Biker Bars are watering holes and gathering places for those who ride on weekends or for a lifetime. Our list of biker bars are exciting places to stop for some grub or a cold drink on a road trip. While most visitors are motorcycle enthusiasts, many of these roadhouses (during the day) are family-friendly, serving refreshing drinks and affordable food.
Cooks Corner Trabuco Canyon
Cook’s Corner is one of Southern California’s most famous biker bars & eateries. Although I usually arrive by mountain bike, it is one of the author’s favorite destinations. On weekends, the main parking lot is exclusively for motorcycles. Live entertainment and events are held on most weekends. You can indulge in Fish and Chips every Friday, savor some tasty tacos on Tuesdays, or fill up on delicious spaghetti on Wednesdays. Cook’s Corner is family-friendly, but pets are not allowed. 19152 Santiago Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, California. Website.
Neptunes Net Malibu
Neptunes Net, located on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Beach, has been open since 1956 and is known for its iconic status and appearances in movies like Fast and Furious and Iron Man 3. While not a bike bar, the long line of motorcycles parked out front on weekends can suggest otherwise. Seafood, burgers, and beer. With a Pacific Ocean View. 42505 CA-1, Malibu, California. Website.
Cold Springs Tavern Santa Barbara
Cold Springs Tavern is a historic Santa Barbara County roadhouse off Highway 154. Along with the original tavern, the 1873 Ojai jailhouse, Treasures and Trash Giftshop, a road gang cabin, and the Log Cabin Bar. The tavern is jam-packed on most weekends, so arrive early or visit during the week. 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, California. Website.
Josie’s Hideout Santa Ysabel
The patio at Josie’s Hideout has ample seating, even when the bar is packed with bikers. Live music is offered on weekends, and the menu features tasty options such as cheeseburgers, tacos, and pulled pork sandwiches. Additionally, there is a wide variety of drink choices available. The scenic mountain location makes Josie’s Hideout an ideal stop on a day trip to Julian. 27413 CA-76 Santa Ysabel, California. Dog-friendly patio. Website.
The Rock Store Mulholland Highway
Rock Store, located on Mulholland Highway in Cornell, California, is a beloved monument within the motorcycle community and has been featured in numerous films and music videos. Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, visitors can admire hundreds of bikes, including those owned by celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jay Leno. The fantastic atmosphere makes it a perfect place to stop along Mulholland Highway. Website.
Lookout Roadhouse
The Lookout Roadhouse is now the go-to stop for bikers on Ortega Highway, replacing the iconic Hell’s Kitchen Bar that closed due to fire. The Lookout Roadhouse offers a peaceful view of Lake Elsinore. The diner is popular among bikers on weekends, filling the small parking lot with motorcycles. From the patio is a fantastic view of Lake Elsinore lake and the mountain. The Lookout Roadhouse is currently up for sale as the owner is retiring after running it for 54 years. 32107 Ortega Hwy., Lake Elsinore, California. Website.
Rock Inn Lake Hughes
Rock Inn was initially built in 1929 as the Lake Hughes Trading Post. The building housed a store, post office, and hotel and functioned as a bus stage stop. Today, Rock Inn is a popular weekend destination for motorcycle enthusiasts who come for a meal and cold drinks. There are tables both inside and outside the restaurant. The food is delicious, and the staff is friendly. 17539 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Lake Hughes, California. Website.
Pappy + Harriet’s
Pappy & Harriet’s is a popular biker destination in Pioneertown, Yucca Valley, California. The road leading to the town has been designated a California Scenic Drive, offering a scenic desert landscape for visitors to enjoy. Pappy & Harriet’s features a full-service restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Evening entertainment requires tickets. 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, California. Website.
Cafe247 Lucerne Valley, California
Cafe247 may resemble a swap meet from afar, but it offers exceptional BBQ, burgers, and chicken wings. Live music is often available on weekends, and the staff is friendly, even when crowded. The decor includes old junk cars, posters, wall stickers, and even a pig riding a motorcycle. Popular items include the breakfast burrito, pastrami burger, and tri-tip. Cafe 247 is easily visible from highways 18 and 247 in the heart of Lucerne Valley. With plenty of parking available, it’s a fun stop for desert travelers.
The ’49er Saloon Acton, California
The original ’49er Saloon opened in 1859 and was a gathering place for miners and prospectors. The 2-story wooden Acton Hotel was built across the street from the tavern but burnt down in 1945. Today, the ’49er Saloon is a popular stop for bikers traveling up the historic Soledad Canyon Road. Their menu features everything from Prospector Pete Pork Chops to Rocky Mountain Oysters. There is also a full-service bar onsite. 31908 Crown Valley Rd, Acton, CA 93510. Website
Paradise Valley Cafe
The Paradise Valley Cafe is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, located at the intersection of State Routes 371 and 74 in Mountain Center, California. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer beer and soft drinks. It’s a great place to stop for a quick bite, and they welcome bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. Dog-friendly patio. 61721 State Hwy 74 Mountain Center, California. Website.
The Joint Saloon Randsburg
The Joint Saloon is off Highway 395 in the historic mining town of Randsburg, California. Along with Harley riders, the Joint attracts offroad bikers, ATVs, and history buffs. The Joint was built in the early 1900s and has been in his family-owned since the mid-1950s. Grab a drink, order a burger, and relax in a living Ghost in the middle of the beautiful Mojave desert. 165 Butte Ave, Randsburg, California. Open Thursday through Sunday.
Goodsprings Pioneer Saloon
The Pioneer Saloon is the oldest building in Goodsprings, NV that still stands. It has a memorial room with photos of celebrities and a memorial to Clark Gable and his wife. They offer good food, drinks, and a small gift shop. While traveling from Southern California to Las Vegas, it is a must-visit, reached via I-15 to Jean, then west 7 miles on SR 161 to Goodsprings. Website.
Don’t forget The 49er in Acton. It’s been at the same location and open since 1850. Very famous through the years and was even frequented by gun stingers “Doc” Holiday and Wyatt Erp back in the early days. Lots of bikers make the trip up the old Soledad Canyon Road to Acton and The 49er on a regular basis. BTW, I have no affection with The 49er. I’m just a long- time resident of the area.
Another great suggestion John. I added the 49er Saloon to the list. Thanks.
You left out Cafe247 Lucerne valley CA 92356
Great suggestion Zachary,Cafe247 added to the list. I forgot about this place.