This was a great stop on a Saturday evening in Fort Bragg. They offer pinball machines and a couple billiard tables for guests to play for a fee. Shuffleboard was free, and we certainly took advantage and had a blast. We weren't really keeping score, but I won (10-3) if anyone is counting. On top of that, the live music set the mood, awesome indie tunes being performed on stage and an even better sound system. There's a jukebox on site too, to go along with the quirky decor and dim colored lighting creating an inviting setting. Also, service at the bar was excellent as we ordered a couple different cocktails. The whiskey sour and strawberry lemon drop were made well and quite tasty. So of course, we had seconds. Needless to say, I'm a fan of this place. read more

See all

Heard there was local music Sun night. As a local thought I would check it out. Worst experience Ive ever had! Bar tenders were rude the musicians could not play due to a projector in there faces which the owner was insulted to be asked to turn off! I've contacted the local radio station to update them, as this is not in anyway, a friendly local place to listen to music, or mingle read more

Just a great bar with cool bartenders and good pours. We come here anytime we come into town.

If I could do a minus -5 stars I would. My partner told me about this place when he was there for work, when we came to town yesterday, he asked if I'd like to go. 6/20/2025 8:01pm walked in. Unfortunately my partner left his wallet at the room.. yet he did have his license digitally on his phone. he couldn't stay so he was asked to leave. The bartender that was working last night was either having a bad day, or he hates his job, or hates life in general. When my partner left outside the establishment he just waited for me to have one beer. He couldn't even wait outside.. bartender yelled him to get the Fuck away. There was about 4 people on the bar. I asked if I could taste/try a beer he rolled his eyes /scoffed as if it was a huge imposition for him.. I managed to taste it. (Good beer) my partner came back in cause he wanted me to leave. Bartender yelled at my partner again. Then said "both of you get the fuck out" then letting out a racial slur at my partner. This is not how you treat guests. Nor customer service. I highly recommend this who ever this employee is gets let go. I will not recommend this place to other potential patrons who come to this gem of a town. This saloon has very bad service, and energy.. I will let the power of social media lower the flow of revenue. read more

Maybe if they would put a sign up that says "NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES", the bartender wouldn't have to worry about saying it to people. It wasn't a huge deal like I'm reading in some of these other reviews. The bartender was nice at first but then she saw my wife walk in with a coffee and was unnecessarily rude about telling her she couldn't have it in the bar...like, not even long enough for me to get my drink and then hang with me out front while I drink it (they actually let people drink out front). I didn't appreciate the attitude towards my wife, so we left. I hope the bartender enjoyed my drink. :) read more

We have a few bars in town but the GW is an old reliable. Great staff of bartenders keep an orderly location allowing everyone to have fun and unwind. Their alcohol selection is vast, staff knowledgeable and super friendly... heck I've been in once and they know my drink. Locals and tourists mingle in the relaxed setting though weekends are popping with events and more. Come stop at the Golden West and fall into a great time. read more

One of the best bars I've ever been to. Friendly bartender cool interior good vibes. If you're in Fort Bragg go here.

The Cappuccino Slushy is the adult treat you never knew you needed!!! Bar staff are incredibly friendly, to boot.

This is an awesome old bar in fort Bragg. I have no idea how old it is, but it's one of those bars that's all wood inside, with a huge beautiful wooden bar. I have been making a stop in here about once a year for the last 7 or 8 years and I always have a good time when stopping by! Not sure if they still do , but they used to make the best whiskey sours with actual egg whites. I will have to check if they still do on my next visit! read more

Cool old fashioned saloon. Their homemade ginger ale was really good and gave any mule derivative a fantastic artisanal touch. Service was excellent. read more

We just stopped in for a quick cocktail and had a seat at the bar. The waitress ignored us for a while and then came to us and mumbled something and walked away. We caught that she said cash only so we got some out - in view. She continued to ignore us so we left. Out of towners not welcome? read more

Rude bartender. Closed the bar at 10 on a Saturday and greeted us with we are already done tonight try next door.

Redo by new owners last year but still a Dive Bar. And a good thing it is. Huge and amazing selection of bourbons, whiskey American and Scotch, vodkas and everything else you could imagine. I've use this before but John Wayne would feel comfortable here. So would any real guy and gals for that matter. It's friendly and safe. Not a scary biker bar just a local drinking establishment and note-- no food. A stick to your knitting place -- I came because a bar tender in Mendocino told me they had Pappy VanWinkle bourbon. I had to see for myself - and I fact they do have Pappy. I had the 12. Wonderful, smooth-- lives up to the hype. You drink it neat- no water or ice. It's not needed nor recommended. One important note-this is expensive. They charge double what most other places charge. So if you want it "now" it's up to you. Its almost impossible to find so you decide what its worth to you. Have fun read more

Golden West Saloon - Pappy Van Winkle 12 - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

See all

The mid=forties, partially bearded "bartender" on this Friday evening, of March 24th, 2023 has some serious pzych issues, undoubtedly. My previously joyful night with friends was turned ugly and demeaning by the visibly disturbed bartender. His problem seems to revolve around white people enjoying the company of mixed racial, friendly interactions. The bizzare things he said to me while I enjoed being with my dear friends with darker skin became too much to bear! Beware of this racist bartender, especially if you've recently arrived from someplace where your "tan" (amongst ignotant non-dark skinned folks. Terrible end to an otherwise pleasant evening. I know 14 locals that will never give that place another dime! A huge STAIN for Fort Bragg ...dark skinned tourists be aware. read more

Make sure to go when Dave is bartending. He has an amazing play list and makes awesome martinis.

Service was was great here, at first we were nervous bc we are part of the younger crowd, we're a mixed racial group and was worried if we were making the regulars uncomfortable but nope quite the opposite! They truly were so nice to us and the vibes in there were so peaceful, the music was good, I love oldies so I was able to dance freely and feel safe! The bartender made great drinks! And we played pool and ultimately we had a blast! I say we bc it was a group of us ranging from 22-32! I'll definitely come back again. read more

Bar was great. Great atmosphere. The bartender however was horrible. I believe his name was Matt. He was more attentive to his regulars and was drinking shots behind the bar. I patiently waited over 15 mins for a drink in a non crowded bar. He wouldn't even make eye contact to acknowledge me. He served everyone around me, a regular even took notice and asked if I wanted him to try to get me a drink. I then tipped him a larger tip and his attitude changed right up. We went the next morning and the bartender was much more welcoming and we had a great experience. Overall awesome place, but booooo Matt the bartender read more

The Golden West is the oldest bar in town but they had a major upgrade in recent year. Still has the old time-y saloon look but without the smell of cigarettes and wet dog. Depending on what day of the week and what part of the day you come to visit will impact the way you experience it. During the day it's pretty chill, Monday and Tuesdays are pretty much the best because during the afternoon you'll get either a free bun (like a small pork bun) or a free taco with an order of a drink. Monday is also Open Mic Night. It's actually the best, and a good way for you to meet other locals who like making music. 5 o'clock is when the after work crowd comes in. If you like talking about construction, building inspectors and drywalling, this is the place. ItS pReTtY gReAt. Unwind with a $2.50 Oly. Maybe ask for a bud lite with a lime wedge. Run out the back door if you see a coworker you don't like. As you get later into the evening the crowd gets younger.. Enjoy a night cap at 11 and see what happens. Everyone knows each other so it feels like you're at someone else's high school reunion. Once someone got hella punch drunk and started swinging at random folks. He got tased. All the bartenders are super rad. The nice beer from the tap is $6 (North Coast, Lagunitas, more), $4 Bud Light or Coors in a bottle, Olympia is the cheapest in a can. I forget what a Pabst is. They also do mix drinks. The liquor selection is pretty vast. Mostly whiskey, gin, tequila. Probably vodka. Some scotch. The nicest I've seen was Oban, but I stick to beer mostly so I haven't gotten on a deep dive into what they they really have. You can ask the bartender to play 1-4-24. There's a Juke box that uses the Touch Tunes app. There's one dart board that's in the middle of the room. Someone need to buy some chalk. There's two shuffle boards. There's two pool tables in the back. Smoking in the front and at the back entrance. There's two big screens, most of the time they're off but you can ask them to turn it out. It's usually on Netflix with nature stuff. Some nights they'll have live music and it's not jazz. read more

Being the oldest bar in the City of Fort Bragg California you are for sure to run into a local or two. The bloody Mary bar is best in town by far. #MoneyMikeChallenge read more

Golden West Saloon - Oldest bar in Fort Bragg - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

See all

My husband and I just moved to the area and came in here on a Saturday around 6-7pm to check out the vibe. Absolutely love this place. Dave the bartender is a super nice guy with fun stories to tell. He had awesome music playing. The local/regular folk are really nice and friendly and make you feel welcome! read more

Unlike many people, I love going into old bars that have that slight dive feel and looks like they are straight out of the golden years. My husband and I went in on a Sunday Afternoon to get a couple drinks, and they had a Bloody Mary bar....yes a make your own Bloody Mary bar!! The bartender give you your drink and you put the items you want in it! Genius!! Besides that, the bar tender was a nice guy who talked about local happenings and gave great suggestions. read more

Golden West Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

What can you say? The new owners saved a landmark building and a landmark bar! I loved this place 10 years ago and I still love it. Same as it ever was...just a little shinier! :D Always a stop when on the North Coast! read more

With a few hours to kill between our hike to some secret tide pools and dinner, we decided to take in some local flavor and brews at a neighborhood bar. Good thing the lady picked Golden West Saloon! It was empty when we came in - just a sole bartender and the History Channel playing. Even though the bartender was a little hard of hearing, he handled our orders with a smile and gave us plenty of change to supply my pinball addiction. I don't know how many games we played, but we had a good time! There were a also two shuffleboards, a pool table, and even a bumper pool table! The juke box had a combination of old soul, rock, and some contemporary alternative. After we left, we walked by the other bar and saw that it was packed. But we felt just fine hanging in the Golden West Saloon with just a few folks. When I'm back in Mendo, I'll be sure to hit this place up! read more

Golden West Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

The bartender gets creative w a vodka cocktail surprise for me. Hubby had dark rum and grapefruit juice. I like the bartender. Hubby and him sparred words a bit in a funny way. This is a cool place. Yeah a local dive bar yay!!!! My cocktail was elderberry liquor vodka basil nectarine lemon lime. Ahhh a rough surf cocktail read more

Golden West Saloon - The dive bar yeah baby - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

It's a bar. Or I mean, just a saloon. Nothing more. Nothing fancy and nothing special. read more

I stared at the computer screen for about thirty minutes before I decided I shouldn't buy a ticket to New York for just one night, no hotel, wandering the streets until the flight back home the next morning. No matter how spontaneous I may get, I'm still fiscally responsible! I chose, instead, to drive up the California Coast to an arbitrary town I had never heard of prior - Fort Bragg - a place that surprisingly provided the crazy night I needed, with friendly locals and a fun environment, at a small fraction of the big city cost. Upon entering Golden West Saloon, we were greeted immediately by Denis, the bartender's big, welcoming smile. I have no idea how long we were here, but we managed to explore the town's history, various new liquors, shots with a birthday crew, stories from well-traveled locals and even exchanged numbers with various people by night's end. The moment even inspired me to cue some otherwise overplayed bar tracks that would normally make me roll my eyes at the cliché - Beatles, Marley and Cash. We were, after all, in a saloon... It was a fun night and to say it was epic would be entirely appropriate. Deeply rooted in history and serving as a comfortable hub for good times shared by locals and travelers alike, Golden West Saloon is no doubt the heart and soul of Fort Bragg's modest nightlife... read more

One of few buildings that withstood a few major earthquakes back in the day, Golden West Saloon is a MUST when swinging through town. It was one of the spots that made 18 hours spent on an impromptu trip to Fort Bragg memorable! There's a whole lot of history here, and you can check out the back wall for the photographic evidence. Drinks are cheap, and the people in this bar are friendly. When you're not too busy sipping on your drink and chatting up the locals, there are several pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, and much more to keep you moving around. If you're ever by the Golden West Saloon, say hi to Denis if he's in! He and Golden West made our night in Fort Bragg EPIC. I will definitely be back. read more

Build your own Bloody Mary bar?? Yes! Yes! AND YES! Sundays are Bloody Mary days, and if you're in Fort Bragg on a Sunday around noon, you should head over here and check out this place. They pour vodka into a glass with ice, and let you go to town with all the things you want. You choose your tomato juice (I had the house mixed with organic tomato juice), topped with Worcestershire and hot sauce, then I filled a skewer with goodies, pepperjack cheese, breakfast sauce, pepperoncini, mmmmm......even a breakfast bagel bite went on. The toppings seem to change based on other photos I've seen, Bacon would have been nice to be honest. Besides the Sunday Bloody Mary bar, they also make a really good whiskey sour with egg white and a decent Sazarac as well. The quality in my cocktails, as well as their selection of booze, reminded me of my favorite watering hole in town. Seriously, that whisky sour rivals the one crafted at Shady Lady in Sacramento. It's THAT good. Staff is friendly, one guy was manning the bar while we were there. The place is also a hangout for locals, we were probably one of the few tourists in there. Local hangout can only mean the place is good right?! Anyways, Sunday, Fort Bragg, Noon. Don't miss it read more

Finally sold to a great bunch of younger generation who have a talent in knowing how to preserve the past. Great service always and one of the best selection of alcohol north of San Francisco. Thank you for all the hard work and the great customer service. By the way. They make a mean Martini. read more

See all

I am very happy I came here. Not only are there tons of awesome old school bar games like pool, snooker and shuffleboard, but the place looks like it's straight out of the 19th century. read more

Golden West Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

The Golden West is a precious jewel of a bar and a necessary stop for anyone visiting the Mendocino Coast. We loved its rustic style, delicious tacos, and perfect Bloody Mary. Most of all, this place is filled with incredible, creative, warm and interesting people, from the owners, to the bartenders, to the clientele. We loved it and can't wait for a return visit. read more

This place is awesome!! I am from out of town and my boyfriend and I decided to pop into this bar. We sat at the bar and the bartender, Crystal greeted us and was very nice and friendly. There were a handful of people there and everyone was having a great time. The drinks were delicious! And they were very cheap! I think only about 4-6 dollars per drink, great deal!! The bar was complete with shuffle board, and my personal favorite, pin ball machine!! This place was great I was so happy with the environment and the people there! read more

Loved this place!! We came across this bar after a huge group of us San Francisco friends were gently nudged out of nearby bar because they wanted to close up the place (closing time on a Friday night 11pm? I guess they did not want to make money from these lushes!). This bar was way better than the 1st place. We were more than welcomed here and we got good service, even though there was only 1 bartender on this shift. She threw our drinks our way with a smile! There were 2 shuffleboard tables and 2 pool tables. A local woman came in with a big basket of hot dogs for sale, along with her friends in costumes of mustard and a hot dog. Funny! If you're stopping through in Fort Bragg, stop over at the Golden West Saloon! read more

I love this place!! Great drinks, friendly bar tender and a pool table!! I love finding a pool table when out of town. What can be better?!? Quickly got busy, clearly a local favorite. Will be back! Stop here for the drink your craving. read more

Golden West Saloon - Chalk board walking in, awesome! - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

Despite the pictures shown, there is no food served here. The pool tables are the bar type that take quarters, not full size regulation tables. There are pictures of food on the Golden West Saloon Yelp page that have food items in them. They don't serve food. read more

My husband and I stop in here every year on our annual trip to Fort Bragg. The bartender/part owner is super nice. It's a great place to unwind and just chill for a relaxing drink. Plus he's pretty great about giving us out of towner's tips on where to go to eat and cool sights to go see read more

Love this place. Great atmosphere, very friendly staff and drinks are on point. Love the pool tables and the owner's spinning great vinyls! 10/10 would roll through again read more

Golden West Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

Awesome bar!!! The people were amazing and the bartender Crystal or Krystal (not sure how she spells it) was super nice and made.super good drinks. Will for sure be coming back here when I visit again. read more

A must stop!! Especially on a Sunday afternoon!!! We were on our vacation and I happened to Yelp, looking for a great Bloody Mary! Every Sunday from noon-6ish they offer a, "build your own bloody." Seriously, so worth it and not even pricy! The service here is great, we had Josh as our bartender! Has an awesome, local and hole in the wall feeling to it! I definitely recommend stopping here... If not on a Sunday at least for a beer or cocktail! read more

Golden West Saloon - Amaze! Build your own bloody on Sundays!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

This is a bar!! Nice bartender, good Bloody Mary, a shuffleboard!! Dart board!! Pool tables!! Great music. And a beautiful old wooden huge bar. Would be here a lot if I lived here. read more