Shaken & Stirred: Must-Try Cocktail Spots in Lodi

Lodi's cocktail scene punches well above its weight. From swanky garden bars and Italian tableside smokes to dive bar classics and craft brewery pours, there's a drink — and a vibe — for every kind of night out. Here are the best cocktail spots in Lodi, California.

Oxford Kitchen

Oxford Kitchen takes cocktail-making to the next level with their curated selection of handcrafted drinks. Their mixologists use fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and premium liquors to deliver an elevated drinking experience that perfectly complements their menu of delectable bites. Our drink of choice? The Oxford Bramble, featuring vodka, blackberry, zinfandel, and mint.

Pi Bar

Pi Bar is serving up a menu of innovative cocktails crafted with top-shelf spirits. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drink or something with a modern twist, their bartenders have you covered. With Pi Bar’s signature cocktails, like the gourmand style Fine & Fancy or a tart and tropical glass of Creams & Dreams, you’ll be sure to have a great drink in hand!

Papapavlo’s Bistro and Bar

Not only is Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar our go-to for mouthwatering Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, but their bar is one of the best settings in town for a craft cocktail. With an extensive drink menu featuring both timeless classics and inventive new creations, there’s always something exciting to try. Whether you’re in the mood for a bold, spirit-forward sip or a refreshing, citrus-infused delight like the Botanical Buzz, be sure to check out Papapavlo’s for the ultimate night out in Lodi with delicious food and a cocktail in hand!

Pietro’s

Italian food with a side of cocktails? Sign us up! At Pietro’s Trattoria, the cocktail menu is as delicious as their classic Italian bites. Think of refreshing favorites like a twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, or opt for a creative take on an Old-Fashioned with The Smoking Gun, a bourbon-based drink that is smoked tableside. Nothing beats a fresh cocktail to go hand in hand with their seasonal Italian menu.

Know Place

If you are looking to have a good time at an insider’s spot in town, Know Place should be your next go-to! This hometown favorite is a gem among locals and out-of-towners who want to have fun with a great cocktail in hand after a day of exploring Lodi wine country. This dive bar features a menu of the classics, tiki-adjacent drinks, and a stellar seasonal menu that changes quarterly.

Americana House

A swanky spot for locals and visitors alike, Americana House features an incredibly delicious menu of cocktails that show off our region’s best, with many fresh flavors picked straight from the gardens at Wine & Roses. A must-try is the Pear Martini, which features notes of pear, elderflower, and spice, to pair perfectly with great company, and live jazz music!

Market Tavern

Market Tavern is downtown Lodi's go-to for a cocktail that feels thoughtfully made without taking itself too seriously. The bar program leans seasonal and creative, the atmosphere is lively without being loud, and it's the kind of place that works equally well for a quick post-dinner drink or a full night out.

West Oak Nosh

While strolling Downtown Lodi, stop into West Oak Nosh, an American-German local favorite serving up a menu of delicious cocktails! With fun creations that will keep your mouth watering, like the Jalapeno Margarita, you simply won’t go wrong. Pro tip: order a side of Nosh Fries with your delicious cocktails!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best bars for cocktails in Lodi, CA?

Lodi has a strong cocktail scene spread across bars, restaurants, and unique venues. Top picks include The Oxford Kitchen for elevated handcrafted drinks with fresh and house-made ingredients, Americana House at Wine & Roses for garden-to-glass cocktails with live jazz, Papapavlo's Bistro & Bar for a full Mediterranean dinner alongside a strong bar program, Pietro's Trattoria for tableside smoked cocktails like The Smoking Gun, Know Place for tiki-adjacent drinks in a beloved local dive bar setting, Pi Bar for innovative cocktails with top-shelf spirits, West Oak Nosh for fun German-inspired creations like the Jalapeño Margarita, and Market Tavern for a lively downtown bar experience.

Where is a good cocktail bar in Downtown Lodi?

Downtown Lodi has several excellent cocktail options within walking distance of each other. The Oxford Kitchen on Sacramento Street, 20 North, West Oak Nosh, Papapavlo's, and Market Tavern are all downtown and can easily be combined for a cocktail crawl. Americana House at Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses is a short drive from downtown and worth the trip for the garden setting and live music.

Does Lodi have a cocktail bar with live music?

Yes. Americana House at Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses features live music alongside their cocktail program in a beautiful resort garden setting. Several downtown venues also host live music on weekends — check the Visit Lodi events calendar for the current schedule.

What is a unique cocktail experience in Lodi?

The Smoking Gun at Pietro's Trattoria is one of the most memorable cocktail experiences in Lodi — a bourbon-based Old Fashioned variation served smoked tableside. Americana House's garden-to-glass cocktails featuring ingredients from the Wine & Roses gardens are another standout. For something more casual and eclectic, Know Place's seasonal tiki-adjacent menu changes quarterly and always has something unexpected.

Is Lodi good for a night out?

Yes. Lodi has a surprisingly lively and varied nightlife scene for a small wine country town. Options range from elevated cocktail bars and Italian restaurants with smoked tableside drinks to dive bars, brewery patios, and a BARcade at Q25 Arcade Bar. Downtown Lodi is walkable and compact, making it easy to hit multiple spots in one evening.

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Natalie Morlino

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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