It's combination of warm decor, diverse local patronage, and good bartenders make it the first real hit since The Golden Bear occupied that space until 1992.
And Room 389's gaining a rep: for a cushy backroom so nice patrons to do things like make-out and dry hump.
At least according to this Yelp post by Vandana M of Oakland, who wrote:
I had stopped by for a bit early on in the evening and hung out in the back "lounge" area -- at the time, all seemed normal. Then I returned a few hours later, around 12:30. Suddenly the back room seemed to have turned into a 7th grade rec room party filled with couples making out. One duo was full-on dry humping in the presence of everyone. Meanwhile, the front of the bar was totally normal. My friend and I were highly confused -- is it a "business in the front, party in the back" sort of situation? One part sports bar, two parts Power Exchange? WTF is going on at this place after the clock strikes midnight?Wasn't me. Sorry to say.
I wanted to ask someone but they were all busy stuffing their tongues down each others' faces.
But what Vandana M should have done was either (1) grabbed someone and joined in the fun, or (2) made a video of the action! From what she wrote, no one would have noticed.
But this officially makes Room 389 The Best Place To Make Out With Or Dry Hump Your Date in Oakland. Oh, and what's with Vandana M just checking out the folks kissing and dry-humping, anyway?