The Bay Area is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with a wide variety of establishments offering unique and creative experiences. While the region may not have as many nautical-themed bars as one might expect, there are a few hidden gems that celebrate the seafaring way of life in style. Two new East Bay bars, Luna Sea Lounge in Walnut Creek and Tip-Sea in Berkeley, are making waves with their ocean-inspired decor and high-end cocktails.
Luna Sea Lounge, located in Walnut Creek, transports patrons into a classy, design-forward submarine with its underwater mural and dark wood accents. The bar, which opened in September in the city’s new Waymark building, offers a range of sophisticated cocktails featuring Santa Cruz’s award-winning Luna Sea Vodka. Co-founder Deven Wek, who spent years traveling the globe in search of the perfect vodka recipe, met fellow Californian Kyle Wells at a bar in Guatemala, where they bonded over chess and vodka.
One standout cocktail at Luna Sea Lounge is the Confidential, made with the bar’s namesake vodka line and butterfly pea flowers that change the drink’s color from blue to purple in the presence of citrus. Another must-try is the Smoke Break, a foam-topped cocktail made with bourbon, bitters, smoke, and black cherry. The bar uses a Ripple maker to print images on the foam, taking cocktail art to the next level. Luna Sea Lounge also offers a selection of appetizers and small plates, including chips and salsa, shrimp ceviche, and a charcuterie board featuring San Francisco’s Foustman’s Salami and Point Reyes cheeses.
Sea Star in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood exudes a laid-back, nautical vibe with its ocean blue wallpaper and octopus-shaped chandelier. The bar, which is buzzing with activity on a recent Saturday evening, offers a variety of cocktails crafted by Alicia Walton, the leading lady of the boozy deck crew. From flights of agave, mezcal, bourbon, and scotch to signature cocktails like Spill The Tea and Dutch Flight, Sea Star caters to cocktail enthusiasts looking for a unique drinking experience. While the bar doesn’t have a kitchen, patrons can enjoy crispy pizza slices from nearby Long Bridge Pizza.
Tip-Sea, located in downtown Berkeley, is the brainchild of owner Deepak Aggarwal, known for his innovative cocktails at East Bay Spice Company. The single-room interior of Tip-Sea is dimly lit with purple mood lighting and adorned with nautical decor. The bar’s inventive cocktails feature quality spirits and house syrups infused with ingredients like ginger, lychee, and black tea. With a focus on lesser-known spirits like Chinese-sorghum baijiu and Mexican liqueurs, Tip-Sea offers a unique opportunity to explore new flavors and expand your palate.
Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail at Luna Sea Lounge, enjoying the laid-back vibes at Sea Star, or exploring innovative flavors at Tip-Sea, the Bay Area’s nautical-themed bars offer a refreshing escape from the ordinary. With their creative cocktails, ocean-inspired decor, and unique culinary offerings, these establishments are sure to delight both locals and visitors alike. So set sail for a nautical adventure and discover the treasures that await at these hidden gems in the Bay Area.