Martinez, California, overlooks Carquinez Strait and Susquin Bay. The city is 35 miles east of San Francisco, and many parks and preserves are in the immediate area. As of 2011, the population of Martinez, a city of only 12 square miles, was 36,715. Though there are no bars in Martinez, several are within a few miles of the city.
Lucca Bar, a 10-minute drive from Martinez, serves more than 30 types of beers, along with mixed drinks such as the Sinatra Margarita and the Lemon Drop. Italian food favorites such as rigatoni, and classics like fish and chips are also on the menu.
Twenty minutes from Martinez is Zio Fraedos, a classic Italian restaurant with many seafood dishes and a full bar. Zio Fraedos is open Monday through Saturday.
Rellik Tavern in Benicia, 13 miles north of Martinez, is a modern bar with light food service and coffee, as well as a large selection of alcoholic beverages. It has live entertainment several nights per week. Every other Monday is open mike night.
Chris' Club of Vallejo has music several nights each week, including Fridays and Saturdays. This bar also has nightly pool and other bar games. Free tacos with beverage purchase are available Monday through Thursday.
The 44 Sports Lounge, located 11 miles west of Martinez, serves traditional bar fare and an array of alcoholic beverages. The 44 aims for a festive atmosphere, especially at its annual Cinco de Mayo party.
Legends at Diablo Creek Sports Bar, a 15 minute drive from Martinez, offers a menu of traditional bar food, plus breakfast options. Legends has an annual Super Bowl party and an onsite golf course. Catering is also available.
Character's Saloon in Vallejo advertises a homey atmosphere reminiscent of Boston's famous "Cheers" bar. Lunch is served each weekday, and finger foods such as chicken wings and potato chips are available at all other times. Pool, darts and other bar games are available.
Toot's Tavern in Crockett, 11 miles west of Martinez, is in a building dating back to 1901. The windows above the bar are riddled with bullets, possibly from its stint as a speakeasy. Local legend is that the attached hotel is haunted.
