I hate to read reviews for bars and night clubs.... it's the one category that i feel if you like a certain type of bar and a particular venue isnt it, it gets a poor rating because it's not "their scene" instead of the merrits, or lack there of, of the establishment. Kinda of like going to a burger joint and rating it a one because they didn't have the pasta you wanted.... anyway I digress. Let's talk the Brig. I am a huge fan of dive bars, and the Brig is one of Fresno's most endearing dive bars. I've been to the Brig many times in my drinking career, but usually at 6am on the down swing of an all night bender. I've never associated the Brig with anything other than a night of bad choices and substantial memory loss. I can honestly say, I've never been there sober up until this past weekend. We went to the Brig for a quick stop on a Bachelorette party dive bar or bust tour of Fresno. It was awesome! First, off the place was very clean, well kept and dark - no windows. The drinks were CHEAP!!!! $4 for a jack on the rocks!!! All of the patrons were nice and the karaoke was a blast (note: no karaoke snobs, or wanna be American Idol rejects, just real people having a good time belting out sing a long tunes) The crowd was super diverse, I didn't feel like I was gonna get stabbed and the service was FANTASTIC! The bartenders were super friendly and well, the mullets, HUGE bonus. If you're gonna drink in a dive bar, your bartender SHOULD have a mullet it just feels right! The only bad thing I can say about the Brig is that they don't accept credit cards, but they do have an ATM. Price: 5 stars Cleanliness: 4 stars Service: 5 stars Location: 2 stars Cash only: 1 star 4 stars overall read more

The bartender was very friendly and the drinks were strong like the reviews say- so strong that a lightweight like me wanted more cranberry in her vodka cranberry, and got it! The mood was nice, some older people were there when we came in and a large group of younger people came in and it was just a big party. It was a great first bar experience and I am glad to have gone. read more

The Brig - Dive Bars Near Me - Fresno, California

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The lights are low, the bartenders have mullets, and the crowd is normally awesome on a Saturday night. It doesn't have the feigned snobbery of bars on the northside of town, it doesn't have the cliques associated with the Tower district, and it generally escapes the white-trash drama that can occur in Clovis bars. I've never had a bad night at the Brig, and I've met some very interesting folks from all walks of life there (attorneys, doctors, musicians, cops...you name it) Pool tables and karaoke are great, but it's the people that make it what it is, which is a great place to relax and unwind in. read more

Stuck up if your not from there. Genially nice people. The bartenders Brian- has a limp he is a sell out. The other guy thinks he lives the 80,s. Get over yourself Brian, your not that cool. read more

I've been here a couple times and both times the service was great and had fun. The only drawback is the crowd this place seems to bring in sometimes. Not everyone, but when you see them, HOLY DOUCHE! A friend and I were playing pool when this guy (400+ lbs mind you) godzillas over and initiates a bet for a game of 8 ball. My friend accepts, and while they're shooting pool, more of this guy's friends crowd the table. Mid game he up and leaves for 5 minutes, the resumes the game. Meanwhile, he's flashing out money and trying to pimp out this girl he strung along. He accepted defeat with a handshake, but still gave off a vibe that we had to leave and quick. The drinks were cold and very well priced. The bartender was nice, and very quick to pour me a drink. I'd go back for the pool, but not the weirdos that seem to come by. read more

Awesome mullet ! Joe dirts dad is a beast! Yelp requires a minimum amount of text to rate.

Absolutely the most rude service I have experienced at a bar. The bartender refused to accept my ID. I'm 26 years old, and my identification was duly issued to me by the department of motor vehicles pursuant to a procedure that complied with all applicable regulations. The bartender refused to discuss the situation, and rudely demanded that I leave. Nasty, rude, angry--save your money for a bar where they actually like customers. read more

Horrible place! The extremely rude bartender with the blond ponytail wouldn't accept my boyfriend's out of state (NY) extremely legal ID. He's 26. Lmao. Never coming back. What a mess! Can't wait to tell all my friends passing through Fresno to NEVER COME HERE! Haha :-) read more

This place was awesome! I'm not from this area and I wanted to do some karaoke and I had a blast! The bartenders are friendly and the crowd was very welcoming! Would definitely bring my Bay Area friends here when they visit! read more

This is my neighborhood bar. Best people and service is top notch. I love my bar. Highly recommended and been going here for 15 years.

Congratulations for being my first yelp review ever! That's how much I hated my time at your bar. Should've read the reviews. if you don't want to read it all, long story short people here are rude and there are way better bars. Also it's an older crowd. So I enter through the back and some older white man yells as I'm walking in "shut that fucking door!!" confused I looked around thinking I maybe wasn't supposed to go through there but as the night went on that's where everyone came through. Second some girl stops me to ask for my ID. Side note I look very young for a 25 year old. Anyways she checks my ID 4 times tells me to hold on turns around and proceeds to look for someone or something. Turns back to face me and checks my ID 3 more times. I asked her if something was wrong waiting for her to accuse me of having a fake ID(it's happened before) her response "it's just weird to me how the new IDs have faces on them" ummm what ? So all this happened not even 5 minutes upon arriving. I find my friends and we go to the bar to get some drinks. I didn't see any cash only signs so after the bartender gives me my beer I try handing him my debit card. No words just a irritated grunt and a point to the ATM. Finally paid for my drink and sat down and at this point I'm completely annoyed. The group of friends I was with turned the mood around, didn't stay long. I personally feel like each situation could've been handled differently. This was my second time going the first time seemed like this bar was a chill spot. Maybe last night was just an off night idk but I'm not planning on going back. read more

The bartenders were rude as soon as we walked in. Because we didn't fit the environment. The red beer was terrible. The only good part was bartenders mullet. read more

Was very friendly place, I don't know why it's been called a racists bar. There people of many nationalities there and seem to be having a good time. read more

If I could give no stars that would have been my choice. This rating is based solely on the terrible interaction with the horribly rude blonde lady at the door. This woman refused to let our group in from a wedding even after they group had called way in weeks ahead of time to give advanced notice. Regardless of the situation at hand this woman had no reason to be as disrespectful and down right horrible to every person in our group who tried to speak to her. Worst experience ever! read more

Worst bar I've been to in my entire life. Went there (to meet up with people) after a wedding and was kicked out by an ugly older blonde woman with short hair after 5 minutes of being in the bar. (Supposedly due to fire restrictions) it was clear the woman was playing favorites and didn't understand or appreciate the free business she was getting due to the wedding party. Straight up a disgrace. Been there once before and it was okay. Suffice it to say, I'm Never going back. Learn how to run a business. read more

Friendly. I felt I was in lower Alabama. This is where mullets go to die. Karaoke is limited to your best trashy version of white bred 'murica rock. Drink a pibber and be done with it. Then, move on. read more

So much fun!! Super friendly!! My coworker and I are here from out of town, this bar is super welcoming. The bartender was a blast. Highly recommended. They had karaoke too!! read more

Went here a few months ago and Yelp has removed two of my reviews. My bf and I had a pretty crappy experience, but the drinks were good.

Very relaxed dive bar. The racist accusations are completely baseless as I have had great times here with friends of every color, race and choice. Drinks are very economical. Karaoke is fun for all involved, guess they only want you to buy drinks to stick around and participate on busy nights. Imagine that, a business that would actually like to make some money to stay open. Hope all of this ACLU stuff blows over since this is as diverse a bar as one can find. This is a Fresno original and we can only hope it will stay alive and triving. All are welcome as long as you can handle the fun. read more

Old school biker bar !! Love it ! It has an homie feel and makes you feel comfortable!

Horrible bar the blond doesn't like you if you are new and will be rude to you. I heard the staff using some colored language about some of the patrons. I wouldn't advise any self respecting person going in there. read more

I love the Brig. it is that local divey like bar with cheap drinks, good entertainment value, and friendly people. Don't dress up it isn't required...the ages are spread out and diverse depending on the night...and bring cash!!! theres an ATM but the bar is cash ONLY! where else can i order a goose and tonic for 4$ ummm not even in tower so that says a lot! Oh and it is the one and only place i have EVER done Karaoke. read more

This place is so awesome. Nowhere else in Fresno can you go get drunk spending $20 and being able to talk to the person that you are sitting next to. I almost don't want to let my friends know about this place so I can have it all to myself. read more

Incredible mullets, cheap drinks, pool tables, karaoke, and an "eclectic" crowd of everyone from well-dressed ladies to folks in shorts and flip-flops, united in search of good time? Count me in! It is hard to describe this place - you need to experience it. I'm hooked. read more

If you're looking for a dive, find it here. Cheap, strong drinks, karaoke, pool, friendly regulars.

Opens at 5 am with the greatest staff. Pool tables. Hot spot. Darts. Donuts. Clean rest rooms. Scented toilet paper

People are very friendly. You won't get snubbed if you are a newcomer. If your looking for a hole-in-the-wall place to get lost, this is your ticket. read more

Cheap drinks. Karaoke. Mullets. All things you need for a good time.

My friends and I walked in... then walked out. First off the blonde lady at the door was extremely rude. It seemed as if she was trying to find a reason to not let us in (3 minorities women) but let us in anyways. It was extremely muggy and sticky feeling inside. Once we were in there we all felt the vibe that we were Unwelcomed so we just left. read more

Have been a regular here for almost 4 years now and I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere the bartenders and regulars here always seem to make my day better. The drinks are stiff and can't beat the homemade smoked almonds the bartender makes for everyone. read more

The Brig is a pleasant bar. The drinks are cheap and the bartenders are friendly and hard-working. It gets really loud and the karaoke song selection is pretty thin, but the crowd is mellow and friendly. read more

The place is old and run down, but they have cheap drinks and good ones!!! Their Kamikaze are off the hook!!! Some bartenders still have mullets!!! WTF??? Nice little dive bar!!! read more

This place Is the best! Not a lot of people, very good prices, and the staff is awesome. If your looking for a chill place to have a few drinks and hear some good stories, then The Brig is your place. read more

The Brig has been one of my favorite dives for MANY years. It's dark, dirty, and fun! If you haven't tried this place, leave any high expectations at home and go to the Brig for a fun night that you'll never forget! read more

hey we've been coming here for years its our favorite bar in Fresno....we don't even live in California anymore but when we come through Fresno we come to see Brian & Donnie the best bartenders next to Lindsey Lou out at The Roadhouse. Good time everytime. Too bad we can't stand the valley heat anymore. read more

This bar was great! I saw that it was close and it was open early! I grabbed two bloody marry's with my sister they were cheap but a work of art and had a strong kick. Definetly a good environment, friendly staff friendly people great drinks. Overall a great go to bar. read more

My fiancé and I have had a lot of fun Saturday nights they're doing karaoke and enjoying the crowd. The DJ has his favorites which is a little problem at times for others getting there turn on the mic but other than that everything is pretty fun there. Bartenders are awesome and Stacy and Tonya at the door are the greatest gals ever! I love those girls! Fun place definitely will be going back! read more

The beer is cheap and the crowd is fun. It's all good people and good beer aka coors light. Karaoke night is the best time you'll have in this town. read more

Went to this place after work with some co-workers for a couple of drinks. The bartender was very nice and welcoming. Their drinks were good. We had a couple of margaritas. The vibe is decent, seems to be more for a middle aged crowd? Still worth checking out if you're down for a hole in the wall type of dive bar. Is that even a real saying? read more

Great place and the people are very laid back!!! have a great time every saturday night!! The drinks are cheap and the kareoke is a blast!! read more