MarkerWhite Horse Inn

5 Star Rating - World class 2 reviews – Review White Horse Inn

(510) 652-3820

66th St
Oakland, CA 94609

Editorial Description by Citysearch
East Bay's landmark gay bar attracts both genders with theme nights and games.
Rated 8.8 out of 10 by Citysearch.

2 Reviews of White Horse Inn in Oakland

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Inexplicably fun?  4 Star Rating - Very good

Accordingly to legend, the White Ho is one of the Bay Area's oldest gay bars. It has a strange appeal--one either gets it or one doesn't. It is basically a neighborhood bar that draws a fairly large queer crowd on weekends... it can be more like a club when packed, but is often pretty quiet. Pool table (for quarters), smoking patio, reasonably cheap drinks. But be warned: it's not really a pick-up spot--people tend to come with friends, and the cruising is pretty minimal. There are some theme nights (karoake, etc.); call for details.
On the AC Transit 40 line.

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Take your friends, even that straight one  5 Star Rating - World class

This is probably the oldest gay and lesbian bar in the East Bay, and it's definitely the best. Relaxed, working-class atmosphere, pool tables, and gay men and lesbians inhabiting the same space. It's mellow and low-pressure, unlike the pretty-boy bars of San Francisco. There are at least a few people of all colors around, and the regulars are friendly without being creepy.

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5 Reviews by Citysearch: (read all 6 reviews on Citysearch)

Not Recommended ... Very Weird Crowd .. Girls everywhere! 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

I was there on a Monday night, very slow night and stood for 10 mins waiting for one of their GOOD bartenders to take my drink order.
The parking is not good and the crowd is clicky and seems to know each other.
I would say noone was over 25 years old.
The bardenter looked like he was from Iran and i even left him a 2.00 tip, he just took the money and ran off. He waiting was more interested in dating one of the Lesbian girls then waiting on customers.
The customers from a few years ago are long gone and more then half the bar is now dominated by women!
This place use to be the hub of the gay mecca and you could ALWAYS meet a Mr Right for the night!
Forget it don't waste time or your money.
My drink I called was 6.50 and was watered down and in a small glass.
It is a Lesbian Bar let's guys face it and all move on...........

Posted 03/25/07 at 4:44am

Strange Customers ... Just a bad place now! 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

Bad parking, strange customers and the bartenders everyone rave about really arent all that great. Leaving a tip of 1.50 gets you a look and 2.00 tip gets you a yeah ok. The crowd from 3 to 4 years ago are all gone BUT to where?
This bar is 80% Lesbian now and offers very little for a gay man seeking more then a drink.
They let pan handlers stand right outside within 5 feet of the door.
It is NOT what you have read and that's for sure.
This bar use to attract doctors, lawyers,professionals and college students. Have not seen it and went 8 nights in a row to see if the crowd changed, IT NEVER DID!
Don't go ..............Dissapointment abounds you!
Let's all start going to the Walnut Creek area or SOMEONE open a decent GAY MEN's BAR!

Pros: Great Carpeting
Cons: Bad Parking, Bums outside, Strange customers and No thanks for a 3.00 tip ....Just a look of strangeness! STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!
Posted 03/25/07 at 4:22am

great places 5 Star Rating - World class

great music, great happy hrs, and great place to meet people!! friendly bartenders and staff!! Love the music Matt consolla and Sam on fridays and saturdays! I will go back again!

Posted 05/04/06 at 1:58pm

If you have nothing else to do... 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

Hop over to the White Horse...if you have no other options. Its a great place to grab a drink and chill in a dark corner, but not much else. The dance floor is sparsely occupied by a few weirdos and drama queens and there are never that many people in the bar. If you can, go to the city. If not, go to the White Horse.

Posted 01/15/06 at 12:00am

happy hour is the best time 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

aside from karoake on tuesday nights...hands down the best night of the week at the horse. the music is PATHETIC on dancing nights...some of the most irritating crap you ever heard. it actually produces the opposite effect of what dance music is supposed to do: it keeps people off the dancefloor.
the decor is atrocious and tacky, which should permanently eliminate the myth that gay men have good taste.
on the plus side, the regulars are pretty friendly and interesting, and the patio is great (but even that decor is tacky(=), and if they ever let anyone play the jukebox, there is some decent music in there.
the best bartender is charlie, who makes a mean bloody mary. the others are mediocre, at best.

Pros: local, gay, nice people
Cons: music sucks, tacky decor, music really sucks
Posted 12/11/05 at 12:00am