Rancho Bar

Cool dive bar tucked away. Not much parking on the premises, but plenty street parking and it’s free. Inside the actual bar area is wood everywhere. Then you go to another room and there is a juke box and pool tables. Then go back through a door to a cute outside covered patio area. Please keep in mind it’s a designated smoking area. It has a fireplace which actually keeps it warm. The bartender is super sweet and has been there for a long time. Bathrooms are micros size. Box feel. Overall cool day hangout and for night too. Allot of locals.

From young to old and every ethnic culture, this was a Down to earth chill spot. A lot like the show Cheers but better! Hope they rebuild!❤️

I love the Rancho Bar. Friendly atmosphere. It’s definitely a place that makes you feel at home. Awesome people who work there and when they get to know you, you’re family. Gotta go on the night when food is being served. All local vendors along with the crowd who are also locals. I definitely recommend coming here for a relaxing night with friends.

I have been to the Rancho Bar a few times recently but more during the night shift and it has been pleasant. Today, it was not pleasant, as my sister and I, who are long time residents of Altadena had a very bad experience. The bartender was not welcoming to begin with not even a simple hello. We conducted a facetime call with a family member in our own bar space just to be told that its not allowed in this bar. When my sister asked why the bartender became very rude and condescending. She stated the reason is because everyone doesn't want to hear our conversation and it is disrespectful towards her. Keep in mind this is a dive bar and you can hear everyone's conversation including hers that she was having nonstop with a customer. She also stated that know one wants to be on video. Again this bartender was not welcoming or attractive. She was dressed like a slob with a dirty sweatshirt on. She also smelled of cigarette smoke as she was in and out to have a cigarette. Trust me she would not be in any video or picture of mine. I have just read other reviews and I'm sure they are talking about this bartender. It really seems she hates her job and she needs to be put out the bar industry pasture. If I owned this place she would be gone as I'm sure she has little clientele and is putting this business in the negative. This edit is in response to the owners response. The problem is not the rules of this business. I can respect rules and its my choice to agree with them or not spend my money here. The issue here is the disrespect and rudeness towards customers that pay your bills. Customer service training can be advantageous in the future.

Nice hometown bar to hang out occasionally. If you're from the Dena area, you'll know just about everyone there. It's a cool vibe and peaceful familiar faces you've grown up with. The Kings taco, burrito, and quesidilla stand outside is absolutely scrumptious. It's a must try! I promise you won't be disappointed. 😋

Probably my favorite local watering hole. Been meaning to come here for years and glad I finally did recently! Everyone here is so friendly most people are regulars that come all the time. I've already been back several times and it's nice to see/talk to some familiar faces already. Drinks here are standard dive bar drinks at really affordable prices. There's often a food vendor in the parking lot. This place gets PACKED on the weekends so come early and order in bulk cuz it might take awhile to get more drinks later!

Always a good time with good people and the bartenders are always on top of things knowing when your ready for another drink and that’s a big plus at a bar

Cool spot in Altadena to go hang out and chill unfortunately they don't serve food but they do have food vendors Thurs through Saturday. Bomb food too.

This place really is a bit like cheers... where everybody knows your name. Attentive bartenders, friendly locals, and great drink prices. Been coming here for years and still love it. It's a neighborhood dive bar for sure, but that's my jam. The service and ambiance never disappoints.

Bartender was rude , completely ignored my husband. Waited for 20 minutes He had served others who came in after us. Became so obvious that he was ignoring us deliberately. Wa pretending to be busy and just kept saying I'll get you in a minute and 20 minutes later we're still standing there. Three locals were actually prompting him to serve us because it was obvious to them that he was ignoring us we'll never go back it's one of my girlfriend who is a local favorite spot. Other then the rudeness of the bartender , Cool vibe , local were very nice and friendly .

Customer service is the love for your fellow human being and how one treat their own blood family members with love this treatment is carried outside of the family setting your way of treatment twords your fellow human doesn't change just because other people are not blood related, this is the epitome of success in customer service. Unfortunately, a female bar tender at this location. Who doesn't at all respect the foundation of customer service. as she brings her family matters to the business. And dumps her emotions on unsuspecting guests.

The worst bar, ever!!!! Bartenders are the worst and give terrible service. If you're a man, no problem, otherwise don't even bother. They won't let you in if you're cute, watch out for the little man with the Bourrée. I'd give it zero stars if I could and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Altadena AleHouse, at least they had good service and respect.

I LOVE, love this place. I started coming to look at the old signage and kept coming back because Kim (and most of the other bartenders) were so kind to me a few summers ago when I would come in for the AC, the wifi (RIP), and to pretend that I was the scientist version of Charles Bukowski :) It's so far from a normal bar because there are amazing patio chairs, an uninterrupted view of the mountains abutting Lake Ave, and a historical memory of the Altadena of yesterday. There is also a little lending library (but please don't take the good books home because I like looking at them). I've stopped in there every day at this point so I know which days I'm welcome and which ones still have old holdovers from a time when my kind wouldn't be welcomed in a place like this. I'm just glad that the owners Chis and his wife and the people they've hired don't behave like this. They want you to feel like this is your own little production of "Cheers" where everybody knows your name. As long as you are also respectful and pay your bill. Not sure how much longer I'll be coming here but I wanted to leave a glowing review at some point because I've made some lasting friendships here. Thanks! xx ash P.S. Don't go on Sunday or Wed afternoon (or on Monday if Kim isn't working - she's a protector) if you look and dress like a little skater punk or have loc'd hair, or if you're alone and female embodied, you're better off going next door to ACE (grab a nice seltzer or topo chico and chat with Jacob) or to Unincorporated Coffee Shop/Roasters at the corner of Lincoln & Altadena Drive, until the sun sets then you can head to the Rancho because the crown will change around 5:30/6pm in the Winter. Saturday's get busy but I rarely go on Friday or Sat because I'd rather hang with my actual friends. If you like pool or darts you can do that here. If you want to watch a big game, it's usually on. Most customers are respectful, but there are a lot who are not, so just keep your eyes and ears open if you're alone. Ladies (and some men), get some bear spray or an expandable self-defense baton if you're walking to your car alone after leaving the bar at night. I also have a carbon fibre cross-bow because you never know what people can get up to if they're gooonnne off the Titos. Anyway, I hope Chris lets me design a t-shirt or hoodie for the bar one day!

I've been to this bar maybe 3 times in 14 years, tonight will be my last. Bartender threw us out for having the audacity of telling her to serve the guy waiting longer than us first. The place wasn't even busy. I thought maybe she was drunk but based on other comments here she's just a rude ass B with a power complex. Atmosphere was definitely not friendly.

Stopped here to have a few beers. The service was great. They have a jukebox & the music that was playing was good.

My choice for great neighborhood bar for nearly 40 years. Walking distance from my home.

A little bit divey, a little bit Cheer's. Relaxed and friendly and cozy. Small but quality selection of beers on tap, small outdoor seating area. Two thumbs up.

Perfect dive off Lake. Cheap, strong drinks and friendly atmosphere. There's pool tables & an outdoor patio available. Open early & late ;)

I love the rancho but I can't take the disrespect anymore. I know I'm not the only one to experience this. So please speak up and get her out of there. The bartender is constantly left alone by herself. She is terrible at managing her stress and is rude to me especially when I sit and wait patiently for her to attend to me. And the security trying to back her sits there idly while he knows that's not ok. If she needs a break or to take time to relax it's ok but she doesn't and I feel like the target of her frustration. Please help me get her customer service training or she needs to leave.

I come here a couple times a week to chill out after work. The front patio and the bar are my usual spots. A local bar with regular locals who appreciate non locals: nothing like diversity. You won't find any better drink prices except at home! On most nights you'll find a find truck or pop up stand in the front serving tacos, Jamaican food, Thai Street food and on occasion Filipino food. Cigars and cigarettes are welcome in the front and back patios( back patio closes @ 9pm). The front patio is equipped with outdoor heaters and tables with umbrellas: it's a great place to chat with plenty of smart people joining in. Current crop of bartenders are great: Kim, Aaron, Cesar, Rachel, Kaylee and Jason. Tye selection booze isn't huge but they cover mostly all the bases. And who cares if you've got a chill place like this?

5pm and she asked if I was drinking. I was honest and said yes and got kicked out. I walked out without any complaint because I was not drunk. I've been here many times, always proper and dressed up. This is why I get shit treatment. This place is all about its regulars. Been trying to be one but got kicked out. Altadena's finest shit place. Enjoy!

Wow! I was born and raised in Altadena and this was my first and last time in this place. We came in for my youngest sister's 21st birthday because of the proximity to our house and were excited because of the reviews this place has had. We had a great experience with folks in the place but then last call came and some of the songs we paid for were paused. Then we were waiting for some of the folks in our party to go to the restroom and one of the bartenders approached us and said "if you're going to keep doing this you're not going to be allowed to come back." We were so stunned and shocked at the fact that she approached us that way as it wasn't even 2 am and again, it was our first time at this place. We told her we were waiting for someone who was in the bathroom and she responded with "I don't care, you can wait outside". With the increased of date rapes and sexual assaults in bars on the rise, this is unacceptable! I wish I would have got her name but I'm so upset that what could have been a perfect night for my sister was ruined by this person.

This is only hilarious because anyone who loves Rancho bar has never read a review about Rancho bar. 10 out of 10 need I say more?

Probably my favorite local watering hole. Been meaning to come here for years and glad I finally did recently! Everyone here is so friendly most people are regulars that come all the time. I've already been back several times and it's nice to see/talk to some familiar faces already. Drinks here are standard dive bar drinks at really affordable prices. There's often a food vendor in the parking lot. This place gets PACKED on the weekends so come early and order in bulk cuz it might take awhile to get more drinks later!

Well folks, they made it out of the madness. This old dive has filled the hearts and bellies of the patrons in Altadena for over 60yrs. If you need a real drink, they got it. Do you need a pool table? They got that too. A warm ambience of wood grain and friendly locals fills the room like an old chalet in the western sierras. Cheap drinks hug the wallet, and the occasional shot warms the soul. The bartenders are kind yet don't take shit. Experienced enough for the pros, yet cute enough for the hoes. With views of the towering pines and San Gabriel mountains at your back, you are definitely going to find a home here. Drink it down and be profound!

Only serves libations Very reasonably priced Can get crowded Trying to post but not enough to say

I have been to the Rancho Bar a few times recently but more during the night shift and it has been pleasant. Today, it was not pleasant, as my sister and I, who are long time residents of Altadena had a very bad experience. The bartender was not welcoming to begin with not even a simple hello. We conducted a facetime call with a family member in our own bar space just to be told that its not allowed in this bar. When my sister asked why the bartender became very rude and condescending. She stated the reason is because everyone doesn't want to hear our conversation and it is disrespectful towards her. Keep in mind this is a dive bar and you can hear everyone's conversation including hers that she was having nonstop with a customer. She also stated that know one wants to be on video. Again this bartender was not welcoming or attractive. She was dressed like a slob with a dirty sweatshirt on. She also smelled of cigarette smoke as she was in and out to have a cigarette. Trust me she would not be in any video or picture of mine. I have just read other reviews and I'm sure they are talking about this bartender. It really seems she hates her job and she needs to be put out the bar industry pasture. If I owned this place she would be gone as I'm sure she has little clientele and is putting this business in the negative.

The atmosphere is really cute and in the cut. However, the security guard seemed a little like he was anxious to make a situation more than what it was. I witness him multiple times walk past a group of African Americans with a look on his face of disguise. Like he wanted to pick a fight. Made me a little uncomfortable I had to keep watching him just in case I needed to deescalate a possible altercation caused by him. Other than me watching him, watching them I thought the Rancho Bar has potential. Looking at the reviews of others everyone else seems to like it

I really like to support local business so we went to this bar for a drink the other night. The whole place seems nice and warm but the biggest issue for us is...there were people smoking like non stop in both back and front patio. There is a sign on the front patio said "no smoking" but I also found ashtray on the table. All the cigarette smoke triggered my astma and make me wonder am I still in LA or some 3rd world country where people don't care about there are people HATE 2nd hand smoke. So selfish. No one checked our vaccine card when we get in, but this is not even important here anymore. This a a nice but not healthy place to hangout.

This is mainly a "regulars spot" of people who live in the Altadena, Pasadena, San Gabriel area. There are always 20 of the this group of 75 people who show up here who all know each other. Despite this, the crowd here is pretty nice. I showed up here a couple of days ago to grab a drink or two. You got vaccination cards, ID then you got entry. The draft beer selection they have here has always been terrible and that has not changed. The Sculpin is probably the best thing that they have, otherwise you have stuff like 805 and Stella. The liquor and mixed drink selection here is better with the well drinks being pretty well made and reasonably priced. The crowd was a little strange when I went there. Sat next to some very drunk woman who preceded to tell me how much she hates her brother. Cool....can we talk about something else? Especially since your brother is in the seat next to you? I mean, this place used to be charming. But I am not sure if it is I am no longer impressed by a dive with a deep history, or the fact that I don't care about pool or the jukebox and the fact that their draft selection sucks, or it is this dive used to better. I'm clinging to "it used to be better".

I'm giving it 2 stars for the very few people that I like their. I was recently 86 because a regular patron tried to bully me into chugging my drink right when the Bartender gave me my drink. From my understanding he does NOT work there. He's just there everyday. They lied to the owner and said that I was yelling at a few bartenders. That's a lie because I respect all the bartenders there and would actually help them out when they were busy. A few days prior to me getting 86 this same regular patron told me a really racist joke. The joke was this, "I'm so racist that I hate my own shadow for how black it is." The joke was not funny to me, so I stayed quiet. He repeats the joke to others around him and he went on to say that he told that joke to some other African American and that guy got really upset. I went to explain to him that the guy got upset because that's a pretty offensive joke. He's response was, no, he just too sensitive. I didn't respond to him when he said that. The next day I was in a conversation with the security about racism. This same guy just randomly start blurting out, "I'm racist and so what" he said it about 3 times. I said ok cool thanks for being honest I don't care really. And then during closing time that's when he was trying to bully me into chugging my drink when the bartender called last call. There was actually some other African American who was yelling at the bartenders and I helped de-escalate the situation. The security was present when it happened. They 86 that guy, but the regular patron, because he was made at me was saying that I was 86 as well. Told his bartender friend to 86 me too so they made up this lie to the owner and 86 me for good. This is really sad to me because I actually really enjoyed going there and being with the people who are actually good people. There are a few people who are passive aggressive racist and they get upset when I call it out. I would give names, but I have respect for the owner still, which is wild. I just want people to know the truth because I hate when people lie on me to justify their decisions. Just be honest and stand on it. If you're African American and you're reading this just be observant you'll see the truth and just let them talk and you'll hear the truth as well.

LOVED this place! My co-workers from The Huntington Botanical Gardens have a monthly Happy Hour club (Triple H), and we love to go to neighborhood bars. This was just up our alley....down to earth....reasonable prices. And two outdoor patios in case people are still COVID leery. The bartender was great...she checked our vaxx cards and served us promptly. Turns out there WAS a Happy Hour, a pint of very good beer was only $5.50. And only $6.50 AFTER Happy Hour. Fun regulars. TVs had the baseball playoffs on. And there is a pool table. Best of all, at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights a taco stand sets up in the small parking lot. $3.00 each and DELICIOUS!

Great spot to hang out with friends. It does get chilly on the patio so bring a jacket!

Awesome little bar in the middle of Altadena excellent ambience great service and bartender makes a mean Michelada!

Came here the other night only to discover that this was the dive bar I never knew I needed in my life! Great music; chill vibes; interesting people (regulars); plus they have pool tables! Not to mention the crew outside who make the best tacos! :) I felt safe, comfortable, and welcomed here.

This is a cool low key location spot that might be getting diluted by the uncommitted transient hipster types. But it's a great local dive with lots of flavor and super great people. Kim is the absolute best. Weekends are a little amateur, but weekdays (minus Fridays) are pretty special. Good pours too. But it's just ok, you really shouldn't go. It's not that special, you should find another watering hole.

We love our new neighborhood bar! Moving from Hollywood to Altadena, we thought we might be missing our favorite laid back bars but looks like we found a great little gem. My husband and I like to stop here after going out to dinner, sometimes after a night jog, always after voting. And basically whenever we can get a babysitter! My friends are always like, "If you can't find Malia, check the Rancho!" And like, "Shouldn't you be watching your kid, Malia?" LOL But we all deserve a break. Break it down at The Rancho.

You have to be vaccinated to drink here, bartender will ask for proof of vaccination. Looks nice inside

Too bad there isn't a zero star option! Ranch Bar staff are rude to the community and customers. Employee was sitting outside right in front of the entrance smoking and scowling at customers. Do not go here unless you like rude service. This bar does not care about the local community or how they treat customers.

A very special place in a great community. Don't come here if you are uppity or a racist or a prude! If you are awesome you will be welcomed by some of the best folks you will ever meet.

You either love the Rancho, or it's not for you. It's a great neighborhood dive bar with some really interesting regulars. I've always had a good time here. It's not an artisanal cocktail bar, and I am happy about that.

I came to this bar and was denied entry for no reason, the security served me a drink while I remained out of the establishment. I asked why I was not able to order my own beverage, was told a bar tender named Doris did not like me for no reason. I asked why but did not get a answer.

BY FARRRRRRRRRR. The nastiest bar tender I've ever met in my life. I came inside to have a nice beer before work, told her I was just killing some time. She rudely told me she was not open for 5 more minutes I said oh absolutely fine I'll wait. She then ID me and then after was randomly sooo rude, and then asked me to wait outside because "it was her time" well kiss your tip goodbye. Heard this place closed down for awhile , surprised it opened back up.

This place should change their hours. The older lady was super rude and told her us she didn't want us in there on "her time". 5 MIN BEFORE "opening " AND THE DOORS WERE OPEN Yelp said open at 11, she said they opened at 2. Overall, super unprofessional and we were looking forward to trying this place out. She could definitely be nicer to customers next time. If I could give zero starts, I would . The disrespect was beyond anything I've experienced. Big shout out to el patron up the street for making her ugly visit into an amazing day!

Bloody Mary. That is all. This baby has like 40 ingredients and is oozing with love and affection. Fantastic bar cleverly disguised as a dive bar. Don't got there if you're a douchebag- you are not welcome.

Gosh, I honestly, couldn't stick around long enough to give an adequate assessment. Other than the fact that FIRST IMPRESSIONS are key-even in a dive bar situation. Granted the locals brag it is the only neighborhood bar- I get that! But it could still be LARGER, especially walking around the bar area to the back door! In all honesty, the smoking area OUTSIDE had way more room, and shows HIGH POTENTIAL if they would revamp it outside and make it a PATIO BAR as well. Smokers can blacken their lungs on the sidewalk! and isn't the LAW at least 25 feet from an establishment?! So why they can smoke right outside the bar in what could have been and otherwise AWESOME NON SMOKING AREA, is beyond me. The eclectic surge of high end people, mixed with bikers and lesbians, make this for quite an interesting sports bars. I am sure my assumption to hold back from ordering a fancy minted Mojito would be wisest, as it looks like mostly BEER and HARD LIQUOR served over rocks! But in life there is a FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING, and this was clearly...a FIRST!

I've been going here for years! Recently something has changed. New owners? New policy? Not sure, but I've been kicked out 3 times because they thought I was to intoxicated after one drink and I was asked to leave. When I was in my late 20s I got into a fight there with a good friend and I wasn't kicked out that night. That was over 10 years ago. Now they cut me off after my first drink and cut everyone who's with me off. They also have bouncers at the door now, who if they see you get out of a cab, they won't let you in. I won't go here again. It's become a dump.

If you don't like The Rancho, you're an asshole. It's Old School. Mind yer manners ya jackals. This is where professionals go ta drink. After I drink here, I usually wake up in the bushes of some apartment building with mulch in my beard. The place is aces.

The dress code Chris L, the owner speaks of is a motorcycle vest. I have been going to this bar both on my motorcycle and in my vehicles for nearly 8 years and during this 8 year run as a great customer, I have worn this same exact vest in his presence without issues or being told that it cannot be worn in his bar. I have been a customer at his bar with every single bartender employed there including the one who had an issue with my vest and she has dozens of times served me prior while wearing this exact vest. Discrimination at its highest form to have staff operate in such a way. In fact, I have assisted Chris in unloading his truck of supplies for the bar in this exact vest. I have never in 8 years of spending money at this bar ever caused any problems nor have I ever been a part of any negative issues or problems. I have often helped the bartenders with sweeping, trash, changing lightbulbs and breaking up altercations, but never have I been the cause of any problem. I always use to believe Chris to be a very fair man and owner, the escapades and free drink pours for customers go unseen but then my vest is the problem. The issues with bar ownership can be many I am sure but over-trusting your staff can lead to discrepancies and your bar never, ever had an attire policy. Ut just never did, so it begs as to why after 8 plus years all of a sudden you have one and then since that night I was asked to leave, you have serviced customers with similar and same vest. This I know for a fact!!! Discrimination. FACT: to this day he and his bar and staff serve customers with motorcycle club vest. 2 sides to very story but one is very slanted and a lie. The owner doesn't know everything that happens or happened that night. Peace!

Love this bar. Leah by far serves better drinks than Jason or Jerame. Her cactus cooler is second 2 none.

A coworker who lives in the Pasadena area recommended Rancho Bar to me, knowing that I'm a huge fan of dirty bars. I went last weekend and was very impressed! From the outside, it looks relatively upscale, but upon stepping in, I was pleased to see a dingy bar, packed with an assortment of salty regulars and a beautiful bartender who welcomed us unfamiliar folk with a smile and warm hospitality. We ordered pretty basic drinks - a vodka cranberry, whiskey neat, a couple Budweisers - so I can't vouch for the speciality drinks, but the bodacious blonde goddess was slinging some pretty amazing-looking Bloody Mary's. I'm excited to come back and try one.

Just yes. Been going here for 20 years. Love love love! Locals place. Fair prices, friendly faces. Good times every time!

The Rancho is one of the only places in town to sit and grab a drink. A quaint hole in the wall that's been there for years. If you're looking to get a cocktail this is the place for you. If you're looking for craft beer or a good wine selection you might have to look elsewhere. Most of the time it's standing room only as this small place can get crowded even on a weeknight. If you just want to throw a few back with the locals then this is the place for you.

If your not a regular, then forget having the friendly welcome, if your selection of songs is not to their liking the jukebox will get rebooted. Bartenders will ignore you for a long time, so that drink you needed after a hard day at work won't be so satisfying.

It's home! It's quaint! And expensive, it ain't! An ice cold PBR will only set you back a pair of dollars, plus! Other than the awkward architecture, it's Altadena's finest Mt.Lowe watering hole!

Cozy bar that is packed on the weekends and has a nice outdoor patio to accommodate it. The locals and staff are Friendly and respectful. A diverse bar for those who yearn for a classic American watering hole.

I fell in love with Rancho Bar. We arrived a little before 8 to meet some friends and ended up staying until just after midnight! The snug/divey atmosphere, the friendly/diverse crowd, the sweet/funny bartenders-- everything feels intimate and familiar, and I can see us turning into regulars. The bathroom was comically small, but at least it was clean! And I really liked that they had an outdoor patio. The only thing that's missing is a food truck parked right outside... But that's not Rancho Bar's fault! Needless to say, we'll be back.