One Of California's Last Commercial Establishments With Original Gas Lighting Is A Funky, Historic Oakland Bar

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On June 1, 1884, Johnny Heinold bought what is currently the longest-standing bar in Oakland, California, for merely $100 (an amount that today might cover just a couple of drinks at this very establishment). Initially constructed as a lodging place for oyster farmers, it soon transformed into a saloon and endured more than a century, even managing to stay operational during Prohibition. This historic site, which used to be frequented by seafarers, anglers, and renowned writers, still thrives as a bustling venue where both visitors and residents can drop in for a refreshing beverage in the afternoon.

Low-lit and still using the original wooden tables and bar, Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon is decorated in sailors' caps and life preservers. Having a drink here today won't feel too different then it would have in the 19th century. The bar, which looks as though seamen have been leaving their belongings behind since its conception, is a carefully cluttered museum of American history. On the walls, you'll find photos from both World Wars, the Prohibition Era, and Vietnam. It's a great place to get a beer with a small side of historical charm.

Conveniently reachable by bus, car, on foot, or even by boat ( one of the top tourist attractions in California is this scenic ferry ride This spot is ideal for spending an afternoon out on the water. Situated close to Oakland International Airport, one of the most uncrowded airports in the US Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon is also within easy reach of Alameda, Berkeley, or even San Francisco. Having opened about three decades ago, it's a nearby neighbor of New York's McSorley's Old Ale House, which is the country's eldest Irish pub If your aim is to have a bar experience that closely resembles the authentic one.

Read more: The Coziest Cobblestone Roads in America That Transport You Through History

Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon Transforms into a Literary Hangout Spot

Among the numerous visitors to frequent the saloon throughout history, notable author Jack London stands out. During his youth, London spent nights at this establishment and formed a strong bond with Heinold, eventually receiving financial support from him for his higher education. In 1923, as reported by the Oakland Tribune, KQED He characterized Johnny Heinold as the "patron who shaped Jack London’s formative years, a constant companion to the renowned writer throughout his life and the protagonist in numerous tales penned by London." The site achieved official literary landmark status in 1998. Additionally, it was London himself who ultimately bestowed upon the establishment the nickname “First and Last Chance Saloon.”

Besides writers, politicians, and visitors, the bar has historically welcomed sailors and fishers right from when it first opened. During his visits to the saloon, Jack London might have listened to maritime stories shared by customers, which could have fueled his creativity for writing "The Sea Wolf." Nowadays, at Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, you may find yourself among both residents and travelers, yet previous guests linger through photographs and trinkets displayed around the single-room establishment.

What Does Heinold's First And Last Chance Saloon Look Like Now?

Today, the location is one of, if not the last, commercial establishments in California to use original gas lighting. If you were to come in to get a drink today, you can expect the same moody atmosphere that has characterized the saloon since it opened. Now, you can also sit on the bar's open-air patio, like any other modern beer garden in Oakland.

While the space has changed over the decades, the menu has not changed too much. This is not the place to order a funky cocktail; you come into the saloon for a beer, whisky, or other classic two-ingredient mix. On tap and by the can or bottle, the bar sells beer, cider, and wine. The saloon itself says that spirit options are limited by the small size of the actual bar, and drink offerings can vary week-to-week based on what has been stocked. If you're on a family trip, it's important to note that no one under 21 is allowed into the bar, regardless of whether they're supervised or not. A lot has changed since Jack London slept in the space at 14, but it's still pretty close to the original and definitely worth a visit if you want that rich historic vibe that is also fun at the same time.

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