I'm definitely giving the new Maxdon's a 3.5 compared to their last location. This is a breath of fresh air for real from the location to decor. This new spot is clean, has new pool tables and a cougar as one of the bar tenders even though she is taken. I came during the week and it was pretty slow so that's to be expected but I came on a Friday night and a few bikers from Lakeside were hanging out. I can't believe how much this spot is so much different than the last one. They don't have much local beers but if you want some shots it won't be a problem. I was looking for some food but they only have appetizers like chips and salsa, sliders and wings. I got some pretzel bites which were alright but I don't know if it was worth the price of almost 6 bucks. They have music playing but it's not that loud so you can actually have a conversation. Its an alright spot to play some pool and have a stiff drink. There are about seven very nice size TV's and about ten high tables. I will be back but most likely before 7pm when it starts to get busy. read more

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Cool spot. Good drinks and a nice selection with plenty of pool tables and such to do.

Great pub, quality cocktails and nice pool tables. Limited snack offerings, but decent quality and better by far than just pretzels or chips. Will def be back! read more

Good prices, fun atmosphere and friendly staff. Lots of TVs and pool tables to enjoy and George is the best bartender ever!!!!

Love this bar! The staff is just the best. I'm here twice a week to say hi to them. Great drink prices and plenty to do with pool/shuffleboard and jukebox is always playing bangers. My home away from home for sure. read more

Best pool hall in O'side. Bartenders are the best. TV's can be seen from anywhere. Regulars are friendly.

Not a bad place to come and chug a drink. I had a White Russian drink. The server was good to me and the drink was pretty good. read more

Maxdon's - White Russian - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

This is a cute little bar...has plenty of games (darts, pool, etc.) to keep you and your friends occupied...and there is an old school jukebox that plays a limited selection of songs, depending on your tastes. Love the blacklight ambiance, and the bartender I spoke with was really laid back and kind (make sure to tip well...these are good people and it's good to support local businesses, especially those that are getting it right!). Shuffleboard!!! I haven't seen shuffleboard in years. There is actually so much novelty and awesomeness about this place that I may end up coming back again. I'm not used to going to new places by myself, but I felt completely comfortable here, and even enjoyed a drink while I was there...even though I'm not a big drinker either, haha! I think this would be a great place for friends, colleagues, or any other small groups of people you want to gather together in a place with a fun atmosphere to hang out together. The only thing missing is karaoke...they might even have that too...but I didn't see it advertised. Cheap drinks (without tasting like cheap booze), good local people hanging out having fun, a welcoming bartender, and some cool throwbacks to times when bars used to be small, fun, community places to hang out with your buddies...I think this place is definitely worth recommending. If I find out they do karaoke, I'm sold! :) read more

Nice couches but their drinks aren't strong enough :( could be better, thanx

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in this place. Very nice interior w/pool tables, couches, tables and a nice bar. Multiple T.V.'s w/sports. Unfortunately the service didn't match the decor. I sat at the bar and got my 1st cocktail after a couple minutes and I tipped $2. I wanted to eat but was never offered a menu or even acknowledged again even though there were two bartenders working. When my drink was empty, I put on the bar close to the bartender thinking I would order food when she got me another drink. Never happened - drink or food. When I stood to leave, a bartender came over, took the $2 tip, said thank you, and walked away. It's a nice place. They can do a MUCH better job that this. Even if they don't upsell (offer a menu), at least notice when a customer in the middle of the bar has an empty drink in front of him for like 10+ minutes ?! 2 1/2 stars. read more

Solid tables and the place is well maintained. Bartender was amazing and really cared about the people. Food can use improvement

Much better than their old place!! I admit, it's probably not my first choice and also, it's sorta odd looking on the exterior since it's in a strip mall but inside is completely different! It's huge and awfully dark but they have a large bar, perfect to sit at, a few tables, new pool tables with enough space to not hit the person next to you and shuffleboard! (My favorite!) Yeah, the crowd may be a bit questionable. And the letters on the wall that spell beer are crooked- but not bad. I enjoy this place over their old spot. read more

Gone are the old days of a dimly lit dive bar on el Camino Real. I've been going to maxdons for years since it was at its old location. This new spot is really nice with a lot of pool tables and a hip crowd. You still get a lot of locals and it's the place to be if you live in the mid valley. They have couches in a nice lounge area, it's like sitting in your own living room. They also have the standard bar tables to give you a place to sit other than the actually bar. There are about 6 pool tables and they are always full when I go, they may have a pool league or something going on, not sure. A cool place to have a few with your friends and feel relaxed and comfortable. read more

Maxdon's - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

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A pretty decent dive bar that received an upgrade with their move to the new location. The wait staff were kind. The drinks were good and decently priced. I'd definitely go back. read more

This place could really be the spot if they sold food. They basically just have "nachos" (chips, cheese, and jalapenos) and soft pretzels bited. Nevertheless it was 9pm on a Monday night and it seemed to have a small crowd. My sister and I had to wait a little while to get a chance to play pool, so I can imagine the place really picking up on a Friday or saturday. All around the service was friendly, the place is kept well, so I will likey be back read more

Completely acceptable place to get drunk. And I have. Oh yes, I have. They have pool. They have shuffleboard. They have darts. They have a music playing machine. Lots and lots of things to embarrass yourself with after lots and lots of cocktails. They have shot specials that you cannot refuse because they are so cheap--even if you don't want peach schnapps and rumplemintz with whipped cream, you will drink it, and you will enjoy it. Feels like home. read more

Maxdon's - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

The worst kind of dive bar is the kind that has pretensions of grandeur and aspirations of applebee's. What a disjointed atmosphere. The interior looks great, and the new pool tables seemed very nice. There is a cozy little area right by the door (odd placement) with a few sofas and upon entry you will note the very cool "garden light and shipping pallet chandelier" which combined with the huge industrial warehouse style wall at the back-bar gives it a real vibe. But then there's the contemporary touches and the odd "strip mall" flair that makes the place feel very inauthentic. The general patronage also frankly sucks if the cross section of bro's and pseudo-gangbangers and worn out cougars present the night I went are any indication of the clientele. All that could be fixed...except the service is the worst. I started with a staple of any good bar-the classic Moscow mule. Not being asked if I wanted well vodka or premium was a bad start, but the flat ginger beer, the fact that there was more straight up lime juice concentrate poured into the drink then vodka, the lack of proper mixology and the seeming inability for the head bartender (an older, slight woman) to figure out how this classic is actually made...tell the story. Plus it was served in a mason jar. Literally undrinkable. Those in my group that night all tried it and concluded that it was little better then engine degreaser. I attempted to return it. Considering how dead the place was, a ten minute wait at the bar while the most guy wrenching nachos I'd ever seen were prepped on the bar-top itself...was inexcusable. Add to that, the head bartender was giving me the stink-eye the whole time I was waiting for her to do her job. When I was finally gotten around to (not that anyone was ahead of me), I asked simply for the drink to be replaced with a knob creek on the rocks. With much production and eye rolling and no apologies for the awful initial concoction, and an incorrect bottle grab later...I was "treated" to literally 3/4 of an ounce of bourbon in a shot glass with a couple ice cubes in it. I know it was 3/4 because I watched the head bartender attempt to use a jigger. I received the stink eye and wordless service with no apologies for the prior mixology faux-pox the whole time. And the punchline here is that the bourbon was oxidized and tasted like a holocaust. The younger female bartender in training came round once to see if anything needed attention and when I informed her that the "replacement" libation was oxidized, she said she would let the head bartender know. She did. Stink eye. No offer of a refund. No attempt at customer service. Nothing. What I ended up with was a short-poured shot of shamefully oxidized bourbon for $11.00 If you want to be a "dive bar" then be one. Run with it. If you want to be a lounge, then run with it. If you want to provide a truly uninspiring experience with poor service and bad drinks garnished with terrible customer service...keep doing what you are doing. With so many amazing gastropubs and craft brew houses and good old bars in Oceanside-you thinking you can compete with their service and quality is not just laughable...it's insulting to the people looking to give you their hard earned money. We all know better as patrons where our cash is appreciated. You as bar owners should know better then to pass this place off as anything but the epic disappointment it is. Have some respect for your patrons. The old Maxdons had a terrible reputation amongst the local community before and you are well on your way all over again. read more

Maxdon's - Literally the worst Mule ever tasted. I would rather pleasure an oil derrick then drink this again. - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

Great place with the best pool tables.....until the blaring music starts with the way too much Bass mode. Me and many of my friends leave every time that starts. Ear plugs don't work! Would be 5 stars if they would fix. We would also visit more often. I hope the owner sees this. read more

Great atmosphere with the lighting and layout. The billiard tables are probably the nicest bar tables locally. George the bartender was so gracious and personable. The only thing that cost them their last star was they form down the music theway I actually paid foron their jukebox. Drinks and food at any bar cost money, but getting in the zone while on felt, plays a huge role in winning a pool game. So paying for music and not being able to hear it makes me feel like they stole my money. read more

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Chick with the blue hair, on a busy Sunday night, didnt skip a beat. Big applause. Never letting em see you sweat is a skill that gets bypassed to often, and she handled that sh** read more

I just moved in down the street and have been here twice. Spacious bar , wood floors and leather couches to sit and watch many tvs. Very comfortable. Good 70s music and laid back. The bartender Vicky actually intrduced me to some of the regulars . I'm a Graveyard worker , so I won't know what a weekend night is like here, but late afternoons is friendly and inviting. read more

Probably one of my favorite places to go to have a drink and relax. I've brought a few people here and they like it as well. Bartenders are always nice and they're pretty consistent when it comes to making sure you have a drink in your hand. Awesome little lounge area as well. The food is somewhere between bar snacks and full kitchen, and everything I've had there has been tasty. Definitely worth checking out. read more

We have come to this bar several times over the past couple years. My son and daughter are regulars, coming here a few times a month as it is close to their residence. We, the wife and I, have always excellent service so it is hard for me to fathom a few of the negative reviews. I think some people are very picky and when you check their previous reviews there are plenty of 1 star ratings, as if they have nothing better to do than to bitch about everything. Oh well... One recent negative reviews, with a dozen 'helpful' clicks talks about this place not allowing the running of a tab or the use of credit card. Total bullshit! Most times we run a tab and half the time we pay via a card (vs. cash). That person must be confusing the place with somewhere else. WTH? Anyhow, the prices are very reasonable and they offer shot specials (at least on weekends when we provide our patronage). The two bar tenders we interact with are always on the ball. This is a bar where everyone appears welcomed. Age range between 20s all the way to their 70s and mixed well percentage wise. Also, every ethnic group appears to be represented for those that care about the lame 'diversity' aspect. I call it lame because we should not have to worry about that in America, as so many seem to, and you don't here! Everyone is cool and nobody (negatively) cares. So, if you want to relax and don't care - swing in and enjoy the mixed company! The only downside I can think of is their limited food items / menu. Not a big fan of the offerings, but it definitely takes a backseat to the booze factor which they excel at. However, they have never complained to / about anyone who brings in their own food items from any of the neighboring eateries. read more

Great drinks! Crowd is supper chill! I've been there a couple of times and I figured it's about time I post a review! *They have a very spacious bar! *They have nice restrooms! *Great pool tables and selection of games! *Would be nice if they somehow added a smoke area. read more

This place is good, they play very good music if you're into throwbacks! The beer is ok it's the same as the other places. Only thing I didn't like is that i came here to play pool and drink but the pool tables were all taken and it took me an hour to get my turn. The place is nice, the lights and everything and tv. read more

Maxdon's - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

Really horrible bleach smell. It's a nice bar good selection but you can't have bleach as your pharamon. menu was also very unappealing. read more

Maxdon's - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

Looking for a place to catch the game with my dad. Very chill and big space. Good beer and food. Lots of pool tables and good vibes.

Never heard of a bartender refusing to make a drink when u tell them it's not tasting cool.. she said well I made in front of you I'm not making another one.. welp I wont be coming back... read more

Went to Maxdon's for the first time last night and had a blast. The bartender and barmaids were so friendly and welcoming. The music was on point , and there were pool tables, darts, shuffleboard and lots of friendly people. I'm definitely going back, and would highly recommend you give them a try. Special thanks to the dude that stood me up lol. At least I found a great bar to go to. read more

Update to my previous review. AVOID AT ALL COSTS, apparently my previous incident wasn't enough to wake up the management. They just had a shooting at 5pm on Sunday the 26th of august 2018 read more

Went on New Year's Eve and had a blast! We aren't really club type people and are always looking for a cool dive bar. This definitely isn't a dive but has the feel to it; drinks on the cheaper side (my boyfriend and I have 8 drinks and spent $33 not including tip), plenty of pool tables, foosball table, and shuffle board! Plenty of seating, and very cleanl! We'll definitely be back! read more

Maxdon's - Pool Halls Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oh Maxdon's how I knew I would get along with you! So, there's history with me and where this bar was placed. For 3 years, I worked at the Blockbuster that used to dwell here. I've been telling my employees we need to go to Maxdon's!! Finally I've had the chance to see the turn around Maxdon's done! They've added a brick wall, beautiful bar, cool restrooms, and such a rad lounge area!! We were able to get a beer, margarita, nachos, and a mini pizza for $22!! Amazing deal! The only down side to this place is their pool table. When you scratch and your white ball goes in you have to pay $2.00 to get it out. Other than that Maxdon's has done a fabulous job!! read more

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Walk in and ordered a drink, prompt service. Ordered food for my girlfriend and I...didn't ask for a card or tell us to wait. We awkwardly stood at the bar and sipped our drinks and then our food was brought and we ate. Kept the tab open, played pool and shuffleboard...went back to the bar and I'm still standing here waiting. A good 15 minutes has gone by so i decided to write a yelp. I've gotten better service at dive bars. Two bartenders and a bar back, the place isn't half to capacity and they can't handle it. Amateur hour on a Saturday. The girl at the door checking id's is being forced to buss tables/bar back/work the door. SEVERELY understaffed. My girlfriend and I stood at different sides of the bar thinking one of us would get service. Wishful thinking smh 20 minutes and counting... read more

I was here yesterday and as I arrived this place was a bit tucked in the corner next to a liquor store. I was sort of doubting about this place since I read the great reviews and stuff and just looking at the outside of this place I could see why people thought it could be a small bar. Boy was I wrong! This place had about 5 pool tables (one which is a blacklight) shuffle board, Darts and pinball. On top of that I liked how clean this dive was and the people who go here were regulars. They have a full bar and the drinks are extremely cheap! They even have monthly shot specials in which I took advantage of...$3!!! The opening bartender was pretty cool, she was very talkative with every guest that walked through. I got to meet the closing bartender and she was cool too, I dont understand why this place isnt hyped up as much, but I will continue to come here and support this local bar. read more

Cleanest dive bar I've ever been to. Elizabeth (bartender) is a sweetheart and loves, absolutely loves, Halloween. If you're looking for free treats on Halloween, then make a trip to Maxdon's. As far as drinks go, it's nothing out of the ordinary. What is a bit out of the ordinary is the amount of diversions that's offered. Six pool tables, two electronic dart boards, two touch screen game machines, a shuffleboard table, and a juke box will keep even the most snobbiest of bar snobs entertained. Be sure to take advantage of their daily specials, like $2 domestics and wells on Tuesday and Wednesday night. And make sure to wipe your feet... read more

Super clean, friendly, fun, comfy6 pool tables, Shuffle Board, Foos Ball, juke Box and T.V's. George, Vicky, Jamie and Andi are awesome:) just wish I could afford fast pass on the Juke Box;) all different music on the box never boring unless you make it so. Just saw the most recent review and was upset that someone would give so little stars because they had to wait for a drink:( there are several factors to having to wait, out of product, specialty drinks...servers and bartenders are only as good as their surroundings and guests. Just because you don't think they are "busy" doesn't mean they aren't. Make it a habit to learn about your surroundings before crapping on it. I Love this place read more

Love this location because it is literally a 5 minute bike ride away!! It is very clean inside, friendly staff, 6 pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, food soon and hopefully football! I have not been to the previous location so I can't speak on the difference but I love this place. It's much needed in this area. I just hope it doesn't get run over by homeless people or Mexican music all day like a certain other bar in the area. Keep it clean and welcoming and you will forever have my business! Welcome to the neighborhood Maxdons. read more

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First time here! Bartender (Vicky) talked with one patron the whole time. Set my timer to see how long it would take to get my refill...over three minutes! Place was not Busy at all! All I wanted was a Bud Lite! read more

I had a really good time connecting with friends here. Staff is attentive but not bothersome. Bar seats are comfortable and the atmosphere is a step above other bars available in the area. I'd love to see some live entertainment here. read more

The bar is at an excellent location because usually one is supposed to travel downtown to go to any bar in the Oceanside area. The bar itself is filled with 5 pool tables, 2 dart stations, and a sliding block game in the back. The jukebox has a great amount of selection, from your modern rap and rnb to your classic rock, so you would see all types of groups here from your college students to your everyday worker, excellent diversity. The workers are friendly and serve you from the bar all the way to the tables surrounding the pool tables. They have a daily happy hour from 11am-630pm and they have that all day on Tuesdays and Wednesday's. They don't have a specific drink menu so know what you would like! They have excellent beers on tap, a lot of local beers. Maxdons is an excellent run bar and is one of the better bars in north county. read more