We told you about DREXL BAR at the end of last year—a bar coming to Uptown Oakland from Demetrius “Deech” Chapin-Rienzo (a partner in Vintage 415) and Adi Taylor—and we’re happy to announce the bar is now softly open. To recap, it’s meant to be a neighborhood hangout, with well-made (but not too fussy) cocktails, plenty of room to chill, and there’s also a mezzanine with Skee-Ball and Pac-Man for those who would like another way to forget their workday.
Howie Slater is running the bar, with cocktails like a Navy-strength Jamaican rum collins with maraschino liqueur topped with Schofferhofer grapefruit beer; a variation on an Americano using Carpano Bianco vermouth, Cocchi Americano, and sparkling wine; and some classics like the Vieux Carré, Boulevardier, Scofflaw, Last Word, Remember the Maine, and the Corpse Reviver No. 2. You’ll also find wine on tap (white, red, and rosé) and good beers. There are other local bartenders pulling shifts, so you may see some familiar faces, and Sundays and Mondays will probably draw an industry crowd.
The interior has some industrial and metal finishes, softened with faintly glowing globe lights overhead, natural-modern wood stools, weathered murals on the walls (vintage wallpaper and exposed plaster were uncovered during demolition), and wood floors. It’s a high-ceilinged space, with tall windows that let in nice light in the early evening. There’s a variety of seating, whether you want a spot at the black-tiled bar, a high-top table by the window, or the more loungy area with booths and cocktail tables. There’s also the upstairs mezzanine, with couches, more tables, and the games we mentioned.
Drexl is conveniently a couple of blocks from The Fox, so you can swing by for a pre- or postshow drink, and the early hours also make it a good after-work spot. There are plans to add some bar snacks and bites, stand by on that. Initial hours are looking like Sun-Thu 5pm-12am and Fri-Sat 5pm-2am (subject to change as needed). 382 19th St. at Franklin, Oakland.
