonalcoholic
Only one non-alcoholic option: a 0.0% pilsner-style beer. Minimal but functional for designated drivers.
Standout selections
- — Estrella Galicia 0.0 – pilsner style, 0.0% ABV
Pricing: $6 for Estrella Galicia 0.0.
Spirits
A broad spirits list spanning Irish whiskey, bourbon, rye, vodka, tequila, gin, rum, Scotch, and St. George liqueurs. Strong local representation with St. George.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive spirits list covering multiple categories; Includes local St. George spirits
Standout selections
- — St. George Botanivore Gin; James E. Pepper 1776 Rye
Pricing: No prices listed for individual spirits.
How it sits with the food
No food program is mentioned; the focus is on drinks. The cocktails and local beers could pair with bar snacks if offered, but no specific food pairings are documented.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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