The 10 Best Bars On Fresno's West Side

Catrina Pang

The diversity of the population in Fresno’s West Side has led not only to an abundance of authentic cultural cuisine, but also a wide variety of activities. This can hardly be more evident than in the city’s bar scene. Everyone has a different take on the local bar, with features ranging from arcade games to a pool hall to live music. Here’s a list of our 10 favorites.

1. Spokeasy Public House

Bar, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, American

Spokeasy Public House, Fresno
© fs999/Flickr
Just south of the city college lies Spokeasy Public House, a small low-key bar with bicycle decor and some of the best craft beer in the Tower District and Fresno. They have such a wide selection of beers that there is barely enough space for all of them on the menu boards, and they keep adding more to it! The bartenders are very knowledgable and friendly, and they’ll be happy to recommend drinks or let you try samples. In addition, there is an arcade in the back filled with old games for you to play, and they also sell their own T-shirts and sweatshirts.

2. LeLa's Restaurant

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

LeLas Restaurant, North Marks Avenue
© Satish Indofunk/Flickr
Not only does LeLa’s Restaurant have an award winning wine list sourced from select vintners throughout both California and the world, they also have an exquisite farm to table menu that pairs excellently with the wines. Chef Manny Carr, whose grandmother inspired the name of the restaurant, offers contemporary and classic dishes as well as seasonal specialties, all with vibrant flavors. Some popular dishes include the pork chop and the deconstructed drumstick dessert. Ask your server which wines pair best with which dishes.

3. Manhattan Steakhouse and Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Steakhouse, American, Wine, Beer

Manhattan Restaurant, Fresno
© Morgan Johnston/Flickr
Walk into the Manhattan Steakhouse and Bar, and right away you’ll hear Frank Sinatra playing or a jazz band in the corner. You can sit at a table in the restaurant if you’re in the mood for a steak, or you can take a seat at the bar, where you’ll find a wide selection of quality liquor and wines as well as unique and delicious appetizers. You can get interesting dishes like a peach, prosciutto and goat cheese flatbread or portabella mushroom fries or watermelon salad to go with your wine or beer. Everything is top quality and made with the freshest ingredients.

4. Lime Lite

Bar, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

The Lime Lite, Fresno
© Matt DeTurck/Flickr
For over half a century, Lime Lite has provided Fresno with fine dining and great drinks. The bartenders will make your favorite cocktail for you just the way you like it, or even mix your own exotic recipe with their wide variety of high quality beverages and ingredients. They also have premium selections of wine to complement a meal in the restaurant. Every Wednesday evening, also known as “Wine Not” Wednesdays, you can get a 20 percent discount off of regular prices on any wine. On “Bar Snacks” Saturdays, you can get a free chili dog and fries with the purchase of any bar drink between 11:30am and 2:30pm.

5. Fat Boys Taqueria and Sports Bar

Bar, Mexican, Vegetarian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

Fat Boys Taqueria and Sports Bar, Fresno
© Thomas Hawk/Flickr
If you come to Fat Boys Taqueria and Sports Bar to watch a game or fight night, it will be packed with people, beer buckets, and food. Any other day, people still love to hang out at the bar for its popular drinks like the cucumber martini, the tacos, the foosball table, and the live band. They also have karaoke on Thursday nights, a jukebox, pool tables, and dancing. It’s a fun place for sports fans, families, and Mexican food lovers alike.

6. High Sierra Grill House

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican, BBQ, Seafood, Fast Food, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

High Sierra Grill House, Fresno
© Daniel Schultz/Flickr
At High Sierra Grill House, you can choose from their list of exquisite wines and handcrafted microbrews to pair with tasty items from their extensive menu including everything from barbecue pulled pork to seafood to salads. Some popular menu items include the tri-tip sandwich, the clam chowder, and the hand-rolled taquitos. You can also watch sports games on any of the many TVs around the restaurant. High Sierra Grill loves sports so much that they often cater tailgates, too!

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,395 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article