Liege in Old Oakland

Nestled between empty business fronts in Old Oakland is the recently opened Liege Spirits Lounge. Spacious with high ceilings, Liege is the laid-back lounge downtown needs to fill its nighttime repertoire of clubs, hole-in-the-wall bars and upscale dining.

Most importantly, happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Deals are on par to other bars with $3 Linden Street Black Oak Lager, $5 well cocktails and $2 off glasses of wine.

As the name implies, spirits are the focus with 10 specialty cocktails ranging from $9 to $14. The bartenders also come up with daily drink specials, such as Friday’s farmer’s market special made with fresh fruit from the Old Oakland market outside Liege's doors. About every two months, the wine menu changes to showcase a new region. Most recently Latin American whites, reds and bubbly were featured. The beer selection is limited with four drafts, currently Linden St. Burning Oak Black Lager, Duvel Green, Guiness and Houblon Chouffe, and bottles, ranging from $5 to $6.

In addition to drinks, you can find appetizers and snacks on the menu. The kitchen pairs with the wine, whipping up guacamole, ceviche and taquitos to go with the Latin American wines. Another feature on the menu is fondue, a perfect date food. For $14, you can get beer sirloin or Mexican white prawns, each with a side of mixed vegetables. Then pick from 12 sauces ranging in spiciness and uniqueness (pablano and kiwi, jalapeno and black cherry?).

With two flatscreens and tons of space to sit in large, vinyl chairs, Liege is an easy place to settle with drinks after work. Do note that you will be charged tax on drink only orders if you pay by credit card.

Liege Spirits Lounge
481 9th St., Oakland