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

Nice ambience , bartenders were awesome and attentive. Music was on point all night long

A total dump. Just stayed for awhille since it was so dark and dingy. Not recommended for women since it was a total dive bar.

Friday night and looking for live music? Look no further. Retro Junkie has cover bands to keep you rocking out! Went for the first time on a Friday night and my friend had bought tickets for a 90s cover band. We had our IDs checked, checked in at the desk with our tickets, had our wrists stamped and then walked in. Grabbed some drinks, listened to the cover band for a little while before heading to the back room that has pinball machines, Ms. PAC Man and two pool tables. The games all cost $1 in quarters but they have a change machine next to the pinball machines. Played a round of pool with my friend and met some other friendly people while playing. The experience itself was extremely positive. Everyone was friendly, the singer of the band had a fantastic voice, drinks were good (had a tequila sunrise) and the bathroom was clean. The only questionable area is the parking lot where there's limited parking, people making out in cars and others smoking weed. That being said, there's also a security guard outside which is nice. read more

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

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Went here for the first time to celebrate a friend's birthday. Maroon 5 cover band was playing. No where to sit to watch and listen to the band. A little too small for my taste. All tables had to be reserved and they charge about $500 for a table. Umm no thanks. So I opted to sit outside in the garden. Couldn't here the music, oh well. No biggie. They have a projector outside playing music videos. Much better hanging out outside. Too stuffy inside. They have a food truck on site to order food. I ordered their nachos. I needed a fork to eat them. They were smothered in sour cream. I threw them away. Looked like a band was packing up that had played outside. Wish we would of arrived earlier to listen to them. In the back they have arcade games and a pool table. I only drank draft beer. $9 I think it was. So I can't comment on mixed drinks. I will come again and this time arrive earlier to enjoy the garden which is more spacious. Will be fun this summer. read more

Cool vibe, good music. Went with a group of ladies and really enjoyed our time there. Great outside area to hang out.

Our group came here for a birthday and reserved a VIP table next to the live band stage. We were able to set up the reservation online via email. Our point of contact from Retro Junkie called us back a day after the email. There was no deposit, just a $250 minimum spending tab for the reservation. We were also informed that there would be a live band playing and there would be a $10 charge per head. The venue had an awesome set up with tables in the courtyard with a screen playing videos of 80's music. I can see how they can have their movie nights, playing classics on some nights. We were seated inside. We were required to show vaccination cards and ID at the entrance to get our wrist bands. Inside was the bar, band, arcades, and pool table. For food they had a Mexican food stand with tacos, quesa birria, and some others. Food and drinks were to be ordered via waitresses. Service was good and food was delicious but pricey. The cover band was pretty cool. I tried to order a double Jameson but was told they only do singles. Overall, it was a good experience. I would come back for a special event or occasion. Hope that your Yelping adventures lead you to this nostalgic bar! Stay hungry adventurous and happy Yelping! read more

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First of all, this has been one of the best bars in the area for a long time now. The team at Retro does a great job of procuring great bands, setting a great atmosphere (both indoors and out) and generally providing a fantastic environment for a night out. No douchy club music here -- it's fun, upbeat music and that, in turn, brings out a fun, upbeat crowd. Second, I've read a couple of the negative reviews here and they sound like an incredible case of sour grapes about getting the boot, rather than being rooted in reality. I've been going there since this place opened -- never ONCE have I seen anything other than kind, customer-friendly decorum from the staff. House staff -- security, bartenders, management -- are all FANTASTIC. All in all, highly recommended. We started going here for our nights out and have essentially abandoned all of the other bars in the area. read more

Attended the Depeche Mode cover on Friday 24th. The security staff within the venue were incredibly rude showing no consideration to speak courteously to customer who come and pay to enjoy a night out. Door reception at entry was professional and bartending was amazing. read more

So happy this place exists! Small venue inside, large hangout outside with a big screen and heat lamps. If you have the money, book a booth! read more

Well into 2021, so many of us are sharing our stories of returning to businesses that have morphed in the post-COVID world. Whenever I share my tales, there is one business that I praise above all others for their rebirth - and it's this one right here, Retro Junkie! Retro was already my favorite bar, from the moment they took over the space of the old WPLJ's and made it into something finer for a new group of professional partiers. With their atmosphere focusing on nostalgia of the 80s, 90s and a smidge of early 2000s, they created a space without pretense, a place that is just FUN and cool. Add to that a full bar with house cocktails, their amazing décor (can you correctly identify all the neon signs? Can you spot every tattooed movie character you love from the back in the day?), great music constantly, trivia and karaoke nights, live bands on the weekends, arcade games, and pool tables? It's an entire experience in one building. Perfect for the night club crew, or the happy hour crew. A place where all are welcome. My favorite bar in Walnut Creek, and indeed the area. But - how do you improve on perfection? You apply pressure. That's how coal becomes a diamond! (I'm looking at you, Ferris Bueller.) When COVID turned the world upside down, Retro stepped up and refused to be ignored. They launched a merchandise line. They started livestreaming cocktail demos from bartender homes, and music performances from rock star living rooms. They made their trivia nights app based, so you could play at home. But their greatest move was yet to come! As all bars and restaurants stayed closed for business, I watched the front parking lot of Retro be converted to a sitting area - a totally safe outdoor space for customers! Social media soon told me they would now have a beer garden! Fully COVID compliant with spacing, heaters for the cold nights, and best of all, a rotating selection of food trucks to accompany the libations! While incredible on its own, the beer garden has now paved the way for outdoor movie nights, sports viewing parties, and acoustic live shows! They've truly checked all the boxes now, and remain THE night spot in Walnut Creek. I'm unspeakably grateful that they survived, and have only gotten better. As we creep our way towards total reopening, I will continue to give Retro my business every week, and cannot wait to see what great times lay ahead! Thank you to their wonderful staff for always taking such good care of me and my friends, especially Marissa, Andrea, Rob and Lina. Get your ass to Retro for a great time! Support local businesses, now and always! read more

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We had an amazing time with David Bowie's cover band! It was our first time there and we are looking forward to karaoke! read more

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Retro is pretty much my favorite spot out of all the Walnut Creek night life.. it's always clean and the bartenders know how to make cocktails and the bouncers are very personal and make you feel safe. I love that this place always has different food trucks as-well. They have great cover bands on the weekend and a dj afterwards. Big outside area, some arcade games inside and 2 pool tables inside. So I give this place 5 starts! Totally recommend! Bring your friends! read more

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

Most amazing place I've ever been. It's like Disneyland for adults! It's like a flash to the past. Reminds me of a better much simpler time.

The night was great. Got the Owners VIP booth for my wife's birthday party. We had a great time. Reservation to the event every step was smooth and the staff was fantastic. read more

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I've been to Retro Junkie a couple of times since going to the 80's prom NYE party which was a blast. I also went with my partner to take Salsa lessons and we had a great time. I love the vibe of this place, it's clean, and the staff are really nice. I can't wait to go back for more music and dancing. read more

We absolutely love this place the bands that they hire here are so talented not only are they excellent musicians but most often dress up to look the part which makes it even more. The bartenders and the staff are always super friendly and make great drinks. I am an ambience person and this place is fabulous. They stay so true to their theme shown on the walls throughout with pinball machines and memorabilia laced through the building. There is no other place like this you have to come and once you do, you'll probably come often. It's our favorite local spot to go out and dance, Have fun here awesome music from the 80s and 90s! Honestly, I'm so grateful to have this place. There's nothing else around that's as fun. read more

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We love Retro Junkie! Even during COVID they made major adjustments by building the beer garden and made it a SAFE and fun way to hang out, grab yummy drinks, grab good food and listen to AWESOME music. It's super clean and they practice social distancing!!! read more

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

ARI was wonderful from the moment I emailed inquiring about getting a VIP table for my son's birthday her and I continued to communicate via text which was even more convenient! She answered all my questions and booking the reservation was so easy! I think the best part was actually getting to meet her that night! Hands down best service ever! Everyone was attentive and I can say the party went extremely well thanks to the staff especially the bartenders who made the tasteful cocktails. Will definitely go back and everyone needs to ask for ARI! Love that girl! read more

Love this place. Sometimes they have food trucks outside if not you can bring food in & the drink are strong!. Check their website or IG to see what they have going on weekly. Movies, cover bands & sometimes just a chill night. read more

I have been to Retro junkie a couple times in the past, all pre pandemic. But had heard great things currently, me and my wife decided to give it a try as we have been itching to get out again. ! Wow what a production! Their beer garden is beautiful, and what a huge screen to show movies on. I didn't see a projector so it must be LED. So clear and really awesome. We watched the movie selection for the evening under heat lamps and under great care of our server andrea. She was fun and entertaining and full of knowledgeable suggestions of the food and drink menu. Side note, apparently their lead bartender creates a new cocktail menu weekly to Coincide with the movies. I would have tried them all if I could, but the two my wife and I shared were phenomenal. Great job Retro Junkie!! Congratulations on the things you had to change to stay in business. It's working!!! We will be back! read more

Retro Junkie - been there, done that... bought a t-shirt!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

We had my best friend's memorial/birthday celebration this past Saturday and it was so wonderful!! The whole staff- from The wonder to the bartenders. Our host Ari took care of us all night. Anything we needed and then some. She definitely made the day/night so easy & fun. Thank you Ari for being such a doll. Can't wait to come back to visit you. Kris took such good care of everyone coming in! She is so awesome. All the bartenders were just so cool. Trisha made sure we were all good! I got my own friends to DJ the event and they were a hit. I hope they call them back to DJ because we will definitely be there!! Again, thank you to all the staff for being so dope! read more

I find this to be a wonderful place. Great, very friendly staff. Salsa dancing on Tuesday night is as good as it gets on any night in the Bay Area. Women can feel safe coming here with easy parking and good security. Diverse dancing crowd of really nice people of all ages. Reasonably priced bar choices. If the world was like Retro Junkie there would not be any wars. I highly recommend Retro Junkie. read more

Service and Ambience was great by the staff and guests. Met new friends from SF. Both band's exceptional, Unauthorized Stones and Never a Dull Moment, Rod Stewart band. I would return. read more

Salsa night Music on Tuesdays at Retro's is nice but MUSIC IS TOO LOUD! Decibels are out of the chart! A lot of people complained but Dj DON'T CARE! OWNER EITHER! If an inspector stops by I'm sure they'll get fine for that! Speakers are at head level therefore is hard to hear & talk. SOUND IS HORRIBLE!!! Dancers prefer quality! Dj thinks high volume is better than quality! . read more

I love this place, they have live music Thursday through Sunday. They always have quality bands and it is located in downtown Walnut Creek, which could not be more convenient. Drinks are a little pricey, but oh well, it's totally worth it. read more

What a GREAT venue! The place looks good with the face lift/revamp/ updated look. And now they've got a cool front lawn thing going on with a huge projection TV for sporting events and I hear movie nights too! 2-3 Food trucks are there waiting to feed the masses. And the food is grubb'n good. Easy to enter, totally felt safe and welcomed the whole evening. Decor is what you might expect- casual bar. I found it to seem modern sleek yet comfortable. My friends and I had such a good time ;0) I went to see a Journey tribute band recently. So blown away by the band, the service and the fun party scene! Our group had reservations for a VIP table- which I highly recommend! It just makes everything that much easier- helps you enjoy the evening fuller. Without the hassle of going to the bar for a drink. Now let me tell you about "Ari"- our waitress. Such an amazing young lady! So full of joy, energy and a wicked smart sense of humor! She never left us wanting for a single thing. If not for her our night would have been fun- sure. But Ari "made" our night FABULOUS!!! A truly kickass waitress! She made great drink suggestions, explained how to order off the app, all while remembering everyone's drink order... all night! She came to check on us frequently and made us feel like we were her only table. When she clearly had a FULL HOUSE and many others to attend to. Everything was simply awesome!! Thank you Retro Junkie for a lot of things. But my top 2 things are: Getting the Night Club thing right! & Ari. Seriously, Ari is a keeper. Give that lady a bonus and recognition! It's not an easy job- she did it with practice ease. I & we will be back! To see more amazing talent, enjoy the atmosphere and will insist on being in Ari's section!!! read more

This is a fun environment to come hang out with family or friends. They have great music, delicious drinks and when we came they had a puertorican food truck. The maduros ( sweet fried bananas with salt) and chuletas (pork chops) with rice and beans was delicious. My favorite drink was the one coated on the rim with pop rocks, yummy!!! The waitresses were fabulous, just sweethearts. We'll be back. read more

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This bar was great at first. In fact, inside it was quite nice and the games were very fun. Unfortunately the mass amount of viagra related testosterone was over bearing. The security made it feel less like a bar and more like a weird prison. BTW we enter at 8 and only at 9 do they start searching people for weapons!!!! Every area that has a seat is tagged off and security will ruthlessly pull you out of a seat if it is tagged off. This place has serious identity crises and honestly the rotation room down the street has way better beer and people!!! Enter at your own risk, aka this place sucks!!! read more

Great place for live music, I've seen a few bands here, good sound for the venue, great bartenders, very attentive, not bad on the eyes either, I usually try and get there early to get a seat, have not tried any of the food trucks outside, inside they have pinball and pool tables and cool decorations from the 80's. Parking is behind the venue and it's pretty dark out there or you can try and find a place to park on Main St. Go and enjoy a show read more

5 stars for the security staff in particular, went to a packed show last night and they were professional, courteous, and quick to handle any threat to anyone's safety. Austin provided some great assistance when someone started threatening the safety of me and those around me. Incredibly grateful for him and the rest of the security team for providing such a safe and respectful atmosphere for live music and entertainment. Also!! The rest of the staff/bartenders were great, some of the best quality well drinks i've had, and classic pinball/pool! Definitely will return the next time i'm in the area. read more

One of my favorite places! Good ambience and cover bands are the best. I like the outdoor patio and big screen. Great during summer.

The host is rude The security will steal your items held at the front Drinks taste watered down read more

I had a great time here with my girl the other night! I wasn't able to fully explore, but I loved the vibe. Apparently the outdoor seating was first come first serve but the indoor tables were paid for. There's a full bar but there's a cocktail waitress that will serve you outside. They had the Crazy Empanada food truck outside and we ate. I think they change food trucks. I really liked the arepas. Overall, a fun place to hang! Would definitely come again. read more

As a first time guest, I was excited for what I had heard about the venue and we gathered a group and purchased tickets for an event this weekend. The venue is spacious with lots of tables inside and out. The huge screen/stages were very cool and all of the decor and games were a nice touch. I will say I felt very blind sided after that. Although it's a fun "retro" theme the place seems a little run down for how much they charge for everything with it being in Walnut Creek. The pinballs and games are limited maybe 3-4 machines each and 2 pool tables. Drinks are around 15$ each and don't taste like it. The reservation table area was a hassle and we ultimately didn't reserve one in advance due to lack of communication on their end, (couldn't get anyone to email me back) but we were then kicked out of the gaming area because that was a reservation section also. There was 1 taco food truck and that alone I give 2 stars. Online stated there would be multiple trucks but the staff said it's usually only 1. 15$ taco plate for good meat but poor everything else(undercooked rice and beans). Really wanted to enjoy the place after viewing it on social media and waiting to go here after a long time. Staff were pretty nice we understand they have a job to do but didn't leave feeling appreciated after spending a good amount of money. Maybe will give it another chance but this was our experience for a birthday party gathering. Left at 10pm because security was starting to get a little jumpy and we didn't want to find out why after our experience so far. read more

Dropped my joints on the dance floor. Security guard took it and refused to give them back. Kinda whack tbh. Also everyone here is 30 and sad. NOT the place to be if you are in your 20's. read more

Went on a Wednesday night with a friend and had no expectations. First impression was that the place was super cute and had ample seating and tables that were cute and comfy. We were surprised to find out it was trivia night and then karaoke. The host was charismatic and fun and we had a good time playing the trivia against the others at the bar while using our cellphones. Karaoke afterwards was fun too!! You can tell there were some regulars, but everyone was super into it and a lot of people were even dancing. The only reason I took away a star was because at night the place got a little raunchy with people getting sloppy on the dance floor with people making out and gave me like an 18+ bar scene vibe. I would definitely come back for the trivia and the start of karaoke. read more

I really liked this place. We went here on a Saturday night and it was jam PACKED. I think the cover was $10 or less but I believe it was cash only at the door. It's a pretty small place...it was rough muscling up to the bar. It was also pretty foggy. They have a dance floor but it was so crowded we just tried to hurry and get our drinks and move to some area that was less packed. We muscled through the crowd to the very back where they have pinball machines and pacman. They also have 2 or 3 pool tables which I think were about a dollar or two a game. Quarters only but they do have a change machine. The drinks were average priced and pretty solid. I had a mai tai which was nice and stiff. The decor and the music are the best though. The music was straight up out of Molly Ringwald movies and stuff like that...I loved it. For me the music was more for listening pleasure than actual dance inspiring. The decor was a cool...skate boards and other cool stuff decorated the walls. We didn't dance but we did play pool the entire time. This is cool place to play pool and I will definitely go back. read more

Retro Junkie - Girl's night out!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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Absolutely always an awesome time. Amazing entertainment and environment. Never been disappointed. Keep doing your thing Retro! read more

Retro Junkie - Rocking out with the raddest tribute bad No Duh!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This would be a fun place to visit again when pandemic is over, I'm rating the outside patio experience only. We attended the Niner watch party, we sat baking in the direct sun for 3 hrs, some umbrellas but a big canopy would be more ideal! Waitress was nice, but had no idea what alcohol was being served, we asked specifically for a Incredible Hulk, she had no idea and said they didn't care hypnotic?? And said they had spicy margaritas which they do not! Asked another waitress who works there a lot and she said hell ya we have it!? So we stuck with her instead lol, lobster truck was good and prices as well. The drinks are way overpriced for a so called dive bar? The other waitress never took off the first drink we ordered before we knew that they carried hypnotic and was charged and then they did refund me for the Bombay gin and tonic for really $16.00? Over all experience was ok. read more

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