It's an experience for sure. Old school sailor bar. They sell cigars you can smoke outside with the 'cigar guy'.
Always right on time and never a disappointment. Merchants is a total essence of dive bar and no comparison to others who claim to be 100 years and counting- say what???? But welcoming to old and new, stop by Merchants if your in Jack London. Put money in the meter if you arrive 9-5ish. And remember where you are, have nothing visible in your car to avoid break ins.
Classic dive bar, had a great time
One of the two most serious dive bars in Oakland