We've stopped by here several times after hiking in Sam McDonald County Park. This is a biker bar, all kinds of bikers gather at this ancient bar; from bike gangs, motorcycle enthusiasts, to yuppies on their custom $100k bikes. The place is old; built in the late 1880's with creaky wooden floors, and dusty memorabilia lining the walls. The layout is sparse; a pool and foosball table, electronic jukebox, ATM, two booths and a dozen barstools are the main furnishings. The place appears to be a music venue at night. The beer selection is sparse but adequate but there's plenty of hard liquor. The food selection is stuff you find in the frozen section of a grocery store. One of the more amusing moments was when came in with over 20 people. One of the folks discovered ABBA on the jukebox and so we danced all evening to it. The bikers didn't care for ABBA and took off... read more

This place is super cool! It's a roadhouse in La Honda, a little crossroads town between Half Moon Bay and Los Altos, in the middle of the woods. The building is a true cabin-in-the-woods, and as long as you stay on the front porch, you can bring your beer outside and bullshit with the locals. The wood floor squeaks like you won't believe, but the pool table is true. This is a biker bar, through and through. Neil Young played here. At least that's what my Cousin Jackie said. Oh, and the old sign up in the tree to the left of the bar? The one no one's been able to read for years? It's mounted sideways and upside-down, and covered with ivy, so no wonder. But I solved the mystery! It says "Pomona"...go see for yourself. If you want a great getaway, this is it...PCH down through Half Moon Bay, lunch at Cameron's. Left on 85 (? whatever that highway is) and take it all the way through to Apple Jack's. Bring a designated driver...there is no motel in La Honda. read more

My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place! It's the perfect pit stop (could last hours) on a sunny day. I love the atmosphere and the fun people that I always get to meet and chat with. Play some great tunes on the juke box and take a shot with Pat the bartender. Pat is awesome and super friendly. BONUS: they have Fireball now!! read more

Apple Jack's - First shipment of Fireball whiskey, first customer to get a shot of it! - Dive Bars Near Me - La Honda, California

I've driven by this place a few times on my way back to San Jose and have been meaning to stop in. Came in today for the first time and glad I did. It's a no frills/welcoming vibe and our bartender Yvonne was awesome. Shes exactly what you look for in a bartender. Friendly, conversational when appropriate and knowledgeable. Next time I come back to SJ to visit my family, I'll also make the trip to AJ's. read more

I attended my friend's birthday at this place on a Saturday night and it ended up being a great experience. It is out in the middle of nowhere and when you arrive the neon lighting at the front looks so dim that you are not sure whether it's open. Then you realize that the parking lot is full and there is a lively dive bar atmosphere in full effect when you walk up. When you walk in, the bar is to the right and every bar stool is occupied by what appear to be locals. They all appear to know each other. Some have the style of country chic (tucked in flannel shirts with cowboy hats). Others have the distinct earth tone look you would find from a Santa Cruz hippie. This all adds to the experience. You look to your left and there is a pool table and stoked fire stove. You look to the back and there is a live band tuning their guitars and setting up. If you are with a group, take this as your opportunity to establish some seating and grab a beer. The beer selection was solid...but cash only...so don't forget it or it will be a long, windy trip back to an ATM. When the music started, everyone in our group stood there impressed. My expectations were not high but they ended up being very good. I looked around at my friends and noticed many of them moving to the music. For a band at a dive bar in the middle of nowhere, this group had clearly undergone some reps together. The dance floor quickly filled up. My advice for going to this place is to go with a group of friends. This was a great call for a birthday. I ended up leaving feeling like I had really stepped into a different time and I am sure this is a place that my friends will be talking about for years to come. read more

Why is it I tend to gravitate to dive bars, other than I am super curious? I could give this place a one, two, three, four of five star, all because it doesn't matter, this place ain't gonna change. Built in 1879 as a blacksmith shop for passing carriages, wagons and horse shoe making, Apple Jacks was the heyday in town. Back in those days, you made sure you packed two six shooters and wore a pretty tall hat. Ordering whiskey and stuffing your face with smoked jerky your options was to either stay or get out town. Be forewarned however that whichever choice you took, you were a good two or three days from anything else nearby. Nowadays.. its a bar..but not only a bar..but a bar with PATINA. Why come all the way up here only to find some foo-foo modernized everything and you don't get the sense of the ye ol west? Not here... Apple Jacks Inn sports weekend music, dancing, and suds. The more... the better. Drop in.. wear a tall hat, and order away. A must see. read more

This is indeed a true roadhouse, and kudos to whoever it was who pointed that out as it's exactly how I describe it to anyone who will listen (previously it was "It's fucking...awesome"). My dear friend and I happened upon this bar quite on accident. We were both visiting from out of town, and only I was vaguely familiar with the area. She wanted to go to the mountains and see the ocean, so off on the 84 we went. Only based on the outside, I made it a mandatory stop on the way back. The inside matches the outside- that's about the most I can say and I mean it very positively. The beer selection was solid and though I didn't dip into the liquor, they had about anything I tend to order. Which is vast (hah). The bartenders were nice, attentive, and helpful when we asked about the area. The patrons... well when we were there I didn't see the often referenced bikers (sadly). It wasn't too populated at all, actually. There were a couple of guys who wandered in just like us. There were a handful of assorted transients in the nicest, most positive definition of the word. There were also a couple of regulars at the bar watching some hockey and providing engaging conversation. Never did I expect to discuss NHL matters in the middle of the forest, but I couldn't have been more pleased. It was a delightful cast of characters for 4pm! There was live music that night but we did not return. Why? Why, with nothing but accolades and Yelp stars to offer, would we not return? The drive. Windy drive through the redwoods that offered a bit of trickery even for the sober driver. I also didn't see a motel, or a good place to stop and order up a cab for the jaunt without spending all my money. Even given that, 5 stars. I will be back. I just may end up sleeping in my car (or on the porch... or....). Also, they had a short menu of food. Looks like just the thing to order when you must soak up some alcohol, but can't vouch for the quality etc . read more

My friend and I found this place on the way to the 1 to see the Pacific Ocean (I, being from the east coast of Florida, had never seen it). We figured it for a dive biker/redneck bar, but vowed we get a picture on the way back from the beach. It ended up suprising us COMPLETELY! We loved it immediately: the creaking wood floors, the simplicity, the smells, everything. We like "chill" places such as this, and they had my favorite two beers on tap, Guinness and Newcastle. I wouldn't eat here, but would drink and dance my night away for sure! If you're looking for a trendy pub, this isn't your place, but if you want to have fun in a relxed atmosphere with down-to-earth company of all walks of life, this is it! read more

The best bar in the world ! Wanna step back in time and take a load off? Then stop here. Dogs and horses welcome. No assholes allowed

Epic environment. Bartender was less than friendly. She was extremely overwhelmed with the fact that there were a dozen people in the bar. Tried to make friendly small talk with her and she then told us that if we had a complaint we could talk to the owner. read more

I enjoy Dive Bars on occasion - but this example is one to be avoided. "Visited" this establishment last weekend and discovered there was no music or dancing, food (what food), and the locals do anything but make you feel like you need to head out the door. Maybe it was because I do not ride a Harley, maybe cuz I don't drink Coors or Bud Light, or maybe I brought the wrong dog to hang out on the porch. Stay Away - Enuf Said BTW - The Bartender has a wonderful disposition - is he employed to provide service and an enjoyable place to hang out and enjoy a drink - or better yet run people out the door if they do not fit his criteria ?????? read more

Hands down, favorite dive bar in the greater Bay Area, if not the entire planet. Quintessential only-in-NorCal vibe. Aging hippies and mountain folk mix it up with weekend-warrior bikers, millennial hipsters, and a few other elements of the Silicon Valley egalitarian class thrown in for good measure. This eclectic mixture works -- brilliantly. Add in a solid beer and liquor selection, stiff pours, sketchy bar food, a pool table, a small stage featuring excellent live music, a world-class jukebox for use when no one is performing, all housed in a historic old building sitting atop the Santa Cruz Mountains in the middle of the redwoods... what more could one ask for in a dive bar? Tip if visiting from the central Bay Area or Silicon Valley: CA-84 (Woodside Road) is twisty from just west of Woodside all the way up to CA-35 (Skyline Blvd.) and then back down a few miles to this place... en route to La Honda and the coast. It's not an easy drive even if sober. Don't risk endangering your life, or the lives of others by driving there, especially at night after partaking in adult beverages all evening. Leave the driving to Uber or Lyft but be prepared to wait for a ride. Some Uber or Lyft drivers won't make the trip, and cell service can be spotty in the area to coordinate a pick-up, even if they will. read more

Great people. Interesting decor with chairs carved out of redwood. The owner is friendly and they make you feel like one of the regulars. It's a place everyone should stop by at least once. read more

I have never posted on yelp but I noticed the person who gave a 1star on July 4th has the same name as a woman that came in on July 3rd. This is no big deal aside from the fact that this woman came in and ordered a drink, spoke to a local man for roughly 5 minutes and he went to the bathroom, she ordered a drink and said he was buying. The bartender asked if he was buying and he said no I am going home, i dont know her.The bartender knew the man and knew the much older woman did not know the man. After this man left the bartender reminds the woman she still needed to pay and it was almost closing. She says to charge the man next time he comes in and she is leaving. She started her car but the bartender stopped her and coaxed her to come in to pay her tab. She insisted she did not need to pay because she could help market the bar. Eventually she paid but said she would leave a bad yelp review. 30 mins later, after closing, she even returned and accused the bartender of stealing her purse which she had walked out with earlier. Just saying this is an extremely biased review. The bar in truth is a great dive bar with good music every weekend. There are BBQs on saturday and sunday with burger and hot dogs. Nothing fancy, just a remote dive bar with friendly locals. read more

This is our local bar. We live in La Honda. Very rustic which I love. Kevin is very cool. Prices are a wee bit steep and there is no food served. Wish they did as there is no restaurants right in La Honda. But it's nice to go for a drink and socialize. I do love the wood burning stove and patio out back. read more

Rustic bar with a nice wrap around patio. Good beer selection at reasonable prices. Clean bathroom.

Back roads dive bar. And when I say dive, I mean, "Hit the deck, that bottle is flying in your direction." Darts, hot dogs, Miller Lite, billiards, live music. The neon sign looks especially ironic on the Lincoln Log building. Apparently, you could pass out there, if need be, but keep your pistol under your pilla. But if you're like me, and you can hold your own, this place is great. read more

I am Julia and I am a bartender at Apple Jacks. I love my job and I do my darnedest to welcome all drinking patrons hospitably and respectfully. To the previous reviewer, I don't remember ignoring any woman in order to "flirt with all the men", but please know that if it seemed that way I sincerely apologize and I hope you come back soon. I assure you that your next visit to this little mountain bar will be far more enjoyable than the last. read more

This bar is bad ass. Everyone is nice, and pretentiousness as well as entitled attitudes are looked down upon. They also have gluten free beer and an ATM. This is where the old time California natives go to be at peace. You truly can taste the good ol' days of California. The fast paced east coast sellout crap doesn't exist here. I hope this bar is there for another hundred years at least. read more

Geez. Easy on the hatred people. You like beer? Are you chill? Do you remain unfazed by interesting looking people/odd smells/dark corners? Come here if you're in the hood- at least once. It's worth at least seeing. read more

I have been wanting to try Apple Jacks out for a real long time.Everytime we are in the area,our teenage daughter is with us so we have to roll on by.About 2 months ago,the wife and I found ourselves alone and feeling very thristy,so we stopped in for a guiness or 2.This place is as historic as they get..Old log cabin type building with lots of cool stuff to look at(think Heinholds in Oakland)This place looks like it was once an old"bucket of blood"saloon back in the day.The barkeep talked of the places history during the Hippie days and all the bands who performed/drank here.Great place for a foggy winter drink around the fireplace or a brew on the front"porch"during the summer.. read more

Love, love, love dive bars! This one is as friendly as they come and you don't have to get drunk to make friends! Our bartender was so great, and she gave us tips on places to visit when we go on our next vacation. She even wanted to call her Dad in D.C. to put him on the phone with us to tell us where to go and eat! Lots of bikers come here passing through as well as locals. The ladies room was surprisingly clean and spacious. I was leery going in since the door handle was missing and there was a big hole people could see through but there were a couple of very big stalls inside so it wasn't what it seemed. La Honda is a tiny town but the people are friendly as we stopped at a couple of other businesses and talked to the locals. read more

Great local bar for folks who like a chill place with great outdoor area and accessible to beaches. Great way to pass some time driving through mountains read more

We got lost in the woodside area and for some odd reason we found apple jacks.we bought drinks,got drunk and left

Great little dive bar. Perfect for a pint after a bike ride around the area.

"Discovered" in '10, missed in '11, back in '12. Go see D.B. Walker, there. The rest has been said by the previous reviews. You will not regret checking it out, and will tell your friends about it. The more the merrier, for sure. Oh and, go for Halloween! read more

I love Apple Jacks. The sheer amount of history it holds commands respect. I love going there to see my friends play music and its a rough and rowdy place where anyone is welcome. La Honda is extremely isolated so a legitimate reason is required to attend a night at AJs. All of my time spent there has been enjoyed and I would suggest anyone in La Honda for any length of time should roll through. Bring a jacket, it gets cold at night. read more

Great dive bar! There was even someone's old dog hanging out like he owned the place! Good drinks, great atmosphere, lose one star for the bartender- he acted like he didn't wanna be there. read more

My boyfriend and I love taking the long way to the beach so we can stop here along the way. The drive is fun, the air is fresh, the locals are friendly, and we bring our dogs along to hang out on the front porch. The pups get so socialize, we get to socialize, it's win win. There is a cute little creek in the back where we let the dogs run. Highly recommended for beautiful weekend excursions. read more

Apple Jacks Its been there since 1878 as a Bar what a great place to stop and have a Drink.And the dancen with the Ladys is pretty Kool too on weekends. I lived in La Honda From 1969 to1975 @ the Church in Redwoods in a house on church property.It was neat to return the town, hasnt changed much since the 70s read more

I absolutely love this place! It's a mere 12 miles from I280, but the long & winding gorgeously landscaped road takes awhile. A daytime drive is magnificent, with the sun shining thru the redwoods! I do not recommend you drink a lot if you need to head back to I280 . Most the people that hang out in there are regulars (like Cheers), & unless you are a jerk, they are very welcoming. We go there for the music! Good bands that play a variety of music choices. You can go there alone, but bring a group of friends just for sharing the experience. Usually a dog wanders in there, but very cool & mellow. Just go see it to believe it. read more

Read through many of the reviews and was surprised that nobody I read had mentioned that La Honda and its hood is Ken Kesey country where he and his "Merry Pranksters" hung regularly. His house in La Honda where he wrote has been restored. Hmm...maybe the youngins haven't discovered him yet? read more

I'll put it this way, this is a small town bar. Obviously. Enormously fun when there's a good band. Food is pretty much a last resort if you're stupid drunk and need to sober up. If you can handle the drive, this is your oasis, just be nice to the locals. Its in the woods for a reason. They bring their dogs. Enjoy, don't encroach on their territory, or you'll get eaten alive. Hahahahahahahahha. read more

This place has been around for over 130 years and should he a historical landmark. Apple Jack's is a very rare bar because it's o rustic. People are friendly and the drinks are fair. read more

If you Ride a Bike ( motorcycle) it's the Very First place you gota go. Beer taste's the best in the Redwoods. Shoot some Pool, Listen to some tunes, make some new freinds. Kick it on the porch, watch the travel'rs pass by. There's no place like it anywhere else on earth. It's the best kind of Free Therapy available. read more

LaHonda is perhaps best known as the place where Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters lived and created their Acid Tests in the 1960's and as the town where Neil Young still resides and it would be fair to say that not much has changed here since the 1960's. And Apple Jacks is a throwback to another world. Tucked away high in the Santa Cruz Mountains on long and snakelike Highway 84 between Woodside and Pescadero, Apple Jacks is an honest to goodness roadhouse lost in time as well as the tall pine trees and ancient redwoods. It's the only bar left in this neck of the woods. and I do mean woods here, and on weekend evenings the place comes alive with old crusty bikers, dyed in the wool hippies, college kids, and just plain old fashioned folks who come in to drink , play pool, and to dance to live music which by the way is FREE. Despite what has been said in an earlier post, Neil Young never played here (he played at the Boots and Saddle down the road that was burnt to the ground long ago), but Neil does make his home in the very rural and lost in time community. This place is OLD, but it is REAL, and for those looking for fun without the frills you will certainly find it here. Looks can be deceiving and don't be afraid as the locals will treat you just fine as you'll find them to be a real friendly bunch. It is also an excellent stop off for those long Sunday afternoon drives. read more

I was on a road trip to Big Sur and stopped at Apple Jack's looking for some breakfast. They said that were getting ready for a bbq, but it'll be a couple of hours before it would be ready. My brother and I agreed: Beer for breakfast. The staff looked at their watch and then looked at the travelers that just entered their establishment. I noticed that for a dive bar in the stix, they had a respectable beer selection. The Spaten Optimator wasn't bad, so I had one more for dessert. We went back to the patio and took in the serenity of the forest. As we were finishing our beers, the proprietors informed us that we should return later in the evening when things really get going. My brother and I agreed. When we came back that evening we were not disappointed. The locals were friendly and the live music was pretty good. I can't wait to return the bay area again, so I can have another visit . read more

Not quite sure why this is categorized as a hotel when in reality it is a bar. It is quite an interesting place, the drinks are really good and you feel like you are stepping back into time as soon as you walk in. It has a very rustic and welcoming feel. The crowd can be very diverse & from bikers to tech professionals to broke college students. Great stop on the way to the beach! read more

I went there as an underaged drinker there in the late 80s. On the plus side they served me liquor. On the down side they got mad and kicked us out after I spilled my drink on the shuffle board table. The hostile looks as we left kind of made me fearful for my life so I can't quite endorse this bar as much as I'd like. read more

The best fuzzy navel I have ever had, although the bartender did not know what was in a vodka tonic! Apple Jacks is a total blast!