Krayon’s Gallery

This place is actually cool. I never thought I’d say there was a cool hole in the wall bar in Castro Valley, but here I go!
The bar is nice and long, plenty of bar stools. The bartenders are friendly and happy to serve you.
Sometimes theres karaōke. There’s free popcorn and an outside balcony area. It’s always nice when old high school friends get together and make an appearance there.

Terrible cocktails (old fashion was rough). Cheap beer. Kinda dark with a strong dive bar feel. I’ll take it, but I’d prefer doolittle’s right up the street.

Krayon’s + Old Faithful… I can always count on good service and an interesting crowd. There are the friendly regulars and on any given night you might get a different crowd. Great jukebox, good service, good prices, pop corn, and good people always turns out FUN! If you start your night or end your night here, it will be a good night!

Pretty decent dive bar. Really clean, good prices, lagunitas on tap and TVs. What else do you need?

I was introduced to Krayon’s 30 years ago. It really needs to be remodeled, and the wine was so bad we had to send it back. It’s a fun local hangout, but it’s in dire need of a facelift.

Krayon’s is like a cheers one day, and like a box of chocolates the next, you never know what your going to get. For me, I’ve been a customer for 30 years, I go to meet friends, clients and potentially new friends. It’s women owned and I love the owner –Chicks rock.
Krayon’s is hard to find because you have to go through an alley with no signs when you come through the back in the Lucky’s parking lot, really that’s half the fun. On Friday ‘days’ she has an awesome lunch with the best hamburgers in town. The only place that has a hamburgers that is close, is Val’s Hamburgers. If I remember on Fridays I go to Krayon’s for sure. I love that you get a small salad with your burger for under 9 bucks, and sometimes she has homemade soup. They also have internet access for those who have to log in. I’m not a big drinker but I think their drinks are reasonably priced.
I usually go on a Friday evening before my big weekend plans. I have pet names for different nights and the crowds they bring. It always seams to be entertaining one way or another and there is surely always a friendly face that walks in that you eventually get to know. It’s generally lesbian friendly, beings I’m the resident lesbian, sometimes a little too friendly. It’s all good, adds to the entertainment value. ;-) I’ve always found it funny they don’t have a blender. Although, in the day, when I drank Margaritas I had them on the rocks. No blender necessary.

Long day and you need to unwind? Cheers has nothing on this place. The people here are fun, serious, crazy, professional, nutty, horny, dumb, wacky, rich, poor and just looking for a connection with someone that has had a long day. We are all human and can spare a smile for one another when we see a familiar face. The bar tenders: Kristen, Joe, Sue, Poppy… Are attentive and straight forward. You want a drink? You got it. I love this place. The crowd is mixed, from 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and so-​on. Who cares how old you are? If you want to have a good time, this is the place to be in CV.

Stopped in here out of curiosity and while it does seem like a fun, lively place full of regulars, I was immediately put off by the fact that the bartender took her own sweet time acknowledging me, then when she did as ask what I wanted, she mixed a pretty weak and definitely overpriced drink. And this was during what should’ve been happy hour. So if you’ve never been here: take note of what they charge. I guarantee you none of the regulars were getting charged what I was! otherwise there would be nobody in the joint. Also, this joint is located at the end of what seems like a private driveway. Even if the iot is not full, it can be awkward getting out of there because there is not a lot of room to turn around… And trust me, you don’t want to try to back out of a bar parking lot and right onto busy Castro Valley Blvd.

Hidden bar in the alley way… tiny place with a few tables. Overall, bartender was nice and the drinks were pretty decent.

Nice «hole in the wall» watering hole in the heart of Castro Valley.

Bad experience here with a Bartender. I forgot my ID. I Show here my ID on my phone and she doesn’t accept. I don’t look young but I don’t look older. I have 35 yeas old I’m married and I have a daughter. She toll me get out of this bar

I have been going here off and on for over 12 years and things have changed. I used to see the friendly owner chatting with patron and the music always good. The past few time there hasn’t been more than 8 people and they are always watching tv with the hairy fat lady that works there, really tv on a saturday night. Last night was it, a rude Linda made me decide… I will never go back. If you want people to hang out at your bar, you should hire friendly staff!

Krayon’s is hidden in the same driveway that hosts sunflower restaurant. parking limited to 10 cars. driveway is a deadend. getting out may be problematic.
seating is at the bar, a few tables, and some small rooms. lots of flatscreens.
patrons appear to be regulars.
happy hour: fridays, 5 – 7 ‚$ 1 off
pour: apple orchard (cider, 4.25)
–strong stuff, nice cider
on draught”
–over 10 draughts
–one way driveway + entry into major street = potential problems.
–street parking limited nearby unless one parks next door…

While there are only three major bars in Castro Valley, and beggars can’t be choosers, Krayon’s just isn’t for me.
Hell, it’s not for my generation. Sure, that sign in the corner advertising Rock Band tournaments may look good, but the place feels like it’s strictly for the older crowd. If you like dive bars with an older clientele that keep to themselves, go nuts.

Dive-​y fun times are always guaranteed at Krayon’s. Awesomely heavy handed pours and nice bar keeps. Cheap drinks and comfortable surroundings will keep me returning. The patrons are usually pleasant but occasionally you get the random CV douche bag thinking he is an MMA fighter.

«Krayon? What the HELL is Krayon?»
It was the last thing I asked before we hopped into a car to get our drink on in Castro Valley. The place was your typical hole-​in-​the-​wall dive bar. I kept thinking «Castro Valley has dive bars? I thought it was just a place for old people.» Apparently, CV is the spot for dive bars! This place has a good vibe — people who keep to themselves, chill bartenders and a juke box. did I mention that there is plenty seating? WINNING!
I had a great time here and look forward to many more in the future.

I wish we had come to Krayon’s when we lived in Castro Valley, alas, we just discovered this little joint over the weekend.
Typical dive bar, large outside patio, and cheap, stiff drinks. On a Friday night the atmosphere was lively but not crowded, which is just how I like it. I’m sure I’ll be back!

Good, friendly, dive bar. Good juke box and hardworking bartenders. Avoid Karaōke night though. Too many wanna-​be divas trying too hard.
We go here often and its a good time 90% of the time. They are cool with bringing in outside food too, so try the «taco truck» tacos from the place next door.

I was intrigued by the sign: Art Gallery, Lunch and Cocktails. (I dream of being a Lady Who Lunches.)
It ended up being more of a sports bar decorated with smiley faces of all varieties. Huh. Folks were friendly, OK selection of beers on tap, and lotsa (new) country music on the jukebox (which is fine by me). Overall, a decent local.

I like this bar to hang out with my girlfriends and have a cocktail or two before heading out somewhere else. The bartenders are great. When it was my friend’s birthday, while she was in the bathroom I asked the bartender to make her a special birthday shot… and described some of the cocktails she liked. The ‘tender whipped up a drink that my friend loved still asks for whenever we come in. The regulars are entertaining characters.
It could use a pool table.
Whatever you do, do NOT try to park in the little parking lot in front. It’s usually full and it’s so narrow that it’s a pain in the ass to turn around and leave. Park behind the bar in the Albertsons shopping center.