Lakeman's Club - Rodeo

This charming local gem has been a staple for nearly a century. It's a great spot to mingle with the locals and listen to some fascinating stories. Don’t forget to bring some quarters for the pool table! They offer a selection of wine and beer, so you can choose your favorite. There's ample parking available, and it’s usually not very crowded. Keep in mind they sometimes close early depending on the crowd. Overall, it’s an excellent place to enjoy a drink during dinner time.

The bartender greeted me warmly and immediately recognized that I wasn’t from around here. They only serve beer and wine, so I opted for a $4.50 bottle of Stella Artois while the regulars engaged in animated conversations and played pool. It honestly felt like a surreal experience that would vanish the moment I left. Perhaps it did. BEER: 4 stars – I can’t complain about a bottle of beer. AMBIENCE: 4 stars – A very vintage atmosphere reminiscent of a post-WWII small-town tavern. SERVICE: 4 stars – I was treated exceptionally well. TOTAL: 4 stars – Was it all just my imagination? If you're exploring this part of Contra Costa County, check out this collection of places I’ve visited and reviewed: bit.ly/2VyCP18.

My son and I always feel very welcomed and comfortable when we visit Lakemans. The staff is incredibly friendly.

This bar has a laid-back, divey vibe, but it's not your typical run-down place. It reminded me of a spot my godmother might have taken over. It's a wine and beer-only bar that feels like a genuine neighborhood hangout, staying open until everyone has left with a smile on their face. It could be 10 PM or 2 AM — whenever you arrive, you'll feel fortunate that they're still open. I really enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The bartender was fantastic and super welcoming, and the woman near the old stove in the back had the charm of a funny, affectionate aunt. There’s just one pool table, which keeps the space cozy. On the night I visited, they were sharing a delicious lemon bundt cake. I asked about the reason for the celebration, and the amazing bartender simply said, “Because cake is good!” And yes, it really is — just because of cake!

First off, to describe it as a dive would be incorrect. When you think of a dive, you visualize sticky counters, a dark space with perhaps some unruly bikers in the mix. At Lakeman 's Club you will see no coaster rings or dirty dishes lying around. It is possibly the cleanest and most well lit bar I have ever entered. Lakeman 's is well cared for and has been by the same family since '35. Stumped by the number, Loraine, the owner, clarified to me, 1935. That 's the year her husband bought the place. I found her placing an American flag into the sidewalk one Thursday when stopping by JT Bishops thrift. Lakeman 's entrance is understated to say the least. As she opened two large doors the late morning sun revealed a small bar, which, in the past 3 years of living here, had completely gone unnoticed by me. Interested, I got out my car and began asking her lots of questions. Being new to the area she told me about the Lakeman 's role in local business. Her husband passed away 4 years ago, and now her and her daughters run the place Thursday through Sunday. At the time I had my toddler in my arms, but she encouraged me to visit some date-night with my husband. Which is exactly what we did after a quick introductory stop at the Green Lantern in Pinole. If the Green Lantern was inviting, than Lakeman 's Club is like walking into someone 's home. As soon as we crossed the doorway that evening, we were identified as new people. Before it felt awkward we were instantly, but casually, greeted by a lady playing pool. Just let me finish my turn, she says with her cue. When she is ready she approaches and tells us her name. She is Loraine 's daughter. I tell her how I met Lorain a few week 's back, but maybe she doesn 't remember.... She 'll remember, she insisted. And Lorain did remember, crossing the floor to greet us. The small crowd occupying the space takes interest in us. Although it feels like a private living room, it is clear we are invited. We learn that it is a beer and wine bar only. You have a choice of bud, bud light, miller, miller light...a long list of that caliber continued. We order a Stella, sit down and chat with our Rodeo neighbors. We get a good history lesson, a lot of close talkers (the familiar friendly kind, not drunk kind) and feel a presence that you start to believe must be preserved at all costs. This is old Rodeo, the community that lived in it for decades and survived through all the ups and downs of an economy that isn 't too friendly on small towns. Lakeman 's has seen businesses come and businesses go. But the same people always seem to find their way back through its doors. We watch friends reunite after a decade long absence, and many nice things are said to one another, memories are retold and a love felt throughout the room. Opinions are voiced, but nothing too hot headed and the jukebox plays a classic tune jumping from one decade favorite to another. Lorain listened and took such a vested interest in my own ambitions I would feel ashamed if I have misspelled her name in this review. In short, one beer and perhaps an off-menu side dish passed around the room will tell you an experience like Lakeman 's is not easily replaced.