A Beer Lover's Guide to the Best Bars and Pubs in Mountain View
If you thought Mountain View didn’t have any exciting bars and pubs, think again. This city boasts an impressive array of lounges, beer gardens, and watering holes that any beer lover will enjoy. Don’t head up to San Francisco when it’s time for a night out with friends—instead, head over to Mountain View. We’ve rounded up the best bars and pubs in Mountain View so you can make an informed choice on your next night out on the town.
Bierhaus
If you’ve traveled to Germany and fallen in love with the country’s famous beer gardens, then Bierhaus will surely make you nostalgic for your travels. There’s extensive outdoor seating (with heaters in the winter), so you can sip your beer while admiring the stars and enjoying the night breeze. We can’t recommend the macadamia nut porter enough—it really tastes just like the nut, but in delicious beer form. To accompany your beer, there are plenty of German-inspired food options, including currywurst, schnitzel, and even German mac and cheese. If you’re visiting Bierhaus with a group, stop by the board game corner and enjoy some friendly competition with your friends.
Steins Beer Garden & Restaurant
Other location: Cupertino
If you’re going out with a big crowd, Steins is a place to consider. There is a lot of outdoor seating on the patio, and you’ll often see groups of coworkers knocking a few back during happy hour, which goes from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at this joint. There are also many appetizers to choose from that are perfect for sharing, including lamb merguez chili cheese fries, fresh baked pretzels, and short rib potato bites. And of course, we can’t fail to mention the alcohol selection. If you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing, the Beer Garden Cooler is nice and light, or try the Smokey Mountain High if you’re in the mood for a whiskey cocktail. A London Vacation is great if you’re in the market for something citrusy. If you live close to Cupertino, don’t miss out on the fun—Steins has a location there, too.
St. Stephen’s Green
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning an Irish pub. Be it St. Patrick’s Day or just a regular Friday, St. Stephen’s Green is often filled with beer drinkers looking to end the week on a fun note. It has the feel of a sports bar, with TV screens playing the most anticipated games of the week. There are around 30 different beers to choose from, and the food selection is just as impressive. Enjoy an order of Guinness steak pie, fish and chips, fish stew, or St. Stephen’s most famous dish, the chicken curry with half rice and half fries. Every day can be St. Patrick’s Day at this Irish pub.
Mervyn’s Lounge and Restaurant
If upscale bar environments make you feel a little pretentious, your perfect lounge is probably a dive bar. Mervyn’s Lounge and Restaurant is slightly more affordable than other spots in Mountain View, making it the perfect place to knock a few back while staying within your budget. The space is small but lends itself to a friendly and social atmosphere. Peak hours can get crowded here, so be sure to keep that in mind if you’re looking to have a quiet conversation over drinks. On most Friday and weekend evenings, Mervyn’s is packed with beer lovers enjoying the big game on one of the bar’s screens. Mervyn’s also has weekday specials—for example, on Wednesdays you can get $5 kamikazes.
Chop & Pub
This cocktail bar combines two of our favorite things: good alcohol and tasty food. You can have a solid meal here, from the whiskey blue cheeseburger to the naan vegetable chop. Some of the appetizers are must-orders, including the mushroom toast, tater tots, and chicken wings. The happy hour menu also includes some tasty choices, including ahi tuna tacos and BBQ rib nachos. The cocktail selection is extensive and some even include creative names, such as the Angel’s Dust and Monkey Business. While Chop & Pub may be known for its cocktails, the beer list has plenty of choices for beer lovers, and they’re only $5 during happy hour.