The 411 on Bar Shiru #

Address: 1611 Telegraph Ave
Region: Downtown Oakland
Website: https://www.barshiru.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barshiruoakland

The Vibe: Bar Shiru became the Bay Area’s first hi-fi vinyl listening bar in 2019. Honestly, I only vaguely know what it means to be hi-fi, but I do know I enjoy the bar’s concept, which is that of quality drink-making mixed with quality music that takes priority over conversation. It’s a space to soak in sounds while you relax, rather than become overwhelmed by them.

bar shiru inside

Admittedly, it doesn’t look like much from outside.

bar shiru entrance

But check in with the security guard stationed before the distinctive Café Van Kleef signage, and you’ll soon find yourself in a respectful temple to vinyl acoustics.

bar shiru interior

I’ve always been intrigued by the listening bar concept but never had the chance to check out Bar Shiru until recently. Full albums are played in their entirety, and they are mostly selected by the owners or guest curators for an evening, with a focus on international, jazz, and soul genres. If there’s a special artist being highlighted, you’ll see it right by the host table. For our visit, we soaked in the sounds of Haruomi Hosono’s newly released 23rd album, “Yours Sincerely.”

bar shiru what's playing

Staff will seat you. If it is a special event, table service is the standard. Otherwise, order your Japanese whiskey, cocktails, mocktails, wine, or beer at the bar. Parties of 2 to 4 are best, but up to 6 may be accommodated.

bar shiru

For times when even music-level conversation feels like too much, you may want to check out Silent Sundays, a regular event from 4 to 5:30pm during which no talking is allowed. Be sure to browse the Bar Shiru website for the full list of themed nights and upcoming genre or artist highlights.

My Take on Bar Shiru #

The Drinks: My first choice was the Higher Ground cocktail. Bar Shiru helpfully shares an icon for each drink, indicating in which type of glass it’ll be served. The Higher Ground comes in a mini coupe, garnished with orange zest.

bar shiru higher ground

The Oaxacan rum, chai, amaro, coffee liqueur, and walnut bitters combines into a lively, rich mix of spice and bitterness. I will be ordering that again, if I get the chance.

My husband’s Actual Proof came in a rocks glass with a pandan leaf garnish.

bar shiru actual proof

It’s made with Toki Japanese whiskey, lemon, pandan, yellow chartreuse, and dry vermouth. I only had a couple sips, and while I love all those ingredients, it tasted off-balanced to me, like a discordant note. My husband did not agree.

For a second round, started once “Yours Sincerely” began to play, I opted for the Tea Leaf Dancer, this time in a stemless coupe.

bar shiru tea leaf dancer

It was a lighter, more vivacious option with gin, oolong tea, lemon, lillet rose, ginger honey, and orange blossom water. The ginger honey provided the backbone for this drink, synthesizing all the other elements into pleasant sips.

My husband chose Part Time Love for our second round.

bar shiru cocoktail

It combines Redwood rye and bourbon with Cocchi di Torino, dry vermouth, Fernet, bitters, and saline. I had only a sip, but the use of saline and three apéritifs to combine with two whiskeys made it a unique offering, for sure! Lots of bitterness and salt, so those ice cubes are necessary for dilution.

Would I Go Back? Bar Shiru is an excellent option when I’d like a night out, but not necessarily one spent socializing. Sometimes, rather than talking, you want to bask in the presence of your friends or a spouse while also basking in a shared interest, such as listening to musical albums.

bar shiru record player

With Bar Shiru’s attention to detail in music and bartending quality, it makes for a great alternate experience.

Visited 10 September 2026.