I really liked this place, until my most recent visit today. In the past, the late-night bartenders have been engaging, friendly, and made us feel welcome. That completely changed when we encountered Cece today. From the moment my sister-in-law and I walked in, there was no greeting, no engagement, and no hospitality. The very first thing Cece said to my sister-in-law was to tell her to remove her hoodie and glasses. I explained that her glasses were prescription transition lenses that change with lighting, Cece acknowledged the prescription but dismissed that explanation and claimed it was for "security." Within just a few minutes of us arriving, she was already treating us like a concern. The only clear difference between us and everyone else seated at the bar was our skin color. No other guests were questioned or scrutinized the way we were. The experience felt like blatant racial profiling, and it was incredibly uncomfortable and disappointing. We left and went to Nu-Rays on the next block, where the contrast was immediate, warm, welcoming, and respectful. When we mentioned what happened, the bartender and other local guests seating at the bar even commented that Cece is known for profiling guests, which made the experience even more upsetting. It's sad and unacceptable that behavior like this is tolerated. I sincerely hope ownership and management address this issue, because no customer should feel targeted or unwelcome based on the color of their skin. read more

Whiskey Lane is the oldest bar in Martinez friendly with Great atmosphere, fair pricing a fun place to have a cocktail or beer. I recommend visiting this Martinez ORINGINAL!!! read more

Old lady bartenter is a ridiculous. Wouldn't serve me because I had my camera app open when I went to order. Not recording or had any intentions of recording. Just had my phone out in my hand, talking about refusal to serve.... Don't waste your money or time with this place. Bartender is weak and lazy. read more

My husband and I ended up in Martinez to deal with something very stressful, and landed at this bar at 10:30am. I'm not generally a morning drinker, but I really wanted to try scotch, neat. A patron recommended one of three scotch whiskeys that they had in stock, and it was smooth! Perfect first scotch experience. All in all, we had a good time, and we definitely emerged a bit more relaxed. That was the goal. read more

Whiskey Lane - Dive Bars Near Me - Martinez, California

Well while back went to whiskey lane. and order a beer and talking to someone and said don't tip bartender cece just joking ,she went Linda blair on, rushed grabbed my beer out my hands called security she went nuts.then few days go back she tells me if know happen plated stupid no.she says she took my beer cause guy wanted to fight bullshit reason cause joking don't tip her went buy there other like she wanted me to her ass like she's something she's like a had a bad attitude I just said wanted a beer she would serve me,I think she's on drugs that's my opinion in the past I been around not no more. read more

Great service. Tons of whiskey to choose from the ambience is warm dive bar atmosphere. No food that I see. read more

Whiskey Lane - Shot & a beer. - Dive Bars Near Me - Martinez, California

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NO! $9 Negro Modelo Tap??? Maybe I'm in San Fran at a cool trendy bar..... Nope, I'm in Martinez at what is supposed to be a Dive Bar being served by "Miss Indifferent" and overcharged. Should have gone to NuRay....even at Troy the draft was $7 and that's a nice restaurant. One and Done never going back - read more

The bartender on Tuesday nights is an absolute a$$. I've never met a bartender who is so rude to customers. You'd think they want customers right? They had some karaoke going.. basically all country music. Drinks are standard, nice open area in the back to smoke if you wish. But damn, if my friends didn't want a drink I'd walk right out. This man is so rude. read more

I came to Whiskey Lane to for the cheap PBR, but I return for the friendly batertenders, especially Marli. Upon arrival Marli will shake you hand, ask for your name, and provide you with exceptional service. Marli always has a smile on her face, tells witty jokes, and more importantly, can engage in an intellectually conversation. Do your self a favor and check out Whiskey Lane and ask for a PBR in a plastic cup with ice and you will not be disappointed !!!!!! read more

Really great bar. Great service from Melissa, we had such a fun family night out. The music was good, and the vibes were perfect. Come here for a good time! read more

This is a nice lil place. Very typical dive bar. Downtown Martinez is just so cute in general. The bar is nice, the bartender is terrible. Very rude, smart mouthed. It's on sight too like her nastiness was unprovoked and uncalled her tbh. I still left her a tip because she obviously needed something to brighten her day, but based on the other bad reviews it seems like this is just who she is as a person. Which is so sad, but I suppose if I was a middle aged woman waking up every single day to go to my bottom of the barrel job at a dive bar in a tiny town I'd be a buzzkill too. If you're reading this ma'am, please do better. And be better. We will NOT be returning lol. And btw, Six Eleven down the street is a MUCH better bar with very pleasant people. read more

Can't say enough about this place. Always feels like home. Bartenders are responsive and always remember what I like. Greets with a smile and cold drink. Also, patio is the best, no other open air space in town. read more

What a rip... $ 8 for a bottle of 805 and $ 9 for a Modelo draft at this dive bar... at those prices we'll just go to a nice place next time... Not a fan read more

I usually love this place. Love the girls and the atmosphere. But when I end up with Eugene as the bartender I'm sad. He's beyond rude to me every time. Makes me feel like shit. Always has an attitude when I ask a simple question. I can't stand going there when he's there. The girls yes... him a giant NO!! read more

Best place to hang out, friendly staff, fair priced drinks, and locals! Best bar in Martinez. read more

Great atmosphere good drinks fun environment for everyone. Melissa has the best smile in martinez Cici will make you laugh in your beer Gene's cooking is second to none Heather is always ready to whip up a cocktail for you Just a good fun place read more

This place is amazing. It's a true dive bar. The prices are affordable and the ambiance very casual.

Great little dive in the heart of downtown Martinez. Stiff drinks reasonably priced, friendly bartenders, and an awesome patio which every dive should absolutely have. Prefect place to pop in for a few while enjoying a free day downtown. read more

This review is for Whisky Lane's recent New Year's Eve party at which they passed out celebratory party hats, pizza, and donuts at midnight after booze-branded SWAG (beads, beer cozies, key rings, etc.). Great job WL staff and management. We had a blast at our "local" and enjoyed being able to stroll home.' read more

Whiskey Lane - NYE 2024 - Dive Bars Near Me - Martinez, California

Best bar to visit when you want to relax and let loose! Historical bar with history, stories and BEST of all dog friendly

Friendly staff! Cute place! Drinks well priced! Bartender knows the regulars real well and if we were living I would really appreciate that because it is like you are at your second home. read more

Whiskey Lane is the spot! M'Liss, Austin and Eugene are the best. Treat me like family every time I come in. ANDDDDD they're starting to serve breakfast Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday. Its absolute dynamite. Give it a try you won't regret it!!!! read more

Whiskey is the the best bar in the East bay. The vibes are always amazing, music is on point. The service is always great.

I had a friend who's a sailor and was docked close by just for that day. It was last minute for the both of us to hang out as it always is. He lives on a ship and I'm here in Cali most my times. We both pulled open yelp and looked up bars. Most numbers we called didn't answer so I just drove towards the old downtown Martinez and crossed fingers. There were two bars opened. We were drawn to the one that was busiest. Already a great sign for me are bag hooks. What sold me was the USB port charger. All in all it's a bar. There was only one bar tender and he obviously knows the patrons and cares for their safety as he stopped the tab on my funny stool buddy Paul. Didn't intend to stay their no more than half an hour but time went so fast I stayed til midnight. If you want drunken blurry photos ask for Paul :) read more

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Great service / great drinks / great patio Huge fan of this spot -- highly recommend read more

Good dive bar complete with divey ambiance and women that make we want to make bad life choices. Will return.

Great place Troy is the best !!!! Great dive bar and chill I hate that yelp requires a minimum read more

Literally just go anywhere else. Save your time. I ordered a drink and asked how much. The music in the bar was so loud I couldn't really understand what the bar tender said. I gave an amount and he made a snarky comment that I thought was funny. Only, the bar tender thought I was laughing at him and got very defensive. I tried to explain that I simply didn't hear him, but he cut me off and said "I don't play that shit". Bad vibes, and honestly horrible music. Bruh, I could of gotten legitimately better service if I had gone to Paddy's Pub from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia read more

For a bar ive gone to for the past 6 years I have never been so disrespected by a bartender. She asked my buddy what is wrong with the look on his face, he said what this is my normal face and she said I am sorry you look like that. I asked why was she being so rude for no reason and she said I can take my b***h a** outside. Her name is CC I believe, sorry I don't know how to spell it. This bar still gets a 3 star because the owner Troy has had a great bar for a long time. The bartender needs to be fired honestly read more

Average dive bar. Below average crowd, low energy, feels like locals who stumble in from their mums house. Nothing past a watering hole; no darts, pool, live music etc. Bartender is the DJ but has good enough taste for a decent ambience. The pluses are that there is ample street parking and a back patio with high top seating where you can bring your drinks and smoke. read more

Whiskey Lane - Back smoking patio - Dive Bars Near Me - Martinez, California

I really enjoy coming into this bar. Met the owners one time and they were great. Always seem to have friendly bartenders and people sitting around us, and they occasionally even have food out on the weekends. Their spicy, habanero-infused Bloody Mary is worth trying if you like your drink a little on the warm side. It's not super hot and has great flavor! Whenever my boyfriend and I are in downtown Martinez with a little extra time to kill we always make sure to stop in here. read more

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What is that smell! The place looks really clean, with great service, and great drinks. Whatever chemicals they use on the tables gave me a headache, and we had to leave. Smells worse than a hospital in there. read more

This place would be great if the bartender, Gene, was not behind the bar. Our group of four came in to have some cocktails and buy two Whiskey Lane hats. Gene was so rude and his pour was lacking, not even an ounce of liquor in the drinks. After asking whet we wanted and waking away as we were in mid sentence ordering, he came back after 5 minutes, our total bill was $36., we gave him $40.00, as he snatched the cash off the counter before making the drinks: I quote "4 bucks will get you a really shitty drink" read more

Literally my friends and I came to whiskey lane in Martinez to have a good time as we Always do, we were so excited. Upon arriving Joe the security guard asked for our I.D.s. , one of my friends gave "joe" the security guard his passport .., Joe denied entry because according to him the owner doesn't take passports . I'm a bartender and we take passports before I.d's, he was ridiculous. I come there all the time and I'll will never go there again!! We even had cops who sided with us . SMH bad bad service. The security guard behind him didn't care at all, but Joe insisted that no passports are allowed because he thinks it's not a government issued I.d, wish is the most qualified I.d you can get. Lol read more

Love this bar. Gene is my favorite bartender, love coming on week days so I can see him!!

I found the staff to be incredibly welcoming . the drinks quite tasty, and also that the quality of the guests are at a higher level. Can I say , basically no trash ! Love this place read more

The Saturday night we came in it was pretty slow. They ID you at the door before you even walk in. There are two security guards making the rounds. It was an ok bar to hang out at. You're either a regular, and I mean you live within walking distance and come here every night kind of patron. Or you happen to want to check out the bar scene in Martinez? Which I cant imagine someone going out of their way come check out the night life in Martinez. Anyway, the outside seating area was nice. You can smoke out there, so thats cool. They have one of those new fangled app supported Juke Boxes. I tried playing songs and paying extra to move them up the list and really only one song I chose played. I later found out that the bartenders can control the songs. The music that was playing was far too terrible to be played that loud. I swear there was a Broadway show tune playing at one point. Not the place Id think show tunes should be played. It sucked, sorry I have to say it. So my conclusion is that I've been to the previous incarnation of this bar once before and now I've been to this incarnation of this bar and now Im good. I doubt Ill be back. read more

Doesn't have any quality whiskey unless you like your top shelf is Jameson. Good service but not a Poppin spot

The worst service this girl with brown red hair I think ceci was so rude, dirty her fingers were in my drink And it was unsanitary. Never coming back she was also snuggling maybe on drugs! read more

This bar was pretty crappy... Didn't have a local brews on tap which should've been a sign but the sunday night bartender was not good at all. Asked for reposado for 2 different shots and both times I was given Blanco and I specifically tried to make sure we got reposado the second time and I'm guessing he just didn't know what that was... Asked 2 close out like 3 times while he was reading someone's palm or something and the worst was I ordered 2 shots when I first got there and he got them and walked away while I was trying to add 2 more for our group of 12 people which was everyone in the bar and he walked to the register and turned and said are we good and I said no I want to add 2 more shots and his response was "I didn't ask you if you wanted more I asked if you were good." Not a good bartender!!! read more