White Horse Inn

This was a reunion of two gay bars that no longer exist in Oakland cables and bench and bar, oh yes Bella Napoli. Live show and good friends enjoyed myself so much, thank you Lana

We Love this venue! Awsome DJ set-up and event space! They host private events here too!Thx for the tour…can’t wait for the next gig here!

I hate to say RIP our wonderful White House. The new owner turned this down-to-earth dive bar and historic queer club into a gentrified space for who can pay more.From the overpriced covers and drinks, to the disastrous remodeling, we are left searching for the spirit of old White Horse. The new management removed most of the smoking room (where we used to socialize and eat. Many wonderful memories I had there), and now became full of “reserved tables where you could be asked to leave at 9 PM for a private party!Can the new owner listen to the old patrons and repair the damage to maintain much of the White Horse lost identity and warm energy!? I honestly dont know!But to start, bring back the iconic Red Walls and the Smoking Room. That space was essential to all of us. Pay attention to your patrons and faithful customers who stopped going there due to the prices. Also avoid hiring young inexperienced bartenders with | hate it here attitude. Bring back the old friendly ones who were full of energy and stories. The old experienced staff were a big part of the White Horse magic. I heard they left because the new owner wanted to pay them less. We miss them dearly. Lastly, bring back the reasonable prices for covers and drinks. Get rid of reserved areas and private parties. Thats not what the White Horse is about. Lets all of us in!All these changes were not necessary except to enable profitable classism over genuine community.P.S. The metal horse makes me feel that Im in a car dealership.

OWNER IS NOT HOSPITABLE, HAS ATTITUDE AND WENT ON A POWER TRIP.Yesterday was my first time coming to the White horse bar. I was going to meet with a group of 10ish people to celebrate the birthday of one of our friends.When a few of our friends had arrived, we looked for tables we could all sit together in. We spotted 3 tables that were a couple feet apart near the karaoke area. Since these tables were light, we started to pull them a bit closer together so our group could sit together. Thats when the someone from the bar loudly said Woah what is going on here and walked over to us. Again, they asked what we were doing and I replied with Oh, were just moving the tables closer since were expecting a pretty large group. You would think they would just let us know we cant do that, but instead. They said IM THE OWNER, You dont just walk into someones bar and start moving tables.... I replied with Okay, well just put them back then. The owner continued with attitude I need you to understand, you cant just move the tables without letting me know. Again, I understand, we can put them back. The owner seemed upset that I was replying so calmly. They were kind of on a power trip.Since this was our first time here, I didnt know to call in before hand, or to look for the owner. This first interaction was upsetting and if I wasnt there to celebrate a friend, I wouldve left. It sucks that as a customer, I was the one that had to deescalate the situation since the owner was all riled up.Our group eventually arrived and we all stood around one table since we werent allowed to move the other tables together. Eventually, the owner came to the table we were all gathered by and told us to move since they needed to clear the space for Karaoke. Again, you would think they would move us and sit us somewhere else, but no, they just asked us to move. Rude.One of my friends, asked if they could move one of the tables closer to where the rest of the group was and the owner replied with If you wouldve let me know beforehand, we wouldve been able to accommodate you. My friend understood and asked if we could please be accommodated now, to which the owner walked away. Again, on a power trip, didnt offer any kind of resolution.Our group ordered a lot of drinks and despite the weird looks from the owner and some staff, we tried to have fun. It sucks that the owner soiled the experience for us and ruined the vibe of what otherwise wouldve been a really great night.I know its hard for some people to be nice to others, but as the owner, the bare minimum is to be nice to customers.Since this was my 1st experience here, I will not be coming back. I know they dont need my money, but hopefully this review will encourage the owner to work on their attitude when dealing with customers.

I love the Karaoke on Tuesdays. But they have stuff every day. Great vibe

Ive gone a few times and never had a great experience. They charge a cover I guess to pay the DJ. The atmosphere is mediocre and the drinks are way overpriced.

My friend has been trying to drag me here for weeks so I finally caved and we went. Not a big fan of this location but once inside, its a perfect little haven with good drinks and great staff. Theres a big space inside and it looks like theres potentially for a lot of cool things to go down in here. If dark and divey is your jam, head on over!

First time back since the renovation / new mgmt. Looks great! DJ kept the dance floor energy hyped. Good mix in the crowd as always. Friendly place, welcoming 🌈✨️grateful to have spaces like these in East Bay.

Updated: new metal horse is so weird, i feel like I’m at a Ford dealership. Super sad the smoking room is gone now too. I liked the old set up better.Otherwise, an iconic and historic queer bar. I love to sing 🌈🕺🏻great times, plastic cups, perfect environment.

Didnt realize how much more larger it is on the inside. 2 bars, 1 in the spacious dance room area & 1 in the main entrance. The bar in the dance room has bleacher seats along the walls & the DJ booth and small stage.There is also a see through pool table room when you walk in to your immediate left which I thought was different. By the bath rooms there is another spacious mingle area what looks like another pool table & fire place is located.Smoking area looks like an outdoor patio medium size area which is located by the entrance.Parking may or may not be free on certain days. DO NOT PARK BEHIND BUILDING ! Apparently its for the residents next door. Parking is scarce around here hard to find better off ubering it here.

I wish I could give less than 1 star. I never leave negative reviews but this was seriously the worst bar experience I’ve had. I was enjoying dancing, despite the cover charge and empty dance floor. But the bartender was so incredibly rude. Dismissive, gaslighting and deeply disrespectful. People at the bar tried to pick a fight with me for literally just looking in their direction. I was just tying to have a fun night out and it was entirely ruined by this place.

For those reading the reviews here, it is important to know that the White Horse was put under new management at the end of 2022. Some changes have been made and this review is specifically about the bar in the last few months.The White Horse has always been my favorite bar in the east bay. My friends and I have lots of fun memories of spending nights here. Frankly, before the bars ownership changed hands it could have used some renovations. However, any issues with the building itself were offset by the friendly staff that made it feel like home.The management switch happened at the end of 2022 and even though I was open to seeing some changes, I have to say that it was a rough start. They got rid of my favorite bartenders (bring Isaiah back!) and you could tell that the newer guys didnt have the experience to be working busy nights. Besides having problems getting a drink, the atmosphere also feels off nowadays. All of those people that made the White Horse special to me are gone and its a lot of newer people that dont have the same connection with the guests.Things do seem to be getting better (slowly) and I hope that the new management just needs more time to find their footing. It would be tragic to lose the only good gay bar in the east bay. However, with the way it has changed for the worse (in particular the staff problem I mentioned) I have to take some stars off. Hopefully I can come back and update this later when things get better. It certainly wouldnt hurt to see some of the old faces I knew back behind the bar again.

Its actually a very nice place bartenders are very friendly I brought my friend here for his birthday so we had a little party

Fun spot to dance and drink. theyve got a big dance floor with a spot to hang your coat, good DJ, and a nice pool table

Had 2 drinks and left to get some jack in the box, came back to them saying that we had to pay a $20 cover fee and that we were informed that if we left without getting a wristband that we had to pay (we were not). Wouldn’t let us in even though the bartender clearly recognized us as prior patrons. Told us that it would be a “lit” night and the $20 would be worth it. Then my friend who was still inside walked out not knowing the cover fee situation and they wouldn’t let him in either. we left immediately

Im visiting from Florida as of January 2023 and decided to check out a gay bar up north, which is closer to where Im staying. It was ok, but nothing to write home about. It was pleasant enough. On my second outing, I decided to try out White Horse Bar. I have to say, that from the moment I sat down, your bartender, Benjamin, made me feel completely welcomed. His customer service was, and continues to be excellent. He really made me feel so comfortable, like i had been going there for years. The other patrons are super friendly, the dance floor, a fun way to burn off calories and I especially love watching people shooting pool. Since January, I have been going there every Friday and plan on doing so till I fly back home in May.Kudos to Benjamin and Management

Great mixologists friendly and fun staff. Always seems to be something going on. Tuesday karaoke was a blast 🙂

The bartender was good...its just they didnt start on time . It was so cold my body started to hurt that I had to go home because the place was so cold.

I really do enjoy going to this bar. I started going here sometime in undergrad with friends and it always brings up a nostalgic. Happy feeling for me. On any night. Theres something fun for you to do. Theres a smoking area that has an outside component so if you enjoy being in that kind of smoke area you have somewhere to stand and sit and chill. My friends and I recently went to relax on a Friday after a hectic week and saw an episode of RuPaul, it was really fun to watch in a full bar with everyone commenting and enjoying themselves. We later hit the dance floor and were there way past what we discussed simply because we were having so much fun. Also, being that the Bay area is small and yet vast, we saw a lot of friends from high school. All in all, I highly recommend going just for the energy

Great music and large dancefloor separated from an additional space with a bar and pool table. Cute guys here, friendly crowd. Sometimes it takes a long time to get a drink, maybe they need a beer vending machine to handle the thirsty crowd! :). No offense intended for the bar tenders they are great!

I was at the White Horse three before they decided to change their management and I loved their ambience. I went tonight to have some fun with a group of friends, but I was so disappointed of what I saw. I felt like another generic bar with loud music. I missed the welcoming vibes and the coziness generated by their old staff 😢

The place is usually lovely and we always have a great time. However, yesterday one of the bartenders (a tall, bearded white guy) was rude beyond belief, even mocking us on the microphone for not getting things because we were “Mexican… or European, or Canadian.”Here’s what happened: I had gone to the bar past the last call and asked him if we still had time for one last round. He said yes and served us 4 drinks. Literally one minute later the dance floor was closing, so I approached him and said “hey you literally just told me we had time for a drink, can we at least stay around the bar?”. The guy started mocking me saying that the bar was closing too and that I could finish my drink at home or in my bed, that nothing was preventing me from doing that. When I asked him if he was for real he started saying it was our problem, not his, and mocking me in a very loud voice “You are such a drama queen. What will you do? Will you want to speak to my manager? Do we have a Karen here?”I stopped engaging with that guy, but my friends approached him to say that he had just sold us drinks knowing the bar was closing, to which the guy responded with something equally rude (along the lines of “I don’t care, I’ll soon leave and open a ranch in Indiana”) and by grabbing the mic and saying to the whole bar in a mocking tone: “in case you are Mexican, or European, or Canadian [he must have noticed our Spanish accents] last call means L.A.S.T.C.A.L.L.”At this point we were really frustrated and just wanted to give the guy a hard time for his quasi-racist comment, so we asked him for covers for our drinks if they were indeed “to go”. The bar obviously doesn’t have them and is in fact unable to legally sell drinks to go. In the end, we just left with our drinks in our hands and very frustrated.Again, the bar is usually lovey, but this guy completely ruined it for us with his unbelievably rude comments.

Bartender never moved from his spot. Served the folks in front of him and never looked up or around at the very full bar. He forced everyone to line up. No one sitting at the bar except the three people sitting in front of bartender were served. Horrible.

I absolutely love this place. I just discovered this place a couple of months ago. The staff are very friendly, music is great, drinks are good! I plan to have my birthday there this weekend and I cant wait!

Last I was there with my boyfriend it was fun fun and affordable but right now looks like they became more greedy. $15 dollar door charge ?$14 for a drink hell? Our home area gay bar is gone .

As CAL alum and a current Berkeley homeowner, I have been visiting this bar for at least 20 years albeit less frequently recently. I would attribute the reason to the rude, tall white bartender (Isiah.?). My husband and I just visited on 9/16/22 to have a few drinks before dinner and this guy tissed us, which I could not understand. (He was also kurt and emotes bad vibes). I remember him from previous visits although I do not know him well at all, so I asked his name from a fellow patron, so I could write this review. If you do not like your job or the customers, go elsewhere rather than hurt a business that does not belong to you.!

Pool table, stiff drinks, friendly company. The bartender is protective of customers and will kick out anyone attempting to sell you drugs, or pretty much anyone unbecoming to you.... they do that without having to ask. Felt safe and had a great time. Oh and I believe it might be a gay bar

A decent East Bay dive bar that offers affordable drinks and dancing on the weekends. The music is often hit or miss and if you catch yourself requesting the DJ to change his style of music, you may end up with a bouncer escorting you out. This is the perfect establishment to bring a large group of friends and take over the back room dance floor. You can also escape the dancing and hang around the bar for a bit quieter atmosphere where you can hear your friends and hold conversations.

Huge bummer…this was such a fun, wonderful, welcoming spot but not at all anymore under the new ownership. The owner was hogging one of only a few tables and not actually using it, totally inconsiderate of the patrons. Bad energy overall. Miss the old white horse :(

This is a great bar to go to for both dancing and relaxing. The way the bar is laid out, the music isnt completely overwhelming.Kyle is one of my favorite bartenders. Hes always laughing and having fun. He is very fast because he serves people at the bar while waiting for the person in line to grab their change and drink and move out of the way. If you like cats, youll live his shirts. Hes rarely standing still, always helping people or cleaning.

We may have gone on a dead night it was a Thursday. There were only a few people at the bar the bartender was nice and the crowd seemed nice for the most part. There was a hateful lesbian who called us annoying because we were having a conversation at the bar. I think she was upset cause she was old and alone. Per for the course. I had a decent time. Would love to come and check it out when its a good night.Ive been here two more times. It was dead on Saturday and also on Thursday. Yet its Tuesday, who would have known and its cracking. Why?? Karaoke night

Staff is super friendly and its nice to have a real gay bar up here. Good music and it gets rowdy!

Amazing service, bartender Michelle (I think that’s her name) is a total sweetheart. You don’t run into nice people out here much and I’m lucky I did. The bouncer was really kind too. I enjoyed my visit here. I will definitely be coming back. Thank you, guys.

(updated 1/1/23) Its my local as the Brits say, tho since covid I cant afford bars and restaurants as much. Albeit LGBTQI it transcends.... - so you are guaranteed a ready mix ..the neighborhood in microcosm- outer Berzerkely. Pool table [1] Popular core group of convivial cognoscenti. Captain [Katherine] continues at the bar for happy hour, revered for her saucy chutzpah ... it get very popular w the young late: big dance space -The Ownership changed mid-Dec.-& the place got a remodel overnight.. now run by two hands-on women with excellent taste & attention - it was badly needed. Feels cleaner now. Smoking?-smaller space, more outside than inside (previous system was not up to code). Change here will definitely spell success in 2023. (*sometimes less than ½ gay - but nonetheless always inclusive, always a sanctuary full of kids (late) and comfortable for wizen seniors (happy hr), intellectuals w roots deep in the 60s. Check out the junk collector two doors down - puts out stuff - honor-system put money in the box. (PS Response[s] from Owner are all farmed out if Chuck B is the author - and the junk collector has great stuff in back when open in the day- and there another antique store there w the finest tchotcki)

1933 oldest local gay/queer bar all inclusive space. This is a dive bar with shows a couple times a week, sometimes a spots bar go warriors, and everything in-between. There is an enclosed smoking section that if your sensitive could bother you. Pool tables and self serve water in the back. I think there is dancing on the weekends.

One of the best places to dance and socialize with Bsy Area locals. Gay, straight, in-between, or otherwise; the connections Made are surprising and golden. White House hasn’t failed me in 17 years!

A bay area LGBTQ icon of a bar since the days before LGBTQ was even a thing you could say. Still wide open with their welcome, still a staff you want to hang out with, and surprisingly so, a really good sounding music room.

A great dive bar with some decent drink specials. It serves the East Bay LGBT community and often has drag/stag shows. The bartenders are down to earth and youre bound to have an interesting conversation! Go with an open mind and youll be very pleased.

This place is fun When we were there there was the sky wearing a sundress and he took it off and started dancing in his jock scrap. And then he put the sun dressed back on again. The dress was very fetching. I recommend this place for just a fun evening but dont look to pick up any guys its not going to happen here

Great local LGBT bar/ night club. Dance floor can be super fun. Ive gone out by myself in my massage clothes and danced until soaking wet, no inhibitions. No attitude. Just pure fun.

THE WHITE HORSE IS MY FAVORITE GAY BAR EVER!Pretty good drinks. Nice staff, Fun community dancing. Not as raunchy as other gay bars.Brandon makes really good drinks and the other staff is nice as well. They often have fun events and they dont screw their patrons over like Club 21 does. The white horse is the oldest gay bar in the country.

Fun little gay bar in Berkeley. New ownership and the place was packed. Good music and clean bathrooms

I used to love this place and sometimes still do. I dont like to have to put a minimum on a credit card at a bar that doesnt serve food. What do they want people to do, drink and drive? And they close at thier leisure. I drove from San Leandro and got there at midnight for a drink and some pool and they were closing because it was slow. Not cool. The staff is AMAZING though, and if you go on a Friday or Saturday there is a cover, yet the bar offers nothing different that I would want to pay for. Therefore, 3 stars.

Been going here for at least 20 years on and off. Feels like home. During the afternoon evening hours more of neighborhood/afterwork scene. Later they open the dance floor and bigger crowd shows up. Fairly even mix of men and women and probably the most diverse group you will see anywhere in terms of age and ethnicity. Staff if great and drinks or good. Best bloody mary around. Its very much down home east bay scene. If you are into the fussier SF crowd probably not for you.

Best owner ever, such a gem for the LGBTQ community. Such a fun space, great place to meet people, find community, and so much history :-)

I LOVE this bar, super chill and a great mixed crowd. We always have a good time when we go. Affordable drinks and adorable Queers, what more could you want?

I saw a cabaret show on the first Sunday of the month here recently. Lots of drink selections (two bars!) and friendly staff. Awesome place with a lot of history and definitely bolsters the neighborhood.

We are contracted to do the Karaoke every Monday and Tuesday night. I have been here now for a few years. It gets busy for a Monday/Tuesday night as most other bars are closed. Great dive bar with karaoke!

Always a great atmosphere here! Check out their drag shows. Lot of fun!

From the weekend to a weekday (game day).Both days were pleasant. The bartender (didn’t get her name) but by goodness was is worth wild. A must stop by if you’re in Oakland.

So I am not to much of a socializer but I do love that I want to go back, the atmosphere is amazing its nice to be able to adult with such an amazing crowd, totally affordable not to mention its an historical bar ,Im blessed to have discovered this local gem, I guarantee that you will feel the same.

It was my first time at this club.I felt very comfortable for someone not from. The area!

Ive seen it drawing crowds on weekends but I live close to another pub so its been a few years but a recall having a lovely vodka tonic there and pool table.

It is not an extraordinary place for dancing. But the vibes are amazing and the DJ is good.The cover is overpriced tough

Such a lovely place to dance, vibe, and meet people 🥰 you can really tell how its been a home for the queer community out here in Oakland for a long time

Thank god Ben and Captain is still here. This is one of the first gay bars I’ve ever been to. Been coming here for years.

Good crowd with a nice mix of men , but a little light on the women. Music is standard pop from the 90s and early 2000s

I love the space and the drinks! Good place to dance.

The Bay Areas oldest LGBTQ bar. Friendly staff, huge dance floor. My only gripe and its a significant one: realiably significantly overpriced bar selections.

Great bar. Wednesday night drag shows (Follies and Dollies with Cemora Valentino Devine and the Rebel Kings of Oakland with Vegas Jake). Are always a good time

Good atmosphere, certain bartenders are great but theres few which will ignore you and hit on young guys all night no issues but cmon 25 mins and to be told hold on

This bar is awesome-The Captain! She made my nightBest atmosphere-Old school neighborhood feel

This is a small homey space. Kind bartenders, stiff drinks. Theres a stage and dancefloor. Different shows different nights and a DJ on the weekends.

Seems like most of the customers are having a wonderful time they have a couple of pool tables they have an extra bar and dance floor that opened up at night the bartenders are nice especially the daytime bartender Catherine.

Use to be better, under new management, no one left of the old staff, new staff is slow & rude. Lots of deflecting & excuses on here.

Low key casual spot with a diverse crowd of mostly queer women, DJs that take requests, and usually a fun dance floor. An institution in the Bay Area.

Favorite gay dive bar. Friendly staff. Reasonably priced drinks. Nothing fancy here!

Isiah and Kyle were super patient bartending geniuses and showed us a great time - great bar and Kyle and Isiah made it great

Cool and valuable history but isn’t very nice.Cover charges are also a bit offensive for a dive bar.Pass.

The best of craic from the captain definitely recommend having a drink with these guys , really great selection of beers and spirits that will wet anybodys whistle x

Amazing people to meet when youre there. Drinks are really good and not too expensive

I like this bar, just still single. Any gay guys available?

Danced the night away, cheap drinks and epic folx

Loved the crowd! Plenty of pool tables. Great place to meet my lgbq friends at!

Bartender is rude as hell calling me sweetheart. What kind of customer service is it to only watch the Cubs?!? This guy (sorta bear looking guy) ruins the experience.

One of the bartenders literally just gave me soda water with a splash on tequila and called it a tequila sunrise. Dont come here for well made drinks

Great friendly atmosphere. Historic gay bar still bringing in the cheers.

Wonderful atmosphere! Quick drink service, lots of wonderful shows and events!

Love White Horse Inn! Great performances and strong drinks!

The drag shows. My favorite women in drag! Stiff drinks.. colorful crowd. Dancing & games..

They robbed me fifteen dollar Cover charge to enter a dead club

Cheap drinks with awesome people. Its always fun to hang out at this place.

Love this place. Great drinks and amazing staff!

Such an amazing queer bar w the best vibes.

Great fun! Staff was very engaging.

Today is a historical day.... gay marrage in cali is now leagal. Now gays can be miserable like straight people. Lmfao!!!!!

Nice atmosphere and outdoor smoking area with a pool table, awesome

Really amazing community spot and top Karaoke in the East Bay

Decent spot, pretty expensive drinks, music was ok, dont go to the bathroom alone

Great drinks.. Hot Fun on the dance floor!!!

🌈❤️🌈❤️ I love this bar and karaoke nighht!

Awesome staff, great regulars, good vibes and stiff drinks.

Love the bar, great drinks, bartenders are heavy handed.

Awesome place. Ben is great!

Awesome people, great staff, a bit slow but still very good place

I always have fun and meet the most random and beautiful people!

Amazing music, and drinks. The vibe is great.

Fun with great karaoke on Monday and Tuesday nights :)

The security guard working the front door last night was rude. I won’t be coming back because of that.

This is the only LGBTQ bar/club in Berkeley and has been here a long time.

The music is great and the people are friendly!

VERY GOOD MUSIC 🎶 🎵 👌.NICE PEOPLE 2-3 🍸 BARS.

Exactly what I want from a gay bar: friendly staff and cheap drinks. Cant beat it!

Classic queer bar with tons of space for socializing and events. Friendly bartenders and regulars.

Went in for drinks with a friend to check it out. Everyone seemed nice.

THE OLDEST GAY CLUB IN AMERICA WITH THE BEST CROWD AND BAR TINDERS

Extremely abusive entry prices....

Always friendly, even with the new owners.

Lit! Staff is cool & sweet & looks out for you

Very cool, low-key, neighborhood gay bar

Its cool

Been comeing here since the late 70s till now. YOU DO THE MATH.

Love this place. Tuesday night KARIOKE is fun

My first visit Beas awesome!!!

Love the dance. Music on weekends !

Awesome place to be. Its a place for everyone....

Closed due to pending Covid-19 restrictions.

For real.But if you find the sunglasses? Thank you.

Cant say good enough... So Ill stop here.

Great LGBT bar.

Definitely has some characters...

The bartender, Sabrina is a Babe!

Gross and disgusting

Very cozy

Ok to drop in and get out.

Fun placelively crowd

Yay!

Meh.

A historical staple of the community.

The bartender... 0 friendly....

Great prices, awesome prices

Perfect

Love

Best place on earth!

Great memories

Great staff

The the road of rainbow.

My local bar

Good boooz

An Institution.