Billy Wilder’s Lost Weekend is a dark film based on a five day bender by a struggling writer. The Lost Weekend Lounge may be a place to lose a few hours, but hardly takes itself as seriously as the classic movie.

Located across the estuary from Oakland in the heart of Alameda, or “on the Island” as locals refer to it, the Lost Weekend Lounge has a retro feel. Old televisions from the 50’s, a lava lamp collection, and nostalgic beer point-of sale including a Lucky Lager Beer sign reminding us that it is “lucky if you live out west,” are part of the bar decor.

Framed album covers featuring Waylon Jennings, Johnnie Cash, Merle Haggard and others grace the walls. A picture of Patsy Cline is a centerpiece. A bandstand in the back of the bar is occupied on weekends, although the bar is small with just five table tops. The lights typically remain off during the day, adding to the ambiance although it is more out of practicality. The lack of lighting keeps the bar’s temperature down on warm days.

Because of the convenient location in the middle of a busy block, a constant flow of people pop in and out of the bar from its 2pm opening. The local shoeshine guy comes in for a cigarette, and pays $.25 to a patron. Young and old make up the customer mix and the inventory of beers and liquor rivals bars twice the size.

One of the funniest sights in the bar is a picture of John Wayne in military garb on the door of the Men’s urinal with the caption “A man has to do what a man has to do.” When in Alameda, a must do is a visit to the Lost Weekend Lounge. – D.M.