Awesome dive bar vibe, and really friendly bartenders (not always the case in these places). Patrons are also nice. My second time here and it's been great each time. Worth the trip, no matter where you are in on the Peninsula. read more

Great place to come to if you're in the mood for a dive bar. Drinks are reasonably priced, bartender is friendly enough. You know it's a dive bar when there are a bunch of locals there who know each other. There was one local who had prepared a beautiful charcuterie board that she brought in to share with her friends and they were nice enough to allow me to sample some for myself. Not a ton of bar seating, not that this was an issue for us, as there were only a few other patrons there. On a busier night, you can take advantage of the plenty of standing space available. They have a back room available with more space and possibly a pool table available. Bathrooms were decently clean, although one of them smelled heavily like urine. read more

Was in San Bruno on a Thursday evening and we ordered take out but wanted to hang out more so I looked up any bars or dive bars around. I called and asked if we can bring in outside food and I think the Irish Owner answered and he said yeah sure you can bring whatever you like. So we brought out Korean fried chicken close to around 9pm and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves in the beginning. He let us turn the lights on by the table and Christmas tree and we started with beers to go with our Korean fried chicken. And we later ordered shots. It looks like they have usuals that go there. They have a pool table and play pretty good music and it wasn't so loud. There weren't any other places open around it and it felt really safe, there was street parking right out front. So the best of both worlds to catch up and grab a drink with friends, plus for being able to bring outside food. The owner worker was so friendly and inviting. read more

Newell's Cocktail Lounge - Inside - Pubs Near Me - San Bruno, California

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Old school San Bruno dive. Opens at 6 am! Gruff but friendly service. Lots of regulars. Pool table. Good prices. Cool building.

My first visit....This tavern style "Dive Bar" has a generous amount of space with a small corner bar feeling. The Bartender was kind, with a generous pour. People were all in good spirits as old school jams were on the juke box, dancing and laughter filled the first half of the bar, and steel tipped darts and a game of pool entertained a smaller group in the back part of the bar. My second visit was on a Sunday night, only 3 people were in the bar when I arrived, but when I left an hour later, there was a good sized crowd that had found their way in. I will definitely be returning to this "neighborhood" bar. read more

This is a great place to go for good drinks at really good prices. They are always open until 2am. They have plenty of open space with lots of seating. They have TV's playing sports. The bartenders are great! (I know this because I am one of them) Good vibes & energy. read more

My favorite kind of dive bar - dim lighting, cheap drinks and strong pours, and full of regulars nursing their beers and chatting with the bartender like old friends. read more

Rocky the bartender is the only reason why I visit this bar. She is friendly, welcoming and very witty. Although I have lived in SB for many years, Rocky is the reason I came here for the very first time in 2024. She knows my drink and she's extra generous with the cherries. She lets me pick music on the juke box after she puts credits in which I think is really nice too. Thanks Rocky! read more

My rare pina colada I was here a couple months ago, but I didn't know about yelp then, so I'm catching up now. I remembered Newell's Cocktail Lounge not because they basically didn't have my favorite drink, but that the bartender easily agreed to make it just for me. Everyone there paid attention and was amazed because that rarely happens. It always gives extra points to the place and you probably don't forget it. Moreover, I'm thinking of stopping by again because their sign has the word 'darts' on it, which I've been wanting to play for a few weeks at the moment. On a separate little side note, I love the way the place looks from the outside (like it was taken from old movies). Finally, I gave a minus one star due to their restroom, which wasn't exactly clean, and I felt a little uncomfortable there. read more

An a-OK dive bar with a wide selection of drinks and a decent tap selection. Really spacious inside with a secondary back room, and a nice old-timey building style and interiors. This is a dive bar, so if you come in with the right expectations, it's truly not bad. I came out pretty content after a couple of pints! read more

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMING HERE! I AM VERY, VERY NOT HAPPY and I have been living in San bruno for 31 years!!! If I could give this place a -2 star review I easily would. Let's get this review started while painting the night. My fiancé and I brought her mom that had just arrived on the plane to visit us from Mexico. I shouldn't have to say that my fiancé and her mom are Latinas and has Mexican features let's not forget the accent with my fiancé. The fact how I have to say this is terrible as is. Ok, ok, ok so we walk into the bar and go to the back of the bar where the pool and darts are right, while walking to the back I hear a comment from one of the white men in there saying "I think they are in the wrong bar." Ok so whatever, that doesn't bother me. So we are looking around and one guy that's not white playing pool commented to us that he liked our sweatshirts as they are couple sweatshirts. Then he says "you guys don't look from here, welcome." I thought it was a weird comment. So then we move to the bar area where I see eyes looking at us and faces smirking too. So I waited until the bartender got to me and he asked what I wanted, when I said do you have a menu he said "no." When I said ok hold on. he said "While you figure that out let me attend to people." After I told my fiancé he had no menus, she went up and tried getting his attention by speaking loudly even though there was no loud sounds to talk over, he ignored her once. Ok, once is whatever, but twice that's weird, but a third time?! That's when I got upset because even though she was trying to get his attention he looks at me completely ignoring her standing right besides me and says to me" what would you like?" She ordered not 3 drinks, but 1 drink because we didn't like the attitude that we were receiving since it wasn't welcoming at all. She ordered a margarita. While she was ordering, two white people were smirking in a condescending way at her that I noticed. The bartender was rude, it seemed like he just wanted money that's it, he wasn't friendly besides that. I as well as my fiancé felt very uncomfortable. My first thought was "this would be a good bar for my white friends." Since I felt segregated even as a white man bringing in non white people... Oh and the margarita that the guys said he could make just tasted like old lemon juice and tequila and decided to charge $12 for it. In all honesty it should've cost $4 since it wasn't amazing. The fact how I should bring race up into this review is very concerning, yes I am white and my fiancé is Latina from Mexico... if you aren't white don't go there. read more

Walked in with my pool stick, getting ready for a tournament coming up wanted to get some practice shots in with my brother The Irish accent bartender sir, immediately demanded I buy a drink before stepping on to the pool table. Mind you , I informed him that I am 3 years clean AA RECOVERY from alcohol. He said I couldn't have water , again I'm in recovery . I asked for a soda he said they ran out. i needed to buy alcohol. And to hurry up " because he didn't have time. NO ONE WAS IN THE BAR. I felt like he was RACIST because of the fact I am Lesbian female. (HATE CRIME VIBES) Mr. William Wallace accent old man... threatens us to leave the bar or or have a drink before playing pool. Being a professional pool player and a woman at that, my friend and I were both appalled. read more

Its been a while, but, thanks to an invite by Annette, I was privvy to a pre-opening viewing of the bar and the 'Covid-ising' thats beem going on. What can i say, you guys have busted ass there and created 'A Newell's Winter Wonderland'. So impressed i have to take back all i said. Anybody reading this, the bar will be open and serving food from Dec 3rd, get lame, fat, Covid infused backsides off the couch and get dowm there, the smell has gone! PS. You could make 5 stars if you earn it! read more

This place is a local patron bar. The bartenders give free drinks to friends a lot. Probably bad for business owner. I've witnessed a lot of patrons being over served. Lots of drug use in the bathrooms by locals. Probably still smelling like fermented drunks and visually outdated. The bartenders would allow gambling during the day too. Entertainment like Ol' Johnny is always a pleasant experience. read more

Who doesn't love the sound of a comfortable wooden floor under your feet? With a large comfy couch 2 steps up on the left loge area when entering the front door, to the well patina'd wooden bar long enough to seat myself and all of my existing, there's nothing like a familiar dive bar. I freaking love them and frequent none other. Been coming here for years and always happy to see the same familiar faces as well as meeting new people there. They open EARLY STILL! Covid has changed so much it feels good to walk into an establishment that's like putting perfectly broken in gloves on. Where the leather is soft and the wrinkles have conformed to fit you just right. read more

This is a great dive bar . Working nights it's hard to have a couple of beers after work because it's early in the morning but they open at 6 am . Being across the street from a laundromat is a plus . When you come in here it's always entertaining as hell and the jukebox is kicking read more

Newell's Cocktail Lounge - Ohh yeah PBR - Pubs Near Me - San Bruno, California

Hell- I thought the Dog House was a dive. This place makes the dog house look like the Ritz. I went in for a drink - just to check it out. There was a guy behind the bar who is the spitting image of wolf man jack. Well, either his hearing is not good or he just doesn't care about serving drinks. I had to literally yell 5 times ( 4 feet away) to get his attention as he was texting someone with more frequency and attentiveness than a 14 year old girl. In other words he was glued to the thing. When I finally got wolfman's attention I apologized to him ( tongue and cheek) for bothering him. He actually thought I was serious and politely told me "no problem." The next event was some woman who smelled like shit complaining that she lost her $ and needed a drink. Luckily one of her friends came by and gave her a drink. The worst part began quite innocently when several guys including myself were talking baseball. Then one guy- a dodgers fan started cheering for the dodgers. I guess these were fighting words as another patron and he exchanged "fu's" and then all hell broke loose. The giants fan charged the dodgers fan - fists we're flying and that is when I left. Frankly- the only decent bar in San Bruno is At Jack's. Both the dog house and Newell's cater to miscreants, chronic alcoholics and other lower company. read more

Blue collar bar. Locals with a few out of towners mixed in, like myself. Friendly bartender. Drinks are priced right. They have a pool table as well. I enjoyed the conversations with the locals. Reminded me of my local bar at home. This is the type of bar I look for when I travel. I say give it a shot read more

Popped in here about 5:30 last night on a Friday. Other than my visit and review from a couple weeks ago, I haven't been here in ages, but was in the area today and this was convenient so I hooked up with my buddy for a drink. The place looked a little edgier than usual for some reason, not sure if thats the norm lately, but the bartender was cool and it was still a ton of fun. Everybody was having a good time and there didn't seem to be any trouble in here. Man, what a dive!!! Everyone was drinking heavily and although it was early, the place was in full swing. There was an especially rowdy group that was already totally hammered. Not sure if that was a bachelor party or people who worked together. Got on the pool table and as always, had a total blast. Ended up playing an especially loud and fun guy named Greg who kept yelling, "This guys a hustler...he's hustling me...he's just messin' with me!!!" Was totally hilarious and we shot some great pool...the perfect ending to a long week and a nice start to the weekend. Also, I wanted to say that in the back room, the table on the left side next to the sofa is the one to play on. The one on the right side has bumpers that are totally messed up and dead. Another added bonus to the table on the left side is that the video camera is focused on it (only a third of the other table is in the scene), so people at the bar can watch you on tv as you run the table over and over. Pretty cool! :) During the time I was there and as I was driving off, people that remembered me from before were really happy to see me and kept coming up to say hello...my good friend Bob joked that I was the Pied Piper of Drunks. Fun times! read more

This place used to be cool, until the owners or something changed, idk like 3 or 4 times. They want way too much for drinks, atmosphere and location are weird. They are open at 6am, lol. I don't frequent here often anymore, I goto Molloy's in colma. a real bar with $4 pints. I don't know what the exact prices are here, seems to change when or whoever is tending bar. I went in here with my cousin one day after lunch and asked for two Jameson's, and the girl said they were out. I almost didn't know how to react, this has never happened to me anywhere ever, was not prepared for this. So I asked for a shot of midleton, didn't have that either, i was aghast. I then asked for what irish whiskey's are still being served here and I was told they had Tullamore, i said ok two please(like $15 or some crap). It was like going to the gas station and asking for unleaded and getting diesel. Then again I went in here one night, there was a really cute blond girl working here, i asked for a Sierra Nevada, and she poured it and gave it to me and said $6.25, and I was like, uh.wha.....ok. Drank the beer as fast as i could and that was pretty much the last time i was there, no way, not once, not ever, I'm never paying more then $6 for a beer there again. read more

I'm giving this Newell's 4 stars since I always come out laughing from this place. The first time I visited this place my husband and I were greeted by a huge black dog at the door with a paper towel in its mouth, we were like "what the hell!" We then continued to walk in to find the most interesting group of people, an old lady who looked like a total bar whore, some nerdy looking guys who probably work for Cisco or YouTube nearby, a pretty descent looking chic with tattoos as the bartender and a group of three slightly overweight dudes (one was crying). By the end of the night one of their nerdy guys was kissing the old lady, it was super gross but funny as hell! The second time we visited this place, there was another dog with its handicapped owner and plenty men that looked like they just finished a construction job. The old bar lady was also there but this time she wasn't getting it on with any nerdy computer geek. I'm pretty sure the guy that was crying the first time was also there but I couldn't really remember his face. Fridays are karaoke nights so of course we had to check it out, it was hilarious!!! We will be going to this place again for sure! Roxana read more

I always see this place when I drive through downtown San Bruno. For some reason the pirate-esque, shore town, walk the plank-type exterior has always piqued my interest but I never had an opportunity to go inside. That all changed when my friend told me to meet him there for a drink and the hockey game. I walk in and there's a tattoo'd rocker chick bartender, an old lady who knows everyone in the place with a smokers cough, 3 guys who look like they just got done working construction and... me. The stools are old and covered in black masking tape and it's pretty dilapidated inside. Of course, the standard juke box is included in this dive bar tour. I order a beer and wait for my friend. Luckily there are several TV's and the game was already on. When my friend got there, we headed to the back room. It's a pretty nice sized room but overly mirrored, another bar which I suppose they use when busy, however, I also assume that was a LOOOONG time ago, a TV and 2 pool tables. The people going in and out of there were classic dive bar personalities and basically I only would recommend this to those of you that are game for that atmosphere but, as dive bars go, this is a great one! read more

This place use to be super lit!!!! Now......stay away. The smell inside of this place is unbelievabl, and the people are a whole other story. RIP OLD NEWELLS read more

This place has really gone downhill . Well it was always a little ghetto but I gave it some credit . I think I was blinded tho, especially with them getting rid of karaoke. This place is real clicky too, its a place where they feel if your not one of them you aren't welcome. My friend came in and got one beer and it cost him 12 bucks. 12 bucks for a pabst, uuum isn't that the cheapest beer around? Thats obviously not how much it would regularly cost but thats how much they charge if they are not sure if you belong. YOu get some real attitudes here , honestly I just came for karaoke and that I think made me blind to everything else. Your alot safer ordering beer because when I've tried ordering hard liquor its tricky because they're out of this and out of that and its really lame. The hooters girls come in here an I guess people think thats really cool. As for me I am good passing this place an staying away. THey rip you off, they are unwelcome, they have so many bad attitudes, and so lame. read more

Newell's is one of two neighborhood bars left in San Bruno. It is also the best of the two.The prices are low, and the drinks taste like a drink should. It has a pretty friendly atmosphere. The Bartenders Mateo, Sandy, Pam, Tony and the rest are great.If you are looking for a Mai-tai, or a Fuzzy Navel, this is probably not your bar. As to the last couple of reviews that are days apart, and don't show any "online friends" (suspicious). If your group of 5 or 6 (men. women, children? )are upset because the staff (one bartender ) failed to leap over the bar to make your group feel safe, when someone teased you, then you really should "high tail" it over to Jack's with your friend. As to the other Mark review, your general attitude speaks volumes, as a child of the 90's, I think you need to grow up (over at Jack's please). Bottom line; If you are looking to have a couple drinks and a couple laughs in a casual friendly atmosphere, this is the place. read more

This place is pretty divey. And creepy. You can see clientele about to pass out on bar stools, on week days. It looks like a couple of homeless guys were shooting pool in the back room. TVs are small, and they were playing adult swim? Cartoon network? No sports. They're open at 6am too. I have no idea why. The only two things I can about this place that are slightly positive are: they have a really random/different selection of liquors, and they are pretty much the only bar in San Bruno (aside from Hooters). Also, we saw their bartender at Hooters an hour before we jumped over to this place, only to see him now back at work. So, their bartenders drink at Hooters before going to work? Gotcha. Looks like they have a beer pong table ready. Not sure how to access it. read more

Come here if you like beer poured from shit taps. Seriously a gross place. I came here with my friends, and everybody stared at us. One of the regulars was clearly too drunk and kept harassing my friends. The staff did nothing even though there a total of 7 people in the bar. That's a common theme at Newell's. Nobody is there, they get the regulars beyond drunk, take no responsibility for either, and then they wonder why nobody comes to this bar. read more

Oh boy. Bathroom smelt like I was in Tiajuana. Smelt bad. Fly traps all over the bar. read more

Newell's Cocktail Lounge - a urinal in a bathroom - Pubs Near Me - San Bruno, California

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So I'm going to give this place a 5 star all because of outstanding service. The bartender Jack/Jacob? I'm know one of those is his name, but he's the chillest bartender I have ever met. Super friendly, makes you feel very welcome. honestly, he's everything a bartender should be (unlike those made up chicks that wear heavy eye liner and vickie's secret bombshell bras to make their boobs look bigger). Instead of wasting his energy on trying to look amazing he just flaunts a personality of a super chill, dude (p.s.: try the White Gummy and Cookie Monster for those that have a sweet tooth ;) Will definitely keep Newell's at the top of my local bar list that I will make a point to come to hopefully every time I come back home from San Jose! Stay chill Newell's, the Bar's World needs more pubs like you! read more

I love the all the people that work there! It's a place I can go and feel safe, and if I'm feeling down I can go into Newell's , And leave HAPPY! read more

$4.50 draft beers Dive bar. The bartender here is pretty awesome. There's also a dog that roams around here during the day. Great atmosphere. Plenty of TVs to watch the giants. read more

Excellent dive bar in my hood. Love South SF. Hate the city. Love dive bars. Love Newell's. Great customer service. Strong drinks. Good prices read more

C'mere & listen to me. Yez know who yez are. Thanks for looking at this review. Luck of the Irish to you!! Let's see here. Oh Bloody Hell!! Writing a review of a place of business (drinking) is hard to do. I don't remember a sh*te thing about it, fella. (Pass a Guinness to myself, and now I'll remember). Need for juice for the think tank. (pass another one, down it, pass another one, start a fight, win and down another one). I remember it clearly now; as I remember memories of me as a wee child of Ireland. I spent a good portion of my childhood kneeling. I was with my cousins, Murphy O'Doyle, Harris McGuire, and little Miss Elizabeth Sullivan heading here on St. Patty's Day. I swam here upon after that, since I live close to it. The pub is very colourful with Irish English, or Hiberno English type decors inside and outsides. It has a good ole feel. The lounge has a small dance floor, small slot machine, and two pool tables in the far room. The bathrooms are bleedin' dirty as hell. Restroom isn't a place to sleep. The bar is pretty fekkin' ok, I drink beer from a longneck bottle because my doctor told me to. Lite beer is a punishment. the bartender is fun to chitchat with, and Irish!!! A sober Irishman is friendless -- or broke -- or dead. He isn't that, he knows his paint!! He's yer man! Not much food there, much of your food is boiled anyways. Tend to get crowded at the bar and it's very quarters. The bar flys are kinda creepy, but most are friendly, maybe too 'friendly'. That's the key, good people. What are ya waiting for? Don't be a gobsh*te. Up the yard! Excuse me as I need the street light pole as a prosthetic device to help ne stand up. read more

The bar here isn't much to look at... But the bartender and the crowd were awesome! I'd be a regular if I lived here... read more

Quiet place, not a lot of people, good prices, can't beat the joint!

Newell's is the quintessential local bar. Earlier in the evening, it's the typical hangout. Later in the evening, especially on weekends, people are wasted, laughing, dancing to the random band they have in there. I haven't seen anyone act like an asshole either. Most there drink beer and other low maintenance stuff, which I sometimes go for. But I can also order a Grey Goose martini, and no one will look at me funny or roll their eyes. I appreciate that. read more

Great dive bar but ya gotta know going in what you're getting as far as atmosphere goes. It opens at 6am for goodness sake!!!...looks like a place where locals come and hang out. Strong drinks..ordered a jack and Coke and I swear the bartender never stopped the jack pour AND it was served in a tall glass!! (No complaint here!) prices are reasonable.Juke box has a good selection of tunes and despite the fly strip decor throughout the joint, it was a cool place to stop in and have a few drinks with friends. read more

After years of driving by this place, finally journeyed in! Yeah, it's definitely not the newest or chicest place to go! it's a DIVE, but in the best sense of the word! Very eclectic mix of people and yes, as some other Yelpers pointed out...definitely everyone was having a great time and "very well served!" Each time I had driven by (even when it was "Forty's Pub" for a couple of years) I always saw much older people (sorry) hanging around out in front smoking a cig, etc. Was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of the group, older, middle and younger ages, nice mix of ethncities, seemed like a real neighborhood joint and everyone knew each other, but as a first timer, still felt welcome! The male bartender was funny and yes a bit tipsy, but not too tipsy to serve up one DIVINE Manhattan with Makers Mark (the ONLY way to have a Manhattan, in my book) and $6.50!! The bathroom WAS pretty messy/trashed, which is why I'm only awarding this place 4 stars! Clean your BATHROOM folks, puhleez!!! So, in short, this place would be on my radar more if I lived down in SSF/San Bruno and wanted a really casual place to go for some drinks...but as I live in SF, I can't see myself making a special point of coming here, but if in San Bruno again I'll be by! Salud!!! read more

It's Friday night. I walk in. One half of the bar is middle-aged men wearing leather jackets. The other half, younger weird guys and a couple of drunk sloots. There is a DJ playing gangster rap, but because nobody is going up to sing karaoke (how unfortunate) she decides to sing between songs. We ordered a Corona (bottle) and one Lagunitas IPA. It was 10.25. Sorry, but that is a shameful outrage. I would as soon drink out of toilet then come back to this place for a beer. read more

Cheap drinks but this place is kind of a dive. I only go hear to meet people not on my own.