The Establishment Saloon. Located on Thornton Rd in Stockton, CA. Here's our Story: Now I'm not this biggest bar hopping foo around. It's been hella years since I last chilled at a bar. So this year because of Covid-19. Everything in Stocktanistan, CA has been shut down for a Koo minute. Places started opening up here and there. So one of my cousins hit me up. It was Taco Tuesday. My cuzo Marky Mark hit me up. Told me about this bar and a taco truck right in front. He told me it was Taco Tuesday dollar tacos and the tacos are on fire. So get out the house. Now yer bOi V to the D. Has been on that hermit status for a few years. I've been doing that stay at home, before it was a thing. Plus rocking the facemasks for years, before it was a thing too. Look at my Yelp profile pics for proof, if you're questioning it. Yer Boi VD, always one step ahead. My life has been changing and I was improving myself. So it was a big step for me to get out the crib. Note; The hut was my safe place. So I said to myself, "Let's do this". I rolled up and the bouncer asked me for my ID. I didn't have my ID I left it in the car. I didn't think I was going to get carded so that's why I left it but I wasn't tripping. The bouncer was doing his job. I rolled back up showed the bouncer my ID. Rocking my mask. He asked me if I was Gucci I told that guy I'm super Gucci. I walked in and there was tents everywhere. With chairs and lots of people. The music was bumping and everyone was having a good time. So I'm like hell yeah, this is my jam. I saw three of my cousins sitting at a table and I walked up and sat with them. We had a pretty good time drinking modelos and having tacos. Now on this visit we couldn't go inside the bar but we didn't trip because we're outside. Now for the tacos there's a taco truck outside. But you could bring your food inside the bar and get your grub on. Now the Taco sitting right out side is called (Oo_boy_Tacos) follow them on Instagram. I'll do a review for them next. Because this will be like a two part review. Because both places rocked HARD. Now up in Stocktanistan, CA it's been super hot in the months of September and October. Still hitting 100 degrees. What is up with that? So the bar had fans outside and I was loving it. I got lost in thought for a quick second. Because a song was playing in the background. The Weeknd "I feel it coming" this was the first song that the special Woman in my life sent me. I immediately started thinking of her. So I grabbed my phone and recorded a video & sent it to her via IG. I couldn't be with her that night with me. But listening to the song, I felt like she was right there with me. Seriously a beautiful feeling. I really had a good time with my three cousins. Even drinking and talking about whatever. A beautiful moment yo. Now on my second visit my cousin Marky Mark hit me up. So I decided to roll up after work. I had my ID on me this time. I showed the bouncer and it was all good and I just walked in. Inside of the bar was open this time. It was pretty cool to see people inside the bar. To me it seemed like everybody was having a good time. That's what's up and that's what matters. I saw my brother-in-law ordering some drinks at the bar. So I chilled with him. I didn't drink this night all I ordered was water. So we waited at the bar for our drinks. Now I won't lie it took a little bit of time. Even for the change. But it was all good. My brother-in-law and I walked outside. I saw my cousin Marky Mark. Fun fact: Marky Mark is my favorite cousin. But in Truth, I love him like if he is my little brother. Love you foo. We walked outside and sat at our table. I handed my cousin his drink. He mentioned about the girl in my life. So I showed my brother-in-law a picture of her and told him about her. I really love talking about her always. Because she means that much too me. The night was coming to an end and we all had a good time. I had an awesome night and that's what matters most to me always.. Sincerely VD XOXO read more

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Popped in on a Friday and it was actually fun! The Green Tea shots there were soooooo good! Thank you bartender! They were so nice too! Definitely going back for more! Just a little fuss over the pool table but that's it Loved the jukebox, being able to play some good songs and vibe! Love that. Overall a fun, small bar. Definitely check it out again. read more

This bar might actually be really great if not for the owner. The drinks are cheap and good and the vibe is usually great but once that woman Lori comes in it's a whole new ballgame. Here comes the drama. She's clearly got dementia. read more

Fun, nice staff, good drinks, clean bar. Nothing more I could ask for. Definitely coming back.

Great locals bar ! Comfortable and friendly. They have food in evening time. Basic bar food. Easy to find! See you there! Thanks Chappy for a nice welcome and attentive service at the bar. read more

Bartenders are amazing security/door person is always friendly Mikey is awesome and the staff in general are good people and they make you feel welcomed read more

Bartenders Larry and Joshua are very attentive and professional, great atmosphere. Definitely recommend, good drinks, cold beer and reasonable prices read more

4 stars for now but it was our first visit. A Saturday afternoon and my wife and I stepped in for a beer. We were greeted nicely by the lady bartender (sorry, never caught her name) super friendly! The bar is well laid out and clean. Drink specials were posted. The welcome we got deserves more visits so I'll report back later. read more

Best bar in town good drinks good food for Sunday morning football, good service good staff , good atmosphere

Who knew who knew who knew? Or starving for my karaoke night I discovered this place. It was a Horrific time in my life having been plop down in the middle of a Hospice session with a friend of mine of 63 years. I was in the state of Greece that I needed released. The establishment save my ass. I only did one song that night and it was a tribute to my friend Kevin. But it meant the world to me. I raise my glass and sang Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton; as it was karaoke night at the ESTABLISHMENT. Suddenly the grief ended for a few moments. People shook my hand. told me sad stories as we laughed and cried the rest of the night away. Thank You for being there The Establishment. Carry on and thank you to your wonderful, loving patrons. I've been back with friends three more times with same warm laughter and love for music. read more

Well, I was drinking at another watering hole and asked the bartender where could one watch an early morning SEC football game, say 9:00 AM kickoff? Without hesitation, he said try The Establishment, up on Thornton. They open at 6:00 AM! Wow, I walk into what we would refer to as a little hole in the wall kinda bar and felt right at ease at 9:30 in the morn. A few obvious locals were quenching their thirst. Very friendly barkeeper, as was everyone that wandered in and out over the next 3hours. I had 4 draft IPAs and the tab was less than 18 bucks! That my friends is cheap. Great digital jukebox, pool table, and good vibes overall. No grill here, just chips and such, but on Sundays they have hotdogs and other items. Plus this Saturday is a potluck for Veterans! I salute you and will be back. read more

My favorite bar in Stockton. I love the diversity, karaoke night, tacos in the back. The atmosphere and vibe is off the hook and always welcoming. read more

Not a bad dive bar. A few chicks hanging out. Decent restroom. Lotsa parking. Should carry Truly or White Claw. It's a great change from beer. Taco wagon outside was highlight of nite....outstanding! read more

I travel all over the United States and it's great knowing that the very best dive bar is in my own hometown! Drinks are good, atmosphere is good, and there's a great vibe at this place. read more

Came in to kill time while my car was being fixed and was pleasently surprised. Great friendly bartender, good prices, alot of friendly regulars. Not upscale but very clean hole in the wall type of place, good music. Only issue is they served this Raider fan his beer in a niner cup, but it'll let is slide lol read more

The Establishment Saloon - The horror of having to drink out of this as a Raider fan lol - Sports Bars Near Me - Stockton, California

Best hole in the wall in Stockton! Bartenders are attentive and friendly, Friday night karaoke is off the chain. Although I'm not happy that since Fats closed down a lot of youngsters are starting to come so much that they now charging $5 to get in on Friday's and Saturday's. read more

The worst experience ever first time here and the bartender was rude he took 30 min to serve us 1 drink ?!? He didn't let me get more because it's only 1 per person . I been to many bars where there is only 1 bartender and they would be respectful and say give me a minute I'll be back with you I'm a lil busy for being alone .... this guy just ignored us and didn't wanna make money he told a guy next to us he can't give him another drink because he gotta go ?!?! It's 12:30 bro?!?? Why u run a bar on a Saturday and stop selling drinks at 12:30?! Never again ! we only came for the reviews but they lied !!!! Nope !!!the bartender Tony should be fired! I never had to write a review so annoyed at someone for being so rude for no reason... read more

Really big fan of places that make me feel like I'm at a friend's house. Plus the drinks made were delicious. I had a bloody mary and it was soooo good, just the right amount of spice. The screwdriver was well made, not just pure juice. The staff is really friendly and the patrons are friendly too. Will definitely be going back. read more

This is a nice place to go to. The only setback is that there's no dartboard. The employees are nice and attentive. The people that complain about this place was just probably looking to get laid and didn't find it there. Lol read more

Worst bar in Stockton. Owner was talking to himself. Lots of drugs illegal activity going on here. Felt unsafe. I won't be back.

Good times. Have been on lumpia night and on Las Palmitas night. It's been packed some nights, and very slow others (maybe during the week).

Win today for their breakfast and a morning drink and I got to tell you the SOS was phenomenal really cool surroundings cool people I love this place this is my personal cheers read more

I only go for taco Tuesday but the bartender is very friendly and helpful. Like most places they have specials every night but even the regular price drinks are pretty cheap. read more

Little hole in the wall type of bar, very friendly bar tenders. Get there early on karaoke night because it gets packed!

O.K here we go.. I am always looking for a good Bloody Mary. And I have finally found it. God has answered my prayers with the best bartender "Kayla". Kayla makes the best Bloody Mary in town. She lines the rim with salt and tajin, and u also get a spear of asparagus, green beans, green pepper, onion balls and a green olive. Look at the fucken pic people. GO TRY IT!!! She can be found on Monday - Thursdays til 8. This place is super awesome with alot of locals and neighborhood friendly folks. The owners are cool as well. They always greet you and say goodbye. I have also been there on a Friday for karaoke, which was alot of fun. It was like watching American Idol , Stockton Edition. Good crowd and "NO 209 DRAMA! But once again this post is all about KAYLA and her BOMB ASS BLOODY MARY'S! !! A must have for the stockton area. Better than any fancy bar or restaurant BM'S I have had and the price is great. U get a awesome drink and a snack from a gorgeous gal with a great personality. GO NOW!!! U will be hooked, it's like crack. U will become addicted! read more

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to much favoritism toward regulars, not for ppl who travels or in & out to have fun. fight had just happen; dont just watch, useless security. read more

I really thought I loved this place until I encountered the owner and his friends. We came in to drink one drink and play some pool, I was second up to get on a table, had my name on the board and some drunk guy ahead of me was taking his sweet time on the table with his older lady friend, who spent about 30 minutes sinking all her balls - but hey, I am a patient guy. The same guy, Matt, is then up next and racks 'em and then asks us if we are next, to which I respond "yes". He says, "do either of you want to play?" and I encourage my son to get up there and play a game with him. He sinks every ball except the 8 ball and then says" be right back", whereby he then goes and sings two songs of karaoke. Meanwhile, there are now 5 other people with their names on the board and we are all waiting and complaining. He then comes back and in 2 minutes finishes the game. I step up to play my game, and some wire-thin, 1970s hair guy steps up and puts his quarters in and starts racking it, I think of saying something but let it go. I see they have erased my name from the board, so I go back and put my name at the top of the list. Then the drunk guy, comes back and plays with the white-haired guy, who was a pretty exceptional player and fun to watch. Well, that game ends and I step up thinking, with my name at the top of the list, that I would play, but then the old lady who played the first game, jumps in and puts her quarters in and then proceeds to go out back after she racks the table. By then, I had had enough and I put a dollar on the table and break 'em and start to play. Well, the woman, Betty, comes back and says "What is going on"? I tell her that they had already passed me up twice and that I want to play and that she can play next. Of course, the white-haired dude comes in and says, "that isn't how it works, you put your name on the board". I proceed to tell him that my name was on the board, but they erased it and that both of them had just cut in front of me, not once but twice. He called BS and told me it was his table, he was the owner, and his whole 'I am right' story. I said, okay, your bar your rules, but I see how you treat your patrons and "you are on Yelp, yes"? Well, he hesitates and says okay, you should have just said that, and come back and play. At that point, I told him had he listened to me in the first place, I was trying to calmly explain what happened, but he wanted to just come and push his weight around so forget it, I don't even want to play now and proceeded to leave. So then he got an attitude again. I suppose I should have just hopped in the first time it happened and been more assertive, but I was trying to not make an issue of it and let it go. However, it is obvious the owner cares more about letting his friends take advantage of the situation and they felt privileged and didn't give a shit about the rest of the patrons. Not cool and enough to turn me off to ever returning. read more

What a gem! Lucked up and read a few reviews online before visiting! Although I was expecting good things, it was above and beyond better than expected! Good vibes, fair prices! From out of town, and watched an early morning 10 am NFL game and felt like a regular! Lori, was awesome and the bartender warmed up by the end of the stay! 100% recommend! Give this place a shot! read more

Just LOVE this place.... GREAT MIX OF PEOPLE....absolutely LOVE the decorations.... The ambiance is positive. Everyone is friendly. Drinks are priced right...two big thumbs up read more