I came here on a whim while in the area & it did not disappoint. The dive is strong with this one. The bathroom had a certain rustic feeling to it, but all the paper towels, trash, & floors were well kept. Service took a few minutes to acknowledge people coming in, but the quality was there!! The bartender & security were friendly & upbeat. My drink was excellent & served w/ a lime. The music was well selected & volume was varied depending on which song the bartender liked most. I would 100% revisit this place on a karaoke night. It seems like a wonderful seasoned business! Keep up the awesome environment Captain's Chest! read more

I want to preface this review by saying I STILL like this neighborhood dive. I like the customers, Jimmy & Danny (evening bartenders), the karaoke, and the divey feel are all very cool... I work right by this place and used to come in all the time with coworkers after work. We went there for probably 3 or 4 years and never had problems with the daytime bartenders before. We knew them, they knew us, everybody got along and it was just our regular spot. Then the daytime bartender changed and honestly so did the whole vibe. All of this happened a few months ago but one thing that really bothered me was how she treated my wife. My wife was trying to help clean up and stacked some shot glasses a little too high. When the bartender picked them up they broke. My wife immediately felt terrible and was apologizing. She's a preschool teacher, super sweet and about as non-confrontational as you can get. Instead of just telling her not to stack them that way the bartender yelled at her. She already felt horrible, it was obviously an accident and there was no reason to make her feel worse. Another time one of our coworkers accidentally walked outside with her drink. I get it, you can't take a drink outside. But instead of just saying hey you can't bring that out here, she came outside and snatched the drink out of her hand, barked at her and cut her off. Something that could've been handled with a normal conversation turned into a whole thing. And yeah, there were a few times people got way more upset than I had ever seen them get in there before. I'm not saying every reaction was okay, but I also knew these people and that was not their normal baseline at all. These were coworkers who had been coming in for years, getting along with everyone, no drama. Watching people get pushed to that level of frustration was honestly part of what made the whole situation stand out so much. That's the part I keep coming back to. Same group, same bar, years of no problems. Then the daytime bartender changed and suddenly there was tension all the time. I probably wouldn't have written anything since all of this happened months ago. But I recently found out a former coworker wrote about her own experience, her review got taken down and she had to edit it and repost it. That made me think maybe I should say something about what I personally saw too. I've always liked this bar. I just think when people who came in for years with no issues suddenly stop wanting to be there, that's probably worth paying attention to ‍ read more

Update 2 (9/24): Since Yelp doesn't allow direct replies, I want to clarify that the "Business Manager" responding below is the same daytime bartender this review is about. Despite her claims, the subpar service happened on multiple occasions, including before the larger conflicts ever happened. We had been going there for years and had respectful relationships with the previous bartenders. The major change was JB and her consistently dismissive, disrespectful attitude toward our group. When things are fine for years, then suddenly aren't, and the main thing that changed is the bartender, that matters. Update 1 (9/23): This review was previously removed after Yelp determined that it included personal information about an employee. I have removed that information and am reposting the review based solely on my own experiences and those shared with me by coworkers. The substance of the review remains the same..... For years, Captain's Chest was one of those places my coworkers and I could count on. I worked nearby for about five years, and we ended up there for everything from birthdays and going-away parties to bachelorette celebrations and random drinks after a long week. We got to know the regulars, enjoyed the atmosphere, and always felt welcomed by the staff. Unfortunately, our experience started changing about a year ago after a new bartender began regularly working the daytime shift. I spent 15 years bartending, so I know how demanding the job can be and I'm not someone who expects a bartender to entertain me or be in a great mood every second of their shift. But the difference in service was hard to ignore. On multiple visits, our group struggled to get basic things like another drink or a round of shots even when the bar wasn't particularly busy. The interactions often felt cold or irritated, as though ordering something was an inconvenience. At first, I assumed we had simply caught someone on a bad day. Then it happened again. And again. What stood out even more was watching longtime daytime regulars receive quick, friendly service while our group was repeatedly overlooked. Eventually, I stopped coming in unless there was a specific reason to be there, and over time several of my coworkers made the same decision. Some of my coworkers also told me about interactions that made them uncomfortable, including being shown sexually explicit images without being asked whether they wanted to see them first. What someone chooses to do in their personal life is entirely their business. The issue is showing explicit material to someone who did not consent to seeing it. The disappointing part is that this experience really doesn't reflect the rest of Captain's Chest. I've always had great interactions with the other bartenders. They're funny, welcoming, attentive, and a big part of why we spent so much time there in the first place. The karaoke host is great, the regular crowd is fun, and the bar itself has always had a comfortable neighborhood feel. For my birthday this year, a group of us who normally would have celebrated there and spent a decent amount on drinks and tips chose another bar instead. That says a lot considering how many years Captain's Chest was one of our go-to places. I'm not saying people shouldn't go here. There are still a lot of things I genuinely like about Captain's Chest and a lot of great people working there. Based on my own experiences, though, I'm much more likely to visit later in the day when one of the other bartenders is working. read more

Went for happy hour with my work fam, we finished our day early and came here for my coworkers birthday. The vibe inside was dark, but it was a nice spot to chill after work and relax. I got a whiskey sour (my go to cocktail), but it was a bit too sweet for my liking; would also have preferred the egg whites. But still not bad. Would def come again for happy hour and vibes, we all had a great time! read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Whiskey sour - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

Love, love this place. It had the right kinda of ambience for a dive bar. It was dark, dark furniture, tucked away, cheap beers, not that big, and have been around since the 60s. This is what a dive bar supposed to be. Thx JB for the history lesson. read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

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This is a great spot to have a well poured cocktail. James the owner has a real gem! Karaoke was going on the evening I was there! Great singers very enjoyable! read more

Okurrrrrr?! This bar is so freakin fun. Found it a while ago and we come all the time now. It's like a pirate ship full of great people supporting other great and great-intentioned singers! I myself am terrible at singing but every time I sing, everyone is so supportive and energetic. James is fantastic, we're never waiting more than a minute when we want w drinky drink. This place in general, you gotta go. Also bathrooms very clean, +10 points. read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

This is a dive bar. It has been here for a while. They have seasoned and friendly bartenders and a joyful security guard. They have chips sometimes And karaoke too! It's small and cozy and cute and I've had two debates across the bar about military history in contra costa and if that was on the menu I would order it lol. I love this spot... it's a dive bar... don't be weird. lol. Oh it's in the same plaza as Trader Joe's... good for a day cap with a co worker and then a grocery grab for home! read more

Definitely a divey spot... but great bartenders and good prices. Side note they aren't open from 2-2 every day... some days they open a little later. 100% recommend though! Dany is awesome read more

Went here for a friends birthday. Everyone had a lot of fun. My rating is a little low due to feeling unsafe and what I think may have been due to over pouring. I think the bartender was also serving as security. A girl vomited on the flour at a certain point and it took a while to be addressed. Over all I think every one was having a good time but myself and my party left earlier than we normally would because we were concerned things may escalate. read more

Charming place. Love the karaoke. All of the ambiance. This place is a solid staple. But bartender charged me $13.50 for one shot of tequila. What do you think? A little steep for a dive bar shot? I feel like I get charged different all the time. I am a fan of consistency. read more

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my favorite bar in concord. the owner is cool. Kimo the maui rat. the customers are cool. ive never gotten a negative or violent vibe ever in this joint. great place. read more

Old school dive bar in strip mall. Has some character and is laid back. They have one TV and play sports. Drinks are cheap and service is friendly. read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Inside - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

This place has the dive bar vibe ! Great priced drinks. Friendly service. Karaoke is a blast!

This is THE best/only dive bar in town! Best bartenders and owner(s) around. I have been here enough times now to have met the owner Bill & future owner Jimmy, and I can say that I am so happy to see that this place will be around for many more years to come. This is more a family than a dive bar & I am honored to feel a part of it. Do come by if you're ever driving past, it is a very worthy pit stop. read more

Karaoke! Wed, thurs, fri, & sat!!!! Yay!!! Jimmy and all of the bartenders, kjs, ambiance, and most of the customers(the regulars), are amazing, Karaoke is a lot cheaper than therapy. Come on down, you wont regret it. read more

My first experience with this place was phenomenal. The only reason why I dropped in here at CAPATAIN's CHEST COCKTAIL LOUNGE, was because I reconnected with a girlfriend from 35 years prior. She lives in Concord and we both loved karaoke. Apparently she had made this a regular stop for her, so I thought I'd join in. Karaoke night was an absolute success the first and every other time that I've been there. But just a little about the place ...,the bartender has a mustache that must be seen to believe. He makes a mean, mean, mean MAI TAI and he's a very cool dude. The crowd is energetic and unabashedly fun; they are rewardingly , a great audience for karaoke. It is an ALL CASH establishment, so bring a fat wallet. Come on out experience it for yourself, actions are better than words. You won't be disappointed! read more

Best dive bar and karaoke spot in the Concord water Creek area! Be careful, they make their drinks, extra stiff without even tipping extra :-) read more

If you're not a local beware. We were stared at the whole time. Cash only, fun time but very clear it's a locals only bar. Even though I live in the area, I felt like an outsider. They had a table with crockpots set up and a patron had brought some fresh fruit in. Labeled food for donation. I was a little confused by this. Fundraiser? If so, not clear what was going on at all and not described by the bartender either. There were 5 of us in there in a Sunday afternoon and it was clear my friend and I were getting one drink only. Paid ( cash only) and bartender never once checked on us or asked if we needed another. But that's ok because the bathroom was repulsive. Flies everywhere. Not clean. read more

Remember that time Rush Limbaugh made fun of Michael J Fox for the dyskinesia (involuntary movements) of Parkinson's? How about when Trump mocked a disabled reporter? The owner of this bar openly mocked a disabled person, including the involuntary movements of an incurable progressive and degenerative neurologic condition. For years, I've remained a loyal patron, bringing family and friends in, humoring the moody captain and supporting his business and all it's participants with kindness, enthusiasm and generosity. The owner was made aware of this disability and subsequent surgeries but that did not stop him from creating a false narrative around karaoke then attacking me. No one should be treated this way under any circumstance. To be humiliated and mocked and also taken advantage of is not only unacceptable, it requires a public apology. read more

Average dive bar out in Concord, but what blew me away was the quality of vocalists at the Captain's Chest. All were solid vocalists as opposed to drunken frat night at the Silver Cloud. read more

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Where do I start?!! This place was fantastic. My dad and I were looking for a good place to hang out last night and just happened the find this place online. We walked in and were immediately greeted by a few people , both employees and regulars. It was karaoke night and so my dad signed up to sing a song. The DJ was so friendly and moved my dad up on list because it was kind of long. I ordered some drinks from the bartender and she was also very pleasant and immediately greeted me and took my order. My dad ordered a beer and I ordered a mojito, which tasted great. The drinks were inexpensive. My dad sang his song and had a great time doing it so he decided to sing more. By the end of the night we made a few friends with the regulars there. They were all so friendly and enjoyable. It was like I've known them for years . I absolutely one this place. I have never felt so welcomed and comfortable at a bar in my life. I'm so sad that we are not local here because we would definitely be regulars here. If you are looking for a fun, low priced, welcoming time ...come here . You will not be disappointed. If we are ever in the area again, we will be back!!! read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

One of my favorite places in the world. Nothing beats karaoke at Captain's Chest. Great drinks and prices, nothing better than that

The drinks were strong. The Bartender was incredibly friendly. The KJ Jessica is not only insanely talented, but ridiculously accommodating to new folks coming in and out of the bar. My buddy and I were in Concord only for the weekend for a business trip that brought us out there and this place made the entire trip. Was so good we went twice. Large kudos to the atmosphere and vibes that have been built here. 10/10 would recommend. If we're in Concord again, bet your bottom dollar we'll be spending time here. read more

Oh Lourde, is this place a Dive bar. The bartender was nice and the beer was cold. Those were the positives. I had some time to kill before an event but not enough for a sit down meal, so I opted for a quick drink. As I plunged in the open front door, the smell of old cigarettes punched me in the face. Dive bar, got it. No beers on tap? No problem, I'm not all that picky. What? I can't hear you. The place was nearly empty but the music was so loud behind the bar that I couldn't hear what my husband was saying 2 inches from my face. We moved over to a corner table and I chose a spot on the bench held together by multiple layers of duck tape. The decor is wood paneling, sparkly black ceiling, and random sea themed kitsch. They had a decent sized screen playing a basketball game, while the 3 people in the place continued to try and scream at each other over the deafening music. My ears started to hurt, so I went to pay the tab. $8 for two Bud Lights. This place is probably great people watching on a weekend late night. Cash only, FYI. read more

Service excellent , employees fantastic . DJ the friendliest around town ! It's welcoming place that you want to come back .

Angry man behind bar in shopping plaza was more like a Napoleon than a captain. A bit claustrophobic.

I love this place! Local vibe. Great place to hangout and talk with local workers or residents. Totally inclusive!

I love captains. Awesome karaoke and friendly service. Usually packed with a good diverse crowd on the weekends.

My husband and I went here one Sunday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised! 1) The drinks are strong and cheap 2) ALL of the patrons are extremely friendly, down to earth and good conversationalists 3) There are 2 dart boards in the back 4) The ambiance is divey and cozy The owner was sitting at the bar hanging out with everyone, how cool is that?? Some of the "regulars" introduced us to him and we chatted for a while. This place is so awesome. read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

Such a chill experience he's such a cool guy Made our first bar experience nice. We're new to the bar experience and drinking, so it was nice! Just turned 21 and this was a nice Sunday bar hopping. read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

Annie is the absolute sweetest thing! Bestest bartender ever. Such a great ambiance and a great crowd.

Best little hole in the wall you could hope to find. Karaoke, darts, dice, beer pong, live music, cool decorations, and welcoming environment. Just don't let the Bushmills run dry. Sincerely, The Car Fox P.S. I can't speak for the men's bathroom, but ladies, if for nothing else, go check out the restroom. read more

Captain's Chest Cocktail Lounge - I mean... that's pretty cool. And yes, this took several attempts and was the best one I could capture. - Dive Bars Near Me - Concord, California

If you're a POC, take it from another POC, give this place a HARD pass. Went in on a Thursday. Only 2 patrons and the bartender(part owner?). I got my drink, so far so good. A few minutes pass, then, Bartender launches into a story about how they repainted the place, then says, referencing the previous paint job, "yeah, it was all black and racist in here, like a fucking hip-hop video". After that comment, awkward silence by everyone, but they all were looking at me, the only black person present. (Racist) intent was clear, even though the comment was weird and indirect. I walked. Racism is not always about being called the "N-word". I've learned, after working in a lot of small towns in Northern Cali the last few months, that people here can be every bit as racist as any small town in the south. Don't let the fact that this is California fool you. read more

Everyone should visit "The Chest" as we all lovingly call it, at least once. The ambiance is great, and the bartenders make sure all your needs are met. On I slow day this bar is the best place to draw and decompress, while listening to the jukebox. On a crazy night, which are usually the karaoke nights, singing, dancing and laughing are the name of the game. Jimmy, the owner, has a unique and fun energy about him, and his energy permeates the very walls of "the chest". You get comfortable and begin to feel like your part of a family of sweet misfits. The djs are fantastic and always keep it fun. The chest should be on your list of dive bars to visit, and if you happen to be there on a karaoke night, be brave and sing, because the crowd is very supportive and will cheer you on, no matter how tone deaf you are! :) #bestdivebarever read more

Dive! But in a good way. Service is good. They have two dart boards which is cool. Real darts not the plastic tip type. It has a cool theme so it works for me. Cash only which is fine for me but would be a bit shocking for some of my "card only" friends. read more

My favorite dive bar across the bridge . James is the best owner & bartender and can't forget Jessica the best DJ for your favorite place for karaoke. I might not been coming here for years but this place has been none stop fun since James took over. Tip them well !!!!! read more

This bar is the best bar in all the land. When you goto this bar you feel as if you are about to set sail on the voyage that is the rest of your life. An epic adventure, only to lure you away for a moment, a snap shot if you will. Following time and space you may never want to leave your destination. read more

The Captain's Chest is my own personal Cheers. I go every Wednesday and the occasional Saturday for karaoke. My recommendations? Bring cash, an open mind, and a sense of humor. If you bring those three things you will do just fine. read more

It's been two years since my last review. Time for an update, and thankfully, I love this place so much now they really deserve a five star review for being a terrific little dive near home. It'll take a couple visits for you to fall in love, so don't treat this place like a one night stand. Go out with her for a night, then go back to get to know her better in a few days, and I promise, you'll fall in love. Think of it as an open relationship. You can keep seeing the other bars you love, you just get to have even more fun now with something new. They still have the karaoke they are known for on certain nights, but we prefer walking over on weekend afternoons and staying for a Bloody Mary and a delicious kamikaze. Bill the owner needs to make your kamikaze shot. He does a tremendous job running the place and his drinks are the best. He's indeed a fine captain of this treasure at Oak Grove Plaza. read more