I love Retro-Junkie! I was born in 1972 and am definitely a retro junkie! The 80's had the best music in my opinion. I really enjoy the laid back vibe here. I like to dance a lot and this place has the space I need to shake my booty to the older super cool music. The video games add that retro 80's feel that my older crowd grew up on. It's nice to sit down relax, grab a drink and watch people like me tweak out on the dance floor to Cyndi Lauper. read more

Crazy security guards. Got thrown out by security with my GF since I by mistake went into the wrong bathroom. There was no one in the bathroom and it was an honest mistake. Totally overreacting and I can see most of the complaints are similar to mine with security. Get some guards that don't overreact. First and last time there! Don't ever get a mixed drink there - they are awful - stick to the about $10 beers. And it would be great if they had at least a halfway decent music system - it wasn't good. M read more

The tribute shows are a blast (buy tickets ahead of time). Also, it can be fun to stop by and play pool or arcade games with friends. However, the place loses much appeal when there aren't tribute shows. For the past few years, they had an outdoor area where you could grab some fresh air, hold conversations with people without the music drowning you out, and even grab a snack from food trucks. Recently they lost the permit for the outdoor area, which sucks but is fine- the issue is they don't seem to realize the value they lost when that happened. They're still charging the same expensive cover as before, even though the experience is much worse now. The service is good, but unless it's really energetic that night, the experience feels super lackluster compared to other Walnut Creek venues when you consider that it's also pay to enter. Really wish they'd drop the cover when they're low on customers, because paying to enter and then it being empty has ruined the experience the last few times I went. They also have some bizarre rules (not allowing you to wear sports merch, so they made my friend remove his hat and check it with them). Honestly, it would be a 4 if there was no cover, even without the outdoor area (potentially 5 with), but the last few times we went, my friends and I all agreed it wasn't worth the price of admission for all these reasons and more. read more

Green Day performing as there alias the coverups at Retro Junkie in Downtown Walnut Creek, ridiculous to cry over there $20 cover, parking is free ya creeps ..... Support Small Business. read more

Retro Junkie - Green Day performing as there alias the coverups at Retro Junkie in Downtown Walnut Creek - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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My friend was performing here so I was on guestlist. There's parking available and when you first enter inside the venue, there's a cover fee and security check. The 9pm crowd was 40+yrs old enjoying the live music. You can order food from the food truck and sit and eat in their front yard patio with heated lamps. There's also an arcade and pool table to play. Around 11pm, it becomes a nightclub with a bunch of 20yr olds dancing on the floor. There was a lot of security being alert so it made me feel safe. It was my first time here and I had a great time. read more

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So, here is another one of my..."Never been, but I'm still going to review" review :). I've been planning on visiting Retro Junkies one of these days. However, I'm afraid though I might be getting too old now lol. I have heard and "seen" on social media how great this place is. I love all the live videos they post! I absolutely love the choice of bands these guys bring in, I have always been a fan of live music. I have "known" about one of the owner's for a few decades now, wow! Time flies. He is friends with a lot of my friends, again have yet to meet the swell guy! :) Being a previous restaurant/bar owner myself (some time ago in my past life hahha), I know the stress of having a Yelp page. As I just read the other day, a San Franciso Chronicle reporter/writer referred to Yelp as a "cesspool of gripe." Which I actually have to agree with. That's why I personally try not to write negative reviews. That's why i LOVE to give out 5 stars, to recognize all the hard working businesses out there. And I genuinely feel for them when an idiot comes around because they are emotionally immature and overly sensitive and leaves a negative review totally based on idiotic self inflicted experience. Does that make sense? Now, if the place is absolutely terrible and deserves a harsh "critique", which does happen, I suppose they are entitled to leave such a review. But for something like..."oh they charged me cover" lol. "Oh drinks are too expensive"...then don't buy any drinks, drink water then...clown! Lol. I find myself wanting to review the yelpers! Would love to give "them" 1 star, for being an absolutely ridiculous IRRESPONSIBLE Yelper! My strong encouragement to my fellow yelpers, please indeed yelp responsibly! There are peoples livelihoods on the line here!! Don't be a self entitled sour apple! Lol Trust me, I've used Yelp to vent my frustrations, thank God I have a wife who reads them and tells me to delete them! Thank God I listen to her! :) I digress... Retro Junkies is awesome for the sheer fact they are attempting to do and be some thing different. Located in Walnut Crizzle where this area has a ton of the "same" types of restaurants and bars (blah blah blah), it is absolutely awesome to see a place that is different and attempting to do so! I applaud them!! Kudos! Good effin job!! read more

"Retro Junkie" is quite a progressive concept that more entertainment venues should establish. And that is by opening up an indoor/outdoor dance club earlier in the day. That's exactly what this place does and they do it right. Their hours are Sundays from 12:30-10pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm to as late as 2am on weekend nights. Location is right in the heart of Walnut Creek off of N. Main Street and close to Ygnacio Valley Rd. I came here with a group of friends on the afternoon of Sunday, September 5th around 5:30pm and stayed until 9:30pm. We paid a $10 cover and this does allow in/out privileges after you get your hand stamped. One interesting concept about this place is that they have "themed" nights; meaning there are guest DJ's spinning a specific type of music (house, top 40, hip-hop, oldies, etc.), trivia nights, and live bands. There are also other forms of entertainment that includes cornhole, beer pong, a jumbo Connect Four game, Jenga, and even a food truck that parks adjacent to the outside area. I consider this place to be two clubs in one. The outdoor area has large communal style picnic benches over astro turf with several tents to block out the sunshine and any other outdoor elements. This is also the area where the DJ spins a variety of music depending on the day. Additionally, there are heat lamps (as we know how much the Bay Area temperatures drop after sunset) as well as lights and palm trees that only add to the colorful setup that this place has to offer. The inside has a look and feel of something entirely different which is a dedicated dance club complete with a large bar area and a back area complete with several pinball machines and pool tables. You will also find an area where they showcase skateboards and lots of vinyl records, hence the name Retro in "Retro Junkie". During the time my friends and I came, they were playing a ton of throwback 90's music mixed with some of the more modern hits. During these times where we are living in COVID, all of the employees were following safety guidelines by masking up and keeping themselves and others safe. I enjoyed several drinks including an iced cold beer and a mixed cocktail. Overall, I only wish there were more places like this everywhere. Sometimes its always fun to start dancing a little earlier in the day and that's what this place does right. Overall, I give "Retro Junkie" an above average four stars. Definitely fun vibes here! read more

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My friends and I love this place for the friendly staff, easy parking, great drinks and especially THE MUSIC! They have the absolute best lineup of shows around, whether you like 80s, 90s, pop, metal, grunge, new wave, there's something for everyone! As others have pointed out, they lost something special when they lost their Covid-era permit for the outdoor beer garden. Gone are the days when you could meet up early, grab a pitcher of beer and some dinner from the food trucks and chill with your friends before a night of live music. No more dancing your cares away and then sitting outside for a drink and a heart to heart talk away from the crowds and noise. This wouldn't be quite so bad if there were any seating inside, but that's becoming a big problem too. No stools at the bar or around the perimeter, no bar tables and chairs by the pool tables, more and more seating being removed from around the dance floor. They seem very determined not to let you sit down at all unless you've paid extra for the privilege. Sometimes you need to rest your aching knees for a minute after an hour of dancing (we're here to see an 80s cover band, we are in our 50s people!!!) but don't want to rent a full table with a $125 drink minimum and 25% gratuity to do so. I have at least two friends- once hard core RJ regulars- who no longer join us because their foot and joint issues require frequent breaks from standing and that's not possible any more. I've had countless amazing, nostalgic, wild and memorable experiences here but we're starting to drift away in favor of alternatives where the seating isn't such a problem. Hope they're able and willing to bring back the beer garden one day! read more

Most horrible and rude security people. Go here if you want to feel insulted. Try to tell the DJ for a song and the security guy goes on a strange power trip. read more

Ok, we came here on a whim to check out a "classic rock" cover band. We prepaid online and that was a mistake. Just go in person. The concert was inside, but on the outside of the building in the beer garden there was karaoke going on. They had a food truck serving Mexican/Filipino fusion fare. The weirdest thing I've seen in a bar happened here. So there were tables with "reserved" signs close to the stage, but no one was sitting on them. I asked the host if we could sit, and they told me it cost $150 to reserve the tables up front. Anyway, the cover band was good, and I found out that classic rock now is 90's grunge rock... I'm getting old! read more

Retro Junkie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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I saw "We Should Be Dancing Bee Gees tribute group on Saturday night and it was great! Good atmosphere and helpful and friendly staff. The bartenders are attentive. There is parking in the back. Hint: get there early. This club has a variety of live musical acts. read more

Everything. This is the go to spot for dancing the night away. Bands, drinks and staff are great. Will continue to come back.

I can't say enough good things about Retro Junkie! It was my first time there and I had a blast! My new favorite spot. We got to enjoy Sponge, they were great. We started in the pool room with a drink to watch the end of the Lakers game, then when the music started we went to the main room. Lots of open space to stand AND you can reserve comfy couch areas ahead of time. Outdoors was awsome too! Fresh air, food truch, big screen TV, DJ set up for later, lots of parking AND....my dog can come! Everyone working there from the gal that checked in our tickets, security, bartenders and servers were all super friendly. We left excited. Thanks Retro Junkie! read more

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One of security called n word and said that I was touching him, but he was too close when I was dancing and not minding my self in the music rhythm. He I a Hispanic with long hair. If you want to dance this is not the place. read more

I came here as it was very close to the hotel I'm at for a night to just relax. Multiple bands played classic rock and some of their own original hits. The bar was fully stocked, and clean designated male and female bathrooms and a gender neutral one as well. Can't shake the feeling that security watched me like a hawk although I stood in the same place for 50 minutes, which I, like every other patron arrived paid the cover grabbed a drink and listened to the music. Won't presume the reason why but it was very off putting. The outdoor area is nice with different types of heaters benches and metal tables. The Mexican food truck is a nice touch as well. Shame I was treated like a criminal when I just wanted a nice evening when I arrived, I was very silent had a few drinks tipped well and tried to enjoy classic rock music. Even after writing the initial review I tried to come back in to presume that maybe there was something wrong with me yet after they handled an altercation with a different patron I find myself being mugged by security again. Sad part is it's a beautiful event space. Maybe management could talk to security to look out for those who are actually doing wrong. read more

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Service great, drinks good, dive bar really fun. Karaoke on wed nights. Drinks are reasonably priced read more

Retro Junkie - 2 tables in the back - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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My friend and I attended last night for our first time. We sorta joked and were hoping we might run into some old high school friends. We didn't :( However, the place was clean and energetic. Crowded enough to have a good time but not too crowded where you're packed like sardines. The sound from the bands and overall performance were great! Maybe it's the musician in me, but I felt the lead guitar, especially during the solos, could be a little louder. But that's just me. Overall, I had a great time and planning to go again! read more

Great lil dive bar with a nice vibe and well priced drinks. Got 5 amf's for my group and they were nice and strong! Inside was a lil arcade which is fun if you're there to have a good time for night bar drinking or even day bar. The outside was nice and spacious with a great lawn/patio area and live dj/music playing. Worth a shot to go for after brunch or a daytime escapade with friends! read more

Retro Junkie - They topped it off to the brim but I drank a lil bit haha. Super good on amf's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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Retro Junkie is such a cool spot, with lots of indoor and outdoor space and great 80's themed decor and wall art, as well as pinball machines and pool tables, and ample outdoor heaters. I visited on a Saturday night, with Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band performing outside (Scar Tissue), and we had so much fun! The waitstaff was extraordinary, frequently checking on us at our table, and the food was served fairly quickly. The night we visited, the food was so yummy -- Fonseca's Mexican Food Truck -- they deserve their own review! I got a shrimp quesadilla (no guac), and it is the best I've ever had. The sour cream and salsa, pico de gallo came on the side, the quesadiila filled with melted cheese and large flavorful pieces of shrimp with a perfect smoky seasoned flavor... I want more now just thinking about it! There was no social distancing and very little mask wearing, but being vaccinated, I didn't mind. They played 80's and 90's music inside after both indoor and outdoor concerts ended, got kinda crowded inside cuz it was a somewhat cold evening, but they did limit capacity, so a line formed outdoors later at night. One thing to note is the drink costs are on the higher end ($16 for one drink/cocktail), also you open a tab, and they close the tab for you (you don't have to sign)... but maybe that's why some of these 1-star reviewers report being overcharged (hence why i checked my bill carefully). I was a bit disappointed that they were out of (or not serving) the Cherry Popakazzi the night I visited, but I still gave them 5 stars cuz they offer a lot, more than most places in the east bay (ie. concerts, karaoke, stand up comedy, sports on big screens, etc.), and I had a wonderful experience overall. By the way, parking is easy. There's a free parking lot right next to/behind the venue, and I easily found street parking right in front of the entrance. read more

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Wowa !! Hello, first time ever visiting Retro Junkie!! Top notch, place was definitely poppin. Went there with some friends & my hubby, for 80's prom night. Nice atmosphere, chefs kiss music/ live band, nice outdoor seating, staff are cool. Haven't tried the food yet! A glass of rosé please ! Beverages are flawless! LOTS of fun ! I will definitely be returning sometime in the future. Happy New Years 2024 make it a beautiful, blessed year. *wink read more

Retro Junkie - MEN love meat, DOGS love bones !! @RetroJunkie #GotMeat *Wink - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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Fun venue with a stand up comedy show we've managed to attend on the hump day. Worked out well. No local food though, but the food truck "Gorillas gone wild" I believe the name was, which had a very limited food selection. Limited variety of beers, however enough to pick the one you like. A bit overpriced for this place though. Great service and was always on the spot. You think of it and it's already here. Link to the menu is here: https://qrco.de/bbjPbH read more

Retro Junkie - View from the street with the food truck on the left. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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surprisingy fun bar! we got there pretty early and it was empty except for the opening band and their friends but honestly it was so fun. They were living it up and dancing which made even people watching so fun. It progressively got more and more packed as the night went on and everyine was having a good time. Both bands were really good. This is definitely one of those places you come to start your night. read more

Been here a couple times, including during "trivia night." Cool little place. It's a nice place where you can play a little pool and a little pinball. How many places are there where you can do that, lol? Very nice set up and the service has always been good. Yeah, both times we were here it was mostly older folks - I see other reviews where someone who's 20 is complaining. The place is call "Retro Junkie" not "Entitled 20 year olds" lol. What were they expecting. Hope to come back soon. read more

We were denied entry at 9:37 pm because we didn't have tickets for the show. We didn't want to see the show, Just wanted an after dinner cocktail. It didn't matter because they were "sold out". There were plenty of empty tables outside but we could not have any of them, again because no tickets. It is just strange, for a bar! This is what "sold out" looked like from where I was... read more

Retro Junkie - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This bar is so fun! I went recently with my sis in law and her best friend for her birthday. We went on Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band night and they were so good and had so much energy! All of the bartenders were incredibly nice and we never had to wait too long for our drinks even though they were busy. It has 4 pinball machines and 2 pool tables which is so fun! We danced till 1 am and had a blast! read more

Last weekend was my first time here and all I can say is, "where has Retro Junkie been all my life!" I thoroughly enjoyed myself and so did the group of friends I was with. We saw a Prince cover band and they were fantastic. The vibe was perfect, the drinks were yummy, and I received fabulous customer service the next day when I had to return to retrieve my phone I left there. The head of security, Trevor, and the rest of the security crew were friendly and accommodating. No one made me feel like a 'stupid drunk old lady', which then made me feel like I can't wait to return for more fun. They have all these cool pinball machines pool tables, and other "retro" games available to play. The décor is funky and the outdoor music was booming. I wanted to stay and have a drink, but I was still recuperating from the night before. You have to check this place out. So so fun! read more

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Came here for the first time last night. Drinks were mediocre at $15 a pop which I felt was excessive. My friends and I had been sitting at the bar then proceeded to find a table. About an hour later, a guy approached us and let's us know that it's salsa night and we had to pay $10 for cover but he could do us a favor but letting us stay at the table...Mind you, we were already inside. Luckily we love salsa so ended up paying. Rubbed me the wrong way since we had already purchased two rounds and were there BEFORE cover was being charged. Nonetheless, my group and I opted to have a good night despite the miscommunication. The bar itself has some dope decor with options of playing games, getting drunk or ordering door dash to enjoy a movie on the patio. The bartenders I encountered were very friendly, my friends and I ended up getting a round on the house for being charged cover after they asked if we were enjoying ourselves. I could see why people leave mixed reviews..I guess my experience wasn't so bad and I would come back. read more

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I have been here on a couple visits and it has been really fun each time. Very diverse crowd which leads to everyone having a good time. I havent seen anyone angry at another person or any bad vibes on any of my visits. The staff has always been really nice and friendly. I was lucky enough to get to shoot for a band here and still had a great time even as I worked. I would say this place a is great spot to hang out at. read more

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One of the "club like" places in Walnut Creek, a little ways from the main shopping area but close to the freeway. They have cover during their Sunday parties I think and for sure going out at night unless you find an event on eventbrite and get a ticket earlier. They have an outdoor area up front and tables and sometimes there's a DJ there and there are also food trucks. You can use the QR codes to order your drinks too. They have bottle service and a dance floor inside, along with some video games. They have a stage and some fans along with a bar. It's def a different vibe then East bay or SF clubs. There's parking in the back of the vicinity and not much street parking. read more

Regarding my previous review, it didn't allow me to respond to Karen, however I didn't say that you could get seating for free. The last time I went in you could get into the club for free if you gave your email ahead of time. I don't spread misinformation. I've been there many times and I bring a lot of people with me as an organizer of a Meet Up group but this is one of the places we've had trouble dancing or finding a seat. As a marketing major, I know you look at supply and demand and in this area there's a supply of free events where you can sit down. I would love for this place to be successful and hopefully is but among my group we have very few people going because of these issues that could be improved upon. read more

The decorations inside are really fun! Loved the huge portrait on the wall and curious if it has any special meaning....next to the records, it was a whole vibe and I was digging it I appreciated they had the option to make a mocktail and my virgin mojito was amazing. Then we learned how to salsa and it was really fun. $10 is totally worth the dance class in my opinion! There's not much you can do for that price nowadays that's fun and something to do with the local community. It seemed like there was a small core group that attends salsa night regularly so it would be fun to go again sometime and see what kind of crowd it is. I've been to a few other bars in Walnut Creek and none of them had as good ambiance as this one - the music was on point too! read more

I heard about retro Junkie after seeing a friend check in at a show. I checked out the calendar and decided to buy tickets for the Halloween night show. Retro Junkie hosts retro cover bands and could not wait to see the show. The place was DECKED out in creepy Halloween figures and decorations. Props to the planners of the event and the bartenders who dressed up. It was such a fun night. The interior is awesome, cool modern classic art and photos with a twist. Video games, pinball machines and pool tables - all around, it's a fun place. The drink menu was a sealed record case, ridiculously retro and classic cocktails of the past. I ordered the Incredible Hulk. I wanted something ridiculous, as it was Halloween and the drink not only glows - but funnels henny in your glass. OH MY. Next drink, I tamed down with the canned Rose - which was light and easy. Mixing? Probably not the best idea, but this isn't a review about me. Rose all the way next time... read more

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A lil cheezy, a lil sleazy Houston, we have a winner! Celebrated one of my gf's birthdays last month and after dinner, we headed over to RJ - that night, the featured band du jour was an Aerosmith cover band (can't recall their name). We made our way in after getting past the security guarded entrance and it immediately was like walking through a time warp. Seriously - like "dude, where's my car", aka DeLorean in this case... cheesy hair band was playing away and singing slightly off key in their attempt to be Steven Tyler-esque, but who's really judging after a few shots! "Don't know what it takes to let youuuu gooooo!!" And the band played on... Wall to wall were throwback posters and giant wall sized cut outs reminiscent of the infamous 80's & 90's - I cringe over referring to it as "throwback" because, that mean's I'm freaking throwback - I digress - the scene was dopeness indeed! The Purple One - Prince (duh), Debbie Harry, Mr. Mothertruckin T, Sean Penn, The Terminator, Booger & the Revenge of the Nerds crew and so on could be found. Disco balls happy showered their glittery magic down on the very tipsy crowd dancing below. Several patrons were actually dressed up in 80's attire and proudly dawned their neon lace gloves, big hair bows, leg warmers and the like. Tony Hawk signed skateboards hung majestically. Neon lighted signs exlaimed "The World Is Yours." Indeed it was at RJ! "Love in an elevatoooor..." Getting a drink may take some time as there is only one main bar towards the front of the venue and it gets quite packed, but the drinks my girls and I ordered were strong and quite frankly, that's all that matters in a spot like this, am I right? Other Options Available: If shaking what ya mama gave ya isn't your forte, there are also pool tables in the back to get your hustle on. Not only that, several pinball machines ding-ding-ding away and cast a sexy glow that sweetly beckons you to come and smack some balls around, you know, for old time's sake just to see if you still got it. "Janie's got a guuuuuuuuuun..." If the above description doesn't either make you dizzy with excitement or on the verge of "gagging yourself with a spoon", you clearly don't have a pulse. For a low-key chill night with retro vibes, check out RJ when in Walnut Creek! You may or may not regret it, dude. It's a slightly obnoxious sensory overload that needs only one more thing to make it more awesome - JUST. ADD. ALCOHOL. 3.5 star overall experience, I'll round it up to 4 just because it was pretty bitchin to relive those times, even for a little while. read more

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I reserved their entire Scarface VIP section for my 40th bday celebration along with some great bands. The service and sound was fantastic. Highly recommend, and will be back for sure. read more

So I came here on a Friday night after work. When I got there they told me I couldn't wear a sports hat. So I took it off to get in. But when I was in there .. there was security and other patrons were wearing sports hats. (Yankees) when I brought it to there attention. They told me that they are security so they can wear sports hat. So they can.. but I can't .. so I left. What's good for the goose isn't good for the gander. If you're going to force a dress code, make sure everyone follows it. Not just force it for the select few read more

-Great Music (Bowie cover and Michael Jackson cover band when we were there) -Great venue - tons of space outside for big groups to gather, video games and pinball inside -Happy employees make for friendly employees and bartenders - rotating food trucks keep things interesting or enjoy a meal nearby at the neighboring Vietnamese restaurant. Definitely will be back again! read more

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I drove one hour to attend their Salsa Tuesdays class. Before the event I made sure to RSVP on Eventbrite because the event's page said it was FREE if you register. (See attached image). When I finally arrived I was told at the door there is a $10 entry fee. I showed my Eventbrite ticket and showed them where it says FREE, and their response was, "That's just how it is". I got dressed, got a haircut, bought nice clothes and cleared my schedule to attend this class. I drove one hour, each way. I don't care about an entry fee. I care about being lied to. I feel cheated and scammed, and the fact they didn't even care about their lying is the cherry on top. read more

Retro Junkie - Screenshot of my Eventbrite ticket. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Door is clearly running a scheme. First told us 25 a person, then 20 then 10 a person. Have been a lot of times and won't come back after this. Not trying to get schemed by the door just to get in. read more

$15 cover. Outdoor tables with a DJ playing tech music really loudly. Go inside and the DJ in there is playing hip hop which also meant the more ethnic groups were indoors (do they do that on purpose? haha) Anyway, it was poppin' on a Sunday and maybe cause the weather was nice too. Inside was hot but they got a few big fans blowin'. They have about two old-school arcade games in the corner and a couple of hanging TVs. It's open seating I think for the most part. No social distancing enforcement at the bar nor is there vaccine checks (unless that's changed now since the regulation). We def wore our masks every time we went up to the bar, seems like we were the only ones doing so. Not a bad place to go for day drinking (probably the only place for WC), but it may or may not be your kind of crowd. You just won't know until you go see for yourself. Not sure if I'd come here again, probably would just go to Oakland instead. read more

Tuesdays salsa nite , sometimes this place is so empty !! I'm the person the I would like to support bussuobes sl Pecually the DJ is my friend , if can give 0 star I like to do that ,security guy told me the I have to move from there when I I'm a costumer very good one !! The I consume very expensive drinks there , for no reason but he's friends can keep there just ciz are he's friends really? I feel discrimination place us not fair the way he talk to me so rude and he's friend can be in the bar. I don't like the place anymore !! read more