Great little bar. Good music, friendly people, good libations. If you're driving Hwy 1, you have to stop here. Great experience.

Service can be painfully slow, depending on who is behind the bar. But the history and the atmosphere of this place make up for it. There are reputed to be secret passages throughout the building. There is a not-so-secret passage to the record store next door. And it's gotta be the only bar in Sonoma to have served a pint to the King of England! read more

A Hidden Gem of the Wild West in Point Reyes Walking into the Old Western Saloon in Point Reyes Station feels like stepping back in time--in the best way possible. This place oozes authentic Old West charm, with its creaky floors, vintage bar, and walls that could tell stories from a hundred years ago. They've got a pool table, regular live music, and a crowd that's a perfect mix of locals and curious travelers. It reminded me so much of Virginia City, Nevada--gritty, lively, and full of character. The kind of place where you could sip a whiskey and swap stories with a rancher, a musician, and a tourist all in the same night. If you're in the area and want a break from the usual polished wine bars, this is the real deal. It's got soul, history, and a little bit of that rowdy Western magic you just can't fake. read more

Always stop here when I'm point Reyes ! Today, we were heading to the car and heard the rooster crow when they opened at noon so we stopped in for a shot and a beer ! The bartender is the best with service and stories and friendliness and the drinks were cold! A definite must when in the area and the rooster and cow call are the best! Note cash only but atm inside read more

Enjoy a drink and the history! During a recent day trip up north we passed through Point Reyes Station and decided to stop and have a drink at Old Western Saloon again. Although we have visited the bar many times over the years, it never gets old! One of our fun memories is a visit years ago when then the gentleman bartender who knew a lot about the local ciders educated us on all things cider and introduced us to pear cider! Until then, I did not know such thing existed! So, ever since then, every time we stop by, we have at least one pear cider! :- )) Those who know me know that I love history. When I decided to write an update for Old Western Saloon, I spend about 45 minutes online, but could not find a history about the establishment itself, but learn a lot about the town of Point Reyes Station and a little bit about the building which hosts the bar. So here we go! Point Reyes area used to be home to Coast Miwok Indians. Then the Europeans settlers arrived and started raising cattle and farming. In 1875 the North Pacific Coast Railroad arrived. The town was called Olema Station at the time, then the name was changed a few times before becoming Point Reyes Station. I found a 100 year old photo in Marin Independent Journal (See the link at the bottom). In this photo, the author explains, the building that hosts the bar was the Grandi Mercantile Co. At some point, during the early years, the building used to be a brothel, and then a bootlegger stash house. I read somewhere that legend has it that some rowdy locals used to ride their horses into the bar! No worries though, all the above is behind us! The place was safe enough in 2005 that Prince Charles decided to visit it! You can see his photos hanging above the bar. By the look of it, you can tell that the bar itself has seen a lot! It is full of lines and cracks and that adds to the character of the place I think! There is a pool room in the back if one is interested and the entire place is decorated with old and interesting stuff. If you are sitting at the bar check out the cash register! It is an original National cash register! I have not tried any cocktails there, but the beer is good and is served in chilled glasses. If you visit, you may even ask them about ciders if you feel like it!!! :- )) Marin history: How Point Reyes Station came to be https://www.marinij.com/2019/05/27/marin-history-point-reyes-station/ In West Marin, the past lives on through dive bars https://www.sfchronicle.com/restaurants/article/In-West-Marin-the-past-lives-on-through-dive-bars-11508132.php#photo-13386105 read more

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The reviews crack me up! One person thinks it's in Sonoma county... the other was bothered by the flies It's dive bar in a tiny town. And thank the big baby Jesus! There's a string of cocktail painted and wine bars from here to healdsburg and we're ok with that. Not everything has to be bougie and again thank god for that. Really it's a locals spot so you know what they say , when in Rome ... A place Where we can go to unwind from service jobs servicing all the tourists looking for "a hot spot" It's cool if you don't like here, or tell your bros we're in a different county... we like it just the way it is anyway , flies, and in Marin county read more

Great place to have a drink and enjoy live music. Bartender helped us out and made sure we didn't leave anything behind.

Nice old fashioned tavern for a drink, listening to country music, shaking a leg in the evenings and, perhaps, a game of snooker. They accept only cash but also have a cash machine in the premises to convert plastic to paper money. A wide array of drinks and good range of Mescals for those who like it. read more

READ THIS! Wanted to grab a drink in the afternoon and saw this cool old place. They have 4 on Yelp, but I think the place must have gone down hill. There were 8-10 flies in the bar area and the bartender made a drink for one of the regulars and it had multiple ants in it! She looked at it several times and still served it to the gal! There were also ants on the bar top. It's too bad because it's a cool little spot. read more

Old Western Saloon - Inside look at cool swinging doors - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

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Always a great visit. The ambiance is delightful, drinks on tap and a story in there somewhere. The whole town is a great visit in Sonoma County. read more

Highly recommended. Great service. Friendly attitude. Good music. A true local, hang out, along with all the travelers, being able to put their feet up and relax read more

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Only place in town to watch a football game. Bartender was awesome. Jute box was a little louder than needed but probably would not mind if I was not watching the game. read more

I was really looking forward to this place based on the reviews & the history of the location, but the bartender ( graying middle aged guy) was super awkward & aloof bordering on non-communicative, he didn't have the ingredients for a basic classic cocktail & he was giving us the weirdest side eye the entire time. He was the most unfriendly & unhelpful bartender I've ever met and that's saying a lot. I didn't expect to have a long drawn out conversation with the dude, but he seemed uncomfortable with our presence in spite of our good natured requests. He seemed miserable and pretty uptight & the drink tasted like vinegar. It was a surreal experience but not in a good way. It felt like I was in a prison bar in the fictional " Oz" trying to barter for some pruno but I was from the wrong set. read more

Outstanding service, wonderful ambience, old-fashioned flare, great place to visit, good pores on drinks and we had a fun bartender.

If you're looking for evidence that the Old Western Saloon is anything other than a good, old fashioned, non-gentrified, non-yuppified/techified "dive bar" look no further than this: * Cue stick holes in the ceiling above the multiple 75 cent per game pool tables; * In the women's restroom, holes through the floor straight through to the great outdoors (I can't speak to the state of the men's restroom); and * A web address that takes you to their My Space site. The Old Western building has stood here since 1860 and has a storied past as a brothel, a temporary jail, a place for housing bootlegged liquor brought to shore by boat, and of course, a thirst-parlor. The cash register itself dates from a 1906 remodel of the place which may very well have been its final remodel. Prince Charles and Camilla popped in here for a mug of beer when they visited Pt. Reyes. Cowboys and ranchers once popped in too, horses and all. You'll probably find neither royalty or ponies inside, just stiff, cheap drinks, a jukebox (3 songs for $1), and live music on the right night. The Old Western Saloon is a piece of history that you can drink in. Giddyup! read more

Old Western Saloon - One of several well maintained 75 cent per game pool tables. - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

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After a great hike, I grabbed a drink and the vibes in this place are great. I left satisfied and happy. From the music to the pool tables to the locals and even to the bartender. This place is a must go to if you go to the light house in point reyes or even if your just in point reyes. read more

Hot Damn, I'm first to review this place. I can hardly believe it since the Old Western Saloon is just about the cutest little old fashioned bar in Point Reyes Station. Old timey and such, I loved it at first sight. We planned out our day of Oysters and fun, seeing the beaches and eating out in fun quaint little places around Point Reyes on New Year's Day. I decided it was going to be the best day of the year and it WAS. We were greeted by the nicest barkeeper. We ordered two draft beers, the Lagunitas IPA and the Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale. Refreshing. The Service was great and we talked about where we were from and how we found ourselves here. I told them I saw it on yelp and she asked if I saw the pic of the horse coming out of the bar. I had not, there were no reviews either, so I looked it up and posted it for all of you to see. It's part of the charm you find at the Old Western and needs to be represented. You should also know that the Old Western is not too country for Royalty either. Prince Charles and Camilla stopped in to possibly have a drink and take the photo opp. The place is filled with charm and a fun little spot to stop off on your way to Oysters or Cowgirl Creamery. This town is just filled with goodies. read more

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Man, I love a great dive bar and the Old Western Saloon is no exception. When I'm in Point Reyes Station post oyster shucking and have a little time in town, I always try to swing by for one beer and play some Iron Maiden on the old jukebox. Pure happiness... Last weekend I was able to swing in for 20 minutes, grab a cold one and play some of my favorite metal. The place was fairly full for a mid day libation but, the bartender came right over and helped us out. Unfortunately, we didn't have any time for a game of pool but, normally I'd get a couple in before leaving. Check this place out if you're in town as it's a cool little local institution. Bring cash. read more

Old Western Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

Such a cool spot , so much history here , stop by for a drink play the jukebox,shoot a game !

Small little town right on hwy 1 We were trying to get to somewhere else but the charm of this little town was touch to pass up - then we saw the bar! A few motorcycles and quite the crowd inside - we figured let's give it a try - there she was, Ruby (see pic) nice lady behind the bar .... Makes THE BEST BLOODY MARYS ever ... Give them a try, you won't be sorry...we took an hour and a half trip just for those bloodys! read more

Old Western Saloon - Ruby !!!! Bloody Mary master! - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

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Well, this is one of those places that I will cherish forever. Full of character! It sits on the main street downtown sorta the very last business before Higway 1. Very low key and it almost disappears in that big rusty building. We passed it while walking around their sleepy town. Went in on our way back when we noticed it- not sure what to expect and boy we're glad we went in! As we sat in the bar I noticed a couple of pictures that I first thought was G.W(ex prez). It wasn't! It was even better! It was Prince Charles himself with his lady Camilla Parker Bowles. They were at the saloon back in 2005 to look at an organic farm. Btw-this town is all about being green and growing organic greens. They also make their own local beer called Lagunitas. I love it! It's got a hint of some flower but with some spice in it. It's on tap with the only other beer-Budweiser. Now there is another beer I've never met-its called Redhook ESB. To me this beer is easier to handle than the Lagunitas. More mellow and smooth. Back to the physical description of the saloon. It's got a juxebox that was a thrill to play. Most of the songs are very old but was worth the surprise after guessing them. It was a game that was worth it! The place we were told by the bartender gets really busy on the weekends. We noticed that they have a sign to get your $5.00 ready in cash. They charge people to get in! Special!! They also have a couple of pool tables and a dance floor! They have about five little metal tables with chairs by the bar that I thought was adorable. They do have bands come in and play occasionally. Checked out the bathroom and it was clean. This is a really cool place and I will definitely come back. Why four stars? They don't take cc's CASH ONLY BASIS. read more

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This was the only place open at 4 PM on thanksgiving day. We were welcomed by the warmth of tea and her conversation about the local community :) read more

Okay, this place is not your young hipster, trendy wine bar...or martini bar. It is a funky and wonderful old bar with lots of locals and a genuine bartender who talks and has fun with his customers. An occasional dog wanders in with it's person. The crowd is loud and fun and friendly. We watched two games simultaneously, the Lakers and the Giants on the TVs above the bar... much fun with everyone joining in. The beers were fine. There are two or three pool tables and a big old stove for winter nights. It's damned cool. read more

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Stopped in for a quick cocktail before heading off to dinner. A classic old school bar. The kind of place to get a long neck brewski and relax. Bathrooms - as per usual with this type of establishment - could use some TLC!!! read more

You can feel the history in this old dive as soon as you walk in - from the long, hand-carved wooden bar to the open, Old West style fireplace in the middle of the room. I believe I heard the bartender say the origins of the building date back to the 1860s, when saloons were often the center of all the action in old western railroad towns. I bet this place has a lot of stories to tell! There are no frills here - just cold beer, a good jukebox, pool, a few TVs that often have baseball games on, and friendly people. They also have live music on the weekends. Whenever I find myself in Point Reyes Station after a hike or wandering down Highway 1 in search of oysters, I make sure I stop in for a beer or two. Gave it 4 stars because it used to be dog-friendly and now they no longer allow dogs - my pup loved this place, so I'm kinda sad they started this new rule. Oh well. This and the Paper Mill in Lagunitas are must-visit bars when you're in the area! read more

Any bar that has a Winchester mounted on the wall a'la Shaun of the Dead's 'The Winchester' gets a hearty thumbs up from me. This is a fantastic rustic bar with a small dance floor, beat up old stools at the bar counter, pool tables in back and live music. We were camping at Camp Taylor and had dinner at a restaurant in town and walked by this bar as the drummer (The Nightcaps) was coming in to set up. A few of us returned around 10pm to listen to the Nightcaps play. I was DD so I didn't have a drink, but our friend had 3 Crown & Cokes and said the bartender did a great job. A funky and fun little dive to enjoy live music and drinks. read more

What could be better than entering a drinking spot through swinging doors and having a beer by the fire? Abundant history in this place! read more

late afternoon beer at the old western saloon...overcast and cold...seeking shelter inside...classic wooden saloon...creaking doors open...walking stomp to the bar...classic zing of antique cash register...eccentric charm with eclectic touches..an order of guinness to quench....quiet afternoon with few travelers inside...empty stage with no band or music...a modern jukebox playing tunes to fill...pool tables in the back room....finding a bench by the old antique fireplace...venting pipes going straight up and out...beer set on odd table contraption...sip of beer and people watching...a good saloon for beer, rest and shelter...final cheers, gulp and farewell to point reyes station... read more

Old Western Saloon - guinness and enjoying jukebox music...stage for band...pool tables...eccentric charm - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

So, up around these parts, there's not much in the way of nightlife so you have to take what's given. And what's given is the Old Western Saloon. I was a bit wary of what I'd discovered. I'm not too fond of dive bars and old western saloons don't inspire me with visions of relaxed fun... and for that, I was very very wrong. PRS may not have a lot of nightlife options but what it has is good enough. First off, recognize where you are and what's available. You're not smack dab in the middle of a big city. You're in a small town. Revise your expectations. Come in. Get a draft beer. Meet some locals. Eavesdrop on tourists. Belly up to the bar for some good conversation with the bartender. Play some pool. Oh, and be an ass on the jukebox by attempting to out-awful your buddy. That's pretty much it... but, really, do you need more? A relaxed Sunday night on the town, drinking beer and talking trash to your buddies as you play game after game of pool is just what you need sometimes. Add in some nice and colorful locals and hot mess tourists and you have everything you need for a good enough evening. Will it be one for the record books? Not likely. Will you have fun? Pretty likely. Adjust your expectations and enjoy. Cash only. History at the ready. I don't know that it's a real saloon but if it's not, I'd be shocked. I can imagine gold rushers coming through these doors in search of a drink or more. Thar be history in this here dive. Listen for the ghosts. Or, just play some pool. read more

To call this place a dive bar would be an understatement. The place is shabby and run down and carries the delightful odor of every Marlboro and JD that was ever smoked and shot in here. You would never recoognize it as the quaint little, folksy "pub" that the heir-aparant visited on his sustainable convoy of a couple of years back, but the oldboys at the bar will point out the photgraghic evidence posted on the walls. But is a real saloon too - and it IS the ONLY saloon in town. You can chat with the barmaid in the cowboy hat and the boys at the bar and there is beer and liquor available for purchase. What more would you want. at three o'clock in the afternoon? Meet that pug that Charles met in the picture too! Yup! read more

It is really interesting to read the reviews of this place...it just goes to show, one man's trash is another man's treasure; I definitely count this place as a treasure. I am stunned at all the "dive" comments. There is a great Yelp List of Dive Bars that an SF resident put together. The author of that list would not have this place on her list. Where are the ripped vinyl unstable bar stools? The sticky surfaces? The missing queue ball? The reeking old-timer who interrupts your private tete-a-tete to pontificate about the state of the government? It ain't fancy, but it's no dive. If you can sit on the toilet seat as late as 8pm without a major cleanup operation, it doesn't qualify as a dive to me. Just one woman's opinion. This is, as advertised, a western saloon. A salty small-town watering hole with some tried-and-true American music on the jukebox, a wood stove for winter warmth, a beauty of a wood bar and icebox setup, and friendly unpretentious patrons and barkeeps. Add a full bar (if "Yummy" is tending bar, try the Yumarita- what a great margarita rocks!) and a decent selection of imported pub brews and local favorites, and you've got a comfy place that's hard to leave, and where it is easy to persuade yourself that one more round couldn't hurt. The Chinese Chuckwagon vendor who often parks outside dishes up some tasty grub you can bring into the bar, too. Now, it could be that usually when I have been there it hasn't been a prime-time drink-til-you-drop hour of the day (but usually, it's the off-times that really test a bar's mettle, in my experience). Or perhaps its appeal for me could simply be that it is a foamy comma in the middle of the long sentence of pretty, open, farm-dotted scenic highway. Hey, you may not love it, but then again ya might! If you would rather be at the Redwood Room, or conversely, at the Toronado, you should be. A city bar should be judged as one, as should a country one. This place is practically a Platonic ideal of what it is: a good place to enjoy a beer, simply and comfortably. read more

Almost witnessed a fight here between two dudes arguing about being shot with something. Had the argument come to a head I'd give this place 5 stars. Ladies, look out for a strangely placed hole in the floor of the ladies bathroom/toilet (which is behind a curtain). read more

You see this place from the outside and you think you are on the set of Hell's on Wheels. You instantly want to imbibe their savory beer! Inside the place there are some pool tables and a jukebox. Music is at the perfect audible level. Not too light, not too loud. The bartender was old school cool. Friendly and efficient. Cash only bar. ATM inside though. Always a minus one star for cash only bars. This is 2015. read more

Great place to talk to good people - both behind the bar and in front of the bar. This place is the way a bar should be-solid and simple with lots of history (original bar is 100+ years old). Come here - talk to the people around you and you will have fun. read more

Old Western Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

Ran into this real western saloon with a friend while we were in town. Came in the mid morning and the little old lady wasn't to friendly ..... at first! Seems like they don't take kindly to out of towners at first. We had a bloody mary which was actually nice and spicy. good prices on the drinks. Random people in the bar. I guess they have live music at night, they have pool tables and a dance floor, juke box and a vintage cigarette machine-haven't see one of those in a while. Women beware of the hole in the bathroom floor.... pretty creepy as your squatting doing your business and seeing a good size hole where someone can peep in. Patching this would be nice. Came back after a hike and had more drinks. The bartender lady, well we broke the ice I believe after talking about the SF giants she cracked a smile. Again random people coming in, a few local drunks, some local people, some visiting as this is a pretty touristy area. I'd come back here. It is like a western saloon, pretty old skool, no BS dive bar. read more

This is a classy dive bar, sort of. It's got a fire place, a friendly bartender, a great selection of beer, three pool tables (with horrible pool sticks), pictures of British royalty, and indie bands on Fridays. It's a trek to get out here. So be prepared for a drive. read more

Love it as a very old dive bar!! Cool old pictures etc..drinks were great..good selection of alcohol.the only draw back I would say is it needs to be refreshed a bit and cleaned. .but I'll be back. . read more

Old Western Saloon - Dive Bars Near Me - Point Reyes Station, California

Looking at the Old Western Saloon from the outside, I had no idea what to expect; I was half expecting to enter and be assaulted by a bunch of plaid wearing red-necks, and half expecting to be assaulted by a bunch of plaid wearing hipsters. It's hard to tell if the décor of the Old Western is sincere or an affectation, but either way, it attracts of an interesting mix of people. When I stumbled in on a Friday night the bar was a mix of friends of the band, hipsters from the city, locals meeting up with friends, and a few people who seemed to have been left behind when their motorcycle gang tore through. Despite the eclectic mix, there was a coherent energy and most of the attention was paid to the band. Some local talent was playing, and they were surprisingly good. I suppose I should modify that, I went in expecting nothing, but Emma Lee was actually really good, as in I really enjoyed the show, and would have bought an album good. They have a decent assortment of beer available, including the ubiquitous Lagunitas IPA, and I was more than pleasantly surprised by the quality of the taps. The beer was fresh and the tap lines were clean. They also serve PBR, if you care about that sort of thing. The Old Western is host to an interesting assortment of people, some very good musical acts, and is a great place to grab a pint read more

The fact that this place is still standing and has been since the 1890s is just 4 stars in and of itself.

Horrible service. We came to watch the Warriors game and could barely find a place to see it. We politely asked the bartenders if we could turn it on on an additional TV and they were very snarky instead of just kindly letting us know there were other people there watching something else. Then a woman told us we'd need to pay an extra $15 to stay so we could listen to the mediocre band warming up. read more