19 Best Bars near California

“Nestled in the heart of California, Maryland on Three Notch Road is ABC Liquors and Lounge — an absolute gem that radiates charm, energy, and a good ol' friendly vibe that makes you feel right at home the moment you walk through the door. This place is the epitome of what a local watering hole should be — inviting, lively, and always ready to serve up a great time.

Step inside, and you're immediately greeted by an ambiance that perfectly balances laid-back comfort with a lively buzz. The decor may be simple, but it's the kind of place where the walls whisper stories of countless good times. The moderate noise level creates a perfect backdrop for both spirited conversations and quiet musings over a frosty mug.

The service at ABC is top-notch. The tall barman, Jimmy, is nothing short of superb. He’s got a knack for making you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit. Whether you’re unsure of what to order or looking for something specific, the staff here go out of their way to ensure you have everything you need for an enjoyable experience. They’re knowledgeable, attentive, and always up for a chat.

Let’s talk drinks — ABC does not disappoint. The beer selection is fantastic, featuring both local brews and popular favorites. And if you’re a bourbon enthusiast like me, you’ll be thrilled with their fair pricing and the occasional hard-to-find bottle. Whether you’re filling a growler or savoring a craft beer, the prices are refreshingly reasonable.

The live music lineup is one of ABC’s standout features. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold drink while listening to some good tunes. The music scene here is vibrant and diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes. It’s the perfect spot to let loose, dance, and make some unforgettable memories with friends.

One of the best things about ABC is its strong sense of community. It’s a place where locals gather, stories are shared, and new friendships are forged. The friendly patrons and the welcoming environment make it easy to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Whether you’re new in town or a long-time resident, you’ll find yourself fitting right in.

ABC Liquors and Lounge is more than just a bar — it’s an experience. From the moment you step in, you’re treated to exceptional service, a fantastic drink selection, and a lively atmosphere that promises a good time. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, celebrate life’s moments, or simply enjoy the company of friends.

In a world of overpriced and impersonal bars, ABC stands out as a refreshing and genuine local treasure. I can’t recommend this place enough. Whether you’re looking to get blackout drunk with friends or just enjoy a few casual drinks, ABC is the place to be.

So, if you find yourself in Southern Maryland, do yourself a favor and head over to ABC Liquors and Lounge. You won’t be disappointed. Cheers to great drinks, amazing music, and unforgettable nights at ABC! ?✨“

“They had Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix and several others some spicy some not. I love stopping here for my liquor, mixers and beer. Obviously they had my Vodka. There selection for the Bloody Mary Mixes was great.. I will go stoo here next time we are in town. They had beer and liquor and other mixers for drinks as well as lottery and ice“

“Staff and patrons were friendly. Our waitress Grace took care of us. The food was excellent. Prices were reasonable. We drank a local IPA they had on tap. It was nothing fancy. Everything we tried was good: sweet Heat BBQ Bacon Burger, Coleslaw, Tater Tots, Trio Chips while it seems like a local's place, they are welcoming to tourists, too. Choose your spot - the bar, inside tables, or outside seating. The décor is rustic, comfortable & welcoming. Don't miss it!“

“The service was excellent, the food was delicious. Fine dining at it's best. Definitely will be back.“

“Great food and excellent service. Hadley is the best“

“Barrel 9 has all the right stuff. Great atmosphere, wonderful staff, the most delicious nosh, and an amazing selection of bourbons and wine. I solely came for the bourbons to sample some of the harder allocation bottles and fell in love with the food and staff. This little gem is what the SOMD area needs more of. I highly recommend 5/5 stars!!!!“

“We had a group upstairs and enjoyed the view and ease of doing business . The food was OK, but not quite as good as expected for the money. But all were happy in the end. Thanks for the ease of doing business with you all at a busy time!

Parking: Right out in front of restaurant - very easy !“

“Lovely friendly pub , cheap drinks friendly staff“

“Always a great time with great music! Fun biker bar“

“My fiance and I dine out often. We dine here and many other places pretty frequently. I had the special salmon and asparagus yesterday. I have to say that is the best salmon, or meal for that matter, that I've ever had. The food is always great, but that was over the top. I hope they keep that on the menu permanently.“

“Great place. Chill vibe. This is the place where you want to meet people for league games like darts or cornhole. Excellent rotation of IPAs and local beers. Josh and Sabrina are wicked friendly and make anyone feel welcome. They have done an excellent job with renovations to the inside.“

“1.5 HOUR DINING LIMIT!!!! Chief's will always be one of our favorites! The food is terrific 100% of the time, year after year. The staff work really hard to make us feel welcome and attend to all food/beverage needs. My one criticism (and everyone I've spoken to feels the same) is the 1.5 hour limit for dining. We don't go out for a leisurely dinner often, so when we do, we like to order appetizers, main courses, desserts and plenty of drinks. When you find yourselves a minute into dessert and a fresh round of drinks, and it's time to pay the $250-$300 check and leave b/c the 1.5 hour limit is up, it's a total bummer! This time, we actually had to pick up our desserts & drinks and find room [for only some of our party] at the bar, so we could finish. If you are going to have a time limit, put a timer on the table. At least that way, when your time is almost up, you can forget about ordering the desserts and last round of drinks. It was too embarrassing to rush to carry the rest of our meal to the bar, just so we could finish what we paid for.“

“The Rex you should bring for concert the outlaw nation nubreed and Jesse Howard lookin them up they are great I love the music go check it out“

“Absolutely nothing negative to say about this amazing place! Food is always great, service is friendly, fun and welcoming. One of my favorite places to eat out locally!“

“It was a busy lunch time. It being a holiday, it's to be expected. That staff was hustling so I give them a lot of credit on such a hot day. The Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Chili Shrimp were delicious, as usual. My husband got his usual, the Front Porch Salad, with shrimp which he enjoyed. My daugther and I got the Turkey BLTA. Neither of us liked it. It had an odd taste, which could have been the smashed avocado. Between that and the shredded lettuce, it made the bread soggy and difficult to eat. Not something we would order again. Her onion ring side and my cinnamon/sugar sliced sweet potatoes were a big hit! Otherwise, all was ok. We generally are fans of the Front Porch. It's best to stick with items you prevoiusly enjoyed.“

“My wife and I had the opportunity to dine in your restaurant this evening. We chose an early dinner to have time to relax and enjoy the view. I had to write and tell you what a fantastic experience we had. Hannah was our server and she was a shining example of hospitality and great service. Not over bearing but there to see what we needed or how things were food wise. She alone would be our reason for coming back. But the food was absolutely incredible. From the hush puppies, wings, crab cakes and blackened chicken, everything was cooked to perfection and tasted incredible. Not normally dessert eaters, Hannah sold us on two of your deserts! The apple cobbler and tiramisu cheesecake! Again, both were flawless. Please share this with your BOH staff as I know they are often overlooked and of course we sing our praises to Hannah! We were away on our 31st wedding anniversary and The Lighthouse was the jewel in our celebration! Great job to all!!!!!! Than you, Mike & Jo Ann Schatz North Wales, Pa.“