Great tap room with a cool vibe. Lots of beer to choose from. I like sitting at the counter looking out the windows.

The best place to get high end beer in this county, we love stoping in and get something fresh! They have a killer selection of rotating beers on tap and a fridge of sours with pinball in the back, and most importantly a cleanly place; definitely one of the best Arcata spots! read more

No other place like this . Theo goes the distance to bring the ultimate variety of beers ! He finds the rare gems while still offering the solid reliable brands. If your passing through or are already living in Humboldt , Dead Reckoning is thee place for lovers of beer and culture ! Check it out. read more

Best tap room in Humboldt Country, hands down, end of story... Flawless victory. I respect the dedication of this place to always have quality, hard to find rotating taps and cans. I can always find beers I'm excited to drink here, ALWAYS! I can't say that about anywhere else in the area. Hats off to this fine establishment. read more

OK, yes, It was OK. It really isn't hard to find good beer. The bartender with the long beard was not very pleasant. At first I thought he was deadpan, but his attitude did not encourage return visits. read more

Unbelievable array of beers and stouts from all over the world! I set a challenge for myself in working down the Stouts. Five down, one to go and each one more delicious than the last! By far, the BEST tavern, bar or watering hole This side, or the other side of The Mississippi. No sh$t. read more

Dead Reckoning Tavern - One of the many delicious stouts on tap - Pubs Near Me - Arcata, California

See all

Pin ball machines, good atmosphere, and attentive bartenders with a lot of knowledge on all the different brews. My partner and I go here to play board games. read more

See all

The beer selection is outstanding. Can't beat the location downtown. But the place is often (or it was the four times I've been there -- I kept trying, but not anymore) so loud you can hardly talk to whoever you're with without raising your voice, a lot. Which of course everyone else is doing at the same time. The problem is the music. You are at the mercy of who is bartending and not only may you get something like death metal, or something not necessarily recognizable as music, but it's also very loud. I've never understood playing music so loud that people can't talk easily. We're there for the beer and company, please reconsider your music choices and the volume! The music should be the background, not hitting patrons over the head, or more like assaulting their ears. read more

Come here for the wide variety of California and European beers on tap. They have Pliny. I like how they have clear and specialized designs of glasses for their beers. In the back there are vinyl for sale and pinball machines to play on. Smaller bar with a lot of special brews. read more

Dead Reckoning Tavern - Pinball - Pubs Near Me - Arcata, California

Great beer list! Local and others. Pinball and and Ms. Pac Man to boot. This is a must visit for beer lovers.

This is THE place to go for beer aficionados. Cool, comfortable bar with many taps of the best brews world wide. Plus a back room full of the cleanest pinball machines you will ever find - League Night is Tuesday! They even sell a choice selection of vinyl records to purchase and each bartender plays their own curated playlist. read more

Great vibe and the pinball is . Fantastic beer selection as well. Highly recommend as a pit stop while in Arcata.

A beer list and set of taps worth of a pilgrimage. (I came from Los Angeles). Was impressed to see Grimm and Trillium on the Pacific Coast. Of course they run deep on Russian River taps as well, including my many Pliny the Elder. Cool set of vinyl adorns the wall and two turntables means that they can bring DJs on to entertain. The bartender was knowledgeable and friendly. Whole place very chill. Pinball machines and an 80s video game station off to the side to boot! read more

When you are on the North Coast of California it's beer tasting, not wine tasting. During my trip I was able to visit 4 local breweries. When I was in Arcata I found this place on Yelp that boasted the most beers on tap. I was a bit skeptical since I am picky only liking dark beers Porters Stouts, no hoppy IPAs,, but an Aficionado of barley wine which I've only found on the North Coast. I think I walked into beer heaven when I looked at the enormous selection of beers and there were 4 Stouts 1 Porter and 2 barley wines. My mind was blown! I had limited time, but wanted to taste many. This was not a sampler place, but the gracious and kind bartender, Dustin, offered me half pores of 4 selections. I got to taste 2 Barley wine and 2 Stouts. If I ever make it back to Arcata I will skip the breweries and go straight to this place because it is absolutely bomb sauce. The only thing I didn't like about this place was the dogs running around. I'm the odd man out when it comes to dog friendly. If don't know you... I don't know your dog... and I don't want it around me. It scares me and makes me extremely uncomfortable. read more

See all

Drove in from Eureka with our pups stopped here because it's "dog friendly". Not dog friendly as noted in info section. read more

I was denied access to the establishment for having a Service Dog which is illegal. The bar tender yelled at me and my partner saying the dog isnt allowed, I then pointed to his vest and said he's a service dog. He replied "he still can't be here." I was really excited to try this place but I left feeling anxious and disheartened. Under ADA law this is illegal and blantant discrimination towards individuals with disabilities. If the owner is reading this please educate your staff or yourself on this, refusing someone for their disability results in a fine. More information on service dog laws for the public on ADA.gov. read more

Dead Reckoning Tavern - No dogs allowed sign - Pubs Near Me - Arcata, California

Was excited to check this spot out. We walked in with my pup in tow and immediately got looks from everyone in the bar. The bartender didn't look thrilled to serve us but we looked at the menu for a minute anyways. He then took our drink order and told us immediately after they are a "no dogs bar" now and there was a sign posted. From checking out Yelp saying it was dog friendly and pics of dogs we didn't even think twice about bringing my dog. Some situation must have happened to ruin it for everyone else. But it's ok we took our money elsewhere, this place very much gives "regulars only" vibes anyway. read more

Hands-down the best place in Humboldt for beer. Great selection, great ambiance. I don't understand the one star reviews only because you can't bring your dog. So you can't bring your dog, so what, leave it at home and focus your attention on the beer. read more

Best bar in Humboldt! Excellent selection of foreign & domestic beers and good company.

As far as beer bars get, this is a pretty shining example of the concept tweaked just a little, and done right. It's not traditional all the way, they sell records and there's pinball machines, but it's not so far off the wall that it doesn't make sense. Overall, a great spot to sip some suds in Arcata. Excellent supply of beers available. A ridiculous amount of taps, and a large assortment of bottles to boot. They also have a good range of glassware, which for the true beer geek is a big plus. I especially enjoy that they have more than one sour beer available on tap. What's more: the staff actually seems to know and appreciate beer so they can guide you a little if you're not sure what you want/what to get. The layout is open, with big windows facing the corner. Nice long bar to sit at if you'd rather. No real food to speak of. read more

Dead Reckoning Tavern - a pint of beer on the bar - Pubs Near Me - Arcata, California

Ok it's been 5 years let's update this. Theo is a very knowledgeable beer guy and you can tell he takes the delivery of the final product very seriously. Every tap is at its own perfect dispensing pressure, proper temperature and the correct glassware is utilized...sometimes the glass is for that specific beer you are enjoying. And what's this? Russian River? Theo has gone to great lengths to be able to bring RR beer to Humboldt. No easy task, let me tell you. Now getting Pliny or Blind Pig is easy and not a thing to do when driving through Santa Rosa. If you get sticker shock at the price of a glass of beer, understand what goes on behind the scenes for you to enjoy that beer. It's worth every penny if you think about it. Humboldt is lucky to have this gem. read more

Greatest selection of craft beer in the area. Bartender is also the DJ, always spinning eclectic rock n' roll. The have a new and used record room, so drink, browse and buy. Beertender will even play your records. I love this place. read more

If the beer wasn't better than the bartender this place would receive less stars from me. Fortunately, the variety of beers this brewery receives weekly, makes up for negative energies. It is best to go with friends when sitting down and drinking. The beer shop next door delivers a better vibe than the actual bartender serving the sit-down bar area. Nothing personal, but a smile wouldn't hurt anybody. My experience talks from several times of sitting down for lunch. All in all, it's a must for beer options. read more

Dead Reckoning Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Arcata, California

See all

How did I not give this place five stars before? Dead Reckoning has become our favorite beer bar in the past few years. The bartenders are always great about recommending new beers, and are attentive and friendly without being annoyingly so. And dogs are allowed! We love bringing our pup here, and there's typically an adorable variety of doggos for her to say hi to. read more

Amazing beer bar in Arcata. And a small vinyl store right inside... Just happened to be across the street from our vacation rental unit. Lucky me! The selection was amazing and the bartender was helpful and friendly. I will have to visit again before leaving town read more

Dead Reckoning Tavern - Quality Belgium Ale on tap - Pubs Near Me - Arcata, California

Mac the bartender is awesome!! Great bar with an amazing selection and Mac really knew the beer and offered great insight to the beer world! Definitely will make this a regular spot. read more

Their kegs aren't fresh. Most of them are out of season (for example, its October and they have no Oktoberfest on tap, mostly summer beers, and during summer they had a ton of dark rich stouts on tap). Im assuming they buy it at a discount price as it nears its best by date. The lack of freshness is noticeable to a refined beer palate, and quite disappointing. When I buy pints on tap as opposed to a bottle/can, its because I want peak freshness. Dont expect to find anything like that at Dead Reckoning. Also, they dont clean their tap lines when they switch beers, this was confirmed by a bartender (perhaps accidentally). I mentioned a particular beer had a funky smell (I was referring to the Brett yeast), and he tells me "we just tapped it. Might be how its combining with the last beer on that tap". Yuck. Giving them 2 stars because they are one of the only places in the area with a decent variety. But they offer a discounted product at a full price, and their cleanliness and attention to detail leaves a lot to be desired. The owner of this business doesn't take pride in offering a high quality beer experience, he's just in it to maximize profits. Dont let the kilt fool you, he's a scammer. read more

I came here one time after work. I love the variety they have and the music they play in here. The interior is very relaxed. This is a great place to grab a couple beers by yourself or with a couple friends. read more

Love Dead Reck! This place is owned and operated by a one of a kind guy and the biggest beer nerd I've ever met. Super rare, hard to find beers on tap and in bottles. There's a bar side and the off sale side. In between is a record store and several pin ball machines. AND they have Donkey Kong! read more

This place has a heartfelt curated beer list. Theo loves these beverages and you can tell by the thought and effort that goes into the list he provides. A fun atmosphere with pinball pre-covid and beer is available still to pick up. The skull wallpaper....droolworthy. read more

Cutting edge pub with loads of different brews, great gathering space for large groups, awesome music spun by a DJ playing classic LP's. The atmosphere is positively projecting great vibes, the owner was working the bar, he's a giant Scottish hunk sporting a utility kilt serving up cold delicious micro brews with awesome customer service. It's in the perfect spot, away from the crappy bar scene on the plaza. Thank you Dead Reckoning...I'm a fan!!! read more

See all

I was visiting from San Diego, in town for work, and stopped in based on the recommendation of someone I met on the plane ride up. I am so glad that I did. The man behind the bar, Theo, was awesome. I bought tasters and presented him with this challenge, "What are five beers you would't want me to leave here without trying?" This led to he and I engaging in a wonderful conversation about beer. My being from San Diego, and he being from Northern Cali, we had a bunch to talk about. Their selection was impressive, and I ended up trying almost the entire board. At some point I met and began conversing with the couple sitting next to me. This led to my being invited to their place for BBQ that evening. It was like meeting old friends for the first time. My experience at Dead Reckoning may be unique, but it was real; none-the-less. I will forever have a warm place in my heart for this Tavern, and am a little sad I do not live closer. I will be back. That is a promise. Thank you Theo and Dead Reckoning for a wonderful time. read more

Bit pricey but one of the most epic beer selections I've found in town! Redwood curtain and dead are the only places in town I've been able to find sour beer. Pinball in the back and rad vinyls make for a cool atmosphere, dog friendly was a double thumbs up! A bit pricey but the level of craft coming out here is small batch specialties so you gotta understand, flavor costs! read more

Wow!! What a great place to enjoy quality beers!! Amazing selection! Able to taste as many as we wanted! Loved the ambiance....rustic and utilitarian.... If you love beer, this is beer heaven. Everything but 72 virgins. read more

The bartender with a twig through his nose is a fucking asshole. I accidentally ordered a $12 beer without realizing the price and told him I didn't realize and I didn't have enough and he made me borrow money from a friend. Then my friends continued to try and order beers and he ignored them. Horrible service and not enough seating. I guess if you don't have enough tattoos and piercings you're not welcome here. read more

Awesome vibe and great beers. Enjoyed the Duvet and the Stone Peach IPA. Only downside is that it was disappointing to see that they aren't meeting the requirements of the Equal Restroom Act ( assembly bill 1732) that was signed into law. Once they fix that I can give five stars. read more

Great bar that serves great beer. I always get good service when I come and enjoy my experience. Also the bartender with the twig through his nose is actually pretty cool and nice. read more

Laid back, great selection. Bartenders make good recommendations and (in my experience) allow outside food since they don't provide in-house meals. If you enjoy a small, laid back atmosphere full of great beer and great beards, this is the place for you. read more

Dead reckoning is the first beer bar I've been too and it exceeded my expectations. They have an incredible amount of taps (over 30 for sure) with beers in every style. It's not a very large locations, they have 3 large tables, a smallish bar area and seating along the windows. They also have a backroom with pinball machines and vinyls. The bartenders are usually playing a record on their turntable. The beers are pretty expensive, however they are unique beers you can't get at the other bars around the area. read more

Nobody was there to bartend so I waited and waited waited. F*ck em. Worst experience ever