Pretty chill place to go after work for a drink and a nice game of pool. Pitchers of beer are good price! Definitely recommend

We first discovered Fred's last year because it was a 5-minute walk from my house, and I must say, Fred's is always good times. The bartenders are friendly, and the drinks are cheap. A shot of top shelf liquor (Patron, Grey Goose) is $5, and the amount they pour is way more than a single shot -- might even be two. There's a fantastic juke box with great music, a pool table, and they always have a variety of good games on TV. There's also some pretty cool sports memorabilia on the walls. We just had a surprise party for my boyfriend here last night, and I called ahead to make sure it was OK to bring outside food and embarrassing balloons. The guy on the phone was SUPER nice and welcoming. He told us we could bring whatever we wanted, other than drinks, of course, and to come on down. When we got there, the staff was very accommodating, and they even cleaned up after us, while we were partying. One of the bartenders - the older gentleman - was nice enough to come up and thank us for coming in. I do get that some people may not like Fred's because it isn't really a place you come to mingle with other young, hot singles. Although, last night, there was quite a crowd, so perhaps Friday happy hours are your best bet for meeting people if that's what you're up for. But, if you're you're just looking for a low-key place to relax with friends and have a good, strong drink, Fred's is definitely a great choice!! read more

Fred's is definitely a local favorite. I've come here on and off for years. It's relatively inexpensive, and has a great atmosphere.

Great neighborhood bar. Lots of tv's for you sports ballers. Kareoke and trivia nights too. Drinks are good and prices are fair. Lots of parking. Lots of seating. Friendly faces every time we open the door. Our new spot for sure read more

There were some shady charachters in this establishment as expected. Drinks were cheap and Kareoke was painfully terrible..Honestly was not that bad for a 12AM stop. read more

Great bar and great bartenders! Did I mention great prices. Thanks Pauli and Chang. Front and back patio with heaters.

I always have a good time when I go to Fred's Place. It is definitely like the show "Cheers." Everyone has a good time. I grew up in Palo Alto, saw the Fred's sign on Middlefield but, never went in. Finally, a lender colleague referred me to one of the owners, Pauli, who was looking for a home purchase. After getting Pauli into a home, I started making Fred's Place a regular visit and never turned back. It's a friendly and cozy place. Ted Paulin, SF Peninsula Realtor read more

My wife and I randomly decided to check this place out after having driven by it many times and laughed at its "old timey" martini glass sign. We pulled up and thought that it might be empty since there were no cars out front, but it wasn't (turns out people who "know" park in the back). We ended up playing a couple rounds of darts. The heisman selection show was on (Toby Gehart was a nominee so everyone was watching). Nice big screens. I found the other patrons to be generally friendly and even started chatting with some of them about Toby while waiting for a drink. Given the total lack of "normal" bars on the pennisula, I like this place. read more

I'm raising the bar here and going with 4 stars. Lemme break it down for you one star at a time. First, Fred's has been around for 40 years. In the heart of start-up land, any business that has been chugging along for that long without getting acquired or running out of VC money is keepin it real. Second, they keep their product portfolio clean and simple. Beer and hard liq. Sometime in about 1962 they diversified slightly and augmented the menu with chips and hard boiled eggs. No need to add stress to an already stressful world, just pick a brew or your favorite mixed drink and have a seat. Third, at it's heart and soul, Fred's is a sports bear for Bay Area teams and their fans. Lots of 49er memorabilia on the walls, reliving the glory years of Walsh, Montana and Rice. The 3-4 TVs usually have different games going on so you can split time between teams. Decent pool table sectioned off from the rest of the bar so you don't have to move people not involved in the game when taking your shot. Fourth, there is a mellow, keep-it-to-yourself atmosphere that is both welcoming and refreshing. You're not getting scanned to check if you have hipster $200 jeans or, on the other end of the spectrum, the evil eye cuz you crashed a locals only joint. Feel free to casually chat-up the other folks at the bar, or hang out with your crew and enjoy a nice refreshing beer.. read more

Fred's is a dive bar with good entertainment. They have darts, a pool table, a pinball machine, TV's and other arcade games. There's also a jukebox where you can pay a couple bucks to play a bunch of songs. It's pretty spacious inside with dining/booth seating and bar seating. There's a pretty large parking lot that spans the front and back of the bar with entrances on both sides. People that frequent this bar are pretty cool and very friendly. I mostly come to hang out with friends and play pinball. They have a Star Trek pinball machine here that is in excellent condition. It's right by the front of the bar next to a huge collection of travel-sized alcohol bottles (which are fun to look at). There isn't a ton of space behind and next to the pinball machine but enough to do what you need to do. I like that this place isn't super crowded and there's a lot of options of what you want to do while you're there. read more

I've lived most of my life in Palo Alto, had driven past the place a thousand times, and finally went in just last week. It is as a dive bar should be. The drinks are strong, the pool table is coin operated, and it seems like people could go there to get drunk. The crowd wasn't particularly crowd-like, which worked for the reason I was there, but there wasn't exactly a feel to the place. It didn't feel like there were people there who would or should be institutions, which I just think is a must at any dive bar. read more

Fred's is a pretty cool little dive bar. Monday nights they have a trivia game that starts at 7:30. This game and it's host is not for the weak. It's a bit raunchy but all in good fun. Do not come hungry as there is no kitchen. The group I was with brought in pizza and snacks so I'm going to assume that is ok. There was a pool table, incase you are into that sort of thing. It's a pretty big bar so the service is not fast when it's busy but the bartender is pretty cool, if you are cool to him. He remembered my drink after the first order and all I had to do is give him a glance and he knew what I wanted... to drink folks... what I wanted to drink!! anyhooooo! This place was a good time and I'll be back for sure!! read more

This place serves its purpose. My dad's house is a few blocks away from here and I would often walk here to meet up with some buddies there. So um...I could drink a good amount and then just stumble home. Perfect! I'd say this is probably one of the best places in the area for hanging out with a group of friends -- you essentially bring the party. The bartenders are nice. Decent selection of draft beers. Some TVs to watch the game. And they have some menus too and you can order delivery. And, they have dice! So solid times here with a mix of dive regulars and random tech peeps. There are also some items on Fred's menu -- a few egg things...and some other things that I never bothered to order. Yeah...wouldn't risk it. read more

I've been here a few times for karaoke (Thursday) with friends. It's fun when it isn't too packed. Also can't beat a $5 glass of wine (is this typical? In MA and NH I pay $8-$10 for the cheap stuff). Pretty relaxed atmosphere and very friendly regulars. read more

Took my dad here for a drink the other day and he loved it. Perfect Divey type bar, friendly people, owner was a nice guy Perfect watering hole to pass some time read more

Fred's has been around for ages, it's about a five minute walk from my house, and I can always get a seat here. 5 dollar Guinness, friendly staff, pool table, and steps away form the burrito triangle at Old Middlefield and Rengstorff. Very neighborhoody kind of place with an "honest pour" - meaning they don't water down the drinks... read more

I have been to Fred's twice. First I went with a bunch of friends and had a blast. They had a DJ, he could have better taste in music but its kind of a sports bar so I was more inclined to enjoy the loud music with no cover. They have a very good jukebox and quick service. Of course I was drawn to this place due to the giant neon sign out front, kind of a cool feel. And, they serve food! Beer munchies galore! The second visit was to blow off some steam after a very frustrating day. It was me, one other patron and the barkeep on a Tuesday I believe. The bartender talked me from the ledge and the patron bought ,e some Slayer on the jukebox and an extra beer. We chopped it up about Jazz and relationships, it felt like home. Definitely an older crowd but that has never deterred me, I really like Fred's and hope to return again. read more

First time here. Waiing for gates to open to see Kid Rock at Shoreline, neded something to do....why not catch a buzz! Dive bar environment, which is exactly what we like. Cool mini bottle collection on the wall. read more

Fred's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Mountain View, California

Perfect place. Great people, best place to be for drinks. Enjoyed the place small though but yes you are here for drinks not space. They have pool table, foose ball, and best servers to talk with. Go their have a bitburger beer and relax. read more

I frequent many bars out here in the peninsula. This is one of my favorite bars. The guys behind the counter (Chang, Matt and Bill) are great guys that serve some great drinks. It is definetly worth the time and travel! read more

This place f'in rocks! People are cool. Drinks are stellar. Pool table, juke box. What more could you ask for? read more

Fred's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Mountain View, California

Best bar in the area. Pool table, darts, foozball, pinball... It's always happy hour, great pours and great prices. Free snacks and every weekend seems to have some kind of of pop up food venue. NFL ticket, multiple hi-def tvs and free wifi. Patio too. No attitude just a place to chill, have some good conversation and have a laugh. Karaoke on Thursday night too, if you're into that kind of thing. read more

This is a local watering well..... U don't make it here on accident. Its a place that walking up or parking you would ask. Are they even open? Yup they are. And everyone in there is usually pretty nice and having a good time. Its a proper dive bar for the area. If you like that scene check it out. read more

It is a dive bar and you can smell it, no doubt about it. But the crowd is always fun, the karaoke nights are crazy and last but not least - they have a FOOSBALL TABLE! Don't expect anything fancy, but if you want to have a drink with friends in a relaxed atmosphere, e.g. if everything else has already closed, this is the place to go. The prices are fair, food is very limited, but the selection of drinks is even greater. We often stop by if we don't feel like going to one of the 'hip' places downtown or in the city. By the way, Fred is no longer on this planet since quite a while, but we hope his place will stay! read more

Fred's Place is someplace you should only bring your enemies to. The beer is stale out of the tap, and the ambience sucks. Go literally anywhere else. read more

Tiny shady looking bar when I saw it the first time . The minute you enter inside its a different experience . I've been there on Thursdays mostly and the karaoke is fun because most of them are actually pretty good at it . MIKE the bartender is the best and an old man that wears glasses on is a very gentle and welcoming bartender . Overall this place is great if you like to chill with the local mountain view community . read more

tuesday dodgeball league...blood, sweat and tears...beers afterwards at fred's place...low-key sports bar...aged shack and dive bar feel...but, comfortable and bright...eclectic mix of sports memorabilia cluttered around..few screens for sports...ice cold beers on tap...so cold, a tap frozen shut...$seventeen pitcher of spaten...quite refreshing and easily down...seated by high stool tables...having another...beers after a hard workout always the best feeling.. read more

Really cheap beer, really big pitchers.. But the place smells like farts and is full of creepy old men.

the bartender was beyond rude - a real jerk. there are far better places to go in mountain view. if dive bars are your thing try mervyn's lounge on castro. don't go here - spend your money elsewhere. read more

I like this bar but I don't know what's wrong with the bartender Here. Don't show you Respect didn't want to talk you don't want to make the drinks the way you want. The need to improve their customer service. read more

Fred's is a lot of fun if you've got good childhood memories associated with faux wood paneling. and I do. this is the place that your favorite uncle would have built in his basement had he not spent all his money on surfboards and beer. the walls are full of knick-knacks, tchochkeys, or whatever else you want to call them, there's fooseball, two pool tables, i think a pinball machine, and a few tables to sit at if you're not feeling up to squatting down at the bar and ordering cheap american beers and washing them down with Jager shots. you can also get some decent weight pint glasses, and fred himself was behind the bar the last time i went. NOTE: potential cougar alert. read more

Talk about a hidden gem. This place is AWESOOOOOOMEEEEE, Paul is a legend. The trivia night is so fun. Make sure to make it out to at least one. The staff is always playful and funny. They have tons of entertainment options and its always a great place to get a great craft beer and a game. read more

I spent my 20's in Pittsburgh, PA, where Fred's would be considered a neighborhood staple. Moving back to Mountain View I was disappointed at the lack of "real" bars. I enjoy drinking fancy whiskey cocktails in slick ultra lounges...on occasion. Not most of the time. Usually I would rather retreat to a dark room with a pool table. People like me are hungry for real bars like Fred's. There aren't many like it around here. So if you are scared of butt cracks and mean bartenders, please, take your business to Castro Street. The true bar dwelling folk will appreciate you for not messing up the atmosphere. If you know what a real bar should be, this is your new favorite place. It's not a place to bring a first date. It's not a place to bring your kids to watch a baseball game, and it's not a place to bring your yuppie co-workers for happy hours. It's a real bar filled with real people who are there to DRINK. read more

I'd like to meet the real Fred someday. I have a feeling he's a cool dude. So people call this place a "dive bar," but it's really not that divey. I go to Fred's fairly often after work with coworkers, and I always feel comfortable there (even in a group of all women). It's an unassuming joint from the outside, but it's decently clean and comfortable inside. It has a very "local" vibe, and the people are friendly enough. The best part - drinks are cheap. They usually come out to about $5 a drink, which is mighty fine by me. read more

What a fun little dive bar! It was the first time I did kareoke and it wasn't so bad, the crowd was pretty inviting (and a little drunk) and they have soooo many songs to choose from. There's a pool table and dart board in the back, a long table in the middle and a few tables off to the side. The perfect place to just catch up with friends over beers. I'm looking forward to coming back although its a little out of the way for me. read more

I know people call this place a dive, but I have been to a lot of dive bars and I honestly think this place is just a little nicer than a dive bar. It's more just a bar that's maybe a bit divey (please note, to see what I think of a really dive bar check my review on Springwater in Nashville, TN). I first decided to come here after checking reviews on Yelp for Karaoke. I love karaoke and I'm always trying to find a good place to go. Fred's was fun. I came here with my brother and sister-in-law to sing a little and drink a little while they were in town. As a hang out spot, I think it's top notch. It's laid back and the people are nice. It's seems like a place that you can easily go up and talk to anyone because they are all there to hangout and drink a few beers. As for the karaoke. It was good too. The guy had a lot of choices and if he didn't have the song you wanted to sing then you could probably just ask him. There wasn't a lot of people there so we could pretty much sing as much as we wanted. The only problem I had with the karaoke is the mixing. I'm a snob. I took some Audio Engineering classes at University and now when ever I go to a concert or hear/sing karaoke I can tell when the sound quality isn't on top of its game. But, like I said, I'm a snob. I don't think that would stop me from going back. It's not the worst, it just could be better. The worst I ever heard was in London and that did keep me from going back. All in all, I say go. Have a few laughs with a few beers and maybe sing a few songs. read more

I love Fred's Place. It is a local hole-in-the-wall dive bar and it is great. The bar tenders are friendly and the regulars are an eclectic group of nice interesting people. Trivia and karaoke nights are fun. If you are reading this you definitely should check this place out. read more

We live nearby but I was always leery of coming in here because we thought it might be more like Francesca's (which is a dump), but we were pleasantly surprised when we finally got adventurous and came in for a drink. The prices are good ($4 for most pints), they have about 8 beers on tap and another dozen or so in bottles, and the liquor selection is very good. From what I can tell it's quiet before 10pm even on weekends, but after it gets more crowded and a little rowdier. There's a jukebox that people kept feeding, plus a pool table, foosball table, and a pinball machine. You could definitely do worse for a neighborhood bar. read more

I like this place. I came here on a Friday with a friend and the place was not packed at all. Everybody seemed like a regular there but the bartender was friendly and the drinks are pretty cheap. They have a lot of interesting decorations on the wall. read more

This is what a good bar should be like: low key, jukebox, one pool table, a bunch of beers on tap and some neon signage. Folks with low expectations ain't never been let down... read more