BEST BARS IN POMONA:
YOUR GUIDE TO THE TOP DRINKING SPOTS
Pomona, California, boasts a dynamic and evolving bar scene, catering to a variety of tastes. From the historic charm of downtown to the lively atmosphere of its entertainment districts, you'll find everything from classic dive bars and cozy pubs to modern cocktail lounges and unique arcade bars. Key areas like Downtown Pomona and the surrounding cities offer distinct nightlife experiences.
Top Picks in Pomona
The Backdoor Lounge
A classic Pomona dive bar offering a true dive-bar experience with a great vibe, welcoming staff, and well-priced drinks. It features pool tables and sports on TVs, making it a cool spot for a casual night out.
Micheladas
The Whisper House
A sophisticated restaurant and bar known for its excellent shareable plates and delicious craft cocktails. It provides a great bar ambiance with a full bar, perfect for a casual hangout or a more intimate evening.
Baked Brie, Mahi Mahi, Braised Short Rib
Cosmo Restobar
A popular restobar in Pomona offering amazing service, great bartenders, and happy hour specials. It's known for its new American dishes and is a fantastic spot for watching sports in a lively, child-friendly environment.
Happy Hour specials, Calamari
All Pomona Bars
The Paradox Arcade + Bar
A unique and fun bar featuring classic arcade games and pinball machines, alongside console games. It offers a good selection of craft beer, wine, and sake, making it an ideal spot for a distinctive date night or a group outing.
Midnight Monkey Lounge
A highly-rated, exclusive dive bar in Pomona, known to those 'in the know.' Its password-protected entry suggests a speakeasy-like vibe, offering a unique and intimate experience for patrons.
Bazaar Lounge
California’s newest upscale lounge, featuring live singers, high-energy DJs, and crafted drinks in a stunning ambiance. It's renowned for its Middle Eastern entertainment and overall classy vibe, perfect for a sophisticated night out.
Hook-Up
A friendly and casual neighborhood bar with a long history, catering to the LGBT community and locals. Known for having the 'coldest beer in town' and offering a welcoming environment for everyone, with options for dancing and karaoke.
The Cove Cocktail Bar
West Covina's oldest neighborhood bar, celebrated for its vast selection of alcohol and expertly crafted cocktails. The bartenders are highly skilled, making it a local favorite for its cold drinks and welcoming atmosphere.
Taberna
A vibrant tapas and cocktail bar featuring an inviting outdoor bar and patio. It's known for its excellent service, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere with regular live bands. They offer a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes.
Eureka!
A popular gastropub renowned for its gourmet burgers, extensive beer selection, and craft cocktails. It offers a casual and lively atmosphere, making it suitable for groups and outdoor dining, with a focus on quality food and drinks.
Mozwell Claremont
A laid-back eatery and bar with a Latin-inspired menu and live music. It's celebrated for its creative cocktails, delicious nachos, and vibrant atmosphere. They also host comedy and cocktail nights, adding to its dynamic appeal.
Icue Billiard Club
A premier billiard club offering a great atmosphere with snooker, Chinese 8-ball, and American pool tables. It's known for its friendly staff, clean environment, and is an excellent spot for groups and casual outings to play pool.
Elvie's Inn
A classic Covina dive bar established in 1958, famous for its cold beer, strong pours, jukebox, pool table, and darts. It provides a friendly and casual environment, making it a local favorite for a relaxed time.
Chino Hills Pizza Co
A family-friendly establishment offering delicious pizza, an arcade, and a vibrant sports bar atmosphere. It's an excellent place for team parties and casual outings, combining great food with entertainment.
Bar Districts & Neighborhoods
Downtown Pomona
Downtown Pomona is the heart of the city's nightlife, offering a mix of historic venues and modern establishments. It's known for its diverse range of bars, from classic dive bars to upscale lounges and unique entertainment spots.
Best for: Diverse crowd, live music, unique experiences
Claremont Village
Just a short drive from Pomona, Claremont Village offers a more upscale and sophisticated bar scene. It features craft cocktail bars and gastropubs, perfect for a refined evening out.
Best for: Date nights, craft cocktails, gourmet food
Surrounding Areas
The areas surrounding Pomona, including West Covina, Covina, La Verne, Chino, and Rowland Heights, offer a variety of local favorites, from traditional dive bars and pool halls to family-friendly sports bars.
Best for: Local hangouts, casual drinks, specific activities like pool or sports
Suggested Bar Crawl Route
A curated walking order through Pomona's top bars — start early, end late.
The Backdoor Lounge
Pomona
Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
The Whisper House
Claremont
Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Cosmo Restobar
Pomona
Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM
The Paradox Arcade + Bar
Pomona
Mon-Sun 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Midnight Monkey Lounge
Pomona
Late night (specific hours not explicitly stated)
Bazaar Lounge
Pomona
Mon-Sun 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Pro tip: Start around 7–8 PM at stop #1 and allow 45–60 minutes per venue. Use rideshare between stops that are more than 10 minutes apart.
Local Tips for Bar Hopping in Pomona
- 1Consider using ride-sharing services when bar hopping, especially if exploring multiple locations across Pomona and its neighboring cities.
- 2Check for happy hour specials, as many bars in the area offer great deals on drinks and appetizers during off-peak hours.
- 3Parking can be challenging in some areas, particularly in Downtown Pomona; plan accordingly or use public transportation where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
READY TO BAR HOP?
TURN YOUR GUIDE INTO
A REAL CRAWL.
Book a guided bar crawl in Pomona and let an expert host take you to the best spots — no planning required.