Soft Notes Restaurant and Lounge

This was a nice bar/​lounge near 19^th street Bart station. It had a clean décor and attracted a nice crowd. No smoking allowed and decent Jazz music. It was a great location for happy hour with some coworkers. I think they just lost their liquor rights and had to close down. If they reopen, I will definitely go here again for happy hour.

Lost your liquor license?
What did you do?

This place is very convenient for BART goers (right of 19^th Street BART station).
It’s a laid back, welcoming place with a lovely jazz band, attentive bartenders and decent food. The drinks aren’t ridiculously stiff but they certainly aren’t weak.
There is also a little upstairs area that is a bit more private and has a pool table.
I’ve been here twice now. The first time for DYL and it was fantastic. The second time with a few friends and unfortunately it seems this bar doesn’t get nearly enough attention. The crowd was thin and they really deserve more customers. I’m thinking DYL needs to return to this place because they treated us so well. Every time I’m in this joint I feel classy.
Oh, and let’s not forget the music in between sets is ridiculously good too. Most notably was when they played Jodeci. FREAKIN JODECI?! YES!
This also was the place that I first met my boyfriend. That night he sang along to Jodeci.
I have to thank Soft Notes for being a casual setting and playing such good music. It helped to know that the tall handsome man I was talking to had good taste in music, too ;)

Great music, good people. the place is small, but they are welcoming and helpful and attentive. the chocolate martini was delicious, the fish and chips were alright. the chips part were freezer burned tasting, but the fish was good. the wings are spicy if you like spicy, which I do. this is southern food, so if you come, bring some prilosec.

For what it was this place was great. The décor kinda freaked me out and the layout was a bit lame but I understand they don’t expect to have a group of 40 alcoholics inhabit their space at such and hour. And thats ok, most places don’t. But then again that is why we always call ahead!
I will say this though, they ere playing some CUTS. If u don’t know what a cut is let me enlighten you. a cut is a song that get u going, for some ppl its the first time they heard the Beatles. U know that feeling u get? If ur shaking ur head then I’m with you I’ve never actually attained that feeling from the Beatles but others have. So Instead of the Beatles try, 2pac, or E-​40, or Aaliyah, o Whitney [pre crack], hell even jodeci and Luther. All of those could be considered cuts depending on the situation in which the song was played.
So there was this classy ass bartender by the name of Cordel. Cordel… u can get it. Why can Cordel get it u ask? B/​c this fool made a a strong ass Apple Martini dammit. I mean it was a one hitter quitter and still tasted delicious. Sir I commend you on your expertise and appreciate the time and love that you put into my beverage, u sir get 5 stars no doubt!

Good food, reasonable prices, convenient location, and a cool blues/​jazz band on Friday nights are some of the highlights of this classy lounge in downtown Oakland. I was excited when I discovered the upstairs area with its free pool table and ceiling-​mounted TV. At least until the table slid around on the floor, the felt warped the ball’s path, and a 5-​foot-​nothing Japanese woman playing pool for the first time ever kicked my butt playing Cutthroat. [scowl] Still, it was a lot of fun, and you can’t complain about free pool at a bar. The staff were friendly and sharply-​dressed, though once happy hour got going, it proved difficult to get acknowledged, let alone served. Despite the band and being packed until I left at 12:30, the volume wasn’t too horrible. It was tough to chat near the stage area, but upstairs or near the front door were fine. A fun time overall and definitely someplace I’d return.
TRIVIA: «Pool», as it refers the various types of pocket billiards games such as 8-​ball, derives from fairly sketchy origins. Historically, gamblers often met in back rooms to pool their money for off-​track betting on horse races. Since many of those venues offered billiards tables, the term «pool» came to refer more to the playing of billiards than the gambling.

So back in E-​ville (meaning Evansville, not Emeryville), there’s a place where all the Ol’ G’s from way back hang out. And the Young Gs. And pretty much everyone else because that’s the only place to go. And it’s a liiiiiiiiitle too bright, but the drinks are decent, the music is good, and like I said, there’s no other place to go. Like seriously, I’ve seen some of the guys my age from church and a couple of the old dudes who look at me and then start telling me stories about how in love they were with my aunt (who’s in her 60s now) back in the day cause she sho’ nuf was a looker.
Yeah — SoftNotes is kinda like that place. It’s not dive-​y in the hip, cool, PBR kinda sense. It’s dive-​y in the Old man in Stacy Adams and thick-​n-​thins mixed with baby (wannabe) thug kind of sense. It vaguely reminded me of a smaller, less classy Close Up 2 in Chicago (
). The band was great and was loud enough to make conversation difficult, but not so loud that conversation was impossible. The drinks were good enough — not as strong or as big as Egberts, but not completely lacking either.
I won’t rush back, but I’d visit again for the nostalgia of being back in E-​ville

Classy — elegant, confident, sound in judgment, even-​tempered, of classic roots
Sophisticated — fashionable, complicated, aesthetic, high-​maintenance, discerning
Ms. Ivy’s is classy — the bartenders are dressed up, mix with flair, and offer amazing, friendly service. The clientelle are older and conduct themselves with a good mix of dignity and levity. There are no pretentions — this is a welcoming place with high standards of comportment.
From what I saw, this place is not exactly sophisticated. The bar has an 80’s remodel feel about it, from the mirrored walls to the tulip-​shaped brass lighting above, and the bartenders made a few drinks well. No 10-​page mixologist theses here. The music was basically more entertaining and energetic versions of «smooth jazz» classics.
Now, personally, I’d rather be classy than sophisticated, but I’m pretty sure I’m more sophisticated than classy. I still had a great time at Soft Notes. My Manhattan was the strongest I’d ever had, and damn tasty — two definitely drank like four. The clientelle were genuine and nice people who seemed totally comfortable with themselves and into having a good time no matter what their BAC. Soft Notes is definitely the kind of place I get caught into long discussions with men about how to treat a lady right. Those are more entertaining than anything else.

Classy? No. Klassy? Yes!
Unless you consider black lighting to be classy. I don’t. Maybe in some circles it is, but I say «1978 called and they want their Zeppelin posters and black light back». I felt like I should have busted out a roach clip or bong, rather than sip on my dirty martini.
Mixed drinks are done reasonably well (not great, not bad), but this would not be a usual destination for me.

«Every time I close my eyes…»
More like Awesome Notes!
«I wake up feelin’ so horrrrrrny!»
I guess I’m a total sucker for a cool jukebox/​music selection, because that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of last night’s experience at Soft Notes and my trip to Nick’s in Berkeley a couple weekends ago.
«I can’t get you out of my mind…»
I mean, I haven’t heard «Freek’N U» by Jodeci anywhere except my iPod since high school, but it played here and brought a nice toothy smile to my face. I also got to do an across-​the-​room duet of «Just My Imagination» with my pal Maya — thumbs up.
«Cuz sexin’ you be all IIIIII see»
The service was spectacular, which says a lot considering they had to be overwhelmed. But the bartenders seemed to be having as much fun as the patrons.
«I would give anything…»
I had plenty of experiences with the bathroom — enough to make me wonder if I need some Flomax or something. It was cool, but not as nice as some of previous reviewers make the women’s bano sound.
«Just to make you understaaaaand me»
I think they brew some of their own beer here — or at least they name their taps Soft Notes Hef /​Ale /​whatever. Tasty.
«I don’t give a damn about nothin’ else»
And they serve them in pint glasses and tall, long glasses they call «gallons,» although there is certainly not a gallon of beer there. But that would be pretty awesome.
«Freek’n you is alllll IIIII neeeed»
Soft Notes rules and I’m comin’ back soon. Shout out to all the Jodeci fans!

I don’t know how this place is classified as a «Dive Bar» because this place does not feel diveish in the least bit. Sure it does look a bit sketchy from the outside but, a dive this ain’t.
Even though they have a menu, due to a lack of tables eating doesn’t really work out real well when this place is packed, like at the DYL. Nevertheless, their hush puppies are fried perfectly; creamy on the inside and not burnt on the outside. Portions were a little bit small though.
The live music was awesome, a real piano would have made it that much better but in small space, maybe you can’t fit a piano.
I’ll most definitely make a return visit.

This is one classy place on a Friday night. Lemon Drops, Cosmos, and Appletini’s were amazing. The beer was poured in these beautiful, tall glasses. The bartender had on a uniform. The owner was dressed up and helping behind the bar as well. They managed very well with a crowded bar of thirsty and hungry patrons, nobody had an empty glass for long.
The first thing I wanted to do was eat. I shared the combo platter with a friend. Three pieces of fish (snapper or catfish your choice) and three prawns with a side for $ 8.95. Yup, you heard me right. All the seafood was fried and finger-​licking good. I could have eaten the whole thing myself but since I offered to share…
Every Friday and Saturday evening there is live Jazz or Blues or R&B band (no cover charge). Tonight there was a soulful band with a woman who had a smooth voice.
If the main bar is too loud for you there is a hidden stairway across from the mens room which takes you to a tranquil room with a TV, pool table and plenty of seating to sit and relax.
The lady’s room was clean, however there was only one stall which may get really busy later in the evening. I guess there is a price to pay for hanging out in this great place.
Soft Notes is an amazing find in the bay area and should be considered one of Oakland’s best destination spots on a Friday or Saturday night. I know I’ll be back.

Soft Notes (not Ms. Ivy’s Soft Notes) has received a bad wrap & I want to clear the air…
From reading some of the comments posted & after reading between the lines of those drunken comments, it appears the only truth provided was when you go to SN you will receive friendly personalized service, good food and drinks and most of all an environment where everyone is welcomed. The dress code has not been enforced but will be soon. As people say «image is what one is judged.» At SN the venue displays style and charm that should have a crowd that also represents the same style and charm. Sagging jeans, tennis shoes and Timberland boots will SOON be a thing of the past.
To my surprise SN is Oakland’s best kept secret. I agree, the owner takes pride in bringing back what I feel our society has gotten away from. I think most people have gotten comfortable with being degraded and discounted (my name is not B***** or h**. My experience at SN has always been pleasant and the REAL men that come to SN know how to treat women in a gentlemen-​like fashion. True, you can come to SN as you are, but when the customers are dressed to impress those not dressed as such might feel uncomfortable. Don’t be, SN just doesn’t tolerate jeans hanging off the behind. Don’t get me wrong jeans are ok, just present them in a stylish way (haven’t you seen jeans dressed up with a dress shirt, tie and casually styled shoes)?
As someone mentioned the customer base is typically 30 y/​o and older. SN is a venue where adults feel comfortable and don’t feel like the atmosphere is for youngsters looking for hip-​hop. Please leave the kids at home.
SN, a place where people socialize, eat great food AND the drinks are off the hook! If you haven’t had the Dungeness crab you are missing a wonderful treat.
Live entertainment happens on Friday and Saturday and the MUSIC is always a combination of JAZZ, BLUES or R&B. No Cover, however a two-​drink minimum applies. Where else can you go other than the farmers market to hear good live entertainment for No Cover. Just eat and drink and SN is there to please.
I’ve personally seen class, charm and etiquette that most people have forgotten about and you will see this when you come to:
Soft Notes Restaurant & Lounge. (Not Ms. Ivy’s Soft Notes). I think from reading some of the comment this must be people that haven’t been to Soft Notes Restaurant & Lounge. I think you should come and see for yourself.
I heard a new menu is coming soon and a HAPPY HOUR menu too! The food is VERY REASONABLE ALSO.
The owner Mr. King and his staff are there for your entertainment needs. You will not be disappointed.

Definitely a 5-​star lounge!
Here is some useful info to suck on…
–Attentive bartender
–Snazzy décor
–Stage for live performances
–2^nd floor w/​pool table and all together 2^nd club-​like atmosphere for private parties
–Clean bathroom
–1.5 block from 19^th St. BART
–Friendly regulars
–Good tunes
We breezed through here on my birthday to get our drink on and scout the place for a future event. Not only was the bartender friendly to me and my pal (A.G), but he didn’t leave our side once he got a lil familiar with us.
Granted, we are 2 highly entertaining, intense, sexy bitches, so I can’t blame him for hovering.
Starting off, I swore to my pal that I was not going to mention my birthday to anyone, as I hated attention like that. :)
Well, 1 very well vodka’d appletini later, Adrienne was outside smoking with the bartender and I turned to one of the Soft Note’s regulars and exclaimed: «It’s my birthday!» — The lady smiled, wished me well and said how much she adored Cancers (who doesn’t?).
My absolut appletini & cosmo only cost $ 7.00 (each) and came with an additional shot glass full of the rest of my martini that was left in the shaker. I love Oakland for this — they do it at Egberts too and it’s like getting 2 for the price of one!
My cosmo was girltastically delicious and I found it to taste better than the appletini.
When Darling Nicky by Prince came on, I almost lost my goddamned mind. Seriously? Darling Nicky? Oooh yes!
This is one of those places you can go to seriously lose yourself in conversation & martinis with your friends or join in on the chit chat that the regulars have going on.
I felt welcomed, comfortable and totally ready to come back for more!

I went in here on a whim after a doc appt nearby a few months ago — the bartender was great! Since it was slow (I think it was six-​ish on a wednesday), I asked him to surprise me with something gin-​based & not too sweet. I can’t recall now whatall went into it, but it was tasty, less than 7 bucks, and strong.
A few business ladies sat next to me at the bar, and despite being gussied up in corporate-​wear, their mood was amicable & casual. The appetizers they ordered looked tasty enough that I looked through the menu, but I didn’t try anything since I was just hanging there for a sec before meeting friends for dinner a couple blocks away.
Definitely worth return visits, I’m curious what the vibe is like on different days/​times. Hope to make it to the DYL there on 7/​11, if so, I’ll update.

they have no draft beers here and few bottled beers save heinken. i’m guessing, i didn’t ask. all the african american patrons here were either drinking house wine (7) in a large goblet, cognac in sniffers, or reddish looking mixed cocktails. myself some holland vodka (8).
they have lovely jazz music in the background. an atheltic black bartender is energetically and smilingly serving everyone. he’s wearing a tux top and blue jeans bottom. a flat screen tv is showing something, i forget what.
there’s a limited variety of spirits to choose from here. nevertheless, the atmosphere is great. metered parking available outside.