Now this bar rocks!
I'm really not a bar person at all anymore, however, after mine and my friends not so good experience over at The Roundup in Lafayette, we had to make up for it by going to a place that might just put a smile on our face and this place did just that : )
I drive by this place all the time when I make my weekly visit to Trader Joes, and it's always had my curiosity. It could be the name or the sort of hidden, secretive like location, but whatever it was, it had me and my friend curious enough to check it out.
Small and very Captains chest like, I can certainly see how it got its name. There is minimal natural lighting in there and its quite small and run down as if portraying the feel of being in the bottom of a ship...which is kinda of cool I suppose.
I forget the bartender's name working this Sunday when we were there, but he was flipping awesome! Nice younger guy-great sense of humor, totally lightened mine and my friends day. There were also some apparent really nice locals in there that we chatted with and which we really got some good laughs in with...much needed.
,
They don't have any beers on tap and it is cash only, but it looks like they're equipped with just about everything else.
Overall, this is the kinda place that reminds me of Cheers- It's a nice little hole in the wall equipped with good people ( from what we encountered) They have karaoke on Wednesdays and Saturdays, a jukebox and decent amount of seating considering how small it is. The only downfall is they only accept cash, however, I believe they are equipped with all the necessities in order to make your concoction of choice.
Great, fun bar, and If I ever plan on going back to a bar again, this will be the place.
Why is it so insanely bright in this place?!? Â Why are last call lights on when it's not last call?!
My most descriptive word would just be WEIRD.
As you can see from other reviews, I try out a lot of dives. Â This isn't really a dive, but it's not fancy or sporty either. It's like a living room at your friends house where they forgot to turn off the 100w track lights and let the annoying friend stay who innappropriately touches you.
This bar may exist only because there aren't really any other bars in the area.
Jameson's & Ginger $7.75 (flat ginger ale)
Jäger bomb $8
Kinda high for dive bar prices.
It's one high point, it's clean and smells nice.
Probably wouldn't come back. Â If you're wanting to make a move into an actual dive bar scene, this could be preschool.
Just strange.
Id give this place zero stars if it were possible. Â My girlfriend and i use to visit this place frequently. Â I even tried fixing the old projection tv that's apparently been there for years until i convinced bill the owner to get a new one. Â I gave bill a ship steering wheel that he hung up in the bar. Â We were very close until recently. Â We went in there one night after work in January and we havent been Since. I ordered a captain and coke and my girl ordered a stella. Â The c&c was so bad and sour, Â I had to take it back. Â In doing so, Â I had my gf do it and he made another... Same result. Â Took that one back. Â My gf went up again... Bill was the one that made my drink. Â He told my gf that he's made 100 drinks tonight and no one ever complained. Â That may be... But we have been so good and loyal to bill, he should have bought me that drink. Â I took one sip of my drink... Same results... i set my drink down and walked out and have not been back since. Â He was very rude to my girl and myself on our judgement and self respect. Â Bill feels he's always right. Â And there are some stupid ass people here. Â One guy named rob and a middle eastern guy are regulars and rob is convinced that there are not dolphins in s.f bay... Really dude? cause we just saw them earlier that morning.. These are the type of people that are Bill's pets and think they are always right. Â Fucking terrible and terrible again!!! Â idiots!!
Review Source:This place was down the street & we thought we'd give it a try. Â It must have been an off night, Saturday, because it was almost empty and the bartender had a major attitude. Â Sorry we didn't fit the 70's+ crowd hanging around. Â We drank 1 round & couldn't get out of there fast enough. We'll look for a place with a bit more friendly atmosphere.
Review Source:When you start accepting Visa or Mastercard or Discover, you get five stars.
Fun, lively atmosphere SOME nights. Pretty quiet around Happy Hour/afternoons.
I went to a Wednesday night karaoke once (mid-week for sure, I THINK it was Wed.). Lots of fun. Lots of good singers too!
I live very, very close to hear but I'd rather go to Artie's up the road most of the time because it has better lighting and is a little bigger. (and pool tables) BUT for a small, cool little bar, this place is fun sometimes too.
I had been wanting to check out this place for a few years now and it wasn't until this past weekend I had the opportunity to see what all the "buzz" was about.
I met up with a couple of friends who are regulars here and being with them, I felt I was part of the "cool crowd" and that I was protected at all times. This is a total dive bar with welcoming vibe, great bartender, super nice owner and a really good KJ. There were some awesome singers, some mediocre singers and well, it didn't matter. This is the kind of place to feel comfortable in-pretty much anyone and if I were younger or had a husband that enjoyed karaoke or bars, I might frequent this place often. As it stands, I don't so I go on these little outings from time to time and I am glad I did.
Oh Captain, my Captain we shall meet again.
This place is AWESOME!!! Cynthia the bartender ROCKS (she's picking up where Carmelita left off!) Its been around FOREVER and is a fun dive bar. The Saturday night karaoke is fun and it gets crowded by 10PM. But it's a good crowd of people (not too young, not too old) and a good vibe. Definitely a fun, chill place to hang with your friends.
Review Source:If  this place was closer to where I live, I would be a piece of furniture at the Captain's Chest. Seriously. It's been a long time since I've been to such a genuine, friendly, unpretentious bar. Sure the crowd is a bit older - as in the silver haired set - but everyone seems to be a regular and people are genuinely enjoying each others company.
There's karaoke a few nights a week and we happened to be there during a Wednesday evening session. The regulars know how to belt it out. For an amateur like myself, the karaoke talent at The Chest is beyond intimidating and impressive. The KJ is a pro and is able to adjust to each singer's "talent" right away, making everyone sound like they're a multiple-Grammy-winning recording artist. If you wish to be accompanied by a harmonica and tambourines, there are people waiting in the wings ready to accompany you.
I had a "don't judge a book by its cover" moment when a scraggly-haired, country looking older gentleman got up to the mic. I was judging the book by its cover and was expecting something a la Hank Williams or Keith Urban, but instead was greeted with a soulful Ray Charles song. Blown away!
Karaoke and patrons aside, the mid-century charm of the Captain's Chest is reason enough to go. Also, like any proper dive establishment, they serve stiff, cheap drinks.
Captain's Chest has a rep for karaoke.
since it was the afternoon i wouldn't know about that. setup is very small. all patrons were seated at the  wedged  angle shaped counter playing liars dice.
amenities: lounge sofa along entire wall, darts, flatscreen-basketball. decor includes nautical artifacts and fish replicas.
drink: gin & tonic(3.75)
-adequate, not too strong
barnotes:
-no drafts available, just the usual beers...
-seems the usual patrons here, all familiar faces to them.
-cordial service by bartender.
-interesting but not a "go to" place unless ones to sing (in the evening).
People BEWARE!!!!! There is a scary women that frequents the bar that is built like a line backer and has a mullet. She looks like Kenny Powers. she is  CRAZY!
The first time I went there with my husband, we encountered her-we were sitting there minding our own business and she starts talking shit about us (for NO reason, just totally random) to her friends. we just ignored it because we figured she was a drunk class-less person  . We go outside to our car and she's out there with her friends and continues to talk about us but of course is pulling that shit where she doesn't look at us but says stuff to her friends within earshot so we hear. Her friends are embarrassed that she's being such an ass and tell her to shut up. We never say anything,we leave and that's that.
Fast forward to tonight (like 2 years later)-we have dinner at Sorrento's with family. We decide to go to the Captains chest for a drink since some family members live in the area and it's more convenient for them. I actually told them the funny story about the scary mammon trying to start shit with us the last time we went there. we go to the bar and low and behold she shows up. Were all sitting there having a good time laughing and joking around, my husband is being silly because it's his birthday and he's had a few. she's singing her shitty karaoke song. When the song is over she comes to our table and starts yelling like a psycho saying that we were making fun of her and that she's going to kick every one of our asses (and points to every one of us) and I mean she's like "I will kick your fucking ass!" and if we didn't like her singing we should get the fuck out. We were all just totally shocked and completely caught off guard . I mean we don't even know this person we were in no way laughing at her, we were immersed in our own conversation. So this he-she is towering over us threatening us and she was scary-like a enraged red faced person who is ready to kill. We left shortly after because we weren't about to stick around and see what happened when she got really wasted.
The reason I give this bar 1 star is because the bartenders saw the whole thing-everyone did. She was so crazy and loud that the whole room was quiet after. The bartenders did nothing. any other bar I'v ever been in would have thrown her out right away. You cannot just go up to people and threaten them with violence. I'm guessing she's a regular and that's why they didn't. I'm thinking that we can't be the only people that have encountered this psycho-we have only been there twice and have had problems with this crazy bitch-for no reason whatsoever. We are upstanding people who mind our own business, there was no eye contact made to even suggest as much as a dirty look on our part. If I was a bartender/business owner I would be thinking that this patron is a huge problem, she probably cost him at least $100.00, we hadn't been there that long and there was 5 of us drinking but we had to up and leave because of her threatening us. We will never be back. Too bad because besides her we really liked this old untouched bar.
Stopped in here because I saw the YELP dive bar story mention one in Concord I had never been to. Â This just would not do! Â Walked in and almost laughed out loud at the nautical motif. Â Very retro. Â I like the way the bar is laid out in a a sort of semi-circle. Â The bartender was very nice and poured respectable drinks.
I was too early for the Karaoke everyone raves about, but there were plenty of salty regulars who didn't mind striking up a conversation with a stranger. Â
It's a cute, nice place with a real laid back vibe.
It took me a week to figure out that it's called "Captain's chest" and not Captain's (hairy) CHEST.
Damn, almost all the karaoke singers are good here, especially the regulars and friends Emily and Jac. Be prepared to put your A+ game on.
And bring your cowboy(girl) boots on. It's apparently Western on this side of CoCo County.
I love this bar! Â Plain and simple. Â Kareoke nights are exceptional. Â Drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is ecclectic hole-in-the-wall and unpretentious. Â The people there (employees and patrons) are great! Â Carmelita is always so nice and remembers me and everybody else who comes in even if it's been awhile. Â Go here:)
Review Source:I'm open, free, happy, and able to walk into any room and feel at ease. Â Yep, even at a "dive bar" in Concord--which is, so out of my norm. Â Cute, li'l spot that was a bit hard to find since it's inside an outside shopping center.
I went with a friend last Wednesday (karaoke night) to see one of her friends, and we had a blast. Â Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. Â I actually sang a duet--Endless Love-- with a nice gentleman who helped me conquer my stage fright. Â It is a bit tiny, but if you're only wanting to drink, chat, and sing (or listen to folks sing), it's all good!
It's dark in here.
Your eyes need a moment to adjust from the outside glare.
The room is almost perfectly square, windowless. Hanging on the walls are a mishmash of Bay Area pro sports schedules and vintage beer signs, including the Budweiser Clydesdales in miniature, encased in glass, pulling the famous beer wagon. You want it, but know your wife won't let you bring it into the house. Your moment of temporary disappointment ends when your eye catches the nautical-themed bar, surrounded by bottles of Sloe Gin, Apple Pucker, Jack Daniels and even a couple of good bottles of scotch. You will not order any drink that is more complicated than Rum and Coke, or you will get a glare that speaks a thousand cross words.
This square room is full of people of all shapes and sizes and characters. An old woman peels herself off the well-worn bar stool to head out for a smoke; a group of 20-somethings are about to do shots of Jagermeister and Red Bull, a classic hangover-inducing elixir called most appropriately, a Jager Bomb. Two leather-faced senior citizens play dominoes at the end of the bar, deep in concentration, a pair of upside down shot glasses nearby reminding them the next round is free.
This is a dive bar par excellence. This is The Captain's Chest, in Concord, California. In the middle of this sprawling, monocultural exurb of chain stores and strip malls is this oasis of mom-and-pop alcoholic distraction and conversation. Everyone in this place has a story; everyone has a past. The walls practically do talk to you, stained by dust and decades of cigarette smoke, reeking of wonder. The loudspeakers wail nightly in this place, too; the bar features karaoke on Wednesday and Saturday nights, and a group of regulars stream in to belt out, slightly off-key, everything from standards to 80s rock anthems. You're welcome to give it a try.
No draft beers, but several brands of familiar brews are available. The bartender is friendly, and for her age (!) she can keep up with a handful of orders simultaneously.
Prepare to float on a cloud of Marlboro smoke as you get near the door; the ashtray, and the smokers, are right there.
No-frills, cheap drinks and interesting drunks. If you're in suburbia, it's a good stop.
I came in for Emily's birthday and had a great time. No draft beer but good prices. Karaoke on Wednesday and Saturday; I recommend Saturday as Big Mike is one of the nicest KJ's I've met. If your song isn't in the book, just ask; he has over 120,000 available!! There are a lot of regulars, and tonight we had a bachelorette party too!
Modest size. In a strip mall so ample parking and food are just outside the door.
Given the nautical motif of the decorations, it's ironic there's a distinctly Western feel, including at least two regulars known as "Cowboy [name]". The night I was there, 2 cowboys in full regalia (including spurs) were present. I almost felt bad that I changed out of my costume from the NorCal Pirate Festival - we salts gotta show those landlubbers how to get down!
I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue in mysterious fathoms below! Shiver me timber! Per my friend's request to do karaoke on her birthday, I did some Yelp research and found this little gem. The spunky crowd cheered on "Hairball! Hairball!" as I made my way over to the mic and electrified the audience to a little Bloodhound Gang.
The owners were very friendly and immediately greeted us when we walked in and offered to take care of us for the night. They knew that we weren't regulars (if you come here, it won't take more than a couple minutes to recognize them) but none-the-less we were given warm welcomes and liquid encouragement for us to bring on the melodies.
The place itself looks like you walked aboard an old sea vessel, with only the most appropriate decor to go with the theme. There are very comfy chairs and the table setup was favorable if you were to come with a crew of about 4 or 5 people. The drinks were might fine and we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest! I have a feeling that I will be making my return here soon for another night of karaoke embarrassment at it's finest.
My girlfriend and I love hanging out at this place on a weeknight to relax and chat. She says "It's like the Krusty Krab, but it's a bar."
PROS:
-Bartenders are super friendly! Some of the best in town.
-The people who typically sing Karaoke here can actually sing really well.
-You can sit at a bar or take a seat in the little lounge area that runs along the wall.
-Men's bathroom is surprisingly clean!
CONS:
-Bar, as a whole, is a little small
-Cash only (ATM a few buildings down at Wells Fargo)
-Big Screen TV is discolored from being old.
Overall, this may not be a raging weekend hangout spot for all you clubbers, but it is a cozy little dive bar with some nice people.
Emily and Jac got us to check this place out this weekend. And after a beer and some stiff drinks, I really only have two words. COWBOY ROB. Fun crowd, bar tenders fit the atmosphere perfectly. It's a good spot to practice your singing skills during the karaoke hours on wednesday and saturday. Cash only and bring some extra underwear to throw at cowboy rob when he melts your pants off with his velvet voice.
Review Source:The first time I walked into the Captain's Chest I was greeted by Carmelita, the bartender. She welcomed me, asked my name and if I was planning to sing. I then walked over to the KJ, DooWopBob, gave him my name and the title of a song. That night I sang a few, and even had the pleasure of Brian, the harmonica player, accompanying me on one of the songs. I was impressed by the warmth, friendly attitude, and talent of many of the 'regulars'. The Chest caters to the young and the old, but not the rowdy (big points in my book). When I got up to leave that first night, Mr. Bill, the owner gave me a hug, and said he hoped I come back again.
That was two years ago, and I'm happy to say, I have the honor of being considered one of the 'regulars'. I look forward to Wednesday night, 'cause I know that's when I go to the Chest. I look forward to seeing everyone, I get to sing and I know i'll have a blast . When I walk in, there's almost a feeling of a reception line for the many hugs that are given and received before reaching the bar to order a drink. Emily J. said it, and I'll say it too, it's my Cheers.
Last night as the evening was winding to a close. I started making the rounds to say goodnight, when Mr. Bill pulled me aside and offered to buy me a drink. He said, thank you for being my friend.
The best dive ever. Â And I love dives. Â Have been here many a time, swilling liquor and beer with many mates of ill repute. Â I hadn't been in a while, but the last visit proved that you CAN come home again. All the favorite regulars were here, truly the salt o' the airth!
And Carmelita...you're a rockstar.
Funky bar in a strip mall on the border between Walnut Creek and Concord. Feels like stepping into a Gilligan's Island other-world. Â
Karaoke on Wednesdays and Saturdays -- I've only visited on Wednesdays. Â The karaoke is fun, and the other singers are pretty good, really friendly, and welcoming to newcomers. Â Kind of skewed to the older demographic, but hey, they really know all the songs and hit them out of the ballpark! There's also a friendly guy, I think named Brian, who will accompany you on the harmonica -- has a pretty impressive selection to choose from. Â
Good vibes, good fun, good bartender. Â Apparently there is a pretty good sushi place right next door... if I ever get there early enough, definitely want to try it!
Cash only.
Last night was another one of the countless great times I've had at the Captain's Chest. For me it's the perfect place to hang out  with old friends and make new friends with easygoing people who are out to have a good time. Plus, Carmelita is the best bartender EVER. If I ever have to move away from here I'm going to pack her up in my suitcase and take her with me.
Review Source:Nautical theme, check!
Budweiser light with rotating carriage inside, check!
Christmas lights, check!
Karaoke on Wednesday and Saturday night, check!
Friendly people, check!
Parking, check!
In close proximity to what seems like good sushi and other snacky venues, check!
Really good singers, fellow Karaoke-ites, check, check and check!
Adding a new venue to my Karaoke list, check!
I'll definitely be back, without the cold hopefully, and I'll sing my little heart out.
Tonight Big Mike was filling in for Bob (the regular KJ) and he has an extensive book of any song you'd ever want to sing. He usually KJs at the Funky Monkey in Hayward. So I'm definitely excited to come back for the real Cap'n's Chest experience.
Today is my 26th birthday.
Of course, I celebrated at the Captain's Chest last night. This is my third birthday celebrated at the Chest. The Chest is the best. They have karaoke with DoowopBob every Wednesday and Saturday. I have been going every single Wednesday and occasional Saturdays for almost three years now.
Emily J brought balloons and made yummy sandwiches, my Mom brought cupcakes, and JJ made Jell-o shots.
Here is my Marzan W. inspired tribute to my favoritest bar in the whole entire world!
To the Tune of "Heaven" by Bryan Adams (which I sing sometimes)
Oh - thinkin' about the last three years
"I Touch Myself" and "Proud Mary"
I was young and wild and free
Now my envelope of slips is very large
My repertiore still grows
Because the Captain's Chest
You keep me comin' back for more!
Captain's Chest you're all that I want
When it's my birthday (or just Wednesday) and I wanna sing some tunes
I don't find it hard to believe
This is heaven
And the mic is all that I need
And I found it there on Bob's mic stand
He's playing a track for me
And I'm singin'
Oh - once in your life you find a bar
That will turn your world around
Bring you up when you're feelin' down
Ya - nothin' could change what you mean to me
Oh there's lots that I could say
But just call my name
And I'll take my turn, straight away!
Captain's Chest you're all that I want
When I'm wanting karaoke
My drink is in my hand
At the mic stand
And Brian is all that I need
When I need harmonica accompaniment
I'm singing "Chain of Fools"
Here in heaven
I've been waitin' for so long
For my turn to come
For the rotation to move along
Now Mr. Bill is buying shots
And he's singing "My Way"
I love this bar, lots!
Captain's Chest you're all that I want
When I'd like to be with my friends
I'm singing "Barracuda"
Here in heaven
And my husband sings "Get Together"
Emily J. and Jac C. rock "Leather and Lace"
I really love this bar
It is heaven
I like this place. Â It's a bit hidden so it makes for a chill atmosphere. Â The bartender is nice and knows how to pour really good drinks. Â I've been here a few times with the husby and friends...and each time i've walked out with a nice buzz and a smiling face.
Oh, they only take cash..so bring plenty of it..or not a lot. Â Depends on how long you're going to be there and how much you're going to drink.
Captain's Chest?
Makes me think of pearls and mermaids.
The bar had a very nice, warm kitchen feel to it. There were a bunch of regulars at the bar and they reminded me of Cheers. I kept expecting someone to shout "Norm!"
I adored the fireplace that was front and center behind the bar and they had a jukebox in the corner. The seating was nice and there was a lot of it, though I wouldn't recommend this place for big groups of 10+ people unless the place is empty.
Stiff drinks and you'll need'em. Â Our bartender had us wait to buy a drink until after she did a shot and sang a song on karaoke. Â You'll swear your in a time warp with the 4 decade old decorations and the turf carpet. Â
We honestly got capt'n & cokes that were completely amber due to no coke. Â The drink are strong as heck and really cheap. Â This is a place you go to get drunk. Â If your taking a date here it will give you a funny story to talk about.
Overall, the place is a dive bar with super strong/cheap drinks. Â The ambiance is that of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Â This isn't the stuffy WC bar scene. Â Saddle up to the bar next to a drunken sailor at the Captain's Chest.
For 4 years I worked around the corner from this place and it always caught my eye when I'd pass by around lunch time. There were always sea-hardened looking old guys standing outside smoking cigars. It was the place my co-worker buddies and I constantly dared each other to go to. I finally got my chance on my last day of work. The day I gave my notice I knew the "Capt'n" was in my future.
I have to say I was a little disappointed as I fully expected there to be Pirates in this place. I was looking forward to the drunk guy with a patch  over his eye and a wooden leg shouting uncontrollably at the corner of the bar. I wanted toothless women asking me where I'm from. I prayed there would be the risk of me being shanghai'd if I drank too much. Obviously, I had set my expectations way too....high(?).
Although some of the (daytime?) staff and regulars may come close to what I described above, the place was as friendly as it could be and so were the people. Drinks are cheap, poorly mixed, and strong as hell. The 70's maritime decor just adds to the allure. It's a friendly neighborhood bar that's not to be missed if you are in the area and in need of a liquid lunch.
This place is one of a kind. The Sailing motif including brass ships on the wall and tanbark filled planters (with no plants) is a great place for people watching. I stopped by one day after always passing it and saying to myself, "I gotta go there, it looks like a great hole in the wall."
 Boy, was that an understatement. The regulars: Big Red, Bill, The Fake Cowboys, the three old drunk ladies who have been there since they stopped waitressing there in the early 80's, and the others seemed to have forgotten that 20 years have past since their clothes were in style.
Karaoke and Wed and Sat night is great, plenty of country ballads from the fake cowboys (the guys who wear trenchcoats and cowboy hats, like extras from Tombstone) accompanied by harmonica man.  Betty, the bartender loves to do shots with you, and let me know she missed me when I hadn't  been there for a month by calling my name from the smoker's hangout as I got out of my car.
The downsides are that there are no beers on tap, and a bottle of bud light costs $4.75. Are you kidding me? Every other drink is way overpriced as well, and they literally make up the prices as they go. That's how it is,so walk in with a good buzz already underway.
This is a great last stop when coming back from downtown, or pulling my double header (going to Arty's beforehand).
Pretty much the only place to get a drink in Concord. Â Perfect place to meet up with your friends or go alone and get stuck in a conversation about any number of things you don't care about with someone you (in a regular situation) would have never stopped to talk to. Â This bar is brimming over with charm. Â From the sea barring decor to the fabulous bar staff.
Don't go to Concord, but go to the Captain's Chest.
In a sea of suburban mediocrity, this place stands out. Â Since the Peppermill's decadent, faux cherry blossom canopied Fireside Lounge closed it's doors, it is the only place to get drunk with your sisters when you're visiting grandma in Concord. Â I love the '70s nautical decor and the regulars who don't sense any bit of irony.
Review Source:
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