The Livermore Saloon

The owner of Perry's Liquors took over this spot months ago, and while I never checked out the place when the previous owner was there, I was excited that Harpreet and his family got an opportunity like this. The place is very dark inside...dark green walls all around before they painted them dark blue and black. The spot is one of the oldest in Livermore, so they want to keep it in that manner when it comes to the old pics on the wall and the bar itself...which has some old 50's Playboy pics, baseball cards, and poker chips sealed into the bar top. The previous owner didn't seem to be very clean, and the whole place needs a good power wash...it's been improving though. Harpreet is usually there at all times and has good beer knowledge. The others that work there, while very friendly, have some studying to do. The bar went from about 5 taps to almost 30 now, and they definitely have the most rare selection of beers in the area. No food is served, but there are restaurants/food spots all around the area, and you can bring in anything to eat. Price wise, they are very reasonable for the beers they get. Only places like Beer Revolution, and City Beer have been able to get beers that The Saloon have got...that I've seen. Definitely go before 9pm, in which it pretty much turns into a club...unless that's what you're into. They usually have some sort of fest going on every month with a live band and do an awesome job.

 

 

Living in Oakland, I never complain about availability of beer, my options to get it on draft, the stellar selection, and the amazing atmosphere. However, I must admit that I'm a bit jealous that the Livermore Saloon is 40 minutes away, you folks in Livermore are pretty lucky!

I've not seen a "dive" bar with this sort of open and inviting atmosphere in a while. We were immediately greeted by Diego, who hadn't yet had a chance to print out the tap list, so he instead gave us a personal rundown of all their beers on draft, something of a guided tour. When he said "Habanero Sculpin" that clinched it, I knew we were in a killer beer bar! Couple that with with beers from the likes of The Bruery, Bootleggers, Green Flash, and some other over the top Ballast Point rarities, and you can see how my assessment was easily confirmed.

What was intended to be an hour visit ended up lasting 4.5! Thanks in no small part to the exceptional beers on tap, the more than reasonable pricing for the pours, and most of all, the generosity and excellent conversation that Diego provided. Bonus points for Diego's dedication to providing the Bay Area with amazing craft, this guy goes on road trips to bring back only the best beers for both the bar (kegs) AND Perry's Liquors. Hard core.

Suffice it to say, we'll be going to Livermore way more often!

A dive bar with great beer? Yes please.

This is my kind of bar. Dark, loud on weekends, and full of a great beer. This bar is owned by the same guy that owns Perry's Liquors just down the street, and it shows. The selection is amazing. 25 taps of the Bruery, Lost Abbey, Belgians galore. Something for anyone can be found here. And SF Beer Week is coming up and some great events are planned. Check it out! Be sure to talk with Diego!

I stopped in here during a business trip to the area on 7/18/2012.

The bars I've been to in Livermore have usually had a decent domestic craft selection but nothing that excited interest to seek out for exceptional quality or diversity.

That all changed with my visit to the Livermore Saloon. I had been in this place a few years ago, but the current owner has owned it for about a year and has focused on having an exceptional beer list. I stopped in for what I thought would be one beer, but I ended up drinking five and chatting it up with the owner and patrons about great beer.

Mikkeller 1000 IBU and Rauch Geek Breakfast on tap? I knew I found a great place when I saw those two, and that is only the beginning. The draught list contains an impressive selection of great domestic craft beers along with some unbelievable imports. A generous patron also bought and shared a bottle of Fruet from the Bruery, and then bought me one to take back to Chicago...which is insane. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly, plus he's always eager to pour samples of the different beers for you to try.

The atmosphere is very laid back with a dive bar vibe -- my kind of place. This part of California was dying for this kind of establishment. I now have a regular place to drink beer during my trips to Livermore. Next time I'll try some of their food as well.

Visiting in the Bay Area and my brother in law's dental hygentist, of all people, recommended this place. We were very impressed with the owner's knowledge of various craft beers, and the empties decorating the walls made me a little jealous. The tap selection was very nice and I had Evil Cousin and Angel's Share Bourbon Barrel. The owner also owns Perry's Liquor nearby and we went and checked out their selection - pretty damn good! I recommend both the saloon and the liquor store if you are in or nearby Livermore.