Best bars in California: find options near you
Discover the best in bars in California. We have selected the top options for you.
Discover 10 outstanding options for bars in California
Here are 10 outstanding options for bars in California based on value for money:
1. Ironside Fish & Oyster
Tuesday: 11:30–22:00
Wednesday: 11:30–22:00
Thursday: 11:30–22:00
Friday: 11:30–23:00
Saturday: 11:00–23:00
Sunday: 11:00–22:00
Ironside Fish & Oyster is located in San Diego. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 8.7. Check all the details here.
2. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Tuesday: 11:00–00:00
Wednesday: 11:00–00:00
Thursday: 11:00–00:00
Friday: 11:00–00:00
Saturday: 10:00–00:00
Sunday: 10:00–00:00
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is located in West Covina. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 8.4. Check all the details here.
3. Claremont Resort & Club
Claremont Resort & Club is located in Berkeley. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 7.8. Check all the details here.
4. Oakhurst Grill & Whiskey 41 Lounge
Tuesday: 16:00–21:00
Wednesday: 16:00–21:00
Thursday: 16:00–21:00
Friday: 11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Saturday: 11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Sunday: 11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Oakhurst Grill & Whiskey 41 Lounge is located in Oakhurst. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 7.6. Check all the details here.
5. Vesuvio Cafe
Tuesday: 11:00–01:00
Wednesday: 11:00–01:00
Thursday: 11:00–01:00
Friday: 11:00–02:00
Saturday: 11:00–02:00
Sunday: 11:00–01:00
Vesuvio Cafe is located in San Francisco. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 7.6. Check all the details here.
6. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 17:00–22:00
Thursday: 17:00–22:00
Friday: 17:00–23:00
Saturday: 17:00–23:00
Sunday: Closed
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is located in San Francisco. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 7.0. Check all the details here.
7. South Gate Brewing Company
Tuesday: 12:00–20:30
Wednesday: 12:00–20:30
Thursday: 12:00–20:30
Friday: 12:00–21:00
Saturday: 11:00–21:00
Sunday: 11:00–20:30
South Gate Brewing Company is located in Oakhurst. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 6.9. Check all the details here.
8. Ducey's On the Lake & Ducey's Bar & Grill
Tuesday: 07:00–20:00
Wednesday: 07:00–20:00
Thursday: 07:00–20:00
Friday: 07:00–20:30
Saturday: 07:00–20:30
Sunday: 07:00–20:00
Ducey’s On the Lake & Ducey’s Bar & Grill is located in Bass Lake. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 6.6. Check all the details here.
9. Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant
Tuesday: 11:00–21:00
Wednesday: 11:00–21:00
Thursday: 11:00–21:00
Friday: 11:00–22:00
Saturday: 11:00–22:00
Sunday: Closed
Plazuelas Mexican Restaurant is located in Oakhurst. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 6.1. Check all the details here.
10. Applebee's Grill + Bar
Tuesday: 11:00–00:00
Wednesday: 11:00–00:00
Thursday: 11:00–00:00
Friday: 11:00–01:00
Saturday: 11:00–01:00
Sunday: 11:00–00:00
Applebee’s Grill + Bar is located in Hayward. Featured in the Bars category, it has a rating of 5.1. Check all the details here.
How to find your ideal bar at the best price in California?
Request help now to find the best price:
- Fill in the details and tell us what you're looking for
- We locate the best bar in California near you
- The company contacts you
Catalog of services offered by bars in California
Draft Beer and Wine Licenses
Obtaining a draft beer and wine license in California is a complex process. Bars can engage legal professionals to navigate the stringent requirements set by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), ensuring compliance with all regulations and facilitating a smooth application process. This involves meticulous paperwork and demonstrating adherence to local ordinances.
Compliance with ABC Regulations
Maintaining ongoing compliance with ABC regulations is paramount for any California bar. Legal counsel can provide expert guidance on areas such as responsible beverage service, age verification procedures, and adherence to specific operational guidelines, mitigating the risk of fines or license suspension.
Contract Negotiation with Suppliers
The procurement of alcohol, glassware, and other bar supplies often involves significant financial outlay. Contract negotiation with suppliers can be expertly handled by legal professionals, securing favorable terms, volume discounts, and ensuring legally sound agreements protecting the bar’s interests.
Liability Management and Insurance Coverage
Operating a bar carries inherent liabilities. Legal experts can assist in securing appropriate insurance coverage – including general liability, liquor liability, and workers' compensation – to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the bar from costly lawsuits stemming from accidents or negligence.
Dispute Resolution with Local Authorities
Conflicts with local authorities, such as the ABC or city planning departments, can arise. Legal representation provides a crucial voice and advocate, effectively communicating with officials and pursuing amicable resolutions to avoid protracted disputes and potential legal action. Effective dispute resolution is key.
Addressing Liquor Law Violations
Should a bar face allegations of liquor law violations – such as over-serving patrons or selling to minors – immediate legal intervention is essential. Attorneys can represent the bar during investigations, negotiate settlements, and defend against charges, minimizing the impact on operations and reputation.
Trademark and Intellectual Property Protection
Protecting a bar’s brand identity, including its name, logo, and unique atmosphere, is important. Legal professionals can assist with trademark registration and other intellectual property protection measures, preventing unauthorized use and safeguarding the bar’s competitive advantage. Maintaining brand integrity is paramount.
Contract Drafting for Vendor Agreements
Bars frequently engage vendors for services like entertainment, catering, and security. Legal counsel can draft robust vendor agreements outlining responsibilities, payment terms, and liability clauses, ensuring a clear and legally binding relationship with external service providers – contributing to operational efficiency and risk management.
Frequently asked questions about bars in California
What does it mean to be a licensed bartender in California?
Becoming a licensed bartender in California involves a rigorous process overseen by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency. It’s not simply about serving drinks; it requires completing a state-approved training course, passing a written exam covering alcohol laws, responsible beverage service, and safety protocols. Furthermore, applicants must undergo a criminal background check and demonstrate a commitment to preventing underage drinking and drunk driving. Obtaining a license is a significant undertaking, requiring substantial dedication.
What are the requirements for opening a bar in California?
Opening a bar in California is a complex undertaking governed by numerous state and local regulations. The first step is obtaining a federal Brewer's Notice from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Subsequently, you’ll need to secure a license from the ABC, which typically involves demonstrating that the premises meet specific criteria, including square footage, zoning regulations, and proximity to residential areas. Local city and county permits are also required, adding further layers of compliance and potential fees.
What is the ABC’s role in regulating bars?
The California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency plays a crucial role in regulating bars and the sale of alcohol throughout the state. Its primary responsibilities include licensing and permitting, conducting inspections to ensure compliance with laws, investigating complaints regarding illegal alcohol sales or activities, and enforcing dram laws – laws designed to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving. The ABC’s actions significantly impact bar operations.
What are dram laws and why are they important?
Dram laws in California are a set of regulations designed to prevent the sale and consumption of alcohol to minors and intoxicated individuals. These laws dictate age restrictions, responsible beverage service practices, and measures to prevent drunk driving. Strict enforcement of dram laws is critical for public safety and for holding establishments accountable for their role in alcohol-related incidents. They represent a cornerstone of California's alcohol regulations.
How does the ABC conduct inspections of bars?
The ABC conducts inspections of bars to assess compliance with state and local laws. These inspections can be unannounced or scheduled and cover a range of areas, including age verification procedures, responsible beverage service training, storage and handling of alcohol, and adherence to dram laws. Inspectors use a checklist to evaluate the bar’s operations and can issue warnings, citations, or even suspend or revoke licenses if violations are found.
What is responsible beverage service (RBS)?
Responsible beverage service (RBS) is a set of practices designed to minimize the harm associated with alcohol consumption. It’s a cornerstone of bar operations and requires bartenders to be trained to recognize signs of intoxication, refuse service to intoxicated patrons, and prevent underage drinking. RBS training covers topics such as alcohol awareness, service techniques, and conflict resolution.
What are the consequences of violating California’s alcohol laws?
Violating California’s alcohol laws can result in a range of penalties, depending on the severity of the offense. These penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, criminal charges (such as DUI), and civil lawsuits. Repeat offenders face more severe consequences. The ABC has significant power to enforce compliance and protect the public.
How does California’s open alcohol policy affect bars?
California operates under an open alcohol policy, meaning that alcoholic beverages can be served on public sidewalks and in outdoor areas, subject to certain limitations. Bars must obtain permission from the ABC to serve alcohol outdoors, and there are restrictions on noise levels, seating arrangements, and proximity to residential areas. This policy presents unique operational challenges for bars.
What is the role of local governments in regulating bars?
Local city and county governments play a significant role in regulating bars through zoning ordinances, permitting processes, and local alcohol laws. These regulations can vary significantly depending on the location and may include restrictions on hours of operation, noise levels, and the density of bars in a particular area. Bars must comply with both state and local regulations to operate legally.
How does California’s alcohol tax system impact bar costs?
California’s alcohol tax system significantly impacts bar costs, as bars are required to pay excise taxes on the sale of alcoholic beverages. These taxes vary depending on the type of alcohol and the volume sold. The excise tax revenue is used to fund alcohol control programs and public health initiatives. Bar owners must carefully manage their costs to account for these taxes.