Barney McBears

Will be the best spot in town soon, mark my words. I used to stop in when it was the sky lounge but Bear and co have really made some great improvements to what was a so-​so spot. Food truck, awesome patio, tons of tvs for when there is a game on. Only thing I hope is they get some more skilled bartenders because they gonna be slamming soon.

We love McBear’s! Truly eclectic mix of clientele, reflective of El Cerrito, Richmond, etc. R&B/Soul DJs on Thursday and Old Skool Saturday nights, plus all other sorts of events. You can’t go wrong here. The taco truck is awesome and the new beer garden is going to be awesome this summer. I like bars where everyone is welcome and I always feel welcome at McBear’s.

Five stars for the service. It was my first time there, since I was checking out the grand opening for the Curbside Kitchen (the food truck next door.) They were totally fine with us bringing the food in and eating inside.
As we walked through the bar, we realized there was no place to sit and eat our food. One of the workers was super sweet as he pulled out a foldable table and even got chairs for us. The same guy would open the door for us when we went back outside to the truck.
The atmosphere was mellow for a sports bar, loud but not obnoxious. It was to the point where my cousin was able to pull out her notebook and work on some homework. There were plenty of tvs on each wall of the bar, more than enough to enjoy the Warriors game and not feel bad for being the way for someone else’s view.
I would definitely come back.

I never went into Sky Lounge (the previous incarnation of this bar) as it looked a bit dodgy, but since the place came under new ownership I’ve taken to popping in, as it’s a very nice bar with run by very nice people.
The main bar is a large, light room with a pool table and plenty of seating both at the bar and one separate tables. There are televisions on two of the walls showing sports — which seems to be de rigueur for US bars — but it’s not too loud or annoyiing.
The bar has a very nice beer selection, decent whiskys, and a happy hour for a dollar off most drinks that runs until 7pm on weekdays. Out back there’s additional covered seating, and a small smoking area.
Interestingly, it has two restrooms — one for women and one unisex. As a result I’ve never seen a line of women outside the door. It’s a nice touch.
Never been at the weekend but I gather they do BBQ on Sundays. Otherwise there’s a taco truck parked up outside on a permanent basis, much like the Hotsy Totsy Club up the road in Albany. Never tried it, but a couple of people in the bar have recommended the tacos — the carnitas is apparently pretty good.
Based on all this McBears would get a solid four stars. But the staff and clientele make it a five star sort of a place. I’ve popped in a few times now and the bar staff have been uniformly excellent, I’ve had some interesting conversations with other patrons, and it’s very close to a British pub back home — not in style but in feeling like a community hub where everyone’s friendly.
The icing on the cake — and the reason I’m breaking my habit of not posting Unilocal reviews until that company cleans up its act — came last night. After going out drinking in SF with colleagues on Friday night, both to celebrate the end of the week and SpaceX’s historic landing, I popped in to McBear’s for a cheeky pint before going home.
I will admit to being rather wankered getting off BART, but passed by the pub on the walk home and decided another pint wouldn’t hurt. This was proved spectacularly wrong the next morning when a truly epic hangover ensued as result of drinking on an empty stomach. To make matters worse, after spending the morning sipping sweetened tea with shaking hands, I realized I couldn’t find my phone.
After turning the house upside down, having my better half call it and hearing bugger all, it was time to retrace my steps. Sure enough, some lovely person had found the phone and handed it in to the bar staff. I don’t know who you are, but I owe you a drink — feel free to collect any time.

Great place to watch football! Many big TVs! Love the friendly service and the friendly patrons! Gary McBear is the BEST!

Cool spot, good personable people. Great fun Juke box playing TV’s everywhere. Great drinks. Ak for Gary Barney is busy :)

The most new exciting bar and in El Cerrito California. Already has regulars and many TVs. And great barbecues on Sunday. A place where you feel home and safe. Just ask for Gary Barney’s busy.