I have never posted on yelp but I noticed the person who gave a 1star on July 4th has the same name as a woman that came in on July 3rd. This is no big deal aside from the fact that this woman came in and ordered a drink, spoke to a local man for roughly 5 minutes and he went to the bathroom, she ordered a drink and said he was buying. The bartender asked if he was buying and he said no I am going home, i dont know her.The bartender knew the man and knew the much older woman did not know the man. After this man left the bartender reminds the woman she still needed to pay and it was almost closing. She says to charge the man next time he comes in and she is leaving. She started her car but the bartender stopped her and coaxed her to come in to pay her tab. She insisted she did not need to pay because she could help market the bar. Eventually she paid but said she would leave a bad yelp review. 30 mins later, after closing, she even returned and accused the bartender of stealing her purse which she had walked out with earlier. Just saying this is an extremely biased review.
The bar in truth is a great dive bar with good music every weekend. There are BBQs on saturday and sunday with burger and hot dogs. Nothing fancy, just a remote dive bar with friendly locals.
Read through many of the reviews and was surprised that nobody I read had mentioned that La Honda and its hood is Ken Kesey country where he and his "Merry Pranksters" hung regularly. His house in La Honda where he wrote has been restored. Hmm...maybe the youngins haven't discovered him yet?
Review Source:My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place! It's the perfect pit stop (could last hours) on a sunny day. I love the atmosphere and the fun people that I always get to meet and chat with. Play some great tunes on the juke box and take a shot with Pat the bartender. Pat is awesome and super friendly. BONUS: they have Fireball now!!
Review Source:Not quite sure why this is categorized as a hotel when in reality it is a bar. It is quite an interesting place, the drinks are really good and you feel like you are stepping back into time as soon as you walk in. It has a very rustic and welcoming feel. The crowd can be very diverse & Â from bikers to tech professionals to broke college students. Â Great stop on the way to the beach!
Review Source:Took me quite some time for service. they gave me a microwave burger, and were out of the liquor for my drink. The one man band playing just made me feel awkward, and the drink biker it front kept hollering at me. It wasn't even 5p yet. They don't take credit, of course, that would make too much sense.so instead they charge you 2 bucks to use the ATM. I won't bee coming back our recommending it. A dive of a dive.
Review Source:Living in the Bay Area sometimes you forget what a tech bubble it is until you come to a place like Apple Jack's - which has probably existed from before time and gives you a glimpse of what the real Bay Area (pre- tech, outside the upper middle class suburbs) is like - still a land of ranchers and country boys. Some may call it a dive bar but to me it just seems like a locals type of place out in the country. Cool to hang out on the front porch or enjoy some live music inside. Beware, beer is not cheap - it'll still set you back $5-6 a pint.
Review Source:Awesome dive bar. Â The biggest problem is that driving back from there requires a lot of sobriety and it is hard to believe anyone would go there to drink. Â The alcohol selection is much better than you would expect from a "typical" biker-bar in the middle of the woods.
Big tip: while they have food, it isn't a place to go to eat. Â Not knowing better, we popped in after a hike for some beer and food. Â The bartender saw us eyeing the small food menu (on a white board above the bar) and warned us that it is all Costco food that he just warms up in the back. Â So we went elsewhere for food. Â Big props that he let us know ahead of time.
I attended my friend's birthday at this place on a Saturday night and it ended up being a great experience. Â It is out in the middle of nowhere and when you arrive the neon lighting at the front looks so dim that you are not sure whether it's open. Â Then you realize that the parking lot is full and there is a lively dive bar atmosphere in full effect when you walk up. Â When you walk in, the bar is to the right and every bar stool is occupied by what appear to be locals. Â They all appear to know each other. Â Some have the style of country chic (tucked in flannel shirts with cowboy hats). Â Others have the distinct earth tone look you would find from a Santa Cruz hippie. Â This all adds to the experience.
You look to your left and there is a pool table and stoked fire stove. Â You look to the back and there is a live band tuning their guitars and setting up. Â If you are with a group, take this as your opportunity to establish some seating and grab a beer. Â Â The beer selection was solid...but cash only...so don't forget it or it will be a long, windy trip back to an ATM.
When the music started, everyone in our group stood there impressed. Â My expectations were not high but they ended up being very good. Â I looked around at my friends and noticed many of them moving to the music. Â For a band at a dive bar in the middle of nowhere, this group had clearly undergone some reps together. The dance floor quickly filled up.
My advice for going to this place is to go with a group of friends. Â This was a great call for a birthday. Â I ended up leaving feeling like I had really stepped into a different time and I am sure this is a place that my friends will be talking about for years to come.
Popped in here the other day, with friends, partner in crime and Rocky, our trusty little road tripping sidekick.
Since puppies aren't allowed inside, we kicked it outside on the hand carved tree stump loungers, while sipping Blue Moons.
Gotta love California and the 65 degree winter weather days that make all this possible. Â Check out the pics!
Ya kinda gotta see it to believe it. Â
Hand hewn wood beam floors, complete with just the right amount of creaking. Â Pot belly stove for heat. Â A diverse collection of chotzkies behind the bar that has probably never been dusted. Low tolerance for douche bags (tip: I would not wear an affliction t-shirt to this establishment).
While it is definitely a locals joint we have always felt very welcomed. Â I often bring out-of-town guests here. Â It is a great stop on the way over the hill to San Gregorio and Pescadero. Â They might see the Golden Gate Bridge and/or Big Sur but THIS is the place they will talk about.
Love, love, love dive bars! Â This one is as friendly as they come and you don't have to get drunk to make friends! Â Our bartender was so great, and she gave us tips on places to visit when we go on our next vacation. Â She even wanted to call her Dad in D.C. to put him on the phone with us to tell us where to go and eat! Â Lots of bikers come here passing through as well as locals. Â The ladies room was surprisingly clean and spacious. Â I was leery going in since the door handle was missing and there was a big hole people could see through but there were a couple of very big stalls inside so it wasn't what it seemed. Â La Honda is a tiny town but the people are friendly as we stopped at a couple of other businesses and talked to the locals.
Review Source:This is the best bar in the entire Bay Area to act stupid. Well actually, if you act stupid here you are likely to get your butt kicked. Well not really, the patrons at this bar are among the most friendly you will find anywhere......so long as you don't act stupid.
I was at my friends watching a bit of the Winter Olympics when he says he really needs a beer. Ok, so go to your billion dollar stainless steel frig and go grab one of your super fancy Czech imports that you probably personally had brought over in your super fancy private jet.
Nope, not on this night. This Woodside family man needed a Budweiser. And not even a cold one. I guess the stress of raising children in a multi million dollar mansion just got the better of him.
I offered to be the DH so we hopped in my truck and headed up Highway 84 towards the town of La Honda. Along the way I was trying to remember if I actually had ever been to that town and once I crossed Skyline I immediately recognized the curvy roads and remembered the multiple times I was almost pushed off the road on my bike rides up the hill by passing cars.
The drive out there is worth the price of admission as it is one of the most beautiful in the entire Bay Area. The road is lined with tall redwood trees and if you are lucky will catch glimpse of some of the wildlife along the way.
As you enter into the town Apple Jacks is clearly visible from the road right on the left. For a population of only a few hundred I was surprised by the amount of cars parked out in front. Then again what else is there to do in a town like La Honda? Before entering I halfway expected to find a rough looking crowd of locals ready to beat up on any newbies that would dare venture in. What I found was one of the most interesting and eclectic mixes of people I had ever encountered. Me and my Banana Republic wearing-self found guys in suits,  beautiful women in snazzy dresses,  older guys wearing horse manure stained Wranglers and low and behold geeky looking guys just like me wearing the same old boring  burnt orange v-neck sweaters.
My friend knew a few of the locals there so right away I met some really nice people. I learned a lot about the area and met an orchid grower/importer who gave me an education on his craft. He even extended an invite to come out to see his greenhouse so I can see how the process works. Yes, this actually interests me.
The bar is classic and you don't have to settle on cheap beer as they carry some interesting micro brews. I settled on an IPA which was my only drink of the evening. This place also stocks up some pretty high end alcohol. I saw plenty of fine bourbons and whiskeys being poured. I thought about ordering a Scotch, but didn't want to chance it knowing that I had a windy drive back and then another treacherous jaunt back to Burlingame.
The downside is the fact that this place is isolated from the rest of us. So making a drive down just to drink is not something I would not recommend. There is a motel just up the street on the left that has a bunch of cottages so maybe if you really want to tie one, you can book a room and pack some porn for a wild night out.
I love Apple Jacks. The sheer amount of history it holds commands respect. I love going there to see my friends play music and its a rough and rowdy place where anyone is welcome. La Honda is extremely isolated so a legitimate reason is required to attend a night at AJs. All of my time spent there has been enjoyed and I would suggest anyone in La Honda for any length of time should roll through. Bring a jacket, it gets cold at night.
Review Source:I was on a road trip to Big Sur and stopped at Apple Jack's looking for some breakfast. Â They said that were getting ready for a bbq, but it'll be a couple of hours before it would be ready. Â My brother and I agreed: Â Beer for breakfast. Â The staff looked at their watch and then looked at the travelers that just entered their establishment. Â I noticed that for a dive bar in the stix, they had a respectable beer selection. Â The Spaten Optimator wasn't bad, so I had one more for dessert. Â We went back to the patio and took in the serenity of the forest. Â As we were finishing our beers, the proprietors informed us that we should return later in the evening when things really get going. Â My brother and I agreed. Â When we came back that evening we were not disappointed. Â The locals were friendly and the live music was pretty good. Â I can't wait to return the bay area again, so I can have another visit .
Review Source:I was brought here mid-day by a gentleman who understands whiskey is the way to my heart, well, at least for a night. Even during the day, you will blink a few times as your eyes adjust to the low, moody interior. Locals sit at the bar bantering with the bartender and each other, they're accustomed to outsiders and won't flinch at your polo or designer jeans. Perhaps it's the altitude, but the beer is especially cold and more satisfying than any you'll have in the towns below. The bartender is friendly and even gave us one free since the keg below needed to be changed out....the glass was 7/8ths full...in the 94123 they would have scoffed and charged you anyways.
The definitive dive bar, come if you like adventures yet the comfort of home, and are friendly but keep to yourself.
Looking forward to seeing this place on a Friday or Saturday night. Yes, I can say with confidence that I will be back.
This place is effing HILARIOUS. Â It absolutely epitomizes dive bars. Â In fact, all other dive bars should bow down to this, the clear ruler of them all. Â If bars could bow, that is, and, well, they can't, 'cause they're bars.
Right. Â Back to this bar.
As my friend drives me up here, and it's taking a reeeeally long time, and there are all these windy streets and deep ravines, I begin to think, "this is how horror movies begin. Â Will I ever get out of here alive?" Not only did I get out alive, but a couple beers for the better.
This, incidentally, was no thanks to the bartender, a supremely stoned just-barely-21-year-old girl who disappeared randomly about 15 minutes after we arrived. Â Once people started getting irritated that there was no bartender, one of the regulars--big dude with shaved head but full beard (which always mystifies me)--decides to get up and play bartender. Â Honestly, no one in this bar's asking for anything more complicated than a bottle of bud and a shot of JD, so it's not like he needs to be a rocket scientist to manage it!
He's actually a pretty entertaining dude, along with the other characters who inhabit this place. Â Peoplewatching was definitely my favorite part of the visit. Â However, those burgers they were grilling up right in front of the joint smelled pretty darn fantastic, so that might trump peoplewatching on my next visit.
Verdict: worth the drive. Â Just make sure you don't drink too much and end up in a ravine on the way out...
Why is it I tend to gravitate to dive bars, other than I am super curious? Â I could give this place a one, two, three, four of five star, all because it doesn't matter, this place ain't gonna change. Â
Built in 1879 as a blacksmith shop for passing carriages, wagons and horse shoe making, Apple Jacks was the heyday in town.  Back in those days, you made sure you packed  two six shooters and wore a pretty tall hat.  Ordering whiskey and stuffing your face with smoked jerky your options was to either stay or get out town.  Be forewarned however that whichever choice you took, you were a good two or three days from anything else nearby.
Nowadays.. its a bar..but not only a bar..but a bar with PATINA. Â Why come all the way up here only to find some foo-foo modernized everything and you don't get the sense of the ye ol west? Â Â Not here... Â Apple Jacks Inn sports weekend music, dancing, and suds. Â The more... the better. Â
Drop in.. wear a tall hat, and order away. Â A must see.
My friend and I found this place on the way to the 1 to see the Pacific Ocean (I, being from the east coast of Florida, had never seen it). We figured it for a dive biker/redneck bar, but vowed we get a picture on the way back from the beach. It ended up suprising us COMPLETELY!
We loved it immediately: the creaking wood floors, the simplicity, the smells, everything. We like "chill" places such as this, and they had my favorite two beers on tap, Guinness and Newcastle. I wouldn't eat here, but would drink and dance my night away for sure! If you're looking for a trendy pub, this isn't your place, but if you want to have fun in a relxed atmosphere with down-to-earth company of all walks of life, this is it!
This is indeed a true roadhouse, and kudos to whoever it was who pointed that out as it's exactly how I describe it to anyone who will listen (previously it was "It's fucking...awesome").
My dear friend and I happened upon this bar quite on accident. We were both visiting from out of town, and only I was vaguely familiar with the area. She wanted to go to the mountains and see the ocean, so off on the 84 we went. Only based on the outside, I made it a mandatory stop on the way back. The inside matches the outside- that's about the most I can say and I mean it very positively.
The beer selection was solid and though I didn't dip into the liquor, they had about anything I tend to order. Which is vast (hah). The bartenders were nice, attentive, and helpful when we asked about the area. The patrons... well when we were there I didn't see the often referenced bikers (sadly). It wasn't too populated at all, actually. There were a couple of guys who wandered in just like us. There were a handful of assorted transients in the nicest, most positive definition of the word. There were also a couple of regulars at the bar watching some hockey and providing engaging conversation. Never did I expect to discuss NHL matters in the middle of the forest, but I couldn't have been more pleased. It was a delightful cast of characters for 4pm!
There was live music that night but we did not return. Why? Why, with nothing but accolades and Yelp stars to offer, would we not return? The drive. Windy drive through the redwoods that offered a bit of trickery even for the sober driver. I also didn't see a motel, or a good place to stop and order up a cab for the jaunt without spending all my money. Even given that, 5 stars. I will be back. I just may end up sleeping in my car (or on the porch... or....).
Also, they had a short menu of food. Looks like just the thing to order when you must soak up some alcohol, but can't vouch for the quality etc .
We've stopped by here several times after hiking in Sam McDonald County Park. This is a biker bar, all kinds of bikers gather at this ancient bar; from bike gangs, motorcycle enthusiasts, to yuppies on their custom $100k bikes. The place is old; built in the late 1880's with creaky wooden floors, and dusty memorabilia lining the walls. The layout is sparse; a pool and foosball table, electronic jukebox, Â ATM, two booths and a dozen barstools are the main furnishings. The place appears to be a music venue at night. The beer selection is sparse but adequate but there's plenty of hard liquor. The food selection is stuff you find in the frozen section of a grocery store.
One of the more amusing moments was when came in with over 20 people. One of the folks discovered ABBA on the jukebox and so we danced all evening to it. Â The bikers didn't care for ABBA and took off...
This place is quite a drive to get to even from Redwood City, windy windy roads, it's enough to make a person motion sick, when you get there it an old country bar resembling and smelling like the old west, in fact if I didn't know any better I would say this was a spin off of something from Clint Eastwood movie but bartender was much nicer... At any rate if you want to get crap faced and still drive home this is your place.. Â Oh yea they have live music too..
Review Source:LaHonda is perhaps best known as the place where Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters lived and created their Acid Tests in the 1960's and as the town where Neil Young still resides and it would be fair to say that not much has changed here since the 1960's. And Apple Jacks is a throwback to another world. Tucked away high in the Santa Cruz Mountains on long and snakelike Highway 84 between Woodside and Pescadero, Apple Jacks is an honest to goodness roadhouse lost in time as well as the tall pine trees and ancient redwoods. It's the only bar left in this neck of the woods. and I do mean woods here, and on weekend evenings the place comes alive with old crusty bikers, dyed in the wool hippies, college kids, and just plain old fashioned folks who come in to drink , play pool, and to dance to live music which by the way is FREE. Despite what has been said in an earlier post, Neil Young never played here (he played at the Boots and Saddle down the road that was burnt to the ground long ago), but Neil does make his home in the very rural and lost in time community. This place is OLD, but it is REAL, and for those looking for fun without the frills you will certainly find it here. Looks can be deceiving and don't be afraid as the locals will treat you just fine as you'll find them to be a real friendly bunch. Â It is also an excellent stop off for those long Sunday afternoon drives.
Review Source:This place is super cool! Â It's a roadhouse in La Honda, a little crossroads town between Half Moon Bay and Los Altos, in the middle of the woods. Â The building is a true cabin-in-the-woods, and as long as you stay on the front porch, you can bring your beer outside and bullshit with the locals.
The wood floor squeaks like you won't believe, but the pool table is true. Â This is a biker bar, through and through.
Neil Young played here. Â At least that's what my Cousin Jackie said.
Oh, and the old sign up in the tree to the left of the bar? Â The one no one's been able to read for years? Â It's mounted sideways and upside-down, and covered with ivy, so no wonder. Â But I solved the mystery! Â It says "Pomona"...go see for yourself.
If you want a great getaway, this is it...PCH down through Half Moon Bay, lunch at Cameron's. Â Left on 85 (? whatever that highway is) and take it all the way through to Apple Jack's. Â Bring a designated driver...there is no motel in La Honda.
I have been wanting to try Apple Jacks out for a real long time.Everytime we are in the area,our teenage daughter is with us so we have to roll on by.About 2 months ago,the wife and I found ourselves alone and feeling very thristy,so we stopped in for a guiness or 2.This place is as historic as they get..Old log cabin type building with lots of cool stuff to look at(think Heinholds in Oakland)This place looks like it was once an old"bucket of blood"saloon back in the day.The barkeep talked of the places history during the Hippie days and all the bands who performed/drank here.Great place for a foggy winter drink around the fireplace or a brew on the front"porch"during the summer..
Review Source:This is a magnificent specimen of the Rural Northern California Divus-Redneckitus. Easily identified by its' plumage of dusty old hats, decrepit wood flooring, Harley Davidson motorcycles and beat up pickup trucks. This particular specimen also boasts appropriate juke box selections, foose ball, stiff drinks and the imaginative use of a comic book and Bible as a pool table leveling system.
Happy Hunting!
Back roads dive bar. Â And when I say dive, I mean, "Hit the deck, that bottle is flying in your direction." Â Darts, hot dogs, Miller Lite, billiards, live music. Â The neon sign looks especially ironic on the Lincoln Log building. Â Apparently, you could pass out there, if need be, but keep your pistol under your pilla. Â But if you're like me, and you can hold your own, this place is great.
Review Source:This place is an institution. Â It used to be a Blacksmith's shop, now it is (I think) the only bar in town.
I love this little rustic bar tucked in the redwoods. Â
It is usually filled with an interesting crowd. Â They have live music every weekend and everyone dances.
On summer nights it is fun to hang out on the "porch."
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