The best bars & nightlife in Walnut Creek

Trendy bistro serving Neapolitan flatbreads & Italian fare in rustic-chic, indoor-outdoor quarters.

1005 Brown Ave (Lafayette)

Brewery & taproom pouring California-inspired beers in industrial-chic digs with an outdoor garden.

2700 Mitchell Dr

Local nightclub featuring DJs & theme nights that include line dancing, karaoke & drag shows.

1220 Pine St

This modern taproom & bottle shop features brews on tap plus some basic eats in a bright setting.

2151 Salvio St Ste J (Concord)

Sprawling, industrial brewpub with patio serving house brews, guest beers & modern American eats.

200 Railroad Ave Unit A (Danville)

Laid-back place, featuring American staples plus some vegan and gluten-free options and a kids' menu.

2059 Contra Costa Blvd (Pleasant Hill)

There's more than just drinks at this sports bar with trivia nights, live bands & outdoor seating.

1524 Civic Dr

Stylish nook with a marble bar & patio seats serving cheese plates & California wines by the glass.

3393 Mount Diablo Blvd (Lafayette)

A front patio expands the seating options at this snug bar serving craft cocktails & wine.

1600 L St (Sacramento)

Polished pizzeria for Neapolitan pies, sides & a full bar in a contemporary, airy interior.

172 E Prospect Ave (Danville)

Speakeasy-inspired wine bar with cocktails & New American small plates served in elevated environs.

321 Hartz Ave #3336 (Danville)

Cozy wine bar offering a selection of wines and beers, plus snacks, and patio seating.

2045 Diamond Blvd #12 (Concord)

Familiar pizza parlor with a sports-bar feel, serving burgers and other casual bites.

2207 Country Club Blvd (Stockton)

Casual venue for beers and cocktails served in a laid-back setting, plus karaoke nights.

1796 Willow Pass Rd Rear (Concord)

Low-key cocktail bar in Countrywood Shopping Center offering pool and darts, plus sports on TV.

2068 Treat Blvd

Martini bar serving slushies and hot dogs in a cozy space.

4210 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Sorelle Winery specializes in Italian wines and pours them on a laid-back tasting room and patio, perfect for an easy local hang. They also…

9599 CA-88 (Stockton)

Whether you're craving a fresh pint, live jazz, or a spot to catch the game, Valley Brewing Co delivers with Stockton’s oldest brewery, the…

157 W Adams St (Stockton)

Seka Hills Tasting Room brings the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s estate flavors to Midtown Sacramento, pouring Capay Valley wines and…

1733 S St (Sacramento)

Whether you want to graze through bright, shareable bites or settle into a cozy dinner this week, Vanessa's Bistro 2 serves Vietnamese…

1512 Locust St

Alta Vina pours an ever-curious lineup that invites you to taste outside your usual lane, with friendly guidance that feels more neighbor…

420 3rd St (Oakland)

This week, skip the flight, keep the flavor. La Catalana delivers classic and modern tapas, paella, and rare-to-find fideu, alongside…

3720 N First St Unit 10 (San Jose)

Headlands Brewing - Lafayette is an East Bay brewery and beer garden pouring new releases and familiar favorites, brewed on 100% renewable…

3420 Mount Diablo Blvd Ste A (Lafayette)

Star Lounge hits that sweet spot between polished lounge and relaxed hangout. Settle in this week with a thoughtful cocktail or cold beer,…

2719 K St (Sacramento)

Paper Plane has been crafting artful cocktails since 2013, backed by one of the Bay Area’s largest, highly curated bottle collections. Let…

72 S 1st St (San Jose)

North Beach classic Cafe Zoetrope brings a Roman trattoria vibe to the historic Sentinel Building, serving authentic Italian plates…

916 Kearny St (San Francisco)

Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club and Lounge has been delivering the goods since 1980, with national names, rising locals, and a calendar that…

1207 Front St (Sacramento)

Locally sourced eats paired with housemade wines in a warm space that also features a patio and a wine club.

2831 S St (Sacramento)

Rooftop lounge providing beer, cocktails, and views, as well as happy hour specials.

1616 J St (Sacramento)

Stylish setting for wine, cheese & charcuterie also offers beer & wine by the bottle.

1945 Hyde St (San Francisco)

Casual spot offering tapas such as arancini and short rib, plus happy hour drinks and a fireplace.

2718 J St (Sacramento)

2-story Mission club with a bar downstairs & an upstairs space for dancing to DJ beats & live bands.

647 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Comfy tavern with craft beers, large TVs & sustainable American eats in a historic brick building.

151 W Santa Clara St (San Jose)

Dim, trendy cocktail bar with steampunk decor prepares signature drinks with housemade ingredients.

679 3rd St (San Francisco)

Cozy wine bar offering food, including Italian meatballs, in an intimate setting.

350 W Julian St Bldg 4 (San Jose)

Cozy wine and sake bar with a selection of tinned fish and small bites, plus a wine club.

691 14th St (San Francisco)

Warm haunt in a 1910 Craftsman house with globally inspired pub grub, craft beers & outdoor seating.

1217 21st Street (Sacramento)

Wineshop with tastings and a wine club, plus knowledgeable staff.

420 40th St #2 (Oakland)

Small performance space offering stand-up, improv and sketch comedy.

1710 Broadway (Sacramento)

Casual space for wine tastings, snacks and beer, plus live music, brunch and a membership option.

1506 N Main St

Laid-back eatery, plus bar featuring natural wines as well as eats like oysters, arancini and pasta.

30 Fountain Alley #160 (San Jose)

Relaxed sports bar with 360-degree screens, featuring burgers, tacos, chicken sandwiches and nachos.

414 K St Suite 180 (Sacramento)

Playful bar & arcade for a variety of drinks & vintage video-game machines in a neon-decked space.

2200A Market St (San Francisco)

Stylish wine bar with a selection of natural wines, plus tinned fish, deviled eggs, and other snacks.

2845 18th St (San Francisco)

Relaxed and welcoming restaurant serving burgers and steaks plus signature cocktails and beer.

116 N Hunter St (Stockton)

Bold wallpaper & neon set the backdrop for cocktails & American snacks at this neighborhood lounge.

1439 Taraval St (San Francisco)

Casual spot featuring a lengthy wine list, plus appetizers, salads and oysters.

234 Townsend St (San Francisco)

Pub grub, draft beer & cocktails are on tap at this low-key, brick-walled hangout.

2940 431 Natoma St (San Francisco)

Lively, longtime meat-centric locale known for smoked prime rib, also offering daily specials.

427 Broadway (Sacramento)

Easygoing venue with indoor & outdoor seating plus seasonal Californian plates & ample wines.

368 Santana Row (San Jose)

Intimate hangout with a vintage tiki theme offering tropical cocktails, pu pu platters & meals.

2516 J St (Sacramento)

Intimate theater is a permanent venue for magician & comedian Jay Alexander. Food & drinks served.

419 O'Farrell St (San Francisco)

Western-style tavern featuring a selection of agave spirits and bar bites in casual Old Sacramento surroundings.

916 2nd St (Sacramento)

Long-standing comedy club showcasing famous & up-and-coming comedians. Two-drink minimum.

915 Columbus Ave (San Francisco)

Playful cocktails turned out in a funky, ’80s-themed space with live music, DJs, & pinball machines.

2112 N Main St

Wines from around the world are paired with European dishes & tapas at this cozy, stylish bar.

476 Castro St (San Francisco)

Cheese & small plates join 20 beers & wines on tap in a casual, wood-dominant space with a patio.

1389 Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Sprawling spot with retro furnishings featuring 100+ beers, numerous TVs plus video & table games.

449 Powell St (San Francisco)

Craft cocktail lounge and restaurant featuring seasonal dishes and a menu of creative cocktails.

66 S 1st St (San Jose)

Comfortable tasting room offering pours of the house's own vintages & bottles to take home.

200 2nd Street @, Jackson St (Oakland)

Laid-back space specializing in tap beer, ciders and pub grub, plus trivia nights.

1111 24th St #102 (Sacramento)

3 dance rooms, 15 bars, VIP lounge & outdoor pool, plus themed events and 'dress to impress'-code.

2000 K St (Sacramento)

British-style pub serving burgers and fish and chips as well as beers and cocktails.

1022 2nd St (Sacramento)

Stylish, upscale wine bar pairing natural & biodynamic blends with New American small plates.

1737 Broadway (Oakland)

Cozy wine bar serving natural wines from around the world, plus beer and cocktails.

2413 J St (Sacramento)

Massive gastropub serving craft brews, creative cocktails & elevated pub grub for lunch & dinner.

620 Treat Ave (San Francisco)

English-pub setting for casual eating, trivia/karaoke nights, happy hours & regular DJ sets.

173 W Santa Clara St (San Jose)

Lively pub offering 40+ classic arcade games, a large beer selection & pizza by the slice or pie.

908 K St (Sacramento)

Neighborhood eatery with a mid-century theme, serving American staples, craft cocktails and beer.

3343 Lakeshore Ave (Oakland)

Cozy neighborhood bar specializing in expertly made drinks including cocktails crafted by bartenders and a selection of local brews.

1800 15th St (Sacramento)

Casual bar for sipping wine by the glass, plus bottled brews to go.

1690 Hayes St (San Francisco)

Intimate, rustic-chic haunt offering wines from around the world, craft brews & select small plates.

1435 The Alameda (San Jose)

This stylish bowling alley offers billiards, bars, private lanes, a full food menu & sleek decor.

5420 Thornwood Dr (San Jose)

Cozy bar offering cocktails, beer, and wine, plus live music.

407 E Charter Wy (Stockton)

Neighborhood wine bar and restaurant serving small plates and hosting live music.

9 W Portal Ave (San Francisco)

Coastal-themed boutique bar with hand-painted murals, Venetian plaster, and premium spirits.

121 Pringle Ave

Funky spot offering an eclectic mashup of an arcade, bar, dance club, and restaurant.

1255 7th St (Oakland)

Stylish traditional venue preparing classic Italian food & pairing it with mainly Italian wines.

320A Sharks Wy (San Jose)

Well-worn spot in an unassuming building known for local bands, loud music, drinks & a punk vibe.

98 S Almaden Ave (San Jose)

Mission spot serving beer & American cafe fare, plus live music, comedy & trivia nights.

433 S Van Ness Ave (San Francisco)

Stylish indoor-outdoor joint serving a wide variety of housemade beers alongside hearty BBQ fare.

1322 V St (Sacramento)

Busy hangout for viewing televised sports, with a huge beer selection & extensive pub-food menu.

1420 Lincoln Ave

Relaxed wine bar and shop with a patio, serving small eats and wine by the glass and bottle.

1103 T St (Sacramento)

Cozy wine bar offering a selection of Mediterranean-style bites and happy-hour specials.

1830 Union St (San Francisco)

A full bar & happy hour specials draw crowds to this low-key neighborhood lounge with a large patio.

2424 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Coffee shop, bar & event space boasting a modern setting complete with views & a librarylike vibe.

Center Building A, 2 Marina Blvd (San Francisco)

Low-key hotel bistro & lounge serving American breakfast, lunch & dinner, plus cocktails.

110 W Fremont St (Stockton)

Cozy, bustling locale offering extensive wine & whiskey menus, plus charcuterie, pizza & tapas.

65 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Cozy spot in an old record store serves local brews, an extensive wine menu & modern American fare.

3565 20th St (San Francisco)

Billiards & TV sports are popular at this low-key watering hole with burgers & 30 beers on tap.

2705 Union Ave (San Jose)

Bustling Italian eatery dispensing Neapolitan pizza, housemade pasta & more from an open kitchen.

2355 Chestnut St (San Francisco)

Classic cocktails, inventive pub fare & weekly trivia nights lure locals to this basic sports bar.

1600 Powell St (San Francisco)

Buzzy destination for Spanish pintxos, paella, sangria & drinks served in spacious, modern environs.

1500 Mt Diablo Blvd 2nd Floor

Reservations are required at this swanky, dimly lit unmarked bar known for handcrafted cocktails.

501 Jones St (San Francisco)

Wine bar with a cozy, friendly vibe serving charcuterie and other eats.

110 Folsom St (San Francisco)

Pinball, pool & old-school arcade games, plus music, cocktails & craft beers, in hip, historic digs.

616 Divisadero St (San Francisco)

Upbeat venue featuring gourmet pizza & wood-fired entrees, plus a waterfront patio & live music.

6629 Embarcadero Dr (Stockton)

Wine bar for European wines & small plates in a charming, narrow space with bar & patio seating.

458 Grove St (San Francisco)

Spanish wine bar and taberna offering a selection of pintxos and tapas, plus live music.

2301 Bryant St (San Francisco)

Cozy neighborhood bar known for its natural wine selection and tastings, plus outdoor seating and cheese plates.

3354 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Buzzing gastropub for craft cocktails & elevated American comfort food with seasonal tendencies.

69 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Taproom of San Leandro brewery for house beer plus wood-fired pizza & more in former auto-shop digs.

2325 Broadway (Oakland)

Neighborhood wine and cocktail bar for conversation and nibbles, such as charcuterie, flatbread pizza, and vegan options.

201 Ocean Ave (San Francisco)

Informal establishment featuring small plates, charcuterie and natural wines, plus snails.

4935 Shattuck Ave. (Oakland)

Chill, neighborhood spot with a cozy atmosphere, offering natural wines and charcuterie.

3516 Balboa St (San Francisco)

Happening watering hole with a patio, plus beer on tap & rotating chefs dishing up cool snacks.

135 12th St (Oakland)

Hip wine shop and bar featuring small-batch wines from around the world, plus tastings and classes.

376 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Family-run winery and vineyard offering tastings, events, and outdoor weddings, plus live music.

9051 River Rd (Sacramento)

Spacious, Americana-style spot for ribs, pulled pork & Southern eats paired with whiskey & spirits.

1677 N Main St Suite A

Chic, cozy bistro dishing up elevated Italian pastas & wood-fired pizzas, plus wine & craft beer.

2339 Clement St (San Francisco)

Cheese, charcuterie, panini & many wines by the glass served in a narrow bar & retail store.

1684 Locust St

Burgers, tacos and other eats offered at this casual-chic spot serving craft cocktails and beer.

2353 Pacific Ave Ste b (Stockton)

Cozy, popular lounge with themed tanks above the bar where mermaid-costumed women swim at set times.

1016 K St (Sacramento)

Cider-centric brew house with a dog-friendly patio, live music and pizza.

4311 Attawa Ave #300 (Sacramento)

Part of a NYC comedy club chain started in the '60s, this spot hosts big-name & lesser-known comics.

62 S Second St (San Jose)

Renovated local watering hole draws crowds with its wooden bar & Prohibition-themed memorabilia.

2800 24th St (San Francisco)