Top 10 Watering Holes
Top 10 Places to Wet Your Whistle on the Mendocino Coast
Wondering where to get a drink on the Mendocino Coast? Whether it's craft cocktails, Mendocino County wines or hand-crafted brews you seek, Fort Bragg has something for everyone. Live music, history-steeped dives, forest to bar adventures, the watering holes of Fort Bragg offer a surprising variety of memorable experiences. Here's our list of the best pubs and bars in Fort Bragg and on the Mendocino Coast.
A true step back in time, The Golden West Saloon stands as Fort Bragg’s oldest bar – dating back to the late 1800’s, and perhaps is the oldest surviving business in town. It’s the last one standing of the many bars that served thirsty loggers in the early days of the town and also took care of other needs in the brothel upstairs. Located now as then in the center of the historic downtown, it’s original and beautifully carved wooden bar, pool tables, shuffleboard, jukebox and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite hangout among locals and visitors.
Local Tip: On Sundays you can craft your own Bloody Mary.
A unique experience to Fort Bragg, the Glen Blair Bar is nestled in the redwood forest above Fort Bragg and is only accessible by the historic Skunk Train. Guests ride through the forest to a clearing with a twinkling bar oasis with fire pits, lawn games, live music and cozy heated seating areas. Hands down one of the best bars you'll ever encounter on the North Coast and in general!
Local Tip: Bring your own picnic to spread and enjoy during your visit.
3. Milano
A locals favorite, Milano is a high energy spot where people gather to have some fun. It's a great place to experience the nightlife of Mendocino County with its authentic Fort Bragg vibe. There is a great happy hour/after work local crowd on weekdays (out-of-towners may be asked where you are from, but don’t worry, they are a friendly group.) With a pool table, corn hole and a fire pit, here's lots to do besides sit on a barstool.
Local Tip: If you are a martini fan, they make one of the best on the coast.
Set above the Noyo River overlooking the harbor, this serene spot run by the Medina Brothers features an excellent full bar spanning one end of the restaurant, where you can sip a cocktail and watch boats come and go from the wall of windows out to the harbor. There’s a rotating list of specialty cocktails on offer, friendly service, and great bar food too.
Local Tip: Fresh seafood delights like coconut prawns and ahi tartar make for great cocktail accompaniments.
5. The Wharf
Located toward the end of the wharf, this harbor-side bar and restaurant might have one of the best views in town. Located on the second floor and over the water, you’ll watch boats head in and out of the harbor and watch sea lions frolic in the river below. Come for the view, but stay for the cocktails, hand-crafted to suit any specification that feels right at the time.
Local Tip: Eat your meal at the bar for some local color and conversation.
6. Los Gallitos
Margaritas, anyone? The festive bar at Los Gallitos sits right in the middle of this downtown popular restaurant so you get to feel part of the action. This family-owned gem blends Latin flavors with fresh seafood - a staple of Fort Bragg food culture, and a favorite of the locals (which says volumes!).
Local Tip: Order whatever specialty margarita they have on offer at the time! You won’t be sorry.
7. Welcome Inn
Belly up to the bar at the Welcome Inn and get the dive bar experience at its best. If well priced well drinks fit the bill of the day, then this is your spot. They’ve got lots of beer on tap if its more of a brew mood. Pool, shuffleboard, jukebox, check.
Local Tip: They open early. Very early.
8. Piaci
Another local favorite, Piaci serves a great selection of wine and beer to accompany their popular wood-fired pizzas. Here you’ll find the restaurant packed most nights with friends and families alike.
Local Tip: Get there early to get a seat at the bar.
9. Sip
For the vintage oriented, Sip offers a collection of local wines and more. There is a self serve dispenser option which is actually a novel and fun experience. Or you can get a pour at the bar as well. The décor is chardonnay chic with rustic touches of local artist flair, which gives the perfect vibe for the wine drinking experience.
Local Tip: They have a cold case of wine to go along with picnic supplies like charcuterie and cheese, so you can take your Sip experience to go.
10. Breweries
Looking for the best brew pubs on the North Coast? Fort Bragg has all three: North Coast Brewing Company, Tall Guy Brewing, and Overtime Brewing. You can’t go wrong with any of them so you should really do a pub crawl and try them all. They all offer live music (check their respective calendars) along with their signature hand-crafted brews. And, good news: you can walk this pub crawl as all three are in the downtown general area.
Local Tip: Dogs are welcome at all three locations.
Cannabis in Fort Bragg
The history of cannabis in Mendocino County is well known, but fast forward to today and the industry is mainstream and customer friendly. There are three businesses in town that cater to the 420 friendly crew and offer products from mild sleep aids to much stronger options. If you have visited cannabis dispensaries before, you will be familiar with the usual level of customer service and product recommendations. If you are new to cannabis dispensaries, be sure to bring a valid ID, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at the friendly and helpful staff that are there to help you identify the best products for whatever needs you have – whether sleep aid, cbd cream for a sore knee, or just a good vibe for a walk in the woods.
The Bakery
Born and baked in 2020, The Bakery opened their flagship location in Fort Bragg with the goal of serving the community with a warm, welcoming experience, with staff to guide every guest around the shop to discover products that cater to diverse tastes. Located in the center of downtown Fort Bragg, you can find them just off the intersection of Main and Laurel streets.
342 N. Main Street
Fort Bragg
707-813-3253
Emerald Triangle
The first cannabis dispensary to open in Fort Bragg, Emerald Triangle is known for premium cannabis strains, tested personally by staff to check for quality and potency. They recently moved to a larger location and now offer a wider selection of products.
546 South Main Street
Fort Bragg
707-964-WEED
Open every day from 9am – 7pm
Online orders accepted for pick up or delivery.
Green Rock Dispensary
Conveniently located at the corner of Main Street and E. Chestnut, Green Rock is a family owned business that values customer service and quality products.
500 South Main Street
Fort Bragg
Open every day 10am – 8pm
Interior
Interior
Located downtown on Redwood Avenue, Interior brings you modern and vintage decor and products for everyday use in your home. They have a wide array of jewelry, candles, area rugs and runners, furniture and various gifts for him and her. With a new supply dropping every two weeks, there’s always something fresh to see when visiting the store.
Top 10 Places for the Seafood Lover
Top 10 Places for the Seafood Lover
Nestled on California’s breathtaking Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a variety of coastal cuisine made with the region's fresh catches and a side of coastal charm. Every spot provides a unique dining experience that reflects the coastal culture of the area. Whether you’re seeking fresh catches, scenic waterfront dining, or unique culinary twists, these top restaurants are a must-visit during your trip:
1. Sea Pal Cove
Located right on the wharf, this casual gem serves up crispy fish & chips with stunning harbor views. Enjoy your meal outdoors as fishing boats glide by and seals bark from the opposite bank. Perfect for outdoor dining and dog-friendly fun. Fire pits in the colder weather make this outdoor spot winter friendly.Local Tip: Don’t miss the deep-fried Twinkie when it’s time for dessert!
2. Princess Seafood & Deli
A seafood lover’s dream, Princess offers sustainably caught fish from local waters by an all-female crew. Fresh seafood offerings include anything and everything that is catchable on the North Coast, along with specialty items like smoked fish and seafood salads. Princess has two locations: the seafood market and deli near the entry to the wharf and their restaurant which sits at the farthest point along the wharf. At the restaurant you will find superb fish tacos made with locally caught cod among the fresh fish fare. Dishes are healthy, crisp and fresh, severed with a delicious limey slaw for crispy bites.Local Tip: Nothing is ever fried here, so don’t ask!
3. Mayan Fusion
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a seafood twist. Dishes like seafood enchiladas and ceviche make this flavorful stop a memorable experience. Executive Chef Silver Canul has Yucatan roots and is French trained. The result is a menu of unique dishes you’ll crave forever.Local Tip: Most definitely order one of the specialty margaritas!
4. Noyo River Grill
Set along the Noyo River, this serene spot run by the Guillermo Brothers features fresh seafood delights like coconut prawns and ahi tartar, served with a side of spectacular views. Watch boats come and go from the wall of windows out to the harbor.Local Tip: There’s an excellent full bar spanning one end of the restaurant.
5. Noyo Fish Company
Casual and inviting, this harbor-side eatery is known for its delicious fish & chips and creamy clam chowder. Located directly over the water, you might get lucky and see a family of resident river otters.Local Tip: A great spot to watch fishing boats coming in with fresh catches.
6. Casa Del Sol
This family-owned gem blends Latin flavors with fresh seafood - a staple of Fort Bragg food culture, and a favorite of the locals (which says volumes!)Local Tip: Follow them on Instagram to get their weekly taco Tuesday specials!
7. The Wharf
A Fort Bragg staple since the 1950s, this classic eatery offers traditional seafood dishes paired with panoramic views of Noyo Harbor.Local Tip: Eat your meal at the bar for some local color and conversation.
8. Off the Hook Sushi or Taka’s
Fort Bragg has two places to satisfy your sushi cravings with premium sushi grade fish and creative rolls in a laid-back atmosphere.Local Tip: The udon noodle soups and ramens are just the thing on a cool coastal evening.
9. KW Saltwater Grill
Upscale fresh local seafood with a welcoming atmosphere, KW Saltwater elevates Fort Bragg’s seafood scene with a refined menu and cozy ambiance. Perfect for a special night out on the North Coast.Local Tip: The black cod. Say no more.
10. Dijon Seafood and Grill
Located upstairs in the Company Store building, Dijon Seafood and Grill is a family run business serving up delicious seafood specialties using local ingredients. There is a daily fresh fish special on the dinner menu, and their cioppino has an excellent reputation in town.Local Tip: Cioppino!
Local Tips:
Explore all the coastal charm, fresh flavors, and unforgettable dining experiences Fort Bragg has to offer.
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Know Your Local Sustainable Seafood
When you choose seafood from Noyo Harbor, you get the freshest fish possible while also supporting the harbor and its vibrant community. The Noyo Harbor District's Sustainable Seafood page is a great resource to learn what's in season, where and how to buy direct, and even get to know some of the local fishermen.
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