The Bistro

Great music on a Friday night with Gold Dead. Something every night. Always a great draft beer selection with a couple Russian Rivers, something for everyone's tastes. Wine also. Cash only. Limited snacks, but you can bring your own food and sit inside or outside.

Great little pub at the end of the street. They encourage Jazz musicians. Eclectic collection of beer on tap. Bartender was amazing. The vibe grows on you slowly.

Just a simple round the corner beer pub. But had a good charming feel about it. That is outdoor sitting as well as indoor seating. There's also live music, if I'm not mistaken every day. The bartender was very courteous and nice to talk to. All in all, a good place to go and spend a simple evening with friends or family. Note: they just have some basic snacks like cheese and chips, no food. But outside food is available. Also cash only.

Great beer. Get the Pliny! I usually come here in the afternoon on weekends for some reading and a pint.

sold me an expired beer, I gave a 7 in tips, date read 3/3/2026, oh God, saw some babes walk away from this place go to the funky monkey, yeah, should check the expiration before selling it

You can go inside or out because they have tables and chairs outside. Good beers. Live music on the weekends. Smoking OK. My friends and I had a very good time outside listening to the music. No food, but you can bring your own.

Nice, old fashioned bar. You know like it should be. I'm personally not a fan of American beer at all... I still can't understand how people can drink beer with the taste of a Christmas tree... Asked about German/Belgian lager or pilsner of whatever closest to it. Bartender do it best and bring something really not bad. Really appreciate. - Place is nice and located at nice street. You can stay inside or outside. - People in the bar and bartender were nice. - For IPA lovers good choice of beer and it is fresh . I believe it is a big +. - The whole atmosphere is very cozy. Like it.

I love this place!! But then I might be kinda bias since my Uncle John hosts an open mic night there. That and they serve some of the best micro beers around. One of the few places I know where I can get Pliny the Elder on tap. They also have live music every night.

Great beer selection, live music, outdoor seating - this little bar has a lot to offer - friendly and personality packed. So your in Downtown Hayward. This general area has a few places to bar hop - Funky Monkey, Stein, Dirty Bird and The Bistro - going to some or all of the above on any given evening makes for good fun. Smaller bands are great to discover here. It makes for a very lively atmosphere. Hayward goes above and beyond with community events and closing down B street regularly. There are two pizza places nearby - I prefer Susie Qs - its very upscale for Hayward. OOops, I'm sorry - that wasn't meant to be some backhanded compliment about the city. From what I know the owner of this place is actively involved in the city of Hayward and I like that. All the more reason to support this establishment. Downtown Hayward can be very fun - its not the worst place to live - just get out and make the best of it.

The Bistro is a vibe and I'm here for it. It's a very mellow crowd and great when it's lively. Amazing when it's not, as well. Came today for Pliny the Younger and was super happy to be one of the lucky ones to get a taste. Great beer. Great place. I've been here more times than I can count but I still forget that it's CASH but they got an ATM.

The Bistro has been in downtown Hayward for years! They have live bands on certain nights which is great! They are a cash only bar, but don't fret as they do have an ATM inside. Their beer selection changes as they bring in new bears to try. In my most recent visit I saw they now offer charcuterie boards as a snack as they also have a wine list to choose from. They have plenty of seating inside as well as an outdoor patio to enjoy in a nice day or if you want to bring your dog. The staff is always nice every time I decide to stop in. During SF beer week in February they also have the Double IPA festival where they have over 100 breweries and you can sample their beers for a free. It's a very nice festival to have here in Hayward. If you want some chill vibes, check them out!

Loved this place. Our band (Sounds of Skynryd) played a gig there. Nice venue, loved my server, Keith!!! Or was it Kevin??? Dang it, I had a few beers so not surprising that I can t remember but I DO remember that the beers were yummy, music was nice (if I say so myself) and the venue is in a nice area with parking - you might have to circle around a bit. I'm going back! Nice regulars!

Came to the bistro to see a friend's band play. It's a pretty straightforward bar - good beers, good music, a good time. My friend was playing on a Tuesday evening and the bar wasn't crowded. We were served our beers immediately. One thing to note: this bar is CASH ONLY. They do have an ATM but just be prepared. Lots of familiar beers and a lot of variety too. There's something for everyone. They have a small food menu though I didn't order anything so not much for me to say there. The bar is pretty small so I could see how it'd be crowded on the weekends. They also have an outdoor patio which would probably help a lot and be comfortable to hang out on in the summer. Seems like a cool bar to grab a beer at if you're in the area!

Love this place! Definitely a staple in downtown Hayward. We were looking for a place to eat our chopped cheese sandwiches and stumbled upon this spot. The bartender was super friendly and so were the customers. Lots of space inside on a Friday evening around dinner time. I was surprised they have pliny on tap, so we got a couple rounds of that! Friday night after 8pm there was a live band playing old jams/jazz which was a nice vibe. The bar slowly got packed towards 9pm! I think they sell food items as well but we didn't get the chance to try the food items. We love how chill and welcoming the bar is, also the selection of beer on the menu is very nice. If we're ever craving some Russian River beers we'll definitely come by here! They also have an outside patio too, awesome spot to hang outside when its warmer! I honestly didn't feel like I was in Hayward when I was in here, quite a trippy experience.

My friend and I stopped by to listen to New Shoes Blues Band and thought it was perfect. They had an awesome local tap list as well as a broad range of cans. The seating was comfy, and you could easily appreciate the music without it being too overwhelming both inside and outside. Note it is cash only.

This review is strictly based on the ambiance; I came to see Monday Cafe perform. Didn't orde anything to drink. Street parking available; also located near the garage which is free. Venue is small and intimate. Would return.

I was supposed to play at this venue tonight. Unfortunately, the owner emailed me to cancel (No call no text) 1.5 hours before the event. (We had this show scheduled for over 2 months) I live an hour away and get to the venue 30 minutes before always. He also did not give me a real explanation other than an event happening overtime and did not pay me. He does not care about your time and does not care about you as a musician. I would not associate with a venue that does not care for it's guests or musicians.

Horrible service and owner. I was supposed to see my friend Haley sing tonight and they cancelled on her ruining her night and mine. They canceled due to an event not ending in time. The owner did not pay my friend either. He doesn't care for his musicians or anyone coming to see them or anyones time but his own. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS

Excellent service! Great ambiance I haven't been here in years still a great place to have a beer and hear live music! The bar tender Vito was great!! I had fieldwork pulp ipa and it was great!!!

The Bistro on B Street is a true gem in Hayward, boasting a honky-tonk ambiance that sets the stage for a Sunday afternoon blues band like no other. Their cheese board is a work of art, offering incredible tasting and unique choices that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Pair it with a craft beer from a local brewery, some even sourced from as far as Sonoma, for a truly unforgettable experience. Having operated since 1994, The Bistro has become a local institution, and for good reason--it's been one of my go-to haunts since my days teaching at Hayward High. Whether you're a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, The Bistro on B Street never fails to impress.

Great lager, great service. I don't regret coming here one bit. I will definitely come here with friends!

Bartender was sweet. The Guava Cider was delish. The fact that they serve cheese and crackers was unexpected. The live music was great! Went with a friend and no one bothered us. Crowd was older/mature. People seemed to be having a good time.

Live music and brews! What more could a girl ask for? Diamonds?! Maybe... but I'm going to just settle for this instead. After practically being kicked out of the Stein Lounge by a tweak head (she was seriously tweaking), we decided to continue the party at the Bistro! This place literally can't be missed! The amazing loud music will reel you in even if you're just walking down the street. Not to mention, it's FREE and it's great entertainment! But what will also keep you there is their amazing beer selection! They highly support Beer Camp beer here which is a wonderful brand of beer, but you will also find a few common stragglers such as Faction Brewing and Sierra Nevada. I started off with the crisp Ginger Lager by Beer Camp which was smooth as ice and well balanced. Finished out the night with the most delectable creamy beer also by Beer Camp called Raspberry Sundae! If you like creamy sour beers, you MUST try their Raspberry Sundae! It's so amazingly yummy! Not sure if this is rotating, but get it while it lasts! This is something that I would purchase in a growler to take home if I could. Just that tasty! My friends and I were entranced by the wonderful performance of Day Labor that night! They kept everyone entertained and even started a mini mosh pit which was quite fun to watch! There aren't many seats available inside, so you'll be subjected to standing room only. Think of it as a mini concert where everyone stands around to enjoy the show. It's really not that bad if you think about it. Everyone is really focused on the awesome performances that lie ahead. If you really want to sit down, they have a beautiful outdoor seating area that looks gorgey during the day time. Bartenders were whippin' em out like pure magic! Everyone here was truly enjoying tbemselves! It's truly a change of pace amongst all of the other bars on B street. Definitely worth a visit if you like great live music and tasty beer!

Love this place. Great Beer, live music, outside seating during these shit show covid times. They have the yearly double and triple IPA festival every year which I fucking love! This is my local watering hole for as long as I'm in the Bay Area.

I am glad we heard about the amazing live music here during the pandemic! We were able to see My Lady Friend live! They have an amazing beer list and great overall vibe! I'm for sure going to come back anytime they have My Lady Friend back to kick back relax and try a few local brews or two. They also had some food like pizza available for purchase!

The Bistro was an unexpected pleasure as i killed some time waiting for bombay masala to open.(they never did open for lunch. wonder if that "help wanted" sign on the window had something to do with it.). Bistro isn't an eatery as the names implies but a makeshift bar counter with tables scattered around a spacious room. instruments adorned the upper walls, implying they have nightly musical performaces. truly a mix crowd ethnicly. hip crowd too. fists bumps were abundant when the main man came through and proceeded to the back room. on tap: 12 premium beers, probably heavyweights in the industry since plinay, da no. 1 beer was on blackboard. white and red wines also available. pour: plinay the elder(5.5) -very smooth brew with character, hoppiness without any bitterness on tap: -only 2 sammies, a salad, and a soup on the menu -only 1 staffer so service s methodic and courteous -definitely worth repeating if time killing is on the agenda. -good place to find great beers on tap.

Great selection of rotating beers served by a patient and knowledgeable staff with live music every day. Cheese trays, good pretzels (bags), and chips. Cash only.

This is the chill bar of downtown Hayward with an older crowd. Great beer selection and this place usually gets a small keg of Pliny the Younger every year, however it sells out super fast! They regularly have live music and also have a patio area in front. The line for the restroom is never that long. They hold an IPA festival every year as well. It's a great spot if you're looking to chill and have a beer.

If you want a good local hang to hear live music and have a beer. Look no further. Ive been here a few times and have enjoyed every visit. They only have beer and wine, no cocktails. They also do not carry any Budweiser products. So come in prepared for some good unique beers not your basic beer crap. We usually get the Pliney. Or if Im not in the mood for beer they have little bottles of champagne. The stage is small and the sitting area in front is small. The outside sitting area is my favorite. On a nice summer night its great to sit with friends and hear some good bands play. Ive only heard rock bands play, and they play loud! Its so fun.

If you pursue live music earlier in the day and later in the day, this is a good choice. Just check their website for the hours it is available that day. The band they had that Saturday afternoon was quite good, not too loud. This is an order at the counter bar this is cash only. They said the ATM is currently broken. They offer beer, wine and some canned drinks. No coffee, but they did have tea available with added milk as an option, no lemons. They have a little bit of food available. We had crackers and salami. Not sure if they have air conditioning.

I don't live in the area so my visits to The Bistro usually revolve around showing up for the double and triple IPA festival now days. This place consistently has great beers on tap and they have been here for as long as I can remember. I wish I lived closer so I could visit more. Hosting the double and triple IPA festival is one of the most kick ass things a place could ever do. Try to get here while that's going on if you can.

I have been here a few times. In the past I thought they mostly served IPAs. I'm not a fan of most IPAs. Yesterday I spent a few hours sipping delicious beers. They certainly have a diverse beer selection. They have good food too. Jenny made sure I was well taken care of. Thank you Jenny and thank you Bistro.

This small spot in downtown Hayward is definitely a good one to visit if you like good beer! The staff is very friendly and is always welcoming. The Taps have a good rotation and the staff is very knowledgeable about their product. They have alot of different types of beer to accommodate your personal taste. The bistro has music at night. It differs night to night. While it can be loud at times it is still nice to see local bands and artists perform. It is a huge plus that they have live music. It makes for a fun time. Sometimes it can cause a crowd of people to form inside and it can get a little tight. When the weather is nice (especially during the summer) they have the outside patio. It is nice to sit and enjoy a beer. They are also dog friendly outside! The one thing people dont always realize when they come here is it is a cash only bar. Either bring cash with your or you can use the Atm they have in the back of the place. Overall this place is a awesome spot to visit and have a good beer! I recommend making a visit to this tap room to enjoy yourself. Cheers!

I've only been here a few times, but I love the fact they have live music. It's something different from the other bars downtown. You can grab a beer or some wine and some snacks and just enjoy live music either inside or outside on their patio seating.

Great beer and outdoor patio for a relaxing time. I love how they have live music on some days, not sure on the schedule but it doesn't hurt to call ahead and ask. This place is cash only, heads up. You're sure to have a good time in the heart of downtown Hayward especially if there's live music ;)

Went to an Open Mic night here last week. Beer was good! No food sold, so brought in food from local shop. Slightly aged vibe, but great for a good time. Open Mic night was pretty packed. Will check it out again!

Average bar, they only has beer and wine. Nothing special. Only went because a friends band was playing there.

Cool place, bring cash, and order a beer.

Fantastic beers. They get Pliny the Younger every Feb/March!! These people know Beers. On the flipside, very average staff serving Beers.

The sister of the owner says to me: " No way.. are you telling people about this?!" I take another sip of the smoothest 11% known to NorCal brew fiends and assure her I'm only mentioning this unique situation to a friend in San Jose who recently had to wait in line with many others just to get a limited taste of this highly sought after liquid masterpiece. Here at The Bistro, there were no limits, lines, or outrageous pricing. Just a few in the know, smiling ear to ear and told to "shush" as we joked alongside the literary group on the small stage at the end of the room. Five individuals read their original works aloud, some comedic, some dark, some dramatic, some Palahniuk-esque. Chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms, 7 layer chip, and salmon-cream cheese crostinis covered a small table as I strategically selected a mini-dinner snack tray and headed back to the bar for another round. Possibly more. All mentioned dishes were splendid. As the clock struck 8:00pm, word had spread, and more had gathered to get a taste of the second greatest beer in the world. I chalk this up to yet another under the radar release that was surely the most memorable of these past month keg taps across the East Bay.

We came here on open mic night. I knew when I walked in it was my kind of place. A little hole in the wall bar with great beer selections and live music. The artist on the stage was a wonderful singer-songwriter, and kinda cute. After two songs, the next artist came onstage, and although I didn't appreciate his talent quite so much, we still enjoyed the atmosphere and experience. The clientele and staff were friendly. My second experience was on a Saturday afternoon when they were having a wet hops tasting festival. I love beer, but know squat about brewing. A friend (who is an avid home brewer) came up from San Jose with his wife and golden retriever, so I joined them with my kids and mutt. Outdoor sidewalk seating is great for enjoying the beautiful California weather, people watching, shooting the shit and bringing cool dogs. As I reminisce, I am upgrading from 4 to 5 stars. I really love this place and will come back.

Had just attended a beer event here: $25 for the "Sierra Nevada Artisan Ale Experience." This is where some reps from Sierra Nevada (Chico, Ca) get together with consumers in the beer world, and dish out a little new information/products. There was a small informative slide show, some decent apps (provided by The Bistro) and an open pour for 2 hours, sampling some of their new products not yet in the mainstream. Offered were the Summerfest (light and crisp), Kellerweiss (their version of hefeweizen, and it is gooooood!, light, smooth with a little orange peel and spices), Chico IPA (straight up liquid WEED, rejoice), and their Big Foot Barley Wine (smooth and strong, like portwine). Check out this cool clip. *clix dis* http://www.sierranevada.com/beers/images/bigfootwindows.wmv Great overall event, and even though it's mainly a marketing event, it was fun and educational. A great collaboration between a legendary NorCal brewery and a solid beer community watering hole. I would most certainly attend another event here, with beer gut in tow.

I moseyed over to Downtown Hayward on a Wednesday night because my boyfriend, and two of our other guy friends were bored after work and class and we had nothing to do! We went to get fro-yo, and walked around looking at peculiar art in the windows. Then we heard this soulful music coming out of this place called The Bistro. Well, I thought to myself, this seems inviting, let's grab a drink and listen on in. So we did, and then they did a cover for Prince! I fell in love instantly. $3.50 for a glass of the house wine that was filled almost to the rim. $5 for beers on tap. Even better. They had an interesting assortment of beers and a modest assortment of others wines. The house wine really wasn't too shabby for it's price. And the laid back aura of the venue with it's lively audience was an invigorating experience; it's just what I needed to celebrate a stressed out happy HUMP day! Cheers Bistro, I loved you and will definitely be back.

Been to this joint a few times. There is always good music. One night it was rock and the next its blues. My buddy recently wanted to go to a jam night there and just play some drums with the other musicians. It was cool to be a part of something musical and spontaneous. They've got some good beers on tap. The prices are decent. Parking isn't too bad, but it's street only. The bar keep is always friendly. The music for most of it is mellow and not too loud. That's a bid deal when going out to hear a band for the first time. I have to admit, I've never heard of most of the bands that come through this place, but it's always enjoyable to hear some new original music from local musicians. I got no qulams with this place so I say go check it out.

Let's go to the Bistro.... oui oui.... and have some wine....NOT...get that French Bistro out of your head and head to the generically named placed called the Bistro in Hayward and have some amazing beers on tap. I was fortunate enough to visit after a recent beer fest so they had some interesting Wethopped IPAs on tap from several reginal breweries. I really enjoyed the selection and discussing the brews with the bartender. And bonus, they have live music on certain nights. I would definitely return here if in the area.

Do you like beer? Do you like live music? Do you like crayons on tables? Do you like an outdoor patio? Do you like an epic, long chain of bottle openers on a bartender? You have come to the right place, as this spot has all of these items and a bit more. They have a good amount of IPAs on tap and a variety of bottled beers in the fridge. I am a fan of Beligums and get my fill here while enjoying the local live music scene. If you get a table you're lucky, though I hope you either like loud music or brought ear plugs - it's a small space. You can enjoy the venue outside on the patio as well. The type of bands vary and you'll have to check the calendar to find out what's playing. One thing guaranteed is a lot of dad bods (*rawr*). TL;DR: I've always left happy after drinking and listening to music

First visit. Came for the open mic night. A cute little intimate spot to enjoy some local talent. You will have to get your drinks from the bar, there is no table staff, which was fine. The one bartender handles a full house very well. A decent beer selection. No food served. There is only one small unisex bathroom. Depending on the talent, I'd go back. It was a good time.

I love this little place and it is one of my favorite places in downtown Hayward to grab a drink. Of course, Hayward doesn't have a boatload of options available, but I love the atmosphere at The Bistro. There is live music every night, and who doesn't like listening to music while sipping (or chugging!) on some beer and wine. And crayons! I used to love crayons as a kid, so drawing on a table with crayons always reminds me of fond memories... Yeah, the bathroom is pretty gritty and the people there, well they're an eclectic bunch. I consider it part of the charm. It's not a lounge and it's not a club, it's a little (hole in the wall) bar so don't go there expecting the red carpet to be rolled out. BUT, they have a decent selection of beers and cheap wine...and don't forget the crayons!

Stumbled upon this bar one night when my girlfriend and I were looking for night life in Hayward... Yay for live music and craft beer! Decent selection for the micro brewery lovers. If the music is too loud and there's no more room inside, bring it to the patio!

Everyone has that place they like to go to and get that one drink they crave all the time. Or maybe that's just me with this place. My favorite drink they have: Woodchuck Pear Cider. Every time I come here, I get that. Why? Because their drinks are made with love. The taste is so crisp and fresh. I've tried several beers from here too which were interesting in a good way, but everyone has their favorite. The seating there is nice, because you have a choice of inside or outside. Another benefit is that there is a band playing there almost any night you go. If you are there to chill, inside seating is fine. But if you are there to catch up with someone, you should sit outside if you want to yell. Parking is tough to find on the street, but there is a parking lot behind buffalo bills that usually has parking. The pricing is good here as well!

This place is pretty cute. Came in the other night and to my surprise there was live music. Didn't care too much for it being a cash only place but definitely worth the visit.

They have good beer. Good music (live). No cover charge. Outdoor seating that is pet friendly. Nice ownership. And bar staff.

I've spent a lot of time here, as I use to play the venue once a month for about a year. Definitely not your average bar - which may be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for. Beer only, but they've got plenty of not-well-known choices to explore. Food? Mostly microwaved snacks. Meh. Fetching bartenders, though. Joint is inhabited by a stable of regulars who are fixtures of the place - maybe since the Lincoln administration. One unisex bathroom - so long lines and yes, I'll have a side of Purel with my Guinness, thank you. A large sheet of butcher paper serves as table lining, and every table gets a jar of crayons so you can write your next treatise or rehearse your ABC's. As far as the music, you get a mixed bag. They have genres sequestered to different nights of the week - Tuesdays are jazz night, there's a blues night, a rock night, etc. So check the calendar if you're looking for a specific genre. The acoustics used to be quite nice until they ripped out the indoor/outdoor carpet they had throughout the place - after that it became a little unpleasurable playing there as it became a reverb den (remember assemblies in your high school gym?) If you're looking for a funky beer joint to take in some local music, The Bistro may be your stein of lager. If you're expecting anything more...prolly not. Oh, and an OSHA safety tip - If you're a piano player - don't expect to play the piano. Bring your own digital. That thing should be put down with a shotgun.

One word: greatest! Place to relax, to hangout, to enjoy music and people with love. Much love! Peace

There are not of places like this in this area and it gets points for being unique. The Bistro reminded me of Austin where I had just returned from and is known for its music scene. I went here for drinks with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed being able to sit outside and listen to live Blues music.

Good beer, decent price, CRAYONS?! Love the tables with the blank pages to draw on. Definitely made drinking more fun. As for what was on tap, there was definitely a decent selection of 10 beers. We got the Pliny the Elder and the Black Butte Porter. Both tasty, neither more than 7 dollars. I definitely want to see if they have any other good beers in the future.

You guys have the best bartender eveeeer!! I went with my husband and the guy was sooooooooo cool with us, another guy eas playing the guitar and that make our date amazing!! Thank you, we can't wait to go again soon!!!