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THE RUBY ROOM Mon-Sat. 5pm-2am Sun. 9pm-2am No cover 132 14th St. Oakland (510) 444-7224
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Across from the public library on 14th St. and a stone's throw from Lake Merritt is a nondescript little bar next to a liquor store. There is no sign, no neon beer logos only two red floodlights to lead the way. The Ruby Room was downtown Oakland's best kept not-so-secret during the first months of operation, but now the word is out and the kids have made it arguably the most popular nightspot in the city. The Ruby Room has the three things people look for: dim lights, thick smoke, and loud, loud music. Like its sister bar in LA, the Burgundy Room, this place is entirely monochromatic, with scarlet candles and red light bulbs providing a darkroom feel. And it's exactly this dark, flickering atmosphere that makes the place so appealing: everyone looks good. Tiny Tim could rival Fabio in that warm red glow. Gorgeous girls with surgically attached cigarettes bat eyelashes at shaggy dandies in 60's threads, and the rummy lust in the air is nearly as thick as the oppressive smoke. While there is a neighborhood crowd in residence, it's clearly aimed at young East Bay hipsters and punkers who don't care to cross the bridge or be bothered with BART's moronic midnight cessation of service. If it's spirits you're after, the cocktails are well above average. They pour 'em big and stiff, and the friendly bartending staff should be able to serve up anything you desire. The beer selection is limited to a few bottles and cans, but I'm told that the real deal will be up online shortly (including Guinness). In the meantime, I'd recommend the lovely Madras made with mandarin vodka. The wheels of steel are in action most nights (call to find out who's spinning) with DJs from KALX providing the bulk of the sounds. A current favorite is DJ Kitty's Wednesday night classic soul revue, which never fails to get the tiny dance floor jumping. For the quieter times, a CD jukebox provides an eclectic selection of tunes. Kudos to Alfredo et al for creating such a successful niche in a forgotten quarter. Whether you're a local or a bored SF cosmopolitan in search of a little soul, the Ruby Room is sure to please. Hey, you might even get lucky. Remember, San Francisco has a past, but Oakland has a future. Let me buy you a drink. -Andy Asp |
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