Taverns, pubs, wine, suds: Find it in Lodi
Thirsting for something other than a sip of root beer at Lodi’s original A&W?
Need something with a little, or for that matter, a lot more kick?
Well, whether you call it a bar, a cocktail lounge, a nightclub or a tavern, you can most likely find the place for your preferred taste right here in Lodi.
From homey little hole-in-the-walls’ for tossing down shooters; fine-dining and wining of the corporate party, or tapping toes while tapping the keg, the following should help to point you in the right direction.
A newcomer to Lodi has added taste in more than one way. Mojo’s, which was for years the Lodi Sports Club, opened in 2004 as a stylish bar and music club. A nice place to while some hours away with either mixed drinks or beer and wine. Call ahead to see who’s performing and when.
But don’t just park it, because you’re just a short walk from several other interesting downtown venues as well.
Casablanca, located on Elm Street, is small and cozy, with a unique and pleasant décor that compliments a unique selection of beer and wine. Plus, Casablanca’s owners showcase live piano music on Saturdays and Sundays for a nominal $1 cover charge.
Right across the street from Casablanca is Movie City Bar and Grill. A well-stocked bar rests under the watchful eye of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a grand selection of movie memorabilia is worth the visit whether you have a drink or not.
Continuing south on School Street, some long-time favorites of both locals and returnees to the area are in operation. Ollies, Stooges (formerly Pine Street Pub) and Gary’s Lounge will all gladly fix you up with the concoction of your choice.
Still heading south, you’ll find Rosewood Bar and Grill. Classy, but not black-tie stuffy, the bartenders will treat you right while you delight to live Jazz every Friday and Saturday nights.
Rosewood’s relative, Wine and Roses Inn, on Turner Road, has a comfortable lounge area and also features live piano. You can stay and sip in comfort, or have a pre-meal drink before dining at the award-winning restaurant.
If you’re looking for something a little more dressed-down with perhaps some darts and a pool table, Sky’s, on Turner Road, will mix your drink while you toss a game of Cricket or shoot some eight-ball.
Also on Turner Road, 224 West Bar and Grill, boasts a superb selection of beers. There is a total of 15 beers on the menu, which, of course, is perfect for pairing with the restaurant’s delicious variety of foods.
Another newcomer to Lodi that offers a wide selection of beer and wines is available to those willing to leave the beaten path. Keys Guild Street Grill and Bar boasts nine beers on tap, another 15 flavors bottled, and an extensive wine list.
Lastly, while California is supremely fond of trying to ban all smokers everywhere, cigar and pipe smoker’s still have one last refuge here in Lodi. There is still an establishment left in which cigar and pipe smokers are more than welcome; the aptly named Stogies, located on West Pine Street in Lodi, will light up your life and pour you a cold one at the same time.
Visitors to the area should understand that this is by no means meant to be an exhaustive reference of area “watering holes,” but instead, is just a sampling of the variety available.
Therefore, ask a local, a friend or family member where their favorite haunts are, that way you’re sure to get the insider’s angle.
Phone numbers of the locales mentioned above:
Mojo’s: 365-6947
Casablanca: 339-9430
Movie City: 365-1043
Ollie’s Tavern: 333-9933
Stooges: 334-1985
Gary’s Lounge: 333-9794
Rosewood: 369-0470
Wine and Roses: 334-6988
Sky’s Sports Bar: 366-2815
224 West: 366-2400
Guild Street Grill and Bar: 333-8302
Stogies Cigar & Pipe Lounge: 334-5764