{{ group }}
-
{{ item.name }}
- {{ item.properties.formatted }}
“I want to preface this by saying two things. First, I had never been here before. Which is sorta’ shocking for me because, two, I like Bay Area dive- and dive-adjacent bars.
Having lived in and/or visited this area for all of my 50-plus years, that is shocking. And I like this sort of place in a non-ironic, non-wink-wink, sorta’ way. I loved the Cardiff in Campbell before it became an ultra-lounge. I spent many a day and/or evening at Blinky’s before it closed. In more recent years, I was saddened when Patty’s Inn and then the The Red Stag closed. I am happy that Woodham’s still offers up first and last calls. And I continue to be amazed that Vahl’s is still slinging drinks in the hinterlands.
And I frequent these places because, in almost all cases, they provide a service that is rapidly being destroyed in the Bay Area. Great service. Strong drinks. Good prices (relatively speaking). Interesting customers. Normandy House checks all of these boxes.
This place exists where Bascom disappears. It is kitty-corner to what has to be one of the world’s oldest still existing uniform stores. It is located in a non-descript and frankly worn-down corner strip mall, the sort of place that is eagerly eyed by developers looking to raze the place in favor of bland and cheaply made condos that cost way too much.
By dive bar standards (and I mean that as a compliment), this place is huge! Long and lovely bar. Lots of seating. Clean bathrooms. Atmosphere-appropriate lighting. Pool tables and a good jukebox. My friend and I visited on a recent weekday, so the place was nearly empty. But the staff were top notch. We got an instant greeting, several check-ins, and prompt service. They were tearing down the St. Patrick’s Day stuff and putting up new decorations. Having never been here before, I didn’t feel like I was intruding. The staff made me feel at home.
I think the reviews and the average rating are about right. Thing is, check out some of the negative reviews. Most are years old. And the more recent one(s)—I am looking at you, Alex—makes the reviewer sound like a high-maintenance noodle who can’t fathom why people won’t respond to their friend requests. Hint: it’s you, Alex. It’s you.
Again, I am amazed I hadn’t visited before. And I plan to visit again the next time I am in the area. To the staff, thank you. You provided excellent service. To the owner, keep doing what you are doing. In a place that is more and more demolishing the heart and spirit of the area and pricing out locals, you provide a service that I am not sure newer transplants understand or even respect.
Highly recommended.“
Customers` Favorites
“What a great bar to have a drink before shopping at TJMAXX. We weren't looking forward to the holiday rush so we stopped in for a drink in this nicely hidden bar very close to the Mercado Shopping Center. Very nice bar tender & they have a list of interesting drinks posted right of the bar. 2 pool tables for a sharks.“
“fabulous, entertaining, great place to interact with others“
Customers` Favorites
“Chill atmosphere, GREAT staff, cold beer, music you will never hear on the radio (that's a good thing.). #supportlivemusic.com“
Customers` Favorites
“They dont really serve food but you can bring your own in. Really fun place. Couple pool tables great service. Most folks I talked to have been coming here for decades, so that's got say something! Great bartenders! Especially the day time guy!
Cash only though. They have an atm on site if needed. Definitely worth it stopping by.“
“Buen ambiente recomendado excelente club“
“It’s a really cool local dive bar, lots of pool tables and darts. Only thing I don’t like is the manager charline, she’s really mean. I love going on the nights where Elena bartends, best bartender ever, this girl deserves a raise ? she carries the bar. We’re regulars so we know what’s up“
Customers` Favorites
“What a blast. I went down to Beefy's last night with my wife and a friend of ours for a dart tournament. There were at least 40 people chucking darts. Everyone was very welcoming as the dart community usually is. TBH, I got a little clostrophobic as there was nowhere to move after each throw. It was packed. Too many tables and chairs in the way The tournament was played on 5 boards simultaneously, and they have a practice board inside and outside. The boards were all lit very well with LED surrounds, and we used the provided tablets with DartsConnect app for scoring. Some people brought snacks to share. Priced seemed a little high ($8 Modelo draft) on drinks, but what bar isn't nowadays. There is plenty of parking in front and back. League Darts on Thursdays and tournaments on Saturdays. Overall, I had a very nice experience there and will definitely be returning.“
Customers` Favorites
“Good bar for nightcap in LG!
Black Watch is a neighborhood dive bar. They have dart ? if someone is interested.
Bar is old school bar, with modern drinks/cocktails.
They don't have kitchen, only food is chips and other readymade snacks.
Service is good!
Vegetarian options: Couple
Dietary restrictions: No food here!
Parking: Street parking or parking garage
Kid-friendliness: No
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“
“I love the patio. It's a warm welcoming watering hole filled with great people!“
“Great service and good vibes and good music“
Customers` Favorites
“Stopped in Friday and the BBQ Chicken was great. The baked potato had sour cream a butter. The beans were very tasty. The price was great and so was the service. I'm going to come back and try the breakfast and might add a bloody Mary. Nice bartender.“
“They have 3 pinball machines, 2 pool tables, 2 electronic dart boards, a jukebox, an ATM machine, and all sorts of memorabilia on the walls and ceiling available for their patrons to enjoy!! The atmosphere can go anywhere from calm and mellow during midday, to exciting, jovial, entertaining, and filled with dancing and laughter in the late evenings. As far as the patrons, they has a great, blended environment; so no one will feel out of place if you decide to go. So... if you want to go to a place where you'll feel welcomed and have a great time, then Paul & Harvey's on Murphy Ave. is the place for you!!??? *Photo's to come...!“
Customers` Favorites
“Everything! It’s a great place to hang out“
“No food (AFAIK) but 5* for making the point.If you're expecting a dive bar, then you'll be pleasantly satisfied. Karaoke that everyone is willing to join in the embarrassment with. All the regulars look out for everyone else. Literal hole in the wall and I wouldn't want it any other way.“
“Great place to grab a drink whether you’re gay straight or bi. The drinks aren’t that pricey as some would have you believe the bar tenders are nice and respectful they are also very welcoming. Overall great experience I go here often when I need a drink and a sense of community.“
Recommended
Customers` Favorites
“{{restaurant.reviews}}“
Loading...
“A short review: Woodhams (I feel like an apostrophe belongs there) absolutely rocks!!! Full stop.
A longer review: first, check out my review of the Normandy Inn (where I shout out this place). Surprised I hadn’t reviewed it sooner, given that I have been coming here for the past five years. I credit my closest, and oldest, friend for introducing me to this place.
I’ve been here during the day and at night. I prefer the day, since I don’t really like crowded spots. But, in both situations, I have enjoyed what they have to offer. In fact, on one night visit, they had a cover band with two guitarists that did a UFO cover?!?! Who would’ve thought?!?!
The interior is a great mish-mash of the obvious and the odd, with a seeming preference to lean into phallic objects being sprinkled about the place. The bartenders and the owner couldn’t be nicer. The prices are great, considering the area. The usuals are, generally speaking, a great group of people. Let me put it this way (and this is a reference for those who know): when you pull up and the truck with the Slayer decal is in the lot, you know you are going to be treated well!
Before I end, I must ask: are karaoke people prima donnas? I certainly think so. I read through the negative reviews and, almost to the one, they seemed to be from pampered and precious ‘singers’ who take umbrage at not being treated like they are, actually, singers. Here’s the thing: the bar wants to make money. You want to live out your failed dreams. If you don’t buy something while making us listen to you, you lose the place money. So, acting like you are Maria Callas (when you actually sound like Marge Simpson) actually ends up being another negative review of you, not the place. Which is frustrating, because I know these places have to offer you a place to warble because it can make money. And other negative reviews are just funny (and old). Slagging this place based on identity issues is just poor form. I suspect you were the issue, not because of who you are, but because of how you acted. And the bathroom review made me chortle. I guess you need a really big bathroom?
So, let me return to the beginning to end: Woodham’s (I still feel like an apostrophe belongs there) absolutely rocks!!! Full stop.
I am already looking forward to my next visit.“