Never Made It Inside - Poor Wait Time Management We were really looking forward to trying this place for the first time, but unfortunately never got to eat here. We arrived at 6pm on a Sunday and were told the wait would be 45 minutes to 1 hour. We understood it was busy and put our name down. After waiting 1 hour and 15 minutes, we checked back in, only to be told they had no idea when we'd be seated. We gave it another 10 minutes, but still no timeline or update. I completely understand that restaurants get slammed and wait times can be unpredictable. What was frustrating wasn't the wait itself - it was the lack of honest communication. If it was going to be a 1.5-2 hour wait, just tell us upfront so we can make an informed decision about our evening. Honestly, the host seemed to have forgotten about us as she seemed surprised and scrolled way down the list to find our name even though we were "top of the list". After waiting over 1.5 hours with no end in sight and getting increasingly hungry, we had to leave and grab food elsewhere. With three hosts working, I would have expected better expectation management than what we experienced tonight. I hope this was just an off night, but we left disappointed and hungry. read more

what a gem! absolutely love this place... the perfect "speak easy" / "prohibition" $tyle of place for amazing craft cocktails that are hand-carved with passion. this is not a place for beer (that's across the parking lot) and although they do offer wine and mocktails -- c'mon, that ain't what they're known for... this is the type of hidden joint that kind of wants to stay a $ecret; this is where a person goes for intimate cabin-ish atmosphere and incredible beverages made from the finest bourbons, whiskeys, gins and Mezcals, etc. we got to know our drink-slinger Kevin over our stay and what a Pro he is: we closed the night with a couple high octane "not on the menu" dealer's choice beverages and Kommander Kevin Kru$hed it (see photos, we don't even know if what he made us has a name)... I almost didn't want to write this review because I'd like it to stay hidden, but $trong Water is too $pecial not to share! keep it up My Ninjas -- stay the same and fail to change [insert LOVE emoji] read more

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Such a cool retro vibe. The decor and drink list make you feel like you stepped back 100 years. The cocktails are very different. Be prepared to adventure drink. You'll find flavor profiles and combos that you won't find anywhere else. Love how chill it is. Great place to relax. read more

If you're craving a night out that feels like a step back in time, Strong Water in Chico is the place to be. From the moment you spot the rustic, vintage-style Strong Water sign above the entrance, you know you're in for something special. The charm starts right at the door, where they've kept the original peek-through window for that speakeasy vibe--a small but playful touch that makes every visit feel like a bit of a secret adventure, sure to get friends talking. Inside, the seating areas offer a cozy, low-light ambiance that still provides enough brightness to enjoy your surroundings. It's perfect for intimate conversations and laid-back gatherings. There are charming nooks with plush seating and small tables, surrounded by art on the walls and candlelight that adds a warm, nostalgic glow. For groups, they've arranged seating with pairs of seats on each side, giving you and your friends a little extra room to settle in comfortably. The bar itself is just as impressive, running nearly the length of the room, with both high-top chairs and lower seating options so you can relax without having to climb up to a bar stool--a thoughtful detail that adds to the overall comfort of the space. Strong Water's new patio extends the experience outdoors, offering a relaxed area to enjoy drinks in the open air. With sturdy wooden tables, black metal chairs, and string lights above, it's the perfect spot for warm Chico evenings. You can unwind with friends under the stars, soaking up the cool, modern twist on that classic speakeasy vibe. One of the best parts? They've expanded the menu in all the right ways. You'll find a cocktail selection that doesn't just hit the spot; it makes an impression. Try Falling in Loreto, a tequila cocktail with spiced pear and cranberry liqueurs. It's that perfect sweet-tart mix that feels like being whisked away to the Sea of Cortez. Or the Turkey Hunt, a blend of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, fresh grapefruit, and herbed honey syrup from their on-site herb garden. It's got this earthy, aromatic vibe that feels like fall in a glass. If you're looking to keep things alcohol-free but still crave something crafted and complex, Strong Water has you covered. Golden Hour, made with a hemp-based spirit and botanical flavors, is not only delicious but has calming, anti-inflammatory perks. Or try Kava Horchata, a creamy, cinnamon-infused drink made with traditional Fijian kava for a relaxing, slightly numbing experience that's perfect for winding down. The snacks are just as memorable. The Chopped Brisket Sliders, served on house-baked brioche buns with BBQ sauces, bring a rich, smoky flavor that's hard to beat. Then there's Bougie Popcorn--yes, it's bougie in the best way, with truffle oil, roasted pistachios, and just the right amount of sea salt. If you're planning to snack, though, make sure to order early! On opening night, these popular bites ran out toward the end of the evening--a testament to just how much people loved them. Prices are refreshingly approachable: cocktails at $13, non-alcoholic options at $10, and snacks from $4 to $12. Strong Water is cash only, but they've thoughtfully provided a fee-free ATM on-site to help keep prices down. It's easy to enjoy a night out without stretching your budget, offering an experience that feels special without the splurge. And it's not just the food and drinks that make this place remarkable--it's the people. The staff is friendly and genuinely invested in making sure you have a great experience. Strong Water is the kind of place where stories are made. A simple night out can turn into a memorable experience. On my last visit, I even reconnected with old friends and met a few new ones--the kind of night that just keeps you smiling. Before long, they'll know your name, and you'll know theirs, making each visit feel like catching up with an old friend. Strong Water's vibe practically invites you to connect, whether with friends you came with or new faces across the bar. They go above and beyond to make sure you leave happy. And the best part? Strong Water is open seven days a week, so there's no excuse to miss out. If you're tired of the usual bar scene, Strong Water is a breath of fresh air. It's the kind of place you tell friends about--a spot where classic speakeasy vibes meet a cool, modern twist. Whether you're there for a night out or just a relaxed drink, this place is an absolute must-visit. Go see for yourself. Don't just take my word for it--you won't regret it, and you'll probably be back as often as I am. Maybe I'll see you there! read more

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A nice quaint bar great friendly staff good drinks Like the decor and ambiance I am new to Chico looks like it will be a hang out for me when I am here read more

Drinks are amazing, the bartenders/mixologists are very nice. And will sub any part of the drink for you to something better suited for your taste. Ambiance is great, feels like you're at a high class restaurant. read more

Strong Water - Crane berry, not bad. A little bitter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Excellent drinks!! Hemingway is really good!! Old Fashion is even better!! Really like coming here!! read more

Strong Water - Blanton Old Fashion is excellent!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Such a gem of a bar. Drinks were thoughtful and well crafted. Decor is absolutely perfect. Rich and dark. And great bartenders crafting a memorable experience. Definitely coming back. read more

Worth a try. Cool little spot. We got there around 7 on a Friday and it was pretty packed but cleared out, seems like generally high turnover cause there isn't much seating. Nothing crazy on the menu but everything we tried was good and well balanced. The people working were friendly and helpful. The missing one star is it felt a bit like a factory. I was not expecting a menu, I was expecting a bit more of an experience in craft cocktails. But I think on another night when it wasn't as busy it would be possible. Avg drink was about 15bucks. read more

We have visited twice since the new ownership. The first time was great. It was a Tuesday so it wasn't very busy but the bartender was very helpful and friendly and the drinks were great. We went back on a Saturday and had a completely different experience. The service was poor, we ordered the same drink we had before because it was so good, and it came half full which is ridiculous because they are already very small glasses, we had to wait forever just to be able to place our order, and to pay our bill. My suggestion would be to go on a weeknight to get the best experience. read more

Strong Water - How our drinks were served... very pretty but half full which was disappointing. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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We went to Strong Water this past Saturday around 5:15 ish. We walked in and I was loving the speakeasy vibe! It was exactly what we were looking for. Our fantastic bartender. Leilani, gave us great cocktail recommendations that were on point! We will be back!! read more

We really looked forward to our first visit, but we left disappointed. The servers told us they could make the classic cocktail Hemingway after they looked up the recipe. The drink that I received was NOT a Hemingway. It was super-sour with an overdose of citrus and not a hint of Luxardo liqueur. Not once did either server ask how the drink was (the drink that they were apparently making for the first time). The place was super-busy with a private party, so I waited for a moment when one of the servers was not serving anyone, and I asked her what recipe she used. She went to get her index card again to tell me. She responded with "Oh" when I told her that it did not taste like a Hemingway and that it appeared to be missing a key ingredient. She said she could get more alcohol, but we had been there for 45 minutes already and decided to leave. At Argus, Duffy's, Banshee's, Fifth Street Steakhouse, and other venues in Chico, when they fix me a Hemingway, I always order a second. The servers seemed not to care whether their first attempt at making this classic drink hit the mark. Beautiful decor, but -- what a bummer on the inability to fix a classic cocktail and the nonchalance regarding whether it turned out okay. read more

This place is still my favorite place for a delicious crafted cocktail in Chico! The ambience is so cool. Someone said the decor reminded them of the Orient Express. You'll probably want to hire a driver so that you can relax and enjoy it! read more

Wow- this is such a little treasure for Chico! We'd heard about it from a friend, but it's hard to describe just how unique he ambiance is inside the bar. Classic speakeasy all the way. Everything is on style, from the wallpaper down to the etched glasses. 10/10 on decor! We tried 4 different cocktails and all were perfectly balanced and delicious. They make their own mixes and add-ins, like the black pepper and berry for the Kentucky blackberry (pictured). Can feel a bit pricey for Chico, but with stellar service and fantastic ingredients it's really a steal. I can't wait to go back! read more

Strong Water - Kentucky blackberry - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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Best cocktails in town - seriously. These bartenders take their job seriously & make some delicious drinks that anyone who loves a good cocktail will enjoy. The atmosphere is very relaxing as well, not too loud not too quiet - just right. I suggest this to everyone of my friends who enjoy a fancy spot for a good drink and have never heard anything but great feedback! Keep doing it right, Strong Water! read more

Strong Water - Raspberry Whiskey Smash - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chico, California

When my wife and I want a great cocktail, this is where we go. The ambiance is awesome.

Found Strong Water when visiting The Lost Dutchaman on our two day trip to Chico! Strongwater has speakeasy vibes and is a hidden gem! You can tell their bartender Ryan loves what he does as every cocktail and shooter we had was well balanced and the ingredients were fresh. We had the strawberry gimlet, the Kentucky blackberry (my favorite don't let the black pepper throw you off) and Marjorie's manhattan. Some of the best cocktails i've ever had. Shoutout to our server Taylor who made great recommendations, kept the water flowing and was hustling all night and did not skip a beat. FYI: The Lost Dutchmen Taproom shares the outdoor space with Strong Water so you are able to order cocktails from the beer garden! This was nice as my husband loves beer and I love cocktails and we were both able to have good beer, cocktails and food without moving about. We will definitely be returning when we visit Chico. read more

This hidden gem is my new favorite bar in Chico. Creative cocktails, friendly staff, beautiful interior. read more

Strong Water - Specialty drink menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chico, California

If you are in the mood for a cool vibe and a top notch cocktail, this is your place. I am a bourbon drinker myself. The selection here is among the best. The bartenders/mixologists are friendly and professional. They make a fantastic drink. Give it a try you won't be disappointed. read more

Always a favorite to visit! The drinks and the bartenders are amazing! This is a hidden gem.

This is by far my favorite bar (or speakeasy, really). I love trying out their speciality drinks. I am never disappointed! Everything they make is top shelf. This is just their standard. Is has a velvety french atmosphere (in fact, entirely) with a beautiful hanging chandelier and french art on the walls. The bartenders are dressed to the nines, the service is exceptional and the bartenders know how to make their drinks. So, if you are looking for a memorable and intimate place that serves quality drinks, this is the place to go. read more

Strong Water is the hidden gem of Chico. If you appreciate a perfectly made, hand crafted cocktail this is the place. The ambiance is also something that cannot be found anywhere else. The bartenders are not only super sweet they are so helpful!! I hate to spread the word because I love to go here on a Saturday night and hope to get my favorite table in the corner....but at the same time this place needs a major shoutout!! Strong Water is the best!!! read more

This place seemed incredibly overwhelmed and never got a hold on the night. We didn't get our drinks for very long and bartenders were extremely rude when we tried to approach them to order. Overpriced for a quality that does not match. read more