Best Cocktail Bars In The East Bay

Nothing is worse than ordering a cocktail that fizzles. And as well, nothing is better than the fine flair of food and mixology that can turn what would be a 'so-so' evening into an evening loaded with pizzazz and all that jazz. Make your way to the East Bay and delight in the delicious concoctions the master bartenders serve up, all of which are sure to send your taste buds flip-flopping and into a back handspring.

Enjoy eclectic beer, top-notch cocktails and diverse wines at this imaginative cocktail bar. The restaurant prides itself in simplicity when delivering its concoctions. In other words, you won't taste artificially sweetened or watered-down drinks; you will taste the flavors of the main ingredients of these locally distilled artisan spirits. Along with the experience of the bar and tenders, you'll notice a sophisticated French cuisine atmosphere as you saunter into this contemporary bar. Bijou's vibe is contemporary, adorned with chandeliered rooms, glow bars and comfy lounge chairs. Seating at this little restaurant is located either in the main dining room, lounge, at the bar or on the outdoor sidewalk patio. For a list of cocktails served at Bijou, click here.

Take a stroll down the quaint Main Street in downtown Pleasanton and you'll find a highly applauded cocktail restaurant. The bar serves up extraordinary champagne cocktails, including a champagne and pomegranate drink (Pom Royale) to savor. The cucumber cherry martini is also a favorite of many guests who have sipped this delicious mixture. The extensive cocktail list offers a nice display of sumptuous drinks to pair with traditional foods. The pomegranate version of a Long Island iced tea is described as "potent, yet drinkable and refreshing." View a complete list of cocktails, wines and beer here.

Looking for a cocktail bar with a darkly lit, intimate interior, inviting staff, a robust menu of mouthwatering eats and loads of artisan drinks to offer? Walk down 1^st Street in Livermore until you're standing outside of Zephyr's. If you thirst for a masterfully mixed martini, come to Zephyr's Martini Mondays, where you get $5 vodka or gin drinks all day. Click here to view the Martini Mondays flyer. A discounted lounge menu is available during happy hour.

This is a place for the patron looking for a casual, inexpensive eating/drinking/munching good time. Sliver began as a dream to bring about the finest in food quality and to boost the fight against human slavery at the same time. Yes, that's right, the money you give towards your little slice of heaven will also aid in the fight against human trafficking. "By working with local farmers and vendors in combination with domestic and international anti-slavery organizations, we will celebrate the diverse community of Downtown Berkeley and simultaneously bring significant awareness to the issue of modern day slavery; one sliver at a time." Enjoy a fine cocktail and occasional local live music while supporting this worthwhile cause.

Sushi and teppanyaki lovers can finally unite in a feast of flavorful Asian delight while sipping on luscious, lip-smacking drinks made from the restaurant's abundantly stocked bar. With both sushi bar and table seating available, as well as private rooms, Kaenyama is the supreme setting to get fresh fish and cool cocktails. This restaurant turns into a night lounge from Thursday through Saturday.

Tinctures, bitters and infusions are all here for the tasting at Revival Bar & Kitchen. Don't be shy to ask for your drink made your way.  Professional bartenders make fresh ingredients and premium cocktails. Flights of wines and smaller craft beers are also available. The wine list is extensive, with old world and locally grown, organic wines to choose from. To find out the cocktail for the week, go to Revival B&K's Facebook page.

Kelly Gullo is a freelance writer in San Francisco, CA. Kellys topics are about music and nightlife. Kelly has also written a variety of articles on health and dieting and topics related to the environment. Kelly has a degree in journalism and public relations from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.