14 Best Pubs and Bars in Fresno, CA
Fresno County offers a great nightlife scene with various options for those seeking a relaxing spot, live events, and sports. In this blog post, we take you through some of the best pubs and bars in Fresno.
Especially Tower District and downtown Fresno have many restaurants, bars, pubs, and lounges, making it the perfect place to spend an evening. In summary, pubs and bars in Fresno offer something for everyone, and the city’s nightlife scene is not to be missed!
Pubs & Bars in Fresno
Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar
Modernist on Fulton Street in downtown Fresno is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a nice date night. The staff is super friendly and always up for a good chat.
The seating options inside and outside are fantastic, but we especially love their fully open patio area where you can enjoy a drink and listen to lovely music.
One of the standout features of Modernist is its rotating menu of specialty cocktails for every season. If you’re not feeling adventurous, you can always opt for a classic cocktail like Paloma, mojito, or spicy margarita.
Don’t miss out on their all-night Happy Hour Wednesdays! Plus, they offer some tasty small-snack options to pair on while you sip.
Lucy’s Lounge
Lucy’s is an upscale lounge in the heart of the Tower District. The lounge has stylish decorations, live jazz music performances, big-screen TVs, and a quiet ambiance. When we visited, the vibe was good and not overly crowded.
You can select various flavors on their cocktail list. We suggest trying the Old Fashioned and creating your own. They also have an extensive selection of wine, beer, champagne, and other spirits.
If you’re a little hungry, connect to Mia Pizzeria next door. Lucy’s is perfect for a special occasion or relaxing after work!
Dog House Grill
Are you looking for one of the best sports bars in Fresno? Look no further than Dog House Grill. This family-owned and operated sports bar and restaurant have served visitors in E Shaw Avenue of Fresno since 2004.
Dog House Grill has spacious indoor and outdoor seating options and many TVs to catch your favorite sports. And when it comes to drinks, you can find an impressive drink list, including draft beer, whiskey, tequila, and more.
Now let’s talk about the food. Dog House Grill’s extensive menu offers everything from burgers to large salads and sandwiches. And don’t worry, vegetarians – they’ve got you covered with a killer garden burger option too. Visit Dog House Grill hang out with friends, and enjoy your favorite drink!
The Library at Detention
Visit The Library at Detention, a speakeasy located in the Tower District, which takes you back to the prohibition era of the 1920s with its quiet and quaint atmosphere.
The friendly staff always suggests drinks based on your flavor preferences, and you can enjoy customized cocktails and high-quality beers.
We recommend drinks are the Old Fashioned and Mango Mojito, sure for your cocktail thirsty. To experience this hidden gem, you must make a reservation.
Elbow Room Bar & Grill
Choose the Elbow Room if you want a classic neighborhood bar and grill. The Elbow Room has been a favorite of Fresno residents for generations since it opened its doors in 1955 at Fig Garden Village.
The Elbow Room provides exceptional personal service to every guest as part of its mission, and it is known for its comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
If you are a wine or whiskey lover, take advantage of their exclusive offers on wine and whiskey, which pair perfectly with their delicious steak sandwiches.
Quail State
Quail State is a rooftop bar in downtown Fresno that offers a unique and impressive experience. As soon as you enter, the bar transports you to a modernized version of an old bar in NYC.
The bar boasts an impressive drink menu that features craft cocktails made with locally-sourced ingredients that change seasonally. They also provide a great selection of natural wines and a carefully curated list of craft beers sourced from California.
Chef Matt Lee leads the food program and creates California-inspired dishes using locally-sourced ingredients.
If you are concerned about parking, Quail State provides dedicated underground parking, or you can find street parking nearby. Make a reservation on Quail State for a chilling rooftop experience.
PressBox Sports Grill
This family-owned sports bar takes pride in creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. They have been serving delicious food and drinks since 2009 and have multiple locations in Fresno.
PressBox offers an outstanding selection of craft cocktails and beers on tap that are perfect for any game day. In addition, they serve homemade dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
PressBox covers all bases for watching your favorite team on one of their many TVs. Enjoy a great dinner with a delicious cocktail shot, and catch the game at PressBox.
The Point Patio Bar & Bistro
The creators of The Point conceived the idea to bring a fresh new feel to Fresno after visiting cities like Denver, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco.
They combined their collective experiences to develop a shared vision, creating this trendy new restaurant that offers a range of American dishes and boasts an indoor and outdoor bar.
The Point offers a wine and cocktail selection, a happy hour, and Sunday Brunch, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For those seeking a more intimate drinking experience, indoor booths, and table seating options are also available.
The highly qualified chefs at The Point bring their creativity to every dish on the diverse menu, including delicious bistro starters, tacos, gourmet burgers, savory mains, and house-made desserts.
The Standard
Experience upscale entertainment at The Standard. The lounge provides a luxurious experience with full bar cocktails and VIP service.
Enjoy top-of-the-line liquor selections and premium cigars at VIP tables and booths. They offer Happy Hour specials on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm, including house wine, whiskey flights, domestic and imported beer, and select martinis.
You can reserve a full American-style menu online, and for a more intimate experience, book one of their private outdoor cabanas. The Standard is perfect for special occasions, business meetings, or a night out. Live DJs perform every weekend and have weekly special events to make your night unforgettable.
Howlin Wolf
Howlin Wolf is a cocktail bar in Tower District that repurposes seating from the closed Chicken Pie Shop and displays motorcycles surrounded by numerous helmets, creating a unique experience.
Quail State owner Josh Isla-Wolf designs the bar’s menu, which offers a variety of drinks, including five signature cocktails and ten classics, as well as beer on tap and wine.
The American Gothic is a must-try, a popular drink made with apple cider, whiskey, maple, and lemon with nutmeg and cinnamon grated on top.
The stage at The Howlin Wolf is perfect for live music, and the bar can seat almost 200 people. The venue’s open design is ideal for casual use of the Tower District to catch up with someone you know and stop for a chat.
Bog House Pub
You must visit the Bog House Pub in Fresno if you love great beer and a European atmosphere. Located in The Sunset Square Shopping Center of Fresno, the pub offers a quaint setting with a fantastic patio where you can listen to lively Irish jigs while enjoying a cold pint.
Bog House Pub impressively boasts over 100 of the world’s best beers, including rare and hard-to-find varieties. Find traditional European IPAs, stouts, ales, lagers, porters, and American-crafted selections. They also offer wines from California and cigars for those who enjoy a smoke with their drink.
Beer enthusiasts can relax and enjoy good conversation at the Bog House Pub. So, try the Bog House Pub if you want a happy, relaxed atmosphere with great beers!
Tap & Cellar
Tap & Cellar is another the perfect spot in Fresno for relaxing after a long day. The spacious and inviting interior of the bar includes two small patios outside and a private room for parties. Tap & Cellar features 25 rotating delicious craft beers on tap and a selection of local and Napa Valley wines for drinks.
Tap & Cellar, located near River Park Shopping Center, offers various entertainment options, including live music on Thursday to Saturday evenings, wine tastings, movie nights, paint nights, and sporting events.
If you’re hungry, the bar serves delicious flatbreads and charcuterie boards. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or a place to celebrate a special occasion, Tap & Cellar will impress.
The Lincoln Pub & Grub
The Lincoln, a locally owned bar and restaurant, is a hidden gem in the historic Tower District. The vibe is super cozy and intimate like you’re chilling at your home away from home. There are multiple TVs so you can catch the latest game, and they’ve got pub tables in the front and proper seating in the back.
The Lincoln offers classic cocktails, tons of beers, and wines at very reasonable prices. The food menu is equally impressive, with options like chicken sandwiches and buffalo fries.
But what sets The Lincoln apart is the staff. They’re so friendly and always ensure you’re having a good time. It’s the perfect spot to start your night of bar-hopping – affordable drinks and unique offerings.
Elliott’s Bar
Elliott’s is a fantastic spot for both locals and visitors in Fresno. It’s a locally owned and operated establishment that boasts a welcoming atmosphere. Moreover, they offer daily specials during happy hour runs from 9 am to 6 pm.
Their drinks list differs, with their Bloody Mary receiving rave consumer reviews. Not only are the drinks fantastic, but they are also reasonably priced. Elliott’s takes reservations for indoor parties and can also cater to your off-site bar event needs.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, anyone who wants to have an unforgettable hang out or night should visit these Fresno bars and pubs. As you can see from our review, every location in the Tower District and downtown Fresno, in particular, offers excellent food, drink, and entertainment.
Whether you want a casual night out with friends or a more upscale experience, Fresno has something for you. So, if you’ll experience this city’s vibrant nightlife, head to one of its many bars or pubs for a fun night out!
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
