OK. I only come up to the Monterey/Salinas area once in a while for work with the DoD (at the old Fort Ord hospital building which now houses some DoD folks). This is my hangout when I'm up here... This time, well, let me tell ya... Jennifer at the bar was amazing. Not only can she tend bar, but she has a beautiful voice! The mic in one hand and your drink in the other! She'll sing and tend bar at the same time! Rich, the KJ (that's Karaoke Jockey for your former jocks out there... damn, I'm still doing your homework!) runs a GREAT show... We were coming to the end of the night, a few folks no-showed on their place to sing, so he brings me two mics... He knows I want to sing "Shallow" with Jen and she's good with it. And damn if we don't close the bar that night! I dropped Jen a 100% tip for her great work. If you're in Salinas, CA on Thursday or Friday nite believe me - as one who has a pro voice coach - the talent there is spectacular... (Cora... You are amazing!) Great karaoke. Great dive bar scene. Great bar tending... Just a great place to hang out! read more

I'm extremely disappointed with how we were treated. We've been regular customers, and this experience completely changed how we view this place. Someone in our group took a photo behind the bar, and instead of handling the situation professionally, the bartender immediately became rude and escalated things. We were asked to leave, which is one thing--but what made the situation worse was that my card was still swiped and we were never served any drinks. After that, the bartender continued talking about us and involved another bartender, which turned into an unnecessary scene and got us kicked out. The interaction felt disrespectful, targeted, and completely unprofessional. If there was an issue with taking a picture, that could have been communicated respectfully instead of creating a hostile situation. As regulars, we expected better treatment and better customer service. read more

I'm 46 years old. I've been to a lot of bars in my life, some of the "diviest" bars in America. There is a lady that bartends at night at the Kings Den that is one of the absolute worst bartenders I've ever experienced in my entire life. Zero bartending etiquette. She argues with patrons, she argues with her coworkers, I honestly don't really even know why she works there. The other guy has to tolerate her, and they appear to argue in front of patrons - it's not cute. He just stands there, staring at patrons as they sit waiting for drinks while the line gets longer and longer. Bartending is clearly not their jam. They have no signature cocktails, and the cocktails they do make are pretty bad. The karaoke is pretty egregious, it's like a guy who likes to sing poorly decided he wanted to set up karaoke just so he had a reason to sing sometimes and make other people listen to it. It's a dive bar, which in itself isn't bad. But it's like if you were driving through the bad part of Bakersfield and said "this place looks cool" and then stopped for a drink and then realized that it's Bakersfield but it's not. It's actually Salinas. You go here because you NEED to, because there's nothing else open, and then when this place closes you go to Jaime's. It's the second worst Salinas has to offer, and I'm saying that with optimism. read more

It's the only bar that stays open late in downtown. Dive bar at it's best, no classy clientele wanted. Want to get drunk? This is the trashy place to do it. Alley nearby for anything goes clientele. The Pub, is still the classy atmosphere establishment of choice in downtown. Stonies has a great atmosphere and music on weekends in the Southside. Better off going to a chain establishment. Like chili's, or other good bar & grill establishments in the Northside. read more

This was a really fun spot to show up to when everyone else closed down. Very friendly staff and cool customers.

Cold beers and friendly faces, all located in old town SalinasIt's also great for groups so bring all your friends :) read more

The King's Den - Corona Extra - Dive Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

It's fun, but need more bartenders. It gets pretty crowded Fridays and Saturdays and

Wrote this review immediately after I left the bar and drove back home because I had a lot to say. Wish I could rate this place no stars, but, apparently, Yelp doesn't allow me to do that. I came for karaoke night, and it has been several years since I've been to this bar, and so I was really looking forward to singing. It was really nice to see Gino, my former high school friend, who is one of the KJ's manning the show, and his crew seemed really nice and we're very polite. Before anyone judges me, let me make it f*cking clear that I only had two drinks (I had a shot of tequila and a long island), which may seem a bit much to someone of low-tolerance, but this is definitely not my first rodeo and I had a good buzz and feeling really great, and I know damn well my limits. Anyway, one of the guys, whom I guess is one of the staff, noticed how much I was feeling really good about myself, immediately and irrationally jumped to the conclusion that I was apparently not fit to sing and had told the KJ's that "I'm done" and suggested that I close my tab. Immediately after hearing this, I was taken aback, and quite frankly, it really pissed me off because I had just waited about an hour to sing and it was about to be my turn. Look, I totally get that some people can't handle their liquor and will cause a whole lot of ruckus, but I was fine and definitely coherent, especially at the time of writing this. Anyways, this is, by far, the worst bar I have ever been to, and I definitely won't be coming back ever again. F*ck that bald-headed, piece-of sh*t a**hole who told me that I was "done." Thanks for killing my vibe. F*ck you very much. What a waste of time, my money, and my Saturday night. read more

Don't go here unless you're white and willing to tip for the slowest and rudest service The whole bar got yelled at by the male bartender for not tipping because the bartenders were "working their as*es off" Sorry but tipping when not to be even greeted with a "I'll be right with you" or just a simple acknowledgment and being cut off by the female bartender when you're trying to order? Lady was throwing cards back at people and just had the worst customer service attitude. No thank you lol read more

What a disappointment to stop by the King's Den last night. Even with 3 people behind the bar the service was terrible. Four of us walked in and were simply ignored by the bartenders. Yes, we are all over 50, but we like to drink and we take good care of our bartenders. Unfortunately the staff was too busy talking to their friends and standing with their arms crossed. After 10 minutes we just left. read more

Came here on a Tuesday, wasn't expecting much since I have been during their karaoke nights on Thursday. But this was a terrible experience and customer service. The bartender from the beginning yelled at all crazy asking for our IDs. We gave him our IDs and my friend not having his ID was using his passport ID which is ALLOWED to used. If you have taken bartender classes you should know this and he threw out a comment saying they were supposed to use those Mexican IDs but it was actually a U.S.A passport. After that I tried playing music on the juke box but for some reason it wouldn't play my music someone had backed up the machine with music.. that someone was the bartender, I confronted on it and he said it's because they have filtered for Mexican music, like bro was being racist for no reason and then I over heard him saying that he likes working here because the music is different from the other bars. While yeah who wouldn't like to work at a place you control the music. I wasted my money not knowing that he had control to the jukebox. If you go in there it's some big fat white guy. Don't know his name but terrible experience. read more

The place is relatively small, so there weren't many spots to sit at, so we ended up just awkwardly hovering around other tables at times. Other than that, the vibe was great, especially on Friday, with their karaoke nights. The bartenders were nice and kept everything under control. Compared to other bars, the drinks are cheaper as well. Great overall experience read more

Anyone who says they don't like Tyler as a bartender...should just not go to the Kings Den. Stay home. This place is a hidden gem.

King's Den is my favorite bar of all time. Though I have moved out of the area, I try to visit whenever I can. Karaoke nights are always a blast and so are special occasions like New Years and St. Patty's. Drinks are strong and cheap, the bartending staff is very pleasant. There's also some interesting art on the walls. The only downside is that on busy nights you're probably not going to find a seat. Otherwise, this is the quintessential dive bar in Salinas. read more

Nice chill place to socialize and enjoy a drink but not when the bartender Robin is there, she is very negative and rude, she def makes this place look bad and makes it a hostile environment. Place is much better when Kim or Britney are here they always have a smile and make this place very welcoming. read more

I'm a huge fan of dive bars and this one is great. This is the second bar I visited after returning to Salinas and I gotta say I wasn't disappointed. I came on Fat Tuesday for a Hurricane and the bartender made such a good one that I had three. I'll be back every Mardi Gras, and maybe in between! read more

My favorite shithole in Salinas. Drinks are cheap, bartenders are kind of mean but serviceable. The place is always there when you need it and that's good enough for me. read more

My husband and I really enjoy having a few drinks (or alot) at Kings Den!! Especially on Saturdays or Sundays when Robyn is bartending!! She really makes us feel welcome. She is really attentive and observant of all her customers. You better believe you won't ever have to ask for a refill of your favorite drink or beer as long as Robyn is bartending. Some of the other bartenders...ugh not so much. They are always busy trying to ignore you...idk why...wouldn't you wanna provide Great Customer Service so we can tip you well?? Maybe they are in the wrong line of work Anyways just want to give a mostly positive feedback to my #1 bar & #1 bartender (Robyn). Will definitely be going back. Sorry I would have given a full 5 stars if it weren't for those other lazy employees.. read more

TYLER IS AN ANGEL. Definitely the best part about the bar. He has great customer service and mixes fantastic drinks. Have you ever been walking around thinking, "hey, I wonder who makes the best drinks in town?", Tyler. read more

Came in the afternoon, ordered 2 fairly easy drinks. Bartender completely made them wrong. Told us they were not done right and still charged us $24. Horrible customer service. read more

Absolute best bar to kick back and drink during the day. No drama. No selective bartending. Place is always clean and guess what, Chinese food right next door. After hours...well, Karaoke and venue are always on point, if you show up half cocked though you ain't gettin in. Good luck with the two younger bartenders, their not exactly impressing anyone with their work ethic and seem to have zero shame in it since they just throw people out who become irritable and have valid complaints. The tall blonde with a high and tight ponytail is hands down their best after hours bartender. there's always a lot of people on karaoke nights so nobody likes a chatty bar tender that can't do it movin. . She's not the most charismatic but certainly not with the bullshit. To sum this up, after hours, come here first or not at all, Of all the old town bars, this one attracts the most laid back crowd of people. And it's for a reason. read more

Great dive bar and the karaoke nights are definitely a fun time! But the highlight of this bar is the bartender Tyler. Let's be honest here... it's all about the late night convos with the bartender as they're pouring you one after the other. And Tyler is just the person you want to have these late night caps with! Thanks Tyler, will be back and recommend because of you! read more

The bartender tyler has no customer service ..he rather talk to his buddys at the bar instead of helping you...doesnt even say hi or if you wanna drink...you have to call him over....and also doesnt tell you how much you owe him...me and my buddys used to go there and spend 100s of dollars there every week...not no more...he also refused to give us service after i called him out on his customer service....hopefully owners or management can train this guy...will never go back and will tell my family and friends not to go back to this place either!!! read more

This place is really cool. Chic, scantily clad, fun pictures on the wall. Lots of hard alcohol to choose from as well and bottled beer. Very clean inside. They have food for football games and a nice staff. I'd def go back again to chill and have a few cocktails. read more

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Love this place. An awesome place to hang out plus they have an awesome bartender in Tyler. He gives the best customer service and is fun to talk to. Definitely look for Tyler on your next visit. Make fun of his height too he loves it. read more

This place is for reals the ultimate overall MEH as far as location, ambiance and crowd. ULTIMATE dive bar fo sho! BUT despite the above, their drinks are so so strong. One of my favorites would be their Kamikaze shot. Also, if you like mixed drinks, ask for the CHITO SPECIAL. (provided the bartender named Chito is working) haha! It's like a coconut pineapple drink and super bomb! read more

I really like this place on Thursdays and Fridays karaoke night lol this place isn't full of pretentious a holes. Beer is moderately cheap the only downside here is they dont have draft beer at all!!! Just take a shot of whisky lol read more

Worst place ever. Super rude. And when I called the owner or manager they laughed at me and then hung up on me. I will never go there again. Worst night mare ever read more

Tried to go with a group of 7 friends on a Friday night and security asked " if we were all together " we replied "yes" and he turned us away because "we had too many people"...I have never heard of any business that has turned away customers and money just because the bartenders "couldn't handle it " , here's a tip hire more bartenders or just ones that are better at there job! Will not be returning or recommending read more

Locals only kind of place. This is a Real Deal Drive bar. Met some fun old dudes. I met a guy was for The Azores islands. Its this little string of island dead center of the Atlantic. funny guy. Well any way. Cash only, nothing on tap and they share a restroom with a Chinese joint next door. read more

Went to Kings Den after work with some Colleagues. The new remodel looks great. The staff is friendly and Robin, the bartender, makes great drinks. The new owner, Kerri, is energetic and made us feel at home. We will definitely be going back. read more

We just moved to this area and we like stopping in this place after a long day at work to grab a few drinks! Everyone is so friendly and they even give you free popcorn if they aren't too busy! I'm personally not a fan of karaoke because it's hard to socialize with friends so I don't come in on nights when they have it. read more

If I could give zero stars I would! This place is a joke! I'm surprised it's still in business with how unprofessional they are. Very rude security! He wouldn't let my friends and I in because "it was too many off us". Like too many people is bad for business? Previous to this I had been here before (decided to give it another try) with friends and we found flies in our drinks. Not stepping foot here again! Disgusting place! read more

Gaddam! The bartenders at this place have a hand so heavy we can call them Stalin (look it up). But the vibe is great especially on Karaoke nights. Aren't a good singer? It's ok, neither are we. But we still have fun tho! Caile, kick it, drink it up! It'll be a dope ass time! read more

Tyler was amazing! Out of my experiences in the downtown area in Salinas. He was the most knowledgeable on drinks. Coming from Mission Beach in San Diego, and working at many night clubs in Las Vegas he knew how to make many curve balls I threw at him. His personality and capability to work a bar with twenty seats. Made this dive bar and amazing experience! read more

Wow! We happened across a lil gem here!! What a beautiful place!! Great drinks, awesome bartender ,Susan is very warm and inviting.

Great small friendly local bar. I was there on a Thursday night, it was karaoke night. Had a blast. Bartender was very quick with refills. No draft beer. Which isn't a big deal for me. Keep up the great service. I will definitely be back. read more

Great little local bar and well priced bottle beers. Has a nostalgic bar look about it and is comfortable to be in. No food, but some great popcorn to go with your beer and watch the game! read more

It's your local neighborhood bar! Very cool, old neat bar restored to its original glory! Stout drinks & wonderful service! Karaoke most nights with entertaining talented singers! Electric & cool crowd! A must see watering hole! read more

Bartending service is great. However if you like to do karaoke. Unless you're a regular. Chances for singing are shitty.