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    Calicraft Upstairs

    3.9 (60 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Calicraft Upstairs Photos

    CALICRAFT UPSTAIRS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Calicraft Upstairs

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    Rosalyn L.

    With a group of four on a Saturday Evening. We have ordered two rounds of drinks. It's been getting cold so we asked if the fire can be turned on. One bartender in particular ignored my partner, and she helped others before us, even though we had been patiently waiting, and when the barkeep came back around, we asked if the fire could be turned on, and she said "well are you going to order a drink?" which my partner explained "We have already have ordered drinks, we are outside, could we have the fire turned on?". The beer is good, but this place is understaffed. Female bartender rude, two male bartenders were great. There is no busser and dishes left in corners and on tables. And a lot of the seating has no cushion. Wood benches are very hard... I keep on moving my butt from the left cheek to the right cheek, hoping both sides will be evenly sore tomorrow. Our fire was eventually lit, but went out after five minutes. Ambiance was cute, but with a few seat cushions and heaters turned on it could be a lot more comfortable. I thought about ordering food, but didn't feel motivated, warm, or overall welcome enough to do so.

    Steve L.

    We heard about this opening up and wanted to check it out, we went on a Friday night and it was packed as it's a fun atmosphere in downtown Walnut Creek! The staff is really nice, but when they get busy as it was when we were there the outside tables had lingering food on them and limited table service. The bartenders on the inside were on it though and got us drinks quick! They've got a fun cocktail menu too which is a nice addition to the beer Cali Craft is known for. The food menu is limited but the pretzel was really good. The artichoke on the other hand, hard pass as it was more like canned artichoke hearts versus a roasted artichoke with aioli to dip. I'll certainly be back for another beer and a pretzel!

    Loriell L.

    Got drinks w my auntie after work, such a cute place to sit & chat. The outside seating is so pretty and has plenty of shade for those sunny days. I had the pink margarita i forgot what it's called but it's so delicious i think it was the pink caddy... I'm going there from now on just for those! The bartenders were also so nice and wait staff were so accommodating and attentive. It was also very cute & clean inside love this place off first impression!

    Hummus
    Robert H.

    TL:DR. Go. Service - great service Parking - always a challenge in downtown Dub C. Best bet is one of the parking garages Drinks- very good selection. Cold velvet Czech Pilsner very good. cider - passion fruit, managing guava super refreshing but with 6.2 so they will catch up with you Shareables Pretzel - both the mustard and cheese very good. Sure to be a fan fave Hummus - fabulous hummus. Loved whatever the oil they used. My only quirk is the serving with waffles. Waffles themselves good but odd combo with hummus Only quirk - was the length of time to get the snacks

    Mary S.

    We been wanting to check this out. The location itself was slightly hard to locate. I walked right past the entrance and didn't even realize it. It's nice that there free four hour parking nearby. The space itself is nice with an option to sit outside in the patio overlooking Mt Diablo Blvd, bar seating, couch areas or small tables. The tables do get a little cozy with the folks sitting by you. We chose a small table to the side and then a large group immediately arrived and pushed together some chairs near the couch. Tables were bussed very regularly and the staff were nice. We each opted for a cocktail which were made fairly promptly after ordering at the bar. My espresso martini was fantastic. My friend also enjoyed her cocktail. Although both were not very strong. Overall, it's a great space to grab a drink while downtown.

    Unique specialty cocktails
    Sarah C.

    Came on a rainy Wednesday night and it was still quite lively! The staff were very friendly and attentive. I was really impressed by the complexity and uniqueness of the cocktails - lots of options with clarified components and interesting liqueurs/combinations. Tokyo Cosmo: on the sweeter side, very delicious, a subtle yuzu flavor (I personally would've liked a stronger yuzu) Taco night: literally came with a picked carrot as garnish. Definitely a savory drink with a yummy kick from the clarified hot sauce. Unlike anything I've ever had! Smoked salmon waffles: simple and hit the spot! Waffle had seasoning in the batter, which went very well with the salmon and our drinks Artichoke: tender, saucy, a great snack to share over drinks I'm already a big fan of calicraft beer, so I'm very impressed by the new cocktails and food options. Will definitely be back to try the Caprese cocktail (out of stock that day) and to enjoy the terrace on a warmer night.

    Spacious bar
    Robert R.

    Wow place is neat!! I came By a week before for the opening but it was not ready. It had opened recently and I decided to check out. Its really at a neat location above Vada Vie. They have mixed libations and of course the Calicraft beers we all love. They also mocktails and wine. I also perused their "bites" menu and waffles with kimchi? The Churro waffles look amazing, too. Wow it is definitely a must try spot in Wc. When you walk on either sit at Bar or pull up a cozy table and order food and beer at the Bar and enjoy the sports on Tv.

    "nachos"
    Gary Y.

    Beers here are fine but the food definitely should be skipped. I wish I read up about this ahead of time as the nachos is just a bag of chips with some garnish sprinkled on. The hummus was packaged crackers and waffles heated up in a microwave. All of these come with a premium mark up since you're having it at the pub.

    Nastaran A.

    Fun new cocktail bar with a rooftop. Perfect spot for an after work hang or drinks before the movies. I was hesitant about the waffles, but turns out they're actually really good! My only gripe is that there's a drink on the menu that I want to try but they always seem to be out of it.

    Smoked salmon waffle, Tokyo Cosmo, tequila with lime
    Andrea M.

    Thought I reviewed this place already, but evidently not! Calicraft Upstairs is a great new addition to Walnut Creek. Optimally located above Va De Vi, and across the street from Rooftop, it is a great spot to hang out at in the lively center of WC. There is always a crowd here. They have a great selection of beer, ciders, wine, and cocktails. Now, here's what puts them over the top - well one of the things anyway: food!!! An extensive menu of tasty, creative offerings including tinned fish, salmon lox on waffles, and many other delicious things. This is the way to do it. Not a food truck parked outside serving burgers or some other super limited offerings - yes I'm looking at you most breweries out there right now. Also, no rugrats running around, a huge plus. They have a great rooftop area, if you can find room to hang out there, it does get busy. Great to see they are off to a strong start. We will be back very soon. Cheers!

    Inside bar
    Liz G.

    Will definitely be back, love the new location! Plenty of seating options, great menu for drinks, great vibe.

    Sign over the bar
    Richard B.

    Was close by so dropped in here for the first time. It was cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey outside so we found a table inside. Given that, there were several brass monkeys sitting outside, minus ???? So outside will be nice during the day I'm sure when it warms up a bit. Inside is way nicer right now. Order at the bar and you get an Uno playing card for your delivery number. So just not beer but a full bar and good eats. We started out with artichokes and tinned smoked oysters. Tinned fish is all the rage these days!!! Back in the day tinned fish was called not starving on a budget. Some how this is a thing to charge a shit load for. Moved on to salmon waffles. Drinks were good. My partner started with a Tokyo Cosmo and moved onto a kolsch while I started with a prosecco and moved on to a dark spiced ale. Nice food menu. Nice bar. Nice beer. Nice bar. Oh and lets not forget.... the only place we've been to lately with upbeat music during this "holiday" season instead of that music everyone else plays this time of year. Definitely a new place to go in the duBc for good vibes, food and drink.

    Try the Pink Caddy!
    Apple O.

    Hadn't tried this spot yet so decided to go during the day (late afternoon 3-4pm) and have a business meetup. The entrance is so nice and welcoming. The large windows and open-air vibe makes it inviting!! We sat outside on the rooftop to enjoy a sunny day in the creek!! Then we weren't as pleased lol. The seating outside is very uncomfortable and the tables are sooooo wobbly!!! Like how did you just recently open and your seating is already busted!!!?? I cannot STAND uncomfortable metal backless seats (not in a place like this anyway). The tables had not been bussed when we arrived so we just moved the dirty glasses over to the next table...ugh. Then we had to leave our seats and go order at the bar, and wait there for them there to then walk them back over to our table ourselves! Like what? So I'm the busser and the waitress and I'm still being charge $17+ a drink (insane!!!) The bartender was not engaging and yet the "tip suggestions" start at 18% like nah bruh- you owe me... Not gonna lie, the drinks were REALLY REALLY refreshing and good but TINY little portions!!! Tried the Pink Caddy and Strawman-- soooo tasty. My partner had the DoctorDoctor and he said it was good. Also, if you're gonna charge 16$ plus for non-signature drinks then you should atleast have large single cubes for your bourbon and whiskey . Serve it correctly. And NO HAPPY HOUR which is foolish bc every other spot (except The Rooftop across street) in the creek has one.... I wasn't impressed by the service or prices or outdoor seating...

    House Pickled Veg, Roasted Artichoke, Tinned Fish Plate (Smoked Oysters), and Kimchi Sourdough Waffles.

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    2 months ago

    Went here for pre dinner drinks. Loved the atmosphere - it was during a World Cup game and the energy was so fun.

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    Been a calicraft fan since the one in shadelands. This one is good for adults. My favorite is Karl the fog.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Calicraft Upstairs

    Is this place kid friendly?

    Hello, We are family friendly although more adult focused. We do have non alcoholic beverages and we offer a small bites menu.

    Do you allow dogs in your outdoor seating area?

    Hi Patrick - yes we do!

    Can you bring in food from other places?

    Hello, Thank you for reaching out. We do not allow outside food as we do have a kitchen at this location.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I love this place. I've been here several times. I definitely need to put a photo next time…read more Pros: It's away from the busy part of downtown Walnut Creek so its easy to park without getting charge. They have a big parking lot in the back. Its nicely done inside, clean and the outside patio is very quaint. Although the view is the street and the postal office, its still nice to sit outside on a nice warm day. Service is always warm and friendly. The bartender is always greeting people and the waitresses are always checking on you. The food is great! My husband always orders the trio enchiladas. I normally get the Arroz a la ezkina because it reminds me of a paella. I tried the street tacos and fajita too. Cons Sometimes the arroz can be salty. But I'm sensitive to it so it might be different for others. I still order it over and over again and let them know to go easy on the salt. Last time we were charge for chip refill. That's fine but surprising.

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    2.1 mi
    $$

    Came in on a mission for a good Manhattan and walked out impressed. I asked for one built on…read moreRittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond rye, and Sevan behind the bar knew exactly where to go with it. Fantastic drink. My friend tasted mine and ordered the same. The selection is the draw here. Whiskey lines the entire back wall, the rarer bottles sit behind wire-mesh locked cabinets, and there is a deep bench of tequila, beer on tap, and wine to round things out. One look at the shelves tells you they have the base for any drink you want. We split the Margherita flatbread, pesto, fresh mozzarella, and blistered cherry tomatoes, and it hit the spot as a drinking snack. The menu goes deeper than expected for a bar, with sliders, naan tacos, and charcuterie if you show up hungry. Service was good considering the staff-to-crowd ratio. Sevan stayed attentive the whole time and clearly knows his stuff. The vibe is chill and conversation-friendly, not too loud for the size of the room, with a bank of TVs toward the back if you want to catch a game. Logistics are easy. The bar sits a short walk from Pleasant Hill BART and parking in the area was no trouble. I've been a few times before and this visit confirmed why I keep coming back. For a high quality cocktail in the East Bay, this is the spot.

    For beverage choices, H&S gets 5 stars. For food, one star. And while the servers are nice and good…read moreat their jobs, if there is only one covering the whole restaurant, the service is sssllloooowwww. I blame ownership for being cheap and not wanting to pay for enough servers. Lastly - DON'T ORDER THE KETTLE CHIPS! They used to make their own, but now they charge $4 for a bag of kettle brand chips tossed on a plate. Eew.

    Photos
    Hops & Scotch - Can't remember but it was great! Played on all my senses.

    Can't remember but it was great! Played on all my senses.

    Hops & Scotch - Outside

    Outside

    Hops & Scotch - Old Fashioned

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    Old Fashioned

    Calicraft Upstairs - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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