Patch Picks: Favorite Watering Holes

Tri-City nightlife is booming, with plenty of bars, clubs and lounges offering pool, karaoke, live music, dancing and, of course the occasional alcoholic beverage. We spotlight a few of them, including some Patch staffer favorites.

1. : Menconi’s in Union City has a solid local following, drawn by a pool table, darts, multiple big-screen TVs and a jukebox and events—live music, karaoke and dancing. Weekly specials include free pool on Tuesdays and college night on Thursdays. Menconi’s is a place to go for a mid-week treat as well as weekends. Open until 2 a.m. every night.
2. The Saddle Rack: For a not-quite-traditional take on the Western theme, try The Saddle Rack in Fremont. The warehouse-style space houses several indoor bar areas, an oxygen bar,  mechanical bull and even a spinning barber’s chair. There's a definite country vibe during certain hours, with live country musicians and lots of patrons outfitted in cowboy hats. Open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The cover charge most nights is $20. A dress code is enforced.
3. : Looking for something a little more laid back? Whiskeytown, 5660 Thornton Ave., in the Newark Plaza Shopping Center, has pool tables, big-screen TVs and games. Whiskeytown hosts sporting events and karaoke nights, and the daily Happy Hour is 4 to 6 p.m. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. A list of the staff and the hours they work can be found online. A dress code is enforced.
4. The Dirty Bird Lounge: This Hayward bar offers specialty cocktails, pool tables and a digital jukebox. Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Dirty Bird is located next to BART, so you can enjoy your night without worrying about an expensive cab ride home.
5. : Open for 32 years, Jacques, 6991 Thornton Ave., is the oldest drinking establishment in Newark. Stop by for karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays or enjoy pool and big-screen TVs any day of the week. The bar offers a variety of inexpensive alcoholic beverages, but when it comes to beer, Jacques carries only Bud Light and Pabst. Free parking and bar food are a plus. Open Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from noon to midnight. The bar is also open for football games on Sundays, starting at 10 a.m. 

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