A signboard of Beacon Light by the Sea on Highway 1 in Elk, Calif., on Aug. 8, 2026. The establishment is a cliffside bar owned by Bob Beacon. (Roger Coryell/Bay City News)

MENDOCINO CO., 8/18/2026 — Ask around Mendocino County for the oldest bar, and you’ll get a confident answer, then another one, then a third. All can be right, because nobody is answering the same question.

Oldest under one owner? Oldest unbroken license? Oldest building that never stopped pouring? Several bars have a real claim, and no two of them win under the same measure.

Continue reading for FREE

We just want to make sure you’re a human! Sign in to keep reading and receive our weekday newsletter in your inbox.

Or

Privacy Policy

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.