Pagano's

"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."

When I think of Pagano's, the word "cesspool" comes to mind. I remember coming here years ago and it wasn't too bad of a place. I went here recently for a friend's birthday party, and boy has this place turned into the butthole of San Leandro.

Firstly, there are 5 pool tables... which would be a nice thing, but they're in an L shape in a cramped hallway and you spend more time waiting to take your shot than actually playing pool. I would call this a sound business decision, since 3 of the pool tables are pay by the hour, while 2 are coin-op, but the coin-op tables are right next to each other, so the more time spent waiting on those tables, the less overall money made. They could do with removing at least one of the tables.

The bartender that was working was really nice, and the price of beer is just about right, but the price of mixed drinks just about blew my mind (in a bad way). I believe it was $7 for a Long Island... which is what you'll pay in just about any dive bar... but these were literally in a tiny, disposable cup. If you're going to drink here, do yourself a favor and just get beer.

Now, these issues in themselves don't deserve a one-star rating, but my real issue is with the patrons. A lot of the people in here are the "wannabe thug" types. The kind of people you actually do have to worry about because they feel they have to prove themselves. I had people talking crap to me as soon as I walked into the bathroom. Completely unprovoked. I probably walked in on a drug deal or something. I, personally, don't let these kinds of people into my bar and it's a better place because of it. If you can't control your patrons, then you truly don't have control of your bar.

They do have security here, but they're nothing more than warm bodies there to break up the fights that do happen. I guess the words "preventative measures" aren't in the vocabulary of this place.

This place does have potential, but they'd have to get rid of a pool table to free up some space and allow for comfortable playing and either hire some real security, or at least keep a better eye on the scum that does come in here.

Only stopped here for a quick shot, but it seems like a good place.  All the clientele were men, as was the friendly bartender.  But the pours are generous and prices fair, especially compared to the nearby Marina Lounge.

I grew up in Floresta Gardens my dad and all the neighbors hung out there from the fifties to the eighties lots of stories i have two friends who met there wives there Mingo Pagano was a family friend i have been there maybe 10 times in 40yrs i graduated from SLHS thats all i got to say.