Stumbled upon this bar one night when my girlfriend and I were looking for night life in Hayward... Yay for live music and craft beer! Decent selection for the micro brewery lovers. If the music is too loud and there's no more room inside, bring it to the patio! read more

Fantastic beers. They get Pliny the Younger every Feb/March!! These people know Beers. On the flipside, very average staff serving Beers. read more

Everyone has that place they like to go to and get that one drink they crave all the time. Or maybe that's just me with this place. My favorite drink they have: Woodchuck Pear Cider. Every time I come here, I get that. Why? Because their drinks are made with love. The taste is so crisp and fresh. I've tried several beers from here too which were interesting in a good way, but everyone has their favorite. The seating there is nice, because you have a choice of inside or outside. Another benefit is that there is a band playing there almost any night you go. If you are there to chill, inside seating is fine. But if you are there to catch up with someone, you should sit outside if you want to yell. Parking is tough to find on the street, but there is a parking lot behind buffalo bills that usually has parking. The pricing is good here as well! read more

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They have good beer. Good music (live). No cover charge. Outdoor seating that is pet friendly. Nice ownership. And bar staff. read more

The Bistro - Outside patio good for dogs! - Pubs Near Me - Hayward, California

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I've spent a lot of time here, as I use to play the venue once a month for about a year. Definitely not your average bar - which may be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for. Beer only, but they've got plenty of not-well-known choices to explore. Food? Mostly microwaved snacks. Meh. Fetching bartenders, though. Joint is inhabited by a stable of regulars who are fixtures of the place - maybe since the Lincoln administration. One unisex bathroom - so long lines and yes, I'll have a side of Purel with my Guinness, thank you. A large sheet of butcher paper serves as table lining, and every table gets a jar of crayons so you can write your next treatise or rehearse your ABC's. As far as the music, you get a mixed bag. They have genres sequestered to different nights of the week - Tuesdays are jazz night, there's a blues night, a rock night, etc. So check the calendar if you're looking for a specific genre. The acoustics used to be quite nice until they ripped out the indoor/outdoor carpet they had throughout the place - after that it became a little unpleasurable playing there as it became a reverb den (remember assemblies in your high school gym?) If you're looking for a funky beer joint to take in some local music, The Bistro may be your stein of lager. If you're expecting anything more...prolly not. Oh, and an OSHA safety tip - If you're a piano player - don't expect to play the piano. Bring your own digital. That thing should be put down with a shotgun. read more

Do you like beer? Do you like live music? Do you like crayons on tables? Do you like an outdoor patio? Do you like an epic, long chain of bottle openers on a bartender? You have come to the right place, as this spot has all of these items and a bit more. They have a good amount of IPAs on tap and a variety of bottled beers in the fridge. I am a fan of Beligums and get my fill here while enjoying the local live music scene. If you get a table you're lucky, though I hope you either like loud music or brought ear plugs - it's a small space. You can enjoy the venue outside on the patio as well. The type of bands vary and you'll have to check the calendar to find out what's playing. One thing guaranteed is a lot of dad bods (*rawr*). TL;DR: I've always left happy after drinking and listening to music read more

There are not of places like this in this area and it gets points for being unique. The Bistro reminded me of Austin where I had just returned from and is known for its music scene. I went here for drinks with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed being able to sit outside and listen to live Blues music. read more

Good beer, decent price, CRAYONS?! Love the tables with the blank pages to draw on. Definitely made drinking more fun. As for what was on tap, there was definitely a decent selection of 10 beers. We got the Pliny the Elder and the Black Butte Porter. Both tasty, neither more than 7 dollars. I definitely want to see if they have any other good beers in the future. read more

First visit. Came for the open mic night. A cute little intimate spot to enjoy some local talent. You will have to get your drinks from the bar, there is no table staff, which was fine. The one bartender handles a full house very well. A decent beer selection. No food served. There is only one small unisex bathroom. Depending on the talent, I'd go back. It was a good time. read more

Like everyone else has mentioned, The Bistro has a good selection of beers. They tend to favor the IPA and Double IPA style which is something I like. They recently had their annual Double / Triple IPA festival which was nice. They were able to close the side street and set it up as an urban beer garden (minus the seats and benches). It was nice set up but a tad expensive. Also, their website is somewhat lacking in details. Will I be back? Sure... good beer always brings me back. read more

Cool place, bring cash, and order a beer.

The last place in Hayward to see live local music, every night. The owner puts his heart and soul into this place. Great beers (and wine), great bartenders, and open mic nights -- great crowd. I love playing this venue and seeing the regular bands, and discovering new ones. Love this place. And oh yes, there are singles there.... Check it out. read more

The Bistro - Pubs Near Me - Hayward, California

This place is pretty cute. Came in the other night and to my surprise there was live music. Didn't care too much for it being a cash only place but definitely worth the visit. read more

One word: greatest! Place to relax, to hangout, to enjoy music and people with love. Much love! Peace read more

Pay it forward folks Thank God for Suzzie, I walked in order an IPA (lagunitas) and spicy peanuts. Went to pay and got to know they were (cash only) that sucked I literally had no cash or a debit card in my pocket just a credit card in my pocket. A person next to me was Suzzie she said she got me for my drinks and "peanuts" lol I love the "humanity" in this bar I am coming back for sure. Staff was good.. but the folks in it were better so 5 star for them. read more

You guys have the best bartender eveeeer!! I went with my husband and the guy was sooooooooo cool with us, another guy eas playing the guitar and that make our date amazing!! Thank you, we can't wait to go again soon!!! read more

This is a beer & wine-only bar, but they don't really have food anymore. Friendly spot, great open-mic, but THEY DO NOT HAVE SANDWICHES or any of the other stuff listed on yelp. Maybe a cheese plate, if you're lucky. read more

It does me proud as a (semi-recent) Haywardian to have such a fine beer establishment in a city so severely lacking in good watering holes. But The Bistro is so much more than a watering hole, it's a true beer destination. They have an impressive rotating tap, top notch beer festivals, and there is zero pretension in this crowd. All those working and drinking here appear to be true beer lovers at the core. I was also impressed to find out that Russian River's Pliny the Elder was created specifically for a double IPA beer fest at The Bistro in 2000, which may explain why it's always on tap here. As Hayward's saving grace, I hope this place never goes away. In case you're interested, more info on the Pliny/Bistro story here: http://russianriverbrewing.com/brews/pliny-the-elder/ read more

This is a solid 5 star establishment for the beer selection alone, and should be dubbed a Hayward institution if one factors in how active the Bistro is in the brewing scene. Throw in the fact that the Bistro is home to 5-6 large beer festivals frequented by brewers from around the U.S. each year, and it's tough to not recognize the significance of this small, divey pub. Pliny is regularly on tap, as are other great microbrews. The bartenders know their craft, but are far from pretentious and willing to educate some of the younger beer drinkers on the good and hoppy. You will enjoy the bistro if you love and know your beers, and want to relax in a cozy environment. If you are looking for a Stella and some ladies to take home, this is not your venue... go across the street to Bijou's. read more

Just dropped in alone for a beer at lunchtime. Very chummy crowd of bikers, vet geezers with PTSD and street people with tattoos. I walked in as an Asian guy with slacks and a polo shirt. I felt like I was Ned Beatty in Deliverance bc I think "one-tooth" at the bar winked at me. The chub little red hair barmaid was a dyke so I caught an attitude. Other than that, great craft beer selection. I got a warm Pliny and my ass virginity intact. read more

The Bistro - If you're not one of the crowd of geezers w/PTSD. This bar maiden will give you the "what f@&$k are you doing here" 'titde. - Pubs Near Me - Hayward, California

Ah, the Bistro. This place is one of the only businesses that has remained tried and true over the years and managed to survive the remodeling of downtown Hayward without watering down their drinks or late night entertainment. They are packed at night with people filling the seats in and outside. The beers here are better than average as is the coffee, I can't say that I have really eaten much of the food here, but I sure have seen a lot of shows. The Bistro in Hayward is home to many a late night blues session or impromptu poetry filled open mic night. I have seen everything from Bluegrass music and Hendrix covers, to garage rock and mellow jazz played here. They leave a sheet out front each month letting you know who's playing when and if you stop by during the day try out one of their many food or beverage offerings, (and let me know how the food is, since I might like to try what you like). They are always friendly and prompt with service and the owner is super cool. Stop in sometime and check them out. CHAD read more

I'm sure it's fine for the bar. But we were hoping to get some food. Spent ten minutes ignored at a table. No one else in the place was eating. I wouldn't recommend it as a place for food. If you're just looking to get your drink on? Sure it's probably four stars. But we wanted food. So it's two. read more

The owners of the Bistro have done so much to promote good beers, and the Double IPA Beer style, that it is hard not to like this place. When the traffic on 880 is bad, and I go through Hayward to get to Livermore, it is tough not to stop and have one of the great offerings. The number of taps are lower than most, but the quality across the board is unsurpassed. The Bistro hosts several festivals throughout the year, and are "can't miss" events if you are a fan of great craft beer. Check out the website for these festival dates, and make sure to attend. I am getting thirsty as I write this, and I hope traffic is bad on the way home tonight. read more

You know what they say about Hayward: Good from far, but far from good. Well, the Bistro is the diamond in the rough. Avoid the nasty, overpriced food at Buffalo Bill's down the street and opt for the charming Bistro instead. The Bistro is the model for what a good cafe should be. Rarely do I leave San Franciso for entertainment, but when local friends are performing here, I enjoy the visit because it's fun, friendly cozy little joint. Tons of beer and paper table cloths with ample crayons. Yes! The house wine used to be $2.85, but they increased it to $3.50 which is still a drinker's delight. One afternoon, I had a nice day date there. Beers and food in the sun, followed by walking around to the numerous antique shops and thrift stores in the walkable downtown area. What's better than lunch in the sunny beer garden? The food was very affordable and surprisingly delicious. I ate the "Mama Mia" sandwich, which had grilled eggplant, melted jack, sundried tomato spread, with fresh basil on toast and it came with a side of sliced orange. It hit the spot! My dining companion ate the spinach salad which was very big, with heaping mounds of feta, avacado, olives, tomatoes, and a tasty house-made lemon poppy seed dressing. My favorite thing is the monthly music calendar that offers one-word descriptions of the bands playing there, creating new genres of music such as "Santana-ish" and "Cool." read more

Came here after a disasterous time at Buffalo Bills. It's a small neighborhood kind of spot. Kinda of dark and dingy.. they feature live music which was awesome and outdoor seating, which was also awsome because the music was SUPER loud. The bartender is just your run of the mill guy, filling up draught beers. Quite the selection, and although I don't care for beer, I actually enjoyed mine. Good times all around. read more

NOTE: You may want to read my review of Buffalo Bill's before this one.. Wow, losing the cops was incredibly easy, yet my heart was still pounding. But that's good because I am now fully alert and in control or all my faculties (Isn't that what we all say when going from pub to pub?) Anyway, Ariel, Carla and I shake off any cob-webs and back to the business at hand. Now many who have reviewed The Bistro have mentioned that it is a misleading name, that Bistro is a quaint little restaurant with les tables outside on Les Champs Elise. - SMACK! - MR. POTATO HEAD, MR. POTATO HEAD! ah does it really matter? Sorry! I'm getting a bit obnoxious here (I'm known to do this when I've had a few too many!) Oh wait! I can't use that one today. I typing this at work (On my Lunch hour Girl! I knew you'd rush to judge me! Leave me alone woman!) Damn another slip up, I'm not married anymore! Okay so we make it inside, order some drinks. Well, not me, I had enough at Buffalo Bill's (see previous review) but wanted to get a round for my accomplices. Again this is a great little spot to just come and chill, have a few beers or a glass of wine and enjoy the live music that seems to endlessly play here. I love the sidewalk patio seating too. What a spot for having a drink on a balmy summer eve! There always seems to be a decent crowd here too. Not so packed that you can't move but enough to feel the vibe and perhaps strike up a chat with a stranger. I love the bands that play here too. Anything from Deadheads, Blues, Folk, Rock, Jazz..... You know what's funny, just up the street at Buffalo Bill's where they don't just sell alcoholic beverages, we had 3 squad cars ready to haul us off yet a block down the street, not a cop in sight. Yeah they cruise by and take a peek but never have they made me feel harassed here! Perhaps they're regulars too! If you're wondering, I don't come all that often yet the bartenders have always made me feel like a regular. Attentive and friendly service and patrons too. Oh one more thing! I totally made up the losing the cops part. Yeah, they caught me! NOT! You'll Love The B! read more

Wow, I can't believe I've never written a review for this place. When I was living in Castro Valley a few years back this was our favorite bar! Two main reasons: They are always changing their selection of craft brews and live music! Both of which I love. My house mate and I have drank many a pint and listened to a bunch of really great music and some OK music ;-) Now I'm feeling a bit nostalgic about the whole thing... We'd just finished grabbin' a bite to eat and brew at Buffalo Bills. On a whim we popped over to the Bistro to try something new and fell in love. It musta been after their double IPA festival that we walked in for the first time, because their selection of hoppy beers was frick'n ridiculously awesome! I'm pretty sure this was the first place I tried Pliny The Elder and The Younger! Let the good times roll! read more

I might be a bit of a kook, but as far as Im concerned, if youre in the Hayward Castro Valley area, its the best place to go for a beer. Period. Just consider your other options.... I thought so. read more

I've been to The Bistro once before, but so long ago that I don't remember much about it other than it was on the corner of B & Main St. and that it played loud music. Well............. fast forward to some odd years later and my opinion of this place is much more lucid. :) To start ~ yes, the name IS deceiving. But once you get over the fact that The Bistro doesn't fit the standard association of a "bistro" (read: cute little cafe), you can appreciate what makes this place awesome. We went here to support a local band one Sunday afternoon / evening. We started with - dare I say - coffee. Yes, coffee. (We had an early start that morning and were exhausted. Any consumption of alcohol at that point would have resulted in us passed out, face down on the table. You may be comforted to know that the drinking commenced later on that evening...) Within 5 minutes of being inside this place, I immediately felt that it was a neighborhood hang out. Regulars and visitors alike chatted on and on. And there were even a few "Norm!" moments. I felt a really good vibe from just being around these people. As mentioned earlier, we had coffee, which was pretty damn good. I had heard that they normally serve food, but on this particular night their fridge had broken down. Sad. :( Once the bad got to rOckin' I realized that this place was a hot spOt for local talent. Inside is fairly small, but can still pack a crowd. There is an overflow for seating outside. And on a cold winter night, as long as you're bundled up, you can still enjoy the music and chill outside. (Get it? Chill? Haha...) The beer, as many have said, is excellent. And this is coming from a girl who's NOT a beer drinker. There is a good variety of what's available on tap. There's no cover charge (shweet!) and you get a chance to listen to awesome LIVE music. Not a bad way to spend a lazy Sunday in downtown Hawyard. Not too bad at all... read more

The Bistro is kickin' just about every night of the week. This is definitely the place to be with your friends, as long as its not too cold out. Inside is pretty small, especially with the amount of room given to the live bands you can see and listen to while enjoying a freshly poured brew. Perfect setting in Downtown Hayward with a perfect patio outside to sit. I love this place, check it out! read more

Small venue. Good music. Good beer. I came here on a Monday night to watch a friend perform recently. I had passed by and seen plenty of crowds and bands playing, but had never ventured in before. I may have to check it out more often. It is really a small, cozy little place with plenty of seating and a small area for a band to setup. The beer selection was surprising, and included some Russian River Brewery beers, like Pliny the Elder, one of my favorites. They also had Blind Pig, Damnation, Lagunitas Dogtown, and a separate menu for Belgian beers. Awesome selection. I'll definitely be back for some good beer. Prices were decent too, a much better option than Bijou across the street at $25 for two drinks. I'll need to check out more local talent here too. read more

The Bistro is definitely an awesome local spot for beer and music. There's an outside area with tables and chairs (dog friendly!) as well as the inside with a small stage and a TV. They always have a good variety of craft beers rotating and for a decent price. The tables have paper tablecloths and they have crayons to use. They also have bar food like a cheese plate and sandwiches (I see business people come here for lunch and get sandwiches and a beer). When there is live music it can get crazy busy. They have all genres of music that perform and they have an open mic night. This is a place I recommend to people that ask me for a chill beer spot in Hayward. *If you're lucky you'll get the awesome bartender Tiana! read more

I went on a Monday night. It was an open mic night. Very welcoming atmosphere. I felt right at home. I had one of their many micro brews that they offer. I was told that the selection of beer changes quite often. I can't wait to go back and try more good beer when I have time. I was a little bummed because they close early on Monday Nights. But its ok, cause the party can be moved to one of the other awesome bars down the street or around the block. =) read more

I can attend a mini high school reunion any night of the week. Great. Exactly what I look for in a bar. At least they have good beer. read more

I've always wanted to try this place out, and today was it! Walked in at noon:thirty, a bunch of old timers downing drinks at the bar, and the short white gal bar tender/waitress was chopping it up with some white chick. So its not busy, and I got my hat backwards. I don't think I pass for being ghetto/ punk kid, but she broke off her conversation and made eye contact with me standing at the floor waiting to be seated, then got back to her BSing with some chick at the bar. I stand there for a few more minutes and check.... yup, I'm still invisible! I'm taking my business else where, where customer service still is the top priority for a local joint. No wonder its always slow when I drive by. *hinthint* read more

So you usually find a fairly eclectic group here on any given night. Last night was an aging all women folk rock band that appealed to the lesbian crowd that still exists in the area. When I was younger I remember three or four different gay and lesbian bars in the area that I think are all gone now. So when my buddy and I walked in, looking handsomely straight and auspiciously like a pro hackeysack team, we expected to feel a bit ostracized and ran with and IPA in hand to the outdoor patio. But that's why I love this place, we didn't feel like outcasts and ended up enjoying the end of their set and a few pints and smokes on the patio before venturing on. Because of the laid back atmosphere and the always great selection of beer on tap, I was tempted to give it 5 stars, but the fact that they only have one bathroom and it's tucked away in a corner and not even that easy to get in and out of, demoted them down to four. read more

Hair spray, camo caps, leather ensembles, hollerin' for Skynrd, cowboy hats... you can find it all here in this East Bay bar. When I came here for a friend's band's last gig, I thought I was back in the South. Yeehaw! Yet despite the proud patrons' rural fashion sense, a refined hand plays a part in running this Hayward venue. The bar boasts an impressive, albeit pricey array of microbrews and Belgians. I didn't recognize many of the beers, and the bartender patiently offered recommendations, and even offered up a "taste" when I was unsure. The space also sports surprisingly solid acoustics for such a small space, and its live acts calendar is booked. 3.5 stars. read more

On a late Sunday night, everyone desperate to postpone Monday is on yelp looking for one last hurrah before the strike of midnight. Area: Hayward Open late: The Bistro Even though the area looked a little desolate, the Bistro still had a couple of patrons. At first glance, I saw a decent selection of beer. I ordered something random and sat down with my friends. Then, the best part of the night happened, "Wow, are those crayons?!?" I don't know what it about crayons and huge pieces of butcher paper, but it is so easy to get lost in conversations while doodling or drawing out your stories as you tell them. Their calendar indicates live music throughout the week. Will definitely come back! read more

Love this place in downtown Hayward. Cute on the inside, sidewalk patio on nice days. Fun beers on draft, and I got cider on draft one time. Feels very local inside. Love supporting our local Hayward places. read more

Pretty nice spot in the middle of nowhere! They have some decent beers on tap and a nice selection of bottles. Service was friendly. Unfortunately, the boyfriend and I came here when we were both hungover (him more so) but we ordered a half-pint of Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout for me and Duchesse for him to go with our 7-layer dip. The dip was great for our hangovers and I drank just enough of both of our beers to get the hair of the dog effect. Would definitely stop by if I was in the area, though why I would be there again, I'm not sure.... read more