Dan's Irish Sports Bar
1524 civic dr., phone: 925 932-1331, fax: 925 945-1428, (http://www.dansbar.com/). the "irish" and "sports" portions of the bar's title may be questionable, but amongst walnut creek's trendier offerings, dan's stands out as a true "bar". bands on weekends, a raucous crowd, great happy hour specials $3 fat tire drafts on tuesdays, $2 domestic drafts other days, and pool in the back make this a worthwhile alternative to some of the other walnut creek hotspots. the $3 weekend cover can be a small turnoff, but it's walnut creek - you can't have everything.
Pyramid Brewery
1410 locust st., phone: 925 946-1520, (http://www.pyramidbrew.com). a combination brewery/restaurant, offering decent food and decent beers. a few years ago, this place had a great nitro stout, but have since discontinued it. if you like stout beer, be sure to ask for it and express your displeasure that it is no longer available. prices are mid-range, and there is often live music on weekends. a nice biergarten in the back to soak up some sun along with your beer.
Masses
2721 n main st., phone: 925 256-7665. billiards, billiards, and more billiards. 30 some odd tables are arranged in this converted hardware store. the food is dreadful, but the billiards and beer are just fine. the local kids have made this the place to hang, so expect a line to get in on friday and saturday nights. a cute wait staff and a willingness to serve all but the most intoxicated drunks makes this bar a comfortable place to spend time. if you're prone to inner ear infections, do not go on karaoke night.
Mr Lucky's Bar and Grill
1527 locust st., phone: 925 935-7778. mr lucky's is the last "old fashioned, honest bar" you will find downtown. friendly, no-nonsense bartenders pour proper drinks at reasonable prices. can be a scene thu/fri/sat nights, with a line to get in and lots of fun inside. bring your id, they are 100% strict on this. surprisingly good lunch menu. open late, the place can liven up when other spots shut down.
Coffee houses
Pacific Bay Coffee Co.
1495 newell ave., phone: 925 935-1709, (http://www.pacificbaycoff...). micro-roastery offers gourmet coffee and teas, live music, and free wi-fi access in a friendly, family-owned, neighborhood cafe. this family does everything itself: constructing the interior, roasting their own coffee, running the store themselves. a great place to relax on a sunday morning.
Walnut Creek Coffee Company
1550 newell ave., phone 925 256-9319, (http://www.walnutcreekcof...). come experience true quality: espressos, teas, smoothies, paninies, quiche, calzone, pastries & desserts. the best chai in town! stop by and see why so many folks are finding this new coffee house a great place to hang out, to meet up with friends and colleagues, to sit quietly and work online... book club, knitting club, art exhibit from civic arts.