Ed's has quickly become my favorite bar I've ever been to. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first, but as soon as we sat down at the bar, I knew this place was something special. What makes Ed's stand out isn't just the drinks--it's the people. The crowd is incredibly diverse, and there's this genuine sense of community that you don't find everywhere. Folks from all walks of life come together here, and the unspoken rule is simple: be kind and respectful. If you do that, you'll feel right at home. It's rare to find a place that feels this welcoming, inclusive, and authentic. Ed's isn't just a bar--it's an experience and a community. Can't recommend it enough. read more

The greatest American dive bar. in the East Bay. Hugs and friends are there good pool tables and good people read more

Ed's Place - Merl. And brand new rails and felt! - Dive Bars Near Me - El Sobrante, California

See all

Chill vibe, no egos, pool and chatting. Will return when in the area. Two thumbs up. Owner is in as nice and chatted it up with everyone at the bar. read more

This place is busy but nice! I like the location. Little hole in the wall type vibes.

Ok so stumbled in to this place after work on a Friday accidentally Anyway was looking for a thrift store had heard about they weren't there any more .... Probably Covid! Lame! Back to this place it f'ing rocks, the bartender is awesome . The people that are customers were so nice to me, I had a great time. Go check it out! read more

By far my most favorite place. Current bartenders are great. DJ and Kyle are my favorites. DJ has a lot of bartending experience and can make exceptional drinks and has a great sense of humor. Kyle is new, makes great drinks and has a great personality and always positive to customers. Stop by any day/night. The bar opens at 11am. read more

See all

I agree with all the other posts. Ed's is great. We have met Kiki once; she is a party all by herself! Dj is usually working when we go in. He pours very full shots. He always has a smile on his face. By the end of our first night, we felt like regulars. My girlfriend and I first went in there because it is very close to our house. For a lesbian couple small town bars are not always the most welcoming places. We showed up around midnight, after a movie. There were about 6 other patrons. I headed for the ladies room. Some guy at the bar was like," hey that's the ladies room!" I stuck my head out the door and said," I know, thanks." When I came out he apologized for his mistake, bought me a shot and the rest is history. Every night at Ed's we always meet interesting people. We feel very fortunate to have a neighborhood bar that is so great, and is within stumbling distance of home. read more

I just read my original review again and had to amend it - there is no classic 70's Juke - they have a "Internet Jukebox", which looks really out of place in there. I wish they had "skinned" it to look like one at least... but now you can listen to hip hop and electronica in a redneck bar, if you dare. If this place was in Berkeley it would be overrun with hipsters by now, but they don't serve PBR so hmmm maybe not.... Thank god it's in the middle of nowhere, because it does retain some of that small town flannel wearing trucker type of charm. The best thing is that they have TWO pool tables... Beware - this place closes early on weeknights because there''s only like 2 people still there drinking after 11PM. The last time I was here I got so faded that I crashed my roadbike in the gravel on the Dam Road on the epic 2:30AM bike ride back to Berkeley. Somehow I made it the 10 miles back home and passed out. I woke up the next morning covered in blood with a broken hand. I decided that while it really made a good story, I was not down for a repeat performance - so I did the smart thing and spent the night at a friends house. If You Drink Dangerously, Don't Drive. read more

Didn't know about this spot until my husband and I were invited for a birthday party. It's divey, super casual and chill. It's easy to drive by it if you're not paying attention especially if you've never been. There are a couple of pool tables, a pinball machine and an arcade dart board game. There's also an electronic jukebox so you can play whatever songs you're in the mood for. DJ the bartender was cool as hell and even let us stay past closing time while he was cleaning up to let us finish our drinks. He pours stiff and drinks are cheap. Good atmosphere and chill type of crowd, a true local bar. Definitely coming back! read more

I love Ed's. Started coming here on a whim because it's super close to one of my friend's houses, and after trying other bars in the area we keep coming back to Ed's. After two weeks we felt like regulars, and 4 months later we pretty much are! They have two pool tables in decent condition, a jukebox to play whatever you're in the mood for (you can download from the interweb!), and a full bar. Prices are fair, and they keep the bar stocked with everything the regulars run them out of -- Jack Daniels, Corona, etc. Nothing fancy, nothing pretentious, just a bunch of people who like to hang out with other people and make conversation. And occasionally pole-dance. Even the bartenders hang out here when they're not working, so you know it's a fun place to be. You won't catch me at work when I don't have to be! read more

It was a rainy day & we were driving back from the Tri-Valley via San Pablo Dam Rd. Popped in after driving by & seeing the sign (old school neon with a martini glass), we knew this was our kind of place. and we weren't wrong. Came in to find a nice fire roaring, stiff cheap drinks & friendly folks. DJ, a former Tibetan monk, who's heart is a big as the shots he poured soon became our friend. The woman bartender before his shift, who I believe her name was Debbie, was also a character...just what you'd expect for such an establishment. Lil feisty & no nonsense gal who also poured a quality drink. They had the requisite pool tables, jukebox & such. Loved the dollar bills with personal messages pinned to the ceiling. Definitely will be back... read more

26 yrs of my life i never stepped foot in the place. I thought id get.lynched. so today i decided to step.foot in there and looks can be decieving. Asian bartender. Chill venue with two pool tables. Cheap drinks. Two thumbs from a young black male. They play jukebox music though. read more

This bar is kinda in the middle of nowhere. You would probably think twice before entering because it looks like a hick bar, but you'd be wrong. El Sobrante people are Bay Area people, so race really isn't an issue with most. The owner is Chinese, her name is Kiki and she's super nice and friendly. DJ, one of the bartendars is really kewl too, he's from Tibet. You see, not a hick bar at all. Pool tables, pinball, and a punching bag video game is there for fun, and they also have a modern jukebox. Stop in for a drink if you're in the area. read more

Been living nearby for 20 years but I'm not a big drinker so never dropped in but I did tell my twin sons that when they reached 21 I'd take them to Ed's. Kiki was real nice to them and we each had our drinks. Overall a nice experience. We'd gone to some more upscale bars first but they were a turn off so Ed's it was. read more

Average dive bar. If you're looking for nothing special aside from a drink then Ed's is your spot. A couple tv's and pool tables come together to forge a rather average watering hole, Fast Eddie can fix you any drink you please, if you don't mind the wait. Check it out read more

Love Eds the nicest people seem to stop by in here! Needs better tequila selection though my dollar is on top of the pool table

This is a nice, chill bar with good people. It's kind of low key but has good music. The bartenders are good, honest people, which is hard to find nowadays. read more

if you ever happen to drive by ed's place, like we did late sunday night, then you should go in and get a cold one. good atmosphere with an awesome bartender. play some music on the jukebox why dontcha. tip DJ with a 2 dollar bill if you can, he's collecting them. read more