The Payback is the newest project conceptualized by owner Sky Wegman dedicated to the vibrant, social and creative local comm ... unity in Oakland. Sky started bartending in the East Bay in the late 90s and has launched and co-owned several successful joints in San Francisco over the past 12 years. Since 2015, Sky has been working on bringing The Payback, his biggest endeavor yet, to life in Oakland – a place he has called home for nearly twenty years. Centrally located in the heart of downtown Oakland with nearly 9,000 square feet of space, The Payback will be a one-of-a-kind upscale bar, restaurant, and billiards club offering Oaklanders and downtown professionals a fun night out on the town. The menu will feature a unique array of creative and satisfying dishes served all day, and the drink list will focus on a core set of quality cocktails and seasonal specialties sure to please and surprise even the most discerning patrons. These patrons can also socialize over a dozen pool tables, shuffleboard and other recreational bar games. The food and drink menu will see regular monthly and seasonal turnover, and a portion of the mezzanine will be allocated as an entertainment space for buyouts or other house-sponsored events. read more