The Handlebar is a great place to drink a craft brew and grab a unique bite to eat. They have an excellent selection of craft brews, without the pretentiousness of other craft brew places in town. This place has been crowned one of the best bars for locals, and it shows in the laid back atmosphere and friendly service. They have a great beer selection, with regular "tap takeovers" by craft breweries. They recently had one by Deschutes. Although their beer menu can tend to be overwhelming, if you can't decide what to get you can always get the "beer cruise" sampler. It's 4 4-ounce pours of anything on tap for $8. It's great if you like strong beers, because they generally only come in 10-ounce or less pours at full price, but you can try 4 of them totaling up to a pint for 8 bucks. The "brewben" is my go-to food item here, although I haven't had a bad thing yet. The brewben is their take on a reuben, with thick cut pastrami, sauerkraut, house-made sauce and beer cheese on rye. In my opinion, it is the best reuben in town. It comes with a choice of sides, but I can't tell you what they are because I ALWAYS get the German potato salad. That potato salad is worth the trip alone. It is seriously the best potato salad I've ever had. Their spetzel is also very good, it's like a German mac and cheese. I've always had good service from very friendly people, but my last visit was unmatched. I was served by a young man named Brandon, and his service was completely on point. Professional, yet relaxed. By watching him wait on other groups, I could tell that he had the ability to adjust his service and level of formality to the customer, which is the number one trait you should be looking for in a server. They are also one of the most dog-friendly places in town. They welcome dogs on their patio (as long as they play nice), and will bring them out a water dish as well. Overall, The Handlebar is one of my favorite places for a great beer and a great sandwich. Anytime I'm out and about with my puppy and I feel like something to eat and a beer, I know where to go. And now you do too. read more

Came into the Handle Bar on 02-19-15 and stood for about 2 minutes. Other customers came in and sat themselves, so I figured it was the thing to do. Sat down and waited for 15 minutes. No one every came by and I went to leave. finally was greeted at the door as I was leaving. My mind was made up by then and left. Not even busy. Went to a Pizza place that had no issues greeting me and taking my order. read more

I went to this place for the first time today after reading the great reviews. The atmosphere was great and we took a seat. We ordered beer cheese pretzels and the reuben and both were bordering on gross. The beer cheese was soupy and was cold, the pretzels were over done and hard, and there was a hair in one of them that was baked in! The Reuben was also cold and the meat was thick and distasteful. We took two bites of each and we were done. It was nice of them to refund us for the hair in the pretzel but I wish I never spent any money at this place. You need to be drunk to enjoy their food, and we were clearly not. read more

Pretty sweet selection of beers, and no weak stuff like coors.Used to be a quiznos back in the day, but thankfully replaced by a sweet bar! Always ask the bartender what their favorite beer is if you can't decide. But no matter what, try an IPA. If you have a beautiful selection of beers in front of you, go with something strong....duh. Oh and they have events every now and then so come in when something exciting is going on. read more

A few friends of mine and I went here about 2 Saturdays ago and we had a pretty good time, which was surprising because this wouldn't really be our usual scene. It's a little on the hipster side but it's actually pretty cozy inside, we tried to grab a table but there wasn't any available. The bartender guy was super nice and even helped us picked out some yummy beers, I'm not too keen on Ale's but he was able to find me something that I wouldn't even mind drinking again. My friend order the pastrami Ruben which looked delicious and he said it was! I ordered the pretzels and beer cheese which went perfect with the beer if you're not wanting a huge meal. This place is great to catch up with friends and just have a few drinks and small portions of food if you're hungry AND you avoid the college crowds! We will defiantly be back. Oh and the prices are decent but this isn't a cheap bar with cheap 3 dollar drinks so just remember that. read more

We are new to town and this is one of our favorite places. The overall vibe is super mellow and they have a great patio that you can sit on and enjoy your beer in the sunshine. I'm not a beer drinker, but my husband is, and the selection is awesome. The wait staff is really knowledgable about all the beers, so much so my husband sometimes says "surprise" me. There are enough wine choices that I'm happy too... Especially since they have half off bottles a few nights during the week :) The service is fabulous! Everyone that has taken care of us is top notch, and greets us like we are old friends. Jaime is one of the best servers we have ever had and we look forward to seeing her when we go. I also have to say the Handle Bar has done a really great job on their branding. The logo is really cool, and all the swag they sell are items that we wear. My only suggestion would maybe be some snack additions to the menu... Like chips & salsa, bar nuts, or make veggies/hummus. If you're in Chico, make sure to check out the Handle Bar! read more

Here on a much needed rainy chico Sunday afternoon. Always a great place to swing by for the most updated micro brew list. Today for me it's a Stone double IPA . Food is consistently nice. Location is somewhat random strip mall ish. But still with a visit read more

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I really enjoyed myself here.. so much the first time that I went back the next day! the guys that work here are very knowledgeable.. once I shared my taste in beers they recommend some very tasty treats! the selection is so nice, great IPA's and sours.. even tried a saison for the first time! so effing goooood! get the beer cheese & pretzels. Jeff- I will be back to see you!! lol read more

What can I say about the Handle Bar. First, quite a clever name for being in a town voted as one of the best bicycle cities in the US. "To your right!!!" Is an often used phrase if you happen to be walking the local bike paths, but that's beside the point. The Handle Bar is as easy going as it gets for a college town. Maybe it is the indiscriminate location that keeps me coming back. The Handle Bar has a relaxed atmosphere along with a few flat screens airing current sport events. The German themed menu is simple and comes out quickly as well as your drinks. The homemade soft pretzels are warm and chewy and the sandwiches and sausages never fail to please. The bathroom is clean also (hey, we've all gotta go sometime). I recommend this place if you want to have a drink and a side of spatzle with a buddy. Laid back and if you're persistent, they might even know your name after a few visits. read more

Great spot right across the parking lot from my hotel during an extended business trip. Good selection of local beers rotated frequently (pluses and minuses to that story), and the food is great! It was Sunday dinner for several weeks of my stay. I wish it had stayed open a bit later, as it was very convenient to my home away from home in Chico... read more

The bartender was incredibly friendly, even let us try some beers that we didn't know what we would think of! My friend and I had lunch here as well! Cool joint, open, airy, and lots of seating!! TVs for sport viewing available without that "sports bar" feel. Food is on point! Definitely order the Reuben! It'll make a nun swear! read more

Staff was friendly. The place looked really clean. They were almost empty when I came in. I ordered a grilled cheese which I was expecting to be amazing. But it was not. Cheese was only slightly melted and the whole thing just tasted strange and not good. I had my food to go and it took almost 45 minutes to get it. Lots of good places in Chico and this was a disappointment. read more

Great beer selection (changes routinely) and the sausage sampler is wonderful. Come here often.

First time I went here I dropped in for a beer and a snack. Order the appetizer of sausage crostini. The sausage was bland and flavorless, the housemaid sauerkraut was uninspired, and the mustard was OK. Had a Trumer Pils which was good. Second time I stopped in with friends and stayed a little longer. Had beer cheese and pretzels. Also the Sierra Nevada draught style pale ale. It was OK. read more

Best beer selection! I like the atmosphere it brings. My boyfriend and I have came here twice. We both really enjoy it. The servers are always knowledgeable with all beers. They are good at helping you choose the best tap beer to drink based on your favorite type of beer. Service can be a bit slow at times, but my boyfriend and I are usually in the middle of long conversations we rarely notice. Our friends are related to the owners and they recommended us to visit, we have not been disappointed. I recommend to check this place out. read more

Fair prices. Taps are changed often enough but not too often that you can't enjoy a favorite once you find it. Good food - but not your average pub food. No fried eats or greasy grub. The staff can suggest good beer pairings with their entrees. Outside patio is clean and comfortable. This is a good place for parties of 4-6. Special events usually occur monthly, like tap takeovers. The owners are a local couple who care about their customers. Be sure to ask questions and give suggestions! read more

This is another gem in Chico.I really enjoy coming by and grabbing a beer when I'm in the area. The employees are friendly and the beers are.always rotating. Bike here on a nice day and come enjoy the patio. read more

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Nice bar. I liked this spot a lot - not pretentious, but very nice. Lots of tap. Great for catching the game. read more

This is my favorite bar in Chico for a couple different reasons. Firstly, the staff is awesome. They are always welcoming and recommend great beers and have a great attitude and interaction with the patrons. Second, the unique menu. The food here tastes as good as it looks! They have everything from snacks to full plates. It has a European feel to it with their own twist and the prices are more than fair for the portion sizes. Third, the beer selection. The staff works hard to keep a finer selection of micro brews that you won't find at your typical college bar in Chico. Not only that but the staff is very educated and more than happy to explain the brewing process of each individual beer. If you're looking for a good place to relax, listen to good music, and not be surrounded by a ton of newly 21 year old college students, give the Handlebar a try! read more

The Handle Bar - One of the beers the staff had recommended for me. Yum! - Pubs Near Me - Chico, California

Good beer, just don't order the pretzels. I don't know how you mess that up but they are gross!

Were in the area on personal business. This is in one of those residential/strip mall type areas with the patio seating overlooking the main thoroughfare which is somewhat distracting and noisy but an outside choice nonetheless (we could bring our dog) and the waitress was very accommodating with water for our pup which I always appreciate. We don't drink beer but we do like German food - the sausage crostini and polish sausage entree was good. The short rib spatzle was good but very rich so a little goes a long way. Overall, I'd go back if the opportunity presents itself. read more

Food is very overrated, been here twice and although I would like to love the place for being so close to home, it's lackluster food is a poor example of german pub food. Spatzle was reheated in something because lukewarm on the inside and rubber cheese top is unacceptable. Beer choices are ok, but no german brews? Way overhyped but people eat anything in dim lighting. read more

Great selection of crafted brew. They even have really good cider. I haven't had the food but my friends say that it is really good. I really like the type of people that go here. Very friendly, clean, and mature. This is a great spot for a beer after work. read more

We received terrible, neglectful service here. Over 40 minutes after placing our order and virtually every customer who had come in AFTER Is was served before we were. It appeared they were understaffed wait staff. The two plus barkeep could draw beer though. The kitchen has a problem putting out orders on COLD plates. Will not return for a spell esp at Sat noon. Don D read more

Good beer...but that's the only thing that was good. The food was BASIC and mediocre (I would have been better off just going to chili's instead of wasting my money). Nothing special, but the worst part was the service. The women who was our server rushed our whole experience. I had arrived later than the rest of my party and she literally rolled her eyes at me and had the face of are you kidding me when I asked to order.....She was too focused on getting our checks out prior to us even finishing our food or beverages. I had got the impression that maybe she was going off her shift, but NOPE because when we're still there for about an hour and she's still serving tables. Within this time she never checked our beers or waters. Beware of the server with terrible highlights and blue eyes...just go to the Winchester goose, you won't be disappointed there! read more

Great place to relax and the service is always super! Beer and Cider selection is excellent! I am giving them 4 stars instead of 5 only because although the food is delicious and consistent, I do wish the food menu would evolve seasonally and I could enjoy some new items periodically. read more

Awesome place the food is great and the staff is extremely friendly I have gone the last two weekends and will continue. Can't wait to try the whole menu. read more

Jessica rocks! Four of us came to the Handle Bar needing BEER and dinner after being cooped up in the house for two weeks! So glad we chose this pub! Jessica is so efficient. She remembered all our beer orders the first time AND the second time. We had 3 delicious sandwiches and a burger, but truthfully agreed we could have just eaten garlic fries all night. The Handle Bar will definitely be a regular oasis for us! read more

Handle Bar is a solid place to go for a beer(or cider, in my case) and a bite to eat. The bartenders are all super nice, and knowledgeable about all the beer offerings they have. They can give you good recommendations, and they're totally down to let you try a sample. The food is all really good; my favorite would be the beer cheese & pretzels, the portabella sandwich, and the roasted turkey sandwich. Put them in your mouth. Bite down. Enjoy. Plus, the outside patio is soooo nice. ... When it's not 100 degrees out. I'm only giving it 4/5 stars, because the inside can get a bit muggy at times. Otherwise, it's one of my favorite places to go in town. read more

Their Garlic Fries are fire!!!!!! Great beer and wine selections. Friendly service. We love to come here after work to get drinks and dinner! fun atmosphere as well. read more

I came here for the beer- and was completely satisfied! Dog friendly patio was nice for my puppy and very friendly wait staff.

I just wanted a beer after work. Or six. Pretty empty on a Saturday at 4pm. The patio is lovely, but service is slow. 25+ beers to choose from; get a flight to try a few. Staff was definitely knowledgeable and gave me a couple suggestions. I went on to order a pint of my favorite from the flight. Ordered the beer cheese and pretzels to snack on and it's nothing to rave about. Chewy pretzel bites and cold (but tasty) cheese dip. Great place for beer. Average food and service. read more

Server was initially over whelmed with customers. Was short with us but bought our first rounders after was said and done. Suggest more staffing on holidays. . read more

The Handle Bar - Pubs Near Me - Chico, California

I've been going here for years. Usually when the fuck up they comp you fairly. Thank you Handle Bar. That was quite embarrassing when I take you 5 new customers; but in the end you took care of it. read more

Come for the beer, stay for the beer. Nice selection of beer. The food leaves much to be desired, but you can pop over to the Chinese place across the parking lot before your drive home. I ordered the bratwurst, which had been prepared in a panini grill. The side of potato salad was tasty, the sauerkraut was a thin layer on top of the overcooked, bland brat. Some creamy sauce, was also lacking flavor. A meager side of mustard accompanied the plate, and was much needed. read more

This is one of the bars in Chico. Its not a party/downtown bar, its got great atmosphere and newly remodeled. The Bar top is marble, so you know its good. Great food, great beer. And Ryan the bartender is a cool dude. read more

This has become a frequent spot when we drive down to Chico. We love the renovated space. The food and beer continue to be spectacular as always! The burgers were fantastic today, and the garlic fries! read more

Chico's "The HandleBar" is the best blue collar bar around town these days. The clientele consists of working-class men and women, hipsters and progressive socialites. Everyone seems welcome and excepted, regardless of social status. It is warm and welcoming, with just enough hipness to keep you interested, but not enough to send you running for the door. The staff is kind, courteous and great at helping with selection of beer. They remember you when you walk through the door a few times and have a habit of suggesting your new favorite beer. Their knowledge of beer and client tastes are overarching. They serve up a helpful serving of class, conversation and sass to keep the grumps out :) Thank you for a new favorite space-- P.S. The food is pretty tasty, too. read more

Great beer great food and awesome atmosphere. Must stop on any visit to Chico. The brewben is great and the cheese platter was awesome. Rotating taps made for a great beer hunter experience! read more

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The service was very friendly and offered tastings before I ordered which I greatly appreciated. The beer and wine selection is nice. We ordered the pretzel and cheese appetizer, but it was just okay. The cheese was somewhat bland. We sat outside, but the location is not great. It sits on a busy road with a lot of traffic which is not great for people watching. It is a great place to go with a group of friends though. There are also two tv's inside to watch sports. Overall, this is a great place to have a drink and hang out with your friends! read more