Would you like to know the best bars in Fresno, CA? Fresno is a city that comes alive at night to give people something beautiful to enjoy in one of its many bars and nightclubs.
Located in Fresno County, California, USA, Fresno city has a booming population of 542,107, according to the 2020 population census.
This city should be your go-to place for a pleasant evening of fun, laughter, and pure, undiluted enjoyment that you will look forward to over and over again, as it has a vibrant and diverse bar scene that offers something special for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind with a drink in the company of friends and loved ones, or a lively spot to dance the night away with cool music on replay, Fresno’s bars have got you covered.
Are you planning a trip to Fresno? Here are the top bars in Fresno, CA.
15 Best Bars in Fresno
1. The Library at Detention
On the list of cool bars in Fresno, The Library at Detention stands out due to its secret features, historical achievements, and progressive contribution to the growth of the hospitality industry in Fresno, California.
Located in a library right above a lively poolhall in the historic Tower District in Fresno, this bar has made a name for itself as the go-to place if you are hoping to enjoy a wonderful time alone or with a loved one in a cool bar that has a weird yet thrilling appeal to it.
This famous exclusive bar is shrouded in secrecy. Access is strictly by invitation or by making a reservation to get into the bar for a relaxing evening with your guests.
To get access to the bar at the entrance, a patron has to give the password of the evening to the security at the door as not all hopeful patrons are granted access; this is to filter the list of patrons it allows to take part in its activities and enjoy its list of wonderful offerings.
The features of this bar make it stand out, and the most peculiar of its features is its well-stocked library, which one might feel is oddly misplaced as it is strange to see a packed bookshelf in a bar.
Other notable things in the bar include its lively but quiet atmosphere that makes the evening more pleasant for patrons with a no phone or noise rule, and best be assured that the impressive décor at the bar is a beauty for the eyes.
The bar is strict on attire, and as a rule, the bare minimum one can wear a business casual.
You can get to enjoy a lot of amazing drinks at this bar. Some drinks available include handcrafted cocktails like Mojito, Daiquiri, Painkiller, Aviation, 20th Century, Classic Sour, etc.
The Library at Detention opens from 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm on Thursdays and 7:00 pm to 1:15 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 750 E Olive Ave Fresno, CA 93728. Phone: (559) 231-0968.
2. Modernist
Cocktail bars are necessary to make the nightlife experience more enjoyable for patrons. It is considered the duty of the Modernist to give you an experience worthy of royalty with its finely mixed list of cocktails amongst many other amazing drinks it offers.
Modernist is regarded as one of the best bars in Fresno. It aims to recreate how cocktails are made and perceived by employing and further training the best hands in the bar scene to satisfy their customers with drinks made using a modernized and innovative approach.
Modernist has a people-first policy that puts its customers above all else as it believes that with them, it would remain in business years after opening its doors to bring to the people of Fresno a plethora of cocktails that have remained the people’s favorite.
This beautiful bar is a pleasant place to be, with a catchy appearance and soothing appeal that customers see and feel as they step into the bar.
Modernist cocktail bar is equipped with well-polished tables that give off a fantastic shine. From the décor down to the straw used in serving guests, everything is tailored to have a colorful look that will attract customers to wine and dine at the bar again.
You can do yourself a favor and visit this bar to enjoy drinks like Daiquiri, Southside, Brown Derby, Gin Fizz, Paloma, Horizon, Whiskey Sour, Whiskey Smash, Sazerac, Son of a Peach, 38 Special, Year of the Rabbit, etc.
Modernist opens from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 4:00 pm to 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 719 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 492-3585.
3. Tellawi Lounge
If you need a place to relax and enjoy the best drinks available on tap, served by expert bartenders who have mastered their art, or you are looking for a place to socialize with fellow patrons, then head on to Tellawi Lounge, where all the fun resides.
Tellawi Lounge is owned by Symone, a second-generation owner and an astute businesswoman with a strong foot in the hospitality industry. Through Symone’s efforts alongside her team, Tellawi Lounge has become a diamond that shines bright among cool bars in Fresno.
This beautiful bar is an amazing place you would want to visit if you crave a fun-filled environment that never sleeps during the night, as patrons are always buzzing into the bar to enjoy all it has to offer.
Tellawi Lounge offers customers a cool place void of noise and the usual stress of queuing for hours before you gain access. The bar has a calm environment often made lively by the melodious music played by the in-house DJ, and the décor is simple yet pleasant to behold.
A visit to this bar is all you need to enjoy all the goodies it has in store. You can enjoy drinks like Breakfast Mary, Beermosa, Gemini, Detox Water, Firestone Walker 805, Beachcomber, Coors Light, Pacifico, Modelo Negra, Corona Extra, etc.
Tellawi Lounge opens from 8:30 am to 2:00 am daily.
Address: 2085 W Bullard Ave Fresno Breakfast House Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 431-1385.
4. Spokeasy Public House
Speakeasy bars used to be a secret drinking spots during the Prohibition era; these days, bars like Spokeasy Public House are celebrated for being at the frontline of top bars in Fresno that have made a name for themselves and come to be known as the ideal place to unwind.
Spokeasy Public House is a famous name for the list of main bars in Fresno that attract the attention of locals in the area and are constantly recommended to newbies looking for a great place to enjoy a pleasant evening.
This bar has a pleasant feel guaranteed to make you feel comfortable, especially with its lively atmosphere that makes it easy to socialize. Although the interior is small and can be too full sometimes, it is still one of the best places to drink in Fresno that you would rather be in for a pleasant evening.
Spokeasy offers many satisfying drinks like Dreams Never End, CLS, All the Things We’ve Done, Love All Round, River Time, etc.
This bar opens from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am on Mondays to Wednesdays, 1:00 pm to 12:00 am on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1472 N Van Ness Fresno, CA 93728. Phone: (559) 492-7765.
5. 
Out of the Barrel is a perfect spot for beer lovers to renew their vows of undying love to the legendary hop juice while having a few drinks in between to make the evening even merrier as they enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds in the bar.
This well-known bar and one of the notable fun bars in Fresno city have been a meeting hub for people looking to socialize and make new connections while having the opportunity to enjoy some of the best drinks available in-house at an amazing price that you cannot bargain.
Out of the Barrel is no ordinary bar; it is one of the recognized fun bars in Fresno that is notable for offering customers a great list of enjoyable drinks and a pleasant place to unwind, relax and renew the mind and soul.
Located in the heart of the city, where it is easy to locate by both locals and guests, this bar has a pleasant appeal and an alluring appearance that you will no doubt find attractive.
The interior at the Barrel bar is large, cozy, and comfortable, although it can feel choking and excessively packed during happy hours or on weekends when hundreds of patrons throng to the bar for a good time; however, it is large enough to accommodate you and satisfy your every need.
Out of the Barrel has a dedicated team of bartenders who are always at your service and will be happy to recommend the best drinks on the menu. Some of the usual recommendations include It’s Just the Vibe, On GP, Midnight Silk, The Brewer’s Code, Mai Tai, etc.
This bar opens from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Thursdays, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 722 W Shaw Ave 48B Fresno, CA 93704. Phone: (559) 272-5463.
6. Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen
For those looking for a place with a plethora of satisfying local brews and excellent customer service that makes customers feel appreciated at all times, head on to Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen.
Although the name sounds weird due to the word Mortuary in between, this bar’s got game when it comes to giving people a valid reason to call again with its list of satisfying drinks and wonderful sense of hospitality.
You can go right if you choose to visit this bar, as it has a lot in store to keep you busy and pleased while you are there.
Customers rate this bar highly due to its wonderful appeal, pleasant live music that rends the air in happy tunes, and spacious interior perfect for any special event.
Goldstein’s Mortuary is your go-to place for drinks like Peanut Butter IPA, Tree House Julius, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing, New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, Other Half All Green Everything, Tree House Julius, Lagunitas IPA, Stone Brewing Ruination, etc.
This bar opens from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am on Mondays to Thursdays, 1:00 pm to 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:00 pm to 12:00 am on Sundays.
Address: 1279 N Wishon Ave Fresno, CA 93728. Phone: (559) 555-1212.
7. The Howlin Wolf
You cannot afford to miss out on the fun being served at this premium cocktail bar that has made a name for itself as the go-to place for a relaxing evening in the company of friends and family or alone.
The Howlin Wolf is a nice bar located in the suburbs of Fresno city where all the fun happens from noon to midnight, and sometimes, until the last customer leaves as the bar tries to ensure that all customers enjoy their time at the bar to the fullest before heading out.
This great bar offers customers a place to enjoy a massive selection of the finest cocktails mixed by expert mixologists who have mastered the art of creating masterpiece drinks to give customers an evening they will enjoy.
The Howlin Wolf has a laid-back but pleasant interior where customers are treated to various drinks. The bar has a beautiful nucleus designed using the Victorian-era décor model to give it a retro look that is both beautiful and functional.
There are chairs for patrons to sit on in twos, and there are also tables for large groups who want to enjoy a good moment together in the company of each other.
The Howlin Wolf has many drinks in store that you will find alluring. There are drinks like American Gothic, Old Fashioned, Stockholm Royale, Gins, and many awesome cocktails that customers love.
This bar opens from 3;00 pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and 3:00 pm to 1:30 am on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Address: 920 E Olive Ave Fresno, CA 93728. Phone: (559) 319-8545.
8. Lucy’s Lounge
Lucy’s Lounge is the usual meeting hub for people looking for something in-between a bar with awesome drinks to offer and a lounge where they can get to relax, chill and reset their minds in the presence of other people looking to explore the many offerings and features this bar has to offer.
Regarded as one of the best bars in Fresno with excellent customer service and an amazing sense of hospitality that guests describe as the warmest they have experienced in the Tower District so far, this bar is poised to take the hospitality industry in Fresno by storm.
Lucy’s Lounge is always a busy hub of fun where customers troop to enjoy a vast selection of satisfying drinks in a lush and beautiful dining environment made even more alluring by the attractive bar décor.
The bar offers live jazz and blues music thanks to its musicians, who often headline the night with beautiful numbers dished out for the listening pleasure of happy customers. Also, the evening is made more enjoyable by the dedicated employees who go out of their way to serve.
Lucy’s Lounge can be a great spot to explore, especially if you favor drinks like Berry New Year, Duchess, Hibiscus Gin, Maple Walnut, BlackBerry, Spiced Rum, Axis, Sweet Cheeks, Restoration, etc.
This bar opens from 4:00 pm to 1:30 am on Mondays to Thursdays and 11:00 am to 1:30 am on Fridays to Sundays.
Address: 733 E Olive Ave Fresno, CA 93728. Phone: (559) 293-3108.
Also, check out our guide on the best bars in Burbank , best bars in Bakersfield, California for more fun.
9. Quail State
Quail State is perfect for people looking to wine and dines in a quiet bar where they can enjoy some peace while they meditate on whatever may be in their thoughts. It is also an ideal spot to bring your loved ones or friends for a pleasant evening they will remember.
Notable among the best places to drink in Fresno, Quail State made a name for itself and has become known as an ideal spot to hang out due to its dedication to customer satisfaction while ensuring the customer is satisfied and satisfied.
You will love to visit Quail State over and over again as it has a comfortable interior with a beautiful design built for functionality more than aesthetics.
The bar has a comfy seating area with tables for single drinkers, groups, and people sitting in twos in the well-lit interior.
You can visit this bar to enjoy some of its drinks on tap and another notable brand of drinks it offers. There are drinks like Pranqster, Old Rasputin, Terra Madre, Mariposa, Kung Fu Pandan, Pina Chocolate, Pray Tell, Seasonal IPA, etc.
Quail State opens from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Thursdays, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am on Fridays, 11:00 am to 12:00 am on Saturdays, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1060 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 999-7727.
10. Little Leaf Bar
For an enjoyable evening of fun and laughter with nice features and satisfying drinks to make your evening wholesome, Little Leaf Bar comes highly recommended, as it has proven to be an ideal spot where the fun never stops.
Little Leaf Bar is a famous name in the bar and nightlife scene in Fresno, and the reason is not farfetched; the bar is awesome on all levels, and this has been proven to be a fact by patrons who have left a countless number of positive reviews about the bar’s service and hospitality.
Little Leaf joined the hospitality industry of Fresno city many years ago. Although the bar took a major hit during the covid era, it still bounced back, with its ever-loyal customers patronizing the bar now more than ever to enjoy their evening in the company of other beer lovers.
This bar is a fantastic place to hang out with buddies while you explore the bar’s menu. There are drinks like Occidental Hefeweizen, Cascade Apricot, Russian River Blind Pig, Wondrous Hell, WeldWerks Juicy Fu!, etc.
Little Leaf Bar opens from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturdays, and 11:00 am to 4:30 pm on Sundays.
Address: 6011 N Palm Fresno, CA 93704. Phone: (559) 261-2699.
11. Saint Joaquin
Strategically located on the busy side of town, this bar has become one of the iconic bars in Fresno that has won the hearts of locals, who patronize and recommend the bar to newbies in the area looking for a place worthy of their attention.
Saint Joaquin is a place you will find fascinating as it has everything in place to make your visit memorable, with mouthwatering offerings and amazing features that make it stand out among other bars in the area.
This bar is located in a complex that houses other businesses in downtown Fresno. The bar has a large see-through window that customers look through to enjoy the beautiful nighttime views.
Saint Joaquin offers a selection of the finest wines you have ever seen. There are wines like Chardonnay 2019, Pet Nat 2020, Pray Tell 2021, Fortuna Caprera 2019, Elixir 2018, and many more you will find interesting.
This bar opens from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 1755 Broadway St Ste 106 Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 840-7772.
12. Fulton 55
Known to be the home of premium nightlife experience and a perfect spot to enjoy all that Fresno nightlife industry has to offer, Fulton 55 has come to stay and be known as an authority when it comes to giving people a place where they can gather to unwind.
Fulton 55 has a large expansive interior built like an old warehouse with a lower and upper deck area. On the outside, the art décor is an attention catcher as it is both beautiful and attractive, with an owl image adding to the mysterious appearance of the bar cum nightclub.
The bar is usually headlined by star artists who choose it as a great place to host their events due to its excellent track record and spacious capacity.
Fulton 55 offers drinks like beers on tap, Coors Light, Heineken, Bud Light, Old Fashioned, local brews, wines, and a host of other satisfying drinks on the menu.
This bar usually opens from 6:00 pm to midnight, but opening times can sometimes change depending on when a show starts.
Address: 875 Divisadero St Fresno, CA 93721. Phone: (559) 412-7400.
13. Tap & Cellar
Tap & Cellar is one of the notable bars in Fresno that locals often use as a venue for their special events like birthdays, weddings, meetings, and graduation parties due to how beautiful and pleasant it looks.
It is a common sight to see the bar packed to the brim daily as it is one of the most patronized bars in the area that sees hundreds of patrons come to visit and enjoy all its amazing offerings that locals describe as pleasant.
Tap & Cellar has a unique white appearance with a spacious indoor and outdoor dining area where customers can sit to enjoy a variety of drinks made available on the menu at a great price.
The bar offers a variety of wines that you will find to be satisfying and delicious. There are wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Airén, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Syrah, Garnacha, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.
Tap & Cellar opens from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Wednesdays, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 12:00 am on Fridays, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am on Saturdays, and 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 317 W Bedford Ave Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 400-2559.
14. Industry Tap Union
Industry Tap Union is a beer bar in downtown Fresno that allows patrons to visit the bar with their pets and emotional support animals to have a wonderful time with their fur babies.
This beautiful bar is a pleasant place to hang out if you want to have a drinking date with your loved ones or looking to hang out with your pet in a comfortable and welcoming drinking environment that is accommodating and hospitable to all.
Industry Tap Union has a beautiful interior painted white to give the bar a nice glow. The interior setup is functional, with tables for groups and tables for two arranged neatly to make navigation easy for its patrons looking to find a table to sit on.
The bar also has TVs for customers to watch their favorite teams in action on game nights when patrons gather to enjoy a bottle or two in the company of fellow sports fans.
If you visit this bar in Fresno, ask the bartender for a glass of your favorite drink brand or ask him to suggest the list of drinks available at the bar. There are drinks like beers, local brews, wines, and many other drinks you will enjoy.
Industry Tap Union opens from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 7068 N Cedar Ave Fresno, CA 93720. Phone: (559) 712-6398.
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15. Mochuelo
Mochuelo is a Spanish bar considered a good find among top bars in Fresno due to its outstanding qualities and sterling reputation in the city, which has earned it massive patronage.
This famous and well-respected pub is one of the notable bars in the city that locals visit for a well-deserved round of fun featuring satisfying drinks served in an exquisite drinking environment.
Mochuelo has a neatly arranged interior with a décor that begs for no attention as it is the cynosure of all eyes that behold it. The bar has a pleasant air and an atmosphere that allures patrons to call again.
A visit to Mochuelo is all you need to have a pleasant evening with drinks like Autumn Sangria, Basque Mule, Dos Flores, Getting Figgy with it, House G&T, Maple Bourbon Sour, Martini Negra, etc.
Mochuelo opens from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Address: 2305 W Shaw Ave Fresno, CA 93711. Phone: (559) 348-5555.
Plan a Trip to Fresno
Fresno is an amazing city with many nighttime adventures to offer those willing to visit any of these suggested and recommended bars for an enjoyable evening.
Whether you’re a resident or just passing through the city, check out these bars in Fresno city and experience the best of what Fresno’s nightlife offers at a great price.
Go for the best in drinks, go for Fresno.