Good place for a good beer, music, and some side food for your beer, they need a big t.v in there, selection of beer is ok, prices vary on the beer, NO cold glasses!!! Every time I go there glasses are kept outside room temp. Â Not GOOD! but they have their events every night, mic nights, music band, but owner Vic needs to fix that, atleast have Cold beer glasses to enjoy the beer on draft!
Review Source:Like this place and love their festivals but this was the first time I've experienced a daytime bartender, if that's you'd call her. Worst service ever!! After spending 30 min. doing other work without asking anyone if they'd like another beer, she proceeds to wash and fill a large dog bowl. WTF, seriously? She sure isn't making the bar any $$. I ended up walking out after 1 beer. Go at night or you're wasting your time. She had as much personality as a sheet of plywood.
Review Source:I love this little place and it is one of my favorite places in downtown Hayward to grab a drink. Of course, Hayward doesn't have a boatload of options available, but I love the atmosphere at The Bistro. There is live music every night, and who doesn't like listening to music while sipping (or chugging!) on some beer and wine. And crayons! I used to love crayons as a kid, so drawing on a table with crayons always reminds me of fond memories...
Yeah, the bathroom is pretty gritty and the people there, well they're an eclectic bunch. I consider it part of the charm. It's not a lounge and it's not a club, it's a little (hole in the wall) bar so don't go there expecting the red carpet to be rolled out. BUT, they have a decent selection of beers and cheap wine...and don't forget the crayons!
Good beer, decent price, CRAYONS?! Love the tables with the blank pages to draw on. Definitely made drinking more fun.
As for what was on tap, there was definitely a decent selection of 10 beers. We got the Pliny the Elder and the Black Butte Porter. Both tasty, neither more than 7 dollars. I definitely want to see if they have any other good beers in the future.
Great place to have a brew and check out some great live music! Not many places like this in these parts so I'm grateful to have a small venue like this to kick it at once and a while. I first came here to to check out my guitar teacher's band and I had great time.
Even better is that they have Pliny the Elder on tap! That is super rare indeed. Just wish we had something like this in my hood. The Pliny and the venue, that is.
There are not of places like this in this area and it gets points for being unique. The Bistro reminded me of Austin where I had just returned from and is known for its music scene.
I went here for drinks with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed being able to sit outside and listen to live Blues music.
I came here on a Saturday night with a group of friends after dinner. Â The bar has a good selection of beer on tap, which I judge by if I have or haven't heard of most of them. Â I'd say that the only beers I had heard of was Pliny & Racer 5, so we were good. Â I got to try a couple new STRONG IPAs and I was happy. Â It was fun to chat with my friends at a table and draw pictures on the white paper that they put down on the table. Â (They give you crayons as well.) Â My only complaint is that we were not particularly there for the music, although music is always appreciate in my book, so the fact that they pumped the music up so loud in volume was a bit of a distraction for us and we ended up texting and writing notes to each other to communicate, which is not what we wanted. Â I'd say that I'll be back when the weather warms up and I can drink outside at the tables they have outside of the restaurant.
Review Source:I've been here a few times with friends on a Friday night for a beer and there is a good selection to choose from. I've come a long way since I started drinking beer and appreciating it but I am not to the level of IPA/Double IPA/Triple IPA just yet, hats off to those who can handle that strong of a beer! At my most recent visit, I had a pear cider and a Trumer Pils, and both were great. I've had them before else where but I like when I can order something I know I'll like and not have to guess that I'll like it. I'm all for trying new beers but this was not the case that day.
I like that there is indoor and outdoor seating and the people who work there are nice and approachable. They have bands but I not had the pleasure of seeing any of them yet, yet! This is not a frilly bar to have a ladies night at, but it's more a local spot that is low key. Easy to get to from BART and there are parking spots near the Bistro.
I suggest you try this place out and have a few beers!!
The sister of the owner says to me: " No way.. are you telling people about this?!"
I take another sip of the smoothest 11% known to NorCal brew fiends and assure her I'm only mentioning this unique situation to a friend in San Jose who recently had to wait in line with many others just to get a limited taste of this highly sought after liquid masterpiece.
Here at The Bistro, there were no limits, lines, or outrageous pricing. Just a few in the know, smiling ear to ear and told to "shush" as we joked alongside the literary group on the small stage at the end of the room. Five individuals read their original works aloud, some comedic, some dark, some dramatic, some Palahniuk-esque.
Chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms, 7 layer chip, and salmon-cream cheese crostinis covered a small table as I strategically selected a mini-dinner snack tray and headed back to the bar for another round. Possibly more. All mentioned dishes were splendid.
As the clock struck 8:00pm, word had spread, and more had gathered to get a taste of the second greatest beer in the world.
I chalk this up to yet another under the radar release that was surely the most memorable of these past month keg taps across the East Bay.
I heard this place has live music, I stopped by and checked it out. I was suprised, the place has great outdoor seating, the inside was a little outdated, but the decoration were nice (instruments on wall). I really enjoyed the band (forgot their name), they were great, but deceptive. If you see one of those band members walking down the street their is no way in hell you would ever guess that: they are in a talented band and also they can rock a guitar and drums.
The staff were also really nice and welcoming.
Overall, this is a great place to hang out with friends and listen to live music.
We stopped by for a beer after hurrying out of the stein bar up the road. We were much happier here. Really nice craft beer selection, but of course, any bar with Pliny the Elder is always highly ranked in our books. Good music. I asked a lot of questions, the bartender was very patient. Dog friendly. Cash only. I look forward to coming back.
Review Source:Let's go to the Bistro.... oui oui.... and have some wine....NOT...get that French Bistro out of your head and head to the generically named placed called the Bistro in Hayward and have some amazing beers on tap. Â I was fortunate enough to visit after a recent beer fest so they had some interesting Wethopped IPAs on tap from several reginal breweries. Â I really enjoyed the selection and discussing the brews with the bartender. Â And bonus, they have live music on certain nights.
I would definitely return here if in the area.
The Bistro was an unexpected pleasure as i killed some time waiting for bombay masala to open.(they never did open for lunch. wonder if that "help wanted" sign on the window had something to do with it.).
Bistro isn't an eatery as the names implies but a makeshift bar counter with tables scattered around a spacious room. instruments adorned the upper walls, implying they have nightly musical performaces.
truly a mix crowd  ethnicly. hip crowd too. fists bumps were abundant when the main man came through and proceeded to the back room.
on tap: 12 premium beers, Â probably heavyweights in the industry since plinay, da no. 1 beer was on blackboard. white and red wines also available.
pour: plinay the elder(5.5)
-very smooth brew with character, hoppiness without any bitterness
on tap:
-only 2 sammies, a salad, and a soup on the menu
-only 1 staffer so service s methodic and courteous
-definitely worth repeating if time killing is on the agenda.
-good place to find great beers  on tap.
Like everyone else has mentioned, The Bistro has a good selection of beers. Â They tend to favor the IPA and Double IPA style which is something I like. Â They recently had their annual Double / Triple IPA festival which was nice. Â They were able to close the side street and set it up as an urban beer garden (minus the seats and benches). Â It was nice set up but a tad expensive. Â Also, their website is somewhat lacking in details. Â
Will I be back? Â Sure... good beer always brings me back.
Came here after a disasterous time at Buffalo Bills.
It's a small neighborhood kind of spot. Kinda of dark and dingy.. they feature live music which was awesome and outdoor seating, which was also awsome because the music was SUPER loud.
The bartender is just your run of the mill guy, filling up draught beers. Quite the selection, and although I don't care for beer, I actually enjoyed mine.
Good times all around.
The owners of the Bistro have done so much to promote good beers, and the Double IPA Beer style, that it is hard not to like this place. When the traffic on 880 is bad, and I go through Hayward to get to Livermore, it is tough not to stop and have one of the great offerings. The number of taps are lower than most, but the quality across the board is unsurpassed.
The Bistro hosts several festivals throughout the year, and are "can't miss" events if you are a fan of great craft beer. Check out the website for these festival dates, and make sure to attend.
I am getting thirsty as I write this, and I hope traffic is bad on the way home tonight.
I dunno why, but I just don't "get" the B Street Bistro.
They keep shoving in their face that their so "alternative" with local brews, nightly jazz, and stuffed mushrooms, but I'm just not feeling it. It's like I need to wear a beret and look cool, rather than, y'know, have a good time.
Wow, I can't believe I've never written a review for this place.
When I was living in Castro Valley  a few years back this was our favorite bar! Two main reasons: They are always changing their selection of craft brews and live music! Both of which I love.
My house mate and I have drank many a pint and listened to a bunch of really great music and some OK music ;-)
Now I'm feeling a bit nostalgic about the whole thing...
We'd just finished grabbin' a bite to eat and brew at Buffalo Bills. On a whim we popped over to the Bistro to try something new and fell in love.
It musta been after their double IPA festival that we walked in for the first time, because their selection of hoppy beers was frick'n ridiculously awesome! I'm pretty sure this was the first place I tried Pliny The Elder
and The Younger!
Let the good times roll!
Pretty nice spot in the middle of nowhere! Â They have some decent beers on tap and a nice selection of bottles. Â Service was friendly.
Unfortunately, the boyfriend and I came here when we were both hungover (him more so) but we ordered a half-pint of Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout for me and Duchesse for him to go with our 7-layer dip. Â The dip was great for our hangovers and I drank just enough of both of our beers to get the hair of the dog effect.
Would definitely stop by if I was in the area, though why I would be there again, I'm not sure....
This is a good place to pick up a beer with your buddies.
Any given night you'll find live music. Usually jazz but often some eclectic band. Always boasting a great list of beers, the bartenders are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Skip weekdays, this place is most fun on the weekends. Summer nights on the patio always make me happy.
Small venue. Â Good music. Â Good beer.
I came here on a Monday night to watch a friend perform recently. Â I had passed by and seen plenty of crowds and bands playing, but had never ventured in before. Â I may have to check it out more often.
It is really a small, cozy little place with plenty of seating and a small area for a band to setup. Â The beer selection was surprising, and included some Russian River Brewery beers, like Pliny the Elder, one of my favorites. Â They also had Blind Pig, Damnation, Lagunitas Dogtown, and a separate menu for Belgian beers. Â Awesome selection.
I'll definitely be back for some good beer. Â Prices were decent too, a much better option than Bijou across the street at $25 for two drinks. Â I'll need to check out more local talent here too.
I moseyed over to Downtown Hayward on a Wednesday night because my boyfriend, and two of our other guy friends were bored after work and class and we had nothing to do! We went to get fro-yo, and walked around looking at peculiar art in the windows. Then we heard this soulful music coming out of this place called The Bistro. Well, I thought to myself, this seems inviting, let's grab a drink and listen on in.
So we did, and then they did a cover for Prince! I fell in love instantly. $3.50 for a glass of the house wine that was filled almost to the rim. $5 for beers on tap. Even better. They had an interesting assortment of beers and a modest assortment of others wines. The house wine really wasn't too shabby for it's price. And the laid back aura of the venue with it's lively audience was an invigorating experience; it's just what I needed to celebrate a stressed out happy HUMP day!
Cheers Bistro, I loved you and will definitely be back.
Had just attended a beer event here: Â $25 for the "Sierra Nevada Artisan Ale Experience." Â This is where some reps from Sierra Nevada (Chico, Ca) get together with consumers in the beer world, and dish out a little new information/products. Â There was a small informative slide show, some decent apps (provided by The Bistro) and an open pour for 2 hours, sampling some of their new products not yet in the mainstream.
Offered were the Summerfest (light and crisp), Kellerweiss (their version of hefeweizen, and it is gooooood!, light, smooth with a little orange peel and spices), Chico IPA (straight up liquid WEED, rejoice), and their Big Foot Barley Wine (smooth and strong, like portwine). Â Check out this cool clip. Â *clix dis*
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierranevada.com%2Fbeers%2Fimages%2Fbigfootwindows.wmv&s=a08c9ec71bffc4157e9c704a94f1907522f9fe698ce97a4277d5eedfc52066bd" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.sierranevada.…</a>
Great overall event, and even though it's mainly a marketing event, it was fun and educational. Â A great collaboration between a legendary NorCal brewery and a solid beer community watering hole. Â I would most certainly attend another event here, with beer gut in tow.
The Bistro is kickin' just about every night of the week.
This is definitely the place to be with your friends, as long as its not too cold out. Inside is pretty small, especially with the amount of room given to the live bands you can see and listen to while enjoying a freshly poured brew.
Perfect setting in Downtown Hayward with a perfect patio outside to sit. I love this place, check it out!
So you usually find a fairly eclectic group here on any given night. Last night was an aging all women folk rock band that appealed to the lesbian crowd that still exists in the area. When I was younger I remember three or four different gay and lesbian bars in the area that I think are all gone now. So when my buddy and I walked in, looking handsomely straight and auspiciously like a pro hackeysack team, we expected to feel a bit ostracized and ran with and IPA in hand to the outdoor patio.
But that's why I love this place, we didn't feel like outcasts and ended up enjoying the end of their set and a few pints and smokes on the patio before venturing on. Because of the laid back atmosphere and the always great selection of beer on tap, I was tempted to give it 5 stars, but the fact that they only have one bathroom and it's tucked away in a corner and not even that easy to get in and out of, demoted them down to four.
I had been to The Bistro a few years back, but recently stopped in to try some of the beers and hang for a bit. Â For the beer menu, this place hits the spot. Â There are about a dozen on tap, a few common ones (Sierra, Pyramid) and some delicious treats, such as 'Pliny the Elder.' Â Seems they rotate the taps every so often as well; the menu online was slightly different from what they actually had. Â A very good thing!
As far as the Belgian menu goes, they have a great selection in bottles (33cl and 750ml) for a lot of the more common ones (Chimay, Duvel, etc). Â I don't believe there are any on tap, but not a big deal. Â It is sometimes a challenge to find good beer of this sort in the east bay (Oakland is an exception). Â Definitely check it out if that is what you're into.
I haven't seen any of the shows or spoken word here in ages, so I can't comment on that. Â Seating is adequate and the patio tables are a nice touch on a sunny day. Â I tried the nachos here which were delicious at the time, though I had just come from the Hanger 1 tasting, so it may have been the booze talking.
Solid 3.5 stars for me, perhaps 4 after another visit.
I love this place. Â Great beer. Â
And always have solid live music. Â I've seen several bands here, but I love Suspicious Package. Â They were great, but haven't seen them in a while.
Crowd's pretty laid back. Â Usuals includes some former (or current) 'shroom heads.
No mixed drinks, but that's OK considering the quality beer selection. Â Give it a try!
Ah, the Bistro. This place is one of the only businesses that has remained tried and true over the years and managed to survive the remodeling of downtown Hayward without watering down their drinks or late night entertainment. They are packed  at night with people filling the seats in and outside. The beers here are better than average as is the coffee, I can't say that I have really eaten much of the food here, but I sure have seen a lot of shows.
The Bistro in Hayward is home to many a late night blues session or impromptu poetry filled open mic night. I have seen everything from Bluegrass music and Hendrix covers, to garage rock and mellow jazz played here. They leave a sheet out front each month letting you know who's playing when and if you stop by during the day try out one of their many food or beverage offerings, (and let me know how the food is, since I might like to try what you like). They are always friendly and prompt with service and the owner is super cool. Stop in sometime and check them out.
CHAD
I've been to The Bistro once before, but so long ago that I don't remember much about it other than it was on the corner of B & Main St. and that it played loud music. Â Well............. fast forward to some odd years later and my opinion of this place is much more lucid. Â :)
To start ~ yes, the name IS deceiving. Â But once you get over the fact that The Bistro doesn't fit the standard association of a "bistro" (read: cute little cafe), you can appreciate what makes this place awesome. Â We went here to support a local band one Sunday afternoon / evening. Â We started with - dare I say - coffee. Â Yes, coffee. Â (We had an early start that morning and were exhausted. Â Any consumption of alcohol at that point would have resulted in us passed out, face down on the table. Â You may be comforted to know that the drinking commenced later on that evening...) Â
Within 5 minutes of being inside this place, I immediately felt that it was a neighborhood hang out. Â Regulars and visitors alike chatted on and on. Â And there were even a few "Norm!" moments. Â I felt a really good vibe from just being around these people. Â As mentioned earlier, we had coffee, which was pretty damn good. Â I had heard that they normally serve food, but on this particular night their fridge had broken down. Â Sad. Â :(
Once the bad got to rOckin' I realized that this place was a hot spOt for local talent. Â Inside is fairly small, but can still pack a crowd. Â There is an overflow for seating outside. Â And on a cold winter night, as long as you're bundled up, you can still enjoy the music and chill outside. Â (Get it? Â Chill? Â Haha...) Â The beer, as many have said, is excellent. Â And this is coming from a girl who's NOT a beer drinker. Â There is a good variety of what's available on tap. Â
There's no cover charge (shweet!) and you get a chance to listen to awesome LIVE music. Â Not a bad way to spend a lazy Sunday in downtown Hawyard. Â Not too bad at all...
I have been going to The Bistro off and on for many years. This is one place that is what you make it. An eclectic group of regulars and a retro to hip, metal to folk ever-changing environment. They have always on tap twelve of the most tasty and wide-ranging micro-brewed beers and a great selection of Belgian ales. You can enjoy your beer in the outdoor street patio. As far as food they have a good eve cheese/appetizer menu.But this place is about the music, the beer and the people.
They have LIVE music on most nights with an OPEN MIC on Monday's.
Always fun or at least not boring. And you will always meet someone new.
I went on a Monday night. It was an open mic night. Very welcoming atmosphere. I felt right at home. I had one of their many micro brews that they offer. I was told that the selection of beer changes quite often. I can't wait to go back and try more good beer when I have time.
I was a little bummed because they close early on Monday Nights. But its ok, cause the party can be moved to one of the other awesome bars down the street or around the block. =)
We came here on open mic night. Â I knew when I walked in it was my kind of place. Â A little hole in the wall bar with great beer selections and live music. The artist on the stage was a wonderful singer-songwriter, and kinda cute. Â After two songs, the next artist came onstage, and although I didn't appreciate his talent quite so much, we still enjoyed the atmosphere and experience. Â The clientele and staff were friendly.
My second experience was on a Saturday afternoon when they were having a wet hops tasting festival. I love beer, but know squat about brewing. Â A friend (who is an avid home brewer) came up from San Jose with his wife and golden retriever, so I joined them with my kids and mutt. Â Outdoor sidewalk seating is great for enjoying the beautiful California weather, people watching, shooting the shit and bringing cool dogs. As I reminisce, I am upgrading from 4 to 5 stars. I really love this place and will come back.
NOTE: You may want to read my review of Buffalo Bill's before this one..
Wow, losing the cops was incredibly easy, yet my heart was still pounding. But that's good because I am now fully alert and in control or all my faculties (Isn't that what we all say when going from pub to pub?) Anyway, Ariel, Carla and I shake off any cob-webs and back to the business at hand.
Now many who have reviewed The Bistro have mentioned that it is a misleading name, that Bistro is a quaint little restaurant with les tables outside on Les Champs Elise. - SMACK! - MR. POTATO HEAD, MR. POTATO HEAD! ah does it really matter? Sorry! I'm getting a bit obnoxious here (I'm known to do this when I've had a few too many!) Oh wait! I can't use that one today. I typing this at work (On my Lunch hour Girl! I knew you'd rush to judge me! Leave me alone woman!) Damn another slip up, I'm not married anymore!
Okay so we make it inside, order some drinks. Well, not me, I had enough at Buffalo Bill's (see previous review) but wanted to get a round for my accomplices. Again this is a great little spot to just come and chill, have a few beers or a glass of wine and enjoy the live music that seems to endlessly play here. I love the sidewalk patio seating too. What a spot for having a drink on a balmy summer eve! There always seems to be a decent crowd here too. Not so packed that you can't move but enough to feel the vibe and perhaps strike up a chat with a stranger. I love the bands that play here too. Anything from Deadheads, Blues, Folk, Rock, Jazz.....
You know what's funny, just up the street at Buffalo Bill's where they don't just sell alcoholic beverages, we had 3 squad cars ready to haul us off yet a block down the street, not a cop in sight. Yeah they cruise by and take a peek but never have they made me feel harassed here! Perhaps they're regulars too!
If you're wondering, I don't come all that often yet the bartenders have always made me feel like a regular. Attentive and friendly service and patrons too. Oh one more thing! I totally made up the losing the cops part. Yeah, they caught me! NOT!
You'll Love The B!
Hair spray, camo caps, leather ensembles, hollerin' for Skynrd, cowboy hats... you can find it all here in this East Bay bar. When I came here for a friend's band's last gig, I thought I was back in the South. Yeehaw!
Yet despite the proud patrons' rural fashion sense, a refined hand plays a part in running this Hayward venue. The bar boasts an impressive, albeit pricey array of microbrews and Belgians. I didn't recognize many of the beers, and the bartender patiently offered recommendations, and even offered up a "taste" when I was unsure. The space also sports surprisingly solid acoustics for such a small space, and its live acts calendar is booked. 3.5 stars.
You know what they say about Hayward: Good from far, but far from good. Well, the Bistro is the diamond in the rough. Avoid the nasty, overpriced food at Buffalo Bill's down the street and opt for the charming Bistro instead.
The Bistro is the model for what a good cafe should be. Rarely do I leave San Franciso for entertainment, but when local friends are performing here, I enjoy the visit because it's fun, friendly cozy little joint. Tons of beer and paper table cloths with ample crayons. Yes! The house wine used to be $2.85, but they increased it to $3.50 which is still a drinker's delight.
One afternoon, I had a nice day date there. Beers and food in the sun, followed by walking around to the numerous antique shops and thrift stores in the walkable downtown area. What's better than lunch in the sunny beer garden? The food was very affordable and surprisingly delicious. I ate the "Mama Mia" sandwich, which had grilled eggplant, melted jack, sundried tomato spread, with fresh basil on toast and it came with a side of sliced orange. It hit the spot! My dining companion ate the spinach salad which was very big, with heaping mounds of feta, avacado, olives, tomatoes, and a tasty house-made lemon poppy seed dressing.
My favorite thing is the monthly music calendar that offers one-word descriptions of the bands playing there, creating new genres of music such as "Santana-ish" and "Cool."
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