Mother's Tavern

Bar · Huntington Harbor

Mother's Tavern

Bar · Huntington Harbor

1

16701 CA-1, Sunset Beach, CA 90742

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Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by Jordan Morosco
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null
Mother's Tavern by null

Highlights

This charming old-school tavern, once a 1920s speakeasy, now buzzes with live music, cold drinks, and friendly locals, all wrapped in quirky decor.  

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16701 CA-1, Sunset Beach, CA 90742 Get directions

motherstavernsunsetbeach.com
@motherstavernsb

$10–20

Information

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16701 CA-1, Sunset Beach, CA 90742 Get directions

+1 562 592 2111
motherstavernsunsetbeach.com
@motherstavernsb

$10–20

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"What was once a popular speakeasy for railway workers back in the 1920s is now a favorite among North County locals. The multi-room space has a comfortable, homey feel, owned and run by the Lawrence family for the past 15 years, with loyal bartenders who provide unwavering hospitality. Mother’s is relished for their “Loaded Tecate,” live music nights, dollar bill-covered walls, and a few random undergarments thrown up into the rafters." - Jordan Morosco

Orange County’s Saltiest Beach Dive Bars, Mapped - Eater LA
View Postcard for Mother's Tavern

Martin T

Google
They do not have food, but you can get some really good Pizza from next door and eat it here! They serve beer and wine only, oh, and small single shot bottles of Fireball. Beer was cold , bartender was friendly, band was great and other patrons were friendly as well. Cool little bar. They have limited days and hours, but still a cool hang out when they are open.

Dick Douglass

Google
Raise your beer if you enjoyed Mother’s yesterday afternoon when Dylan James played Dreams? Or Tennessee Wiskey? Did you join the whole bar join when he pealed the dollar bills off the ceiling with Revival? As Dylan says” Tip the Bartenders”!!!

Adam P

Google
Really cool little dive bar. Dollar bills adorn the inside. Looks to be the local hang out for bikers. They have a makeshift area for live music which is pretty cool. Live music is always fun. Decent selection on draught and more in bottles and cans in a fridge. You can bring in outside food since there is no kitchen. The pizza next door smelled really good.

Unfolded Zebra

Google
fire music - good vibes. lucky jack & road kill kings 🔥

Kat

Google
Happened upon this place while looking for food in Sunset Beach. Very intimate setting inside a few tables outside. Great prices and friendly service. Wheelchairs parked by Harley’s out front.

sean m

Google
Chill place to ride to on PCH, always good bands playing and cool atmosphere. Food not really a thing there, although they have a smash burger cart that shows up on the weekends. People and service are great.

L G

Google
This little place is the best!! Great music, cold beer, a friendly bar and crowd all add up to a lovely way to relax and enjoy an afternoon. I appreciate that it draws an older crowd, at least the times I've been there.

bob henry

Google
Awesome place to meet cool people and have a good time right at the beach!

Natalie J.

Yelp
A random but fun experience. Stumbled upon this place after a day of kayaking. If you like rock, leather, and beer, this is the place. I was surprised how packed the place was but we managed to find a spot near the bar with good viewing of the band. We may have stuck out like a sore thumb with our bright colored clothes among the sea of bikers and leather, but everyone was incredible and kind. We met a sweet older man who was enjoying his pinot grigio. We talked about champagne and little did we know they had bottles there. We ordered a bottle to share with him and the bartender was kind enough to keep it in the fridge for us and poured us whenever we were low on the glass. We def enjoyed the band, conversations, and service.

Lisa J.

Yelp
Live music is always great and the service is awesome. It gets crowded, so if a band you like is playing, get there early!

Sheila F.

Yelp
This is a little hole in the wall, really poor service. But hey, if you are MAGA, let them know and you will probably get better service.

Drew M.

Yelp
The band tonight was karaoke, pretty sad!!! Great voice, but that's it! "Blackcat butterfly" is karaoke!!!!

Mary E.

Yelp
This place is a vibe the last few times I have been. Right of pch so parking right there can be tricky but if your a biker you shouldn't have an issue because there is room right in the front to pull up a bike. May that be motorcycles or electric or a cruiser.. I have seen a couple bands here. They have live music often if not everyday? Not sure. The pizza spot right next door is delish and you can eat inside just clean up after yourselves. Their bathroom is clean and they have an outdoor seating which has speakers and a tv so you can still watch the band from inside. This bar is pretty small but it's intimate that way for the music.. I prefer that. They have beer in can and on tap and chips if you're lookin for a snack.

W H.

Yelp
Stopped in before our reservation somewhere else. Everyone was super friendly and nice. We had to leave before the band started playing but we will be back. Cool place.

Kelsey K.

Yelp
Sidnee was the best person I have ever met. When you think of what a bartender is.. it's her !!! Her smile goes miles, I cannot boast about her enough

PJ B.

Yelp
It's a definite vibe! Really small but has a few different areas to enjoy. Has a small, cute patio, which allows smoking. I really dug the band I saw there 4th of July weekend. Has one walk-up bar that serves beer and wine. The bartender was on point! Will definitely be back! I had a great time!

Evangelene G.

Yelp
When we were planning our trip, we were looking for recommendations in the area and this popped up. From looking online, it looked like a biker bar. So we were driving on PCH and my husband rolls down the window and hears live music and says, "We have to go!" I say, "OK, but let's park on the other side, so we're not playing frogger." What a cool bar! Live music (Total Recall was playing when we were there) and everyone was having a good time, that the vibe was infectious that we were having a good time! Staff is great and the place was very clean and adhered to COVID-19 standards (at the moment). They serve only beer/wine, but it's worth going back once the dust settles!

Theresa M.

Yelp
All the bartenders are not only nice but they are exceptional and positive! Great music, good times and cold drinks.

Paul G.

Yelp
Mother's Tavern is a classic beach bar in old school Sunset Beach. Beer and wine and seltzer. There's a very good Italian restaurant a couple of doors down if you want to order some food. Mother's features a lot of live music on Friday through Sunday: mostly rock and roll, Americana type bands. Guitars, electric and acoustic, maybe a fiddle and piano on occasion. It's a very intimate setting, like a backyard party, but always rockin'. My own band has played there several times (The Main Thing) and we always have a blast. We always meet some new friends. The last two times we've played in 2022, the bartender has been Travis, a very friendly guy who is very busy during the night but has always been very gracious to us. We look forward to our next gig there and we tell folks all the time they need to check out Mother's for an authentic bar/live venue experience.

Laurie O.

Yelp
They don't serve food, but there are a lot of places to order and eat there. The bar is small, but that makes it special. Love the Music. Wish it was open later than 8 pm.

Tony N.

Yelp
Really genuine humans hanging out and working here. Great music, too. I never ordered any food, so I can't speak to that.

Nadia O.

Yelp
Great place for a cold beer and some live music. Always a delight!

Katie P.

Yelp
Mother's has been a local hangout for us for years and was the first place we thought of to host a 60th birthday bash. Being able to rent out the whole bar and bring in your own food and music vendors really helps to personalize your party. Michelle was wonderful to work with from start to finish for our private party and Mikey and Michelle rocked it behind the bar making sure our 200+ guests never had an empty glass. Two weeks later and the compliments are still coming from our guests.

Adrianna C.

Yelp
What a great spot to chill, drink and listen to some live music! Great atmosphere, we loved it! Will definitely return soon.

Jamie S.

Yelp
Cold beer and peanuts. Jukebox and love music. Great bartenders. Clean restrooms. Very laid back and casual atmosphere. Local hangout. Biker friendly. Now you know why I've been coming here for the past 3 years I've lived in HB. THIS PLACE ROCKS! Beer and wine only so don't get crazy. Stop in, buy a pitcher and chill. You'll be back for sure!

Maria G.

Yelp
Here to listen to the ban Stan and his group!!! Assume time!!!! Bar tender April was awesome!!!!

Alice D.

Yelp
This has been my favorite place for over 20 years. For years when ALICE was bartender, she on behalf of Mothers, donated sweatshirts & t-shirts for our Fundraiser to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. I was dumbfounded by the way I was treated Memorial Day by the young bartender. Maybe it was because she works 3 jobs and only had Saturday off. I'm trying to give her the.benefit of what transpired. There was an elderly lady (72) who tried to save two seats at the bar for her friends that were trying to find parking. The bartender told here she could not save seats because they were for paying customers. The elderly woman pulled out her credit card and purchased three beers to hold the seats. The bartender came up to her and told her the seats were for the comfort of the customers. Then the bartender moved the drinks away from the seats and told now that the seats were for the comfort of the customers The elderly lady commented on how she was being treated. The bartender then shouted so everyone could hear that she could also Refuse To Serve. She was a pretty Hispanic girl but extremely rude. I really felt bad for the customer. This was horribly wrong.

Stacey M.

Yelp
We always enjoy Mother's Tavern. Live music on weekend days is like no other place in town. Mikey is a fantastic bartender as well. She is so attentive and always has a smile. The bands are consistently amazing. We have been there more than 10 times, all different bands, and have never been disappointed. If you haven't been, give the little red house a try!!! You can thank me later. :)

Kim R.

Yelp
Ok, so it's time that I write a review about Mother's. I absolutely LOVE this place. It's my go to place for a nice chill night out. They have the nicest bartenders, I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for a beer. They have a few beers on tap, some bottled and canned beers, wine and some other wine cooler type drinks. I'm not 100% what they are, I stick with my DosXX, which they always have so I don't really venture past that. The beer is ALWAYS the perfect temperature. They usually have live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday's, but if you go while the band is playing, just be warned... it gets really crowded. When the band isn't playing, they have a jukebox. Never the less, it's always a fun time. If you ride, they are biker friendly and have motorcycle friendly parking in the front. Give this local little place a try if you haven't already. I'd be willing to bet, you'll make some new friends. I moved here from Texas in May, and I met one of my very best friends here in CA in Mother's. Super friendly people. As a side note: They do not serve hard liquor so if you aren't a beer or wine drinker, this place most likely isn't your vibe.

Belle B.

Yelp
If you are looking for a chill biker bar, this is the place for you. I was a bit intimidated walking up to this place by myself. I had never been to a biker bar, but this was the perfect one to pop my cherry. The place was packed and there was a live band playing. When I say packed, I mean standing room only and even with that not too many spaces to stand. From what they told me, it wasn't even that crowded.... which means this is an awesome place. Everyone there was like family, from the bar staff to the patrons. They were all soooo cool and welcomed me with open arms. Lots of people stopped to make conversation and it was cool getting to know people there. I'm a whiskey kind of gal, but this is probably more a beer kind of crowd. The bartender didn't blink an eye when I asked about non-alcohol options. She offered me some pineapple juice, which was perfect on that hot day. One cool thing is people writing on dollar bills and stapling them to the ceiling and walls. It really added some cool charm to the place. The live music was great. They were really rocking out that day and the crowd was loving it. If I get the opportunity to go chill there again, I wouldn't hesitate to drop by. The downside is that it gets REALLY packed inside which means it gets REALLY hot. The other downside is y have to fight all the beachgoers for parking. If you have a motorcycle, of course you park your bike in front. If you have a car, good luck in circling the streets hoping for a spot. I parked at a strip mall a few blocks down. It wasn't too far but I don't know if that was a no-no.

Mike M.

Yelp
This is the best little live music bar in Southern california. A plethora of different styles of live music acts not to mention , The location is one block from the beach.. the people are amazing here, super friendly. Do yourself a favor And stop by on a Friday night Saturday day Saturday night or Sunday day for live music you will not be disappointed... While you're there write your name or cleaver comment on a dollar bill and staple it to the wall .. ask for a bowl of peanuts and throw the shells on the floor... see if you can figure out witch guy in the bar is Father....Okay

Jacklyn G.

Yelp
Super cool and fun little dive bar. Staff and guests were fun and friendly. I was there last Sunday and the band that they had, Deena and the Dirty Dogs, was fantastic! I'm hoping they are playing there again in the near future! I will definitely make it a point to be there, and bring more friends to enjoy the kick back ambiance and great music!

Laura N.

Yelp
It is A-OKay to randomly make a stop and grab a cool drink. I usually will drop in ones a year. Locals I have encountered are friendly and I prefer Sundays. IT is more of a Honky Tonk country groove and then other times more bikers. I was introduced, to this biker dive bar, by my son's father a few years ago. I have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and you may find parking in the back.

Donna M.

Yelp
I come here often and just love it best local spot around. Allison is amazing and makes everyone feel like they are at home. Great bands on the weekends

Laura H.

Yelp
I love Mothers, always fun live bands on the weekends, cold beer and locals that make the atmosphere the best! I'm just bummed I missed out on all those years before I found this place!!

Christine M.

Yelp
Michelle, the bartendress-extraordinare is awesome and such a pleasure to share a beer with after her shift! As usual, met some very cool people, listened to great music and enjoyed the kicked-back vibe with delicious cold beer. Snapped some fun photos while we signed another bill for the wall. Even my little dog Stella loved it! Will be back for sure~ @thatgalkiki

Martin L.

Yelp
Love to stop in every once in awhile in the afternoon to some live music and cold beer. Friendly staff and patrons, small place but perfect for a stop over on the bike.

Carmen L.

Yelp
The only thing this place going for it is the musicians. The bartenders are fake , rude and two faced. Don't trust 'em. They talk and not to each other either. To everybody. The owner was passed down this property and bar with a silver spoon up her ass. She is a ruthless biatch. She does not care. Oh, Don't drop $ into the Juke box . They skip the song if they don't like it. The bar manager is the worst . She doesnt care about her patrons just the bottom line and serving her husband . Don't worry Alison I don't care I'm 86'd like you did to my hubby because we left a bad review. Have fun slinging drinks when your 75! Loooooosers

Tammy G.

Yelp
This is a biker bar, but don't feel you need to roll up on a motorcycle - the clientel is very friendly. On Friday afternoons, they feed you for free. Yes, I said it - free. Chili, meatball sandwhich, tuna melts...something is going for you on Fri afternoons. A great place to get red trolley on tap, and a nice conversation going. It's even dog friendly here. I like to take a break from kayaking or paddleboarding and stop in for a nice, laid back visit. There are regulars here that seem to live here, and it is a nice older crowd.

Lee Ann P.

Yelp
Want to experience a local bar? Want to enjoy your beer listening to music? Want to throw peanut shells on the floor? It's time to head to my favorite bar. We bike here at least twice a month. It's a favorite for sure

Shelly V.

Yelp
Ahhh...Mother's! I have such a soft spot for this place. So you're looking for a cool place to grab a drink and watch the crowd? Well this is it...oh but it's not necessarily "cool" per se. Mother's is just a little shack and I'm not exaggerating. This place is about one more day from completely falling over. The inside is so rundown...underwear hanging everywhere, pics stapled to the walls, the floor creaks horribly and the bathrooms...I'm not even going to go there. But what this place doesn't lack is uniqueness. Mother's is usually the biker guys place to go on a weekend day. So usually the front entrance will have a line of motorcycles and the front table in the bar will be filled with the biggest "meanest" looking (i say that jokingly) guys around. But seriously everyone in the place is probably TOTALLY trashed and they will become your best friend with just a brief conversation. Allison is an AWESOME bartender...she's funny and she won't let your glass remain empty for too long. Oh and about the beer...talk about CHEAP pitchers. I believe they are $6 and you'll be drinking your cool beverage out of Mason jars. SWEET! Can't beat that and you can get a bowl of salted peanuts to go with it (might be a $1 or so). And hopefully...if you are just that lucky...you might be there on a day when old classic Conjob is playing. That would be the Conjob with Mr. Brad Weidlich on vocals. That's when the place gets really good and funny. So check it out....if you're brave enough!

Chas G.

Yelp
If you are a 300 pound 65 and over biker or the wife of a fat 65+ biker, welcome to heaven. This place is for you. The bartenders will wink at you and make you feel young again. Help yourself to the free peanuts and enjoy the bras on the ceiling from 1960. They have a decent selection of beer and you must be thirsty because you no doubt came from far away. Locals don't go here, thats either a plus or a minus depending on your point of view.

Katrina D.

Yelp
Great little spot. The bartender Ashley was probably the sweetest bartender I've ever met. Their selection is great and it's just a great little place to hang out right by the beach.

Kasey H.

Yelp
What a waste. I drove over an hour in traffic to hear my brother's band play, only to find out the lady cancelled them because the band had the audacity to bring their drum set. From what I hear, the lady was making a scene about it in front of customers. Just ridiculous. Way to ruin the atmosphere and a potential good evening. Don't spend a dime or your time on this place.

John B.

Yelp
Driving through to Huntington beach came across this spot. Totally nice spot. Drinks were nice and strong. Filled up on nuts. Friendly crowd composed of mostly locals. Let me not forget to mention the crazy cool decor. I would seriously stop in again for a drink if I were on this end of town again.

Chris G.

Yelp
Well I am on those walls as I lived in the house of Lexi - through the gate (if you are truly organic from the 26 blocks you know what and who I mean )....mid 1990's....Where is Lexi now? or Rich? or Andy? or Lori? You know I know ! Mothers is a destination, a warm place and great people. Its been a long time for me.

Customer S.

Yelp
Had the best time at Mothers, Michelle our bartender was incredible and so up beat and took this picture of me an my friends on his inaugural ride on his Street Glide Special! She made his first time here such a great experience and we had a great time. This biker bar has mostly locals in shell peanuts on deck and 12 beers on tap. Fun atmosphere with all good people no drama or disrespect, just good times with good people and a great staff !!! 10

Ruby C.

Yelp
Sunday Fun Day at Mothers Tavern I Love the New Look Great Americana Style!! went here to see Road Kill Kings Sunday (One Of My Favorites) Great music always a friend was celebrating his birthday so we ran into a lot of fun friends, had a blast beer is always cold!! Thank You To All Who Makes Us Welcome Here We Love It, & Appreciate All Your Hospitality!

Teresa H.

Yelp
Perfect local bar with very friendly staff. Allison is amazing, she knows everyone and what they drink. We enjoyed our time and the beer is seriously the coldest.

Susan R.

Yelp
We have been to Mother's before and had excellent service even when it has been wall to wall people, but tonight...ugh! I think his name was Jay. He was friendly, served us drinks and then talked to his blonde friend at the bar for 1/2 hour. We had empty drink for some time and I had to interrupt him to order another round. The same thing still occured after the second round. There just wasn't much customer service. He seemed more concerned about talking to his friend them serving customers. We were very disappointed. It will be awhile before we go back or we will go when another bartender is there.

Sydney T.

Yelp
The bartenders that work here are so ridiculously bitchy. It ruins the awesomeness of this place, especially the blonde with short hair and the long blonde hair. great bands, awful staff!

Jeff S.

Yelp
Cool little dive bar with some live music and it's where locals go, so it's just laid back and go time.

Dawn S.

Yelp
ALLISON ROCKS!! This is an awesome local bar for beach tourists.... great ambiance and an excellent pour on the Guinness!!!

Redredwine O.

Yelp
Ah, yes, Mother's...... 5 words: SIMPLY....THE...BEST...BAR....EVAHHHRRRR!!!!! I can say that 'cuz we are, ahem, kinda professionals when it comes to bars, and especially local-type dive bars............ 8-)........and yes, we wear that badge proudly! As others have pointed out, Mo's is unique in its "diveyness" but in a great way. Yes, one might call it a "biker bar" (especially on weekends). However, truth be told, it's really a good 'ol fashioned neighborhood kinda bar - the kind where it would be very rare (and very weird) to not see numerous of our friends there at any time, on any given day. Even if you're not a local, you won't be a stranger for long. No attitudes here! The inside has got a lotta charm. Here's what you'll get: peanut shells on the floor, jukebox in one corner with some pretty kick ass music, rickety/mismatched chairs, tables and bar stools, an ancient window mounted fan (critical in the summertime when it's crowded), somewhat questionable restrooms, bras and panties hanging from the ceiling, currency stapled everywhere with various notes, names, phone numbers and the like (yes, we have a few submissions up there as well)....you get the picture right? Sometimes on the weeknites, and most weekend afternoons and evenings, there are live bands rockin the house. The Roadkill Kings are a staple there, and their music is awesome - a mixture of blues/country/rock & roll - you never know what they're gonna play, but I defy you to not get up and dance, or at least sit in your chair with a huge grin on your face. As far as the bar goes, you won't find friendlier bartenders anywhere - 2 of our faves are Jennifer during the weekdays and Alison at night/weekend days. You will always have a coldie in front of you, nonstop baskets of peanuts, and we also sometimes order a pizza delivery from Sunset Pizza next door (which I previously yelped about). Again, 5 words: SIMPLY....THE...BEST...BAR....EVAHHHRRRR!!!!!

Mel M.

Yelp
How to have fun at Mother's: Get some peanuts. Make a huge pile of shells. Then throw them over your shoulder onto strangers. Write your name on a dollar bill have it posted on the wall. Drink a beer out of a mason jar. Meet Michael Douglas. Pour some beer on your friends. Take some pictures. Play some chess, its classy. Your welcome.

Brett C.

Yelp
Allison is an amazing host. First time here, will not be the last! Thank you for the hospitality Ally!

Oliver D.

Yelp
When you walk into this place and you see the thongs and bra's all over the ceiling, you go yeeesss!! But hold on, this is not a strip club, all the women wear cloth - welcome to Mother's Tavern, this is just decoration, but than I wonder, how and when did all the stuff get up there?? yeah right! They must have had some wild panties there, I meant Parties!! The Pros: - The beer is ice cold - the service is fast - you get free peanuts - parking right in front - if you ride a bike - on the weekend they have a live music - no lines to get in - no lines at the restrooms either The Cons: - No valet parking available - they don't take reservations - there is no host who takes you to your table - the floor is dirty with peanut shells - most of the guests have tatoos Come on - This is a real Biker bar - take it or leave!!