The 10 Best Bars in California — 2026

We compared all 4905 bars in California on the data that matters: services offered, posted hours, and how easy each one is to reach. No pay-to-play — this ranking comes straight from the listings data, updated October 2026.

#1 · State Social HouseWest Hollywood LoungeHookah

Mon-Fri 4pm-2am

(310) 657-8100 Website View listing

#2 · The Red Dog Saloon on Rt 66Needles Saloon

Mon 9am-10pm

(760) 326-9919 Website View listing

#3 · Apt 503 LoungeLos Angeles Lounge

Thu-Sat 10pm-2am

(213) 674-7061 Website View listing

#4 · 33 TapsCulver City Happy hour

Mon-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri 12pm-12am, Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am-10pm

(310) 838-9739 Website View listing

#5 · Don JoseLake Elsinore

Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-9:30pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm

(951) 245-6131 Website View listing

#6 · Hide-A-While LoungeRancho Cucamonga LoungeKaraoke

Mon-Fri 5pm-7pm, Sat 9pm-1am

(909) 987-7247 Website View listing

#7 · Karl's BeaconSan Francisco

Mon-Sun 12pm-2am

(415) 592-9703 Website View listing

#8 · Leaning TowerOakland

Tue-Sun 11am-9:30pm

(510) 444-6824 Website View listing

#9 · Live WireSan Diego Happy hour

Mon-Sun 5pm-2am

(619) 291-7450 Website View listing

#10 · LookoutSan Francisco LGBTQ+

Mon 3:30pm-2am, Tue-Wed 3:30pm-12am, Thu-Fri 3:30pm-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 1pm-12am

(415) 431-0306 Website View listing

Run one of these businesses? You earned this spot — email [email protected] for your free “Top Bars in California” badge to put on your site, and we’ll make sure your listing stays accurate.

How we rank: every listing earns points for listed services (saloon, dive bar, bar & grill, lounge, lgbtq+, tavern, karaoke, hookah, arcade, happy hour, live music, dog-friendly, beach, biker, country), posted hours, and working contact details. The ranking is recalculated with every data update.