Welcome to Friends & Family
At Friends & Family, nestled in Oakland, the focus is on creating an inclusive and inviting space. This establishment brings together a vibrant community through inventive cocktails and a menu brimming with fresh, bold flavors. Signature dishes like the Veggie Sando and Farro Salad effortlessly blend comfort and creativity, showcasing seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere pulsates with warmth, accentuated by thoughtful decor and friendly service. Patrons rave about the artisanal cocktails, including the unique spirit-forward options and mystery drinks that support gender-affirming care. From intimate dates to lively gatherings, Friends & Family prioritizes connection, making each visit feel like a cherished reunion.
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468 25th St, Oakland, CA 94612, United States Hotline: +1 510-918-5245
Welcome to Friends & Family, a vibrant dining experience nestled in the heart of Oakland, California. Located at 468 25th St, this unique establishment has quickly become a beloved gathering spot known for its deliciously eclectic menu and warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Friends & Family isn't just a restaurant; it's a celebration of community and creativity, welcoming everyone with open arms. The commitment to fostering a queer-friendly environment is palpable through its thoughtfully curated space, which exudes a bohemian charm that invites both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
Highlights from the menu reveal a delicious fusion of flavors. Start your evening with the House Marinated Olives for just $6.00, or indulge in the Big Daddy Artichoke at $14.00, featuring steamed roasted artichokes with a calabrian chili caper aioli. For a heartier option, the Seared Ahi Fish melds beautifully with passionfruit and toasted sesame for $16.00, perfectly balanced by a vibrant maggi vinaigrette. The Chicory Salad offers a lovely crunch with radicchio, frisee, and a quince vinaigrette, while the option to add burrata gives it a creamy twist for an additional $3.
- Signature Cocktails: Friends & Family is celebrated not only for its food but also for its impressively creative cocktail program. Be sure to try the Don't Text Your Ex, blending amaro and St. Germain, or the delightful Pretty Pascal Amass that pairs gin with hibiscus-infused vermouth for a refreshing sip at $12.00. Each drink is a testament to the artistry behind the bar, ensuring a delightful experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
- Sweet Endings: Don't miss the chance to explore the Pies By Soya for $8.00—flavors vary, showcasing seasonal ingredients for a perfect finish to your meal.
The vibe at Friends & Family has been described as effortlessly cool, catering to a diverse clientele eager for a trustworthy haven. Patrons rave about the hospitality, with many mentioning the attentive staff that goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. The creative mixology, combined with flavorful dishes like the butternut squash rice cakes and carrot cake, leaves guests feeling delighted and inspired.
With an exciting event calendar that hosts everything from industry nights to queer speed dating, Friends & Family has established itself as more than just a dining venue—it's a place to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. In the words of a patron, it truly embodies warmth and community, making it one of Oakland's cherished gems.
If you're looking for great food, inventive cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere, make your way to Friends & Family—a space where everyone is not just welcomed but celebrated. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends, this wonderful destination is sure to leave you with unforgettable moments.
Cocktails were creative, delicious and executed in an artsy way. The vibe was bohemian hipster and very inclusive and friendly. Much cooler than the hippest spot in Brooklyn! We tried most of the menu including the special Wednesday night wings.
Awesome bar, great food & drink program. A Queer safe haven and a trusty standby. The bartenders are beautiful and fun. They host events like industry night family meals where service workers can come eat, Queer Speed Dating, and Story time.
Very nice bar, and food. I got the house cosmo (which was very well balanced), the warm olives (from the smaller bits section of the menu), the butternut squash rice cakes (which basically taste like gnocchis ), and the carrot cake. Everything was perfect, and delicious. Would highly recommend the place :)
An inclusive space for everyone. Great cocktails and food/snacks. Awesome vibe, friendly staff, and cool space. Parking can be challenging. --- We went to Friends and Family after reading about it in the SF Chronicle and Resy. Navigating the area and parking was difficult on a weeknight, but we were able to find street parking near the bar after circling around for 10 minutes. I appreciate the mission statement of providing a safe space where everyone is welcome. The space is full of thoughtful details, and the outdoor space looks amazing with the mural. The pink lighting, the tableware, and the warm and friendly staff really make the place intimate, welcoming, and personal. I really felt like I was being taken care of in a way that's so rare nowadays. I asked for a recommendation for spirit-forward drinks, and was delighted by both the 'for rei' (and 'the colette.' 'For rei' came with a block of coconut water ice, which I popped into my water after finishing the tasty cocktail way faster than I should. It reminded me of a cocktail from another place in SF, but it differentiates with its coffee flavor. Friends and Family also offer a 'Daily Affirmations' mystery drink, which benefits gender-affirming care fundraising. It was a nice strawberry-flavored drink that particular night. The Asian-influenced food also shines at Friends and Family. The hot-and-sour mushrooms pairs with the drinks nicely with its assertive flavor. The 'les eggs' was a genuine surprise with its creamy yet refreshing sauce. We also had the yaki onigiri (grilled little rice balls) and the sardine banh mi toast. The tune miso was definitely interesting and an umami bomb. Overall, the dishes are on the salty side. If I can use a single word to describe my memory of Friends and Family, it would be 'warmth.'
We had an amazing NYE dinner. Excellent hospitality and sense of community. Drinks and food were superb!
Whoever designed the logo deserves a big ole raise — I mean, how cute (and clever) is that?! This spot has a relaxed and creative atmosphere and was the perfect place to grab drinks with old friends. It had some delicious mocktail options and a chill, queer-friendly vibe (for example, the menu politely asks for all staff to be referred to in the gender-neutral. Love this!) The service was friendly and not pushy or overbearing. The lighting was dim and romantic and had a back patio for those wishing for a bit of fresh air. The one caution I will raise is that it can be kind of hard to find — there is no sign at the front of the building! Be prepared to follow Google Maps precisely, or risk spending a few minutes wandering the alleyway (like I did). However, the low-key entrance seemed to add to the mystique and underground vibe of this hidden gem, and I kinda liked it! Whether you need a romantic first-date cocktail bar or a spot to meet friends before a night out in Oakland, Friends and Family is the perfect place to go.
What a special treat to experience a space that is not only curated with thoughtful details but also mouth-watering delicious cocktails & bites. We were happy to have a reservation as it was a full house, and our server Rosie was so kind & knowledgeable on the entire menu! They gave the best recommendations on cocktail pairings and were very attentive, thank you for such incredible hospitality! The owner Blake stopped by our table to say hi and made us feel at home. Friends & Family is a gem & one of our favorite spots!!! Excited to go back
The Dolly Parton cocktail was top notch for a dirty martini lover.