San Francisco
Determined 20-something club kids shimmy and shout over pop remixes on the cramped dance floor, while smokers flirt on the patio. Perpetually busy…
Must-see nightlife in Northern California
San Jose
Photos of local theater folks line the walls at this high-ceilinged hangout a few doors down from the California Theatre. Linger over a cappuccino with a…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
With DJ booths and go-go dancers, this Top 40 and electro dance club draws a young party crowd that enjoys getting their bodies painted in-house. Ladies…
Redding & Around
Too bad for fans of the cheap stuff, this local pub keeps a selection of highly hopped beers on tap and sells T-shirts emblazoned with ‘No Crap on Tap.’…
Oakland
No wireless internet, no artful decor, no hipster baristas. This is a barebones spot for local Vietnamese who come to play the lottery, gossip their ears…
Monterey
At this basement British pub, the first thing you’ll notice is the red plaid carpeting, then the plentiful draft beers and single-malt scotches, not to…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Bus Stop has 17 flickering TV screens, two pool tables and a manly crowd that roars when their team scores. If one of your party wants to shop but you…
North Coast & Redwoods
This popular dimly-lit beer house has a huge range of carefully selected beer taps, fish tacos, buffalo wings and for veggies, smoked tofu (pub grub $11…
Sacramento
Down an alley in a yellow Victorian, stiff drinks go for less than $5. Personal space is nil in this rowdy dive. Start here before touring the four-block…
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
On the lake behind the Beach Retreat complex, this upstairs and upscale restaurant at the Timber Cove marina is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails,…
San Jose
Inside the elegant 1931 Hotel De Anza, the Hedley Club is a good place for a quiet drink in swanky art deco surroundings. Jazz combos play most nights.
Monterey
Dozens of craft beers from around the world bring folks into this Cannery Row bar-and-grill, as does an outdoor deck with roaring fire pits. Elevated…
Lake Tahoe
This locals’ dive bar looks rough around the edges, but happy hours are supercheap and you can catch live music, from bluegrass to punk, DJs, dancing or…
Oakland
Go Uptown to get down. At this long-running restaurant and lounge, DJs spin a soulful mix of hip-hop, R&B and Latin grooves Thursday to Sunday nights …
Triple Rock Brewery & Ale House
Berkeley
Opened in 1986, Triple Rock was one of the Bay Area's original microbreweries. The house beers and pub grub are okay, but the antique wooden bar and…
Napa Valley
The one true dive bar in Yountville, this is the place to swill tequila with vineyard workers early in the night; a young locals crowd grows as the night…
Santa Cruz
An escape from downtown Santa Cruz's dives, this upstairs pool hall has Brunswick Gold Crown tables for shooting stick, darts, shuffleboard and big-screen…
Santa Cruz
Pull up a seat at this Hawaii-themed tiki bar for mai tais, lilikoi (passion fruit) margaritas, zombie cocktails and happy-hour pupus (appetizers).
San Jose
If you seek a well-poured pint, friendly British-style Trials Pub, north of St James Park, has excellent cask ales on tap, pub grub and a fireplace in the…
Mt Shasta Region
If you're missing Starbucks, this place serves their coffee but is otherwise a homey, cafe where locals gossip while eating homemade pastries and light…
Santa Cruz
With dreamy ocean views, this spot pours California boutique wines, including hard-to-find bottles from around Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Half Dome Village Peets Coffee Corner
Yosemite National Park
Located within the Half Dome Village Pavilion is this little place to grab a coffee and bagel or pastry. Future plans call for a Starbucks.
Sacramento
A wide selection of California and European reds and a refined bistro menu make this a favorite for young professionals on the prowl.
Sacramento
This friendly dive stands out from Sac’s many workaday joints with its huge beer selection, tall pours and 1980s-loaded jukebox.
Napa
Live music Thursday to Sunday, TV sports nightly and a pet-friendly, riverfront patio. Often packed, usually messy.
Sacramento
Hip young patrons nurse organic free-trade coffee and chai morning to night in this steel and concrete space.
Berkeley
Open late, Au Coquelet is a popular stop downtown for coffee, pastries and late-night studying.
Napa
Dudes with beards swill craft beers and throw darts inside this lively pool hall.
Redding & Around
Cafe in the Turtle Bay Museum Store serving hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
