Drive through Concord’s sun-drenched streets—once dotted with orchards before postwar expansion—and you’ll taste its evolving story. Beyond the classic steakhouses and brewpubs, discover a Vietnamese pho spot that’s poured broth since the ’90s, a family-run taqueria doubling as a tequila shrine, and a sleek wine bar where local vintners gather. New arrivals sparkle, but these ten pour the foundation.
Concord Tap House
$ | (925) 685-8585 | WEBSITE
So many beers, all of them impressive. Concord Tap House does IPAs, lagers, stouts, ciders, and, yes, sour beers as well. They all come with perfect pours, which means you can get a crisp lager with your sandwich, a hoppy IPA alongside your appetizer, or a tart sour from the dedicated fridge. Order at the bar, then grab a table in the casual space or out front and enjoy your generous meal.
The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop
$$ | (925) 808-7056 | WEBSITE
The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop can seat, comfortably, about fifty people (indoors and out) at one time. The cozy counter-service spot pours over 20 different kinds of beers—from IPAs to lagers and ciders—all of which showcase rotating taps. There are no wrong choices, but we’re partial to the adventurous selections and solid classics, with their subtle flavor profiles.
Other offerings include bratwurst with nice mustard and pickles, though some collaborations like Slow Hand BBQ may not appeal to all. Keep an eye out for recently tapped kegs.
Aung Burma
$$ | (925) 332-7957 | WEBSITE
The many authentic restaurants of Concord range from Mexican to Vietnamese. Aung Burma, a Burmese-inspired eatery, is a standout in the field, and it makes an incredible tea leaf salad. Get the classic version, which comes with an enormous portion that refreshes and satisfies as it goes down. They also do a version with tofu, in addition to a few different entrees and a coconut chicken noodle soup with tender noodles. On your way out, pick up some butter noodles and a plate of mango fish.
Bambino’s Restaurant & Bar in Concord – pasta, pizza, full bar and tap room
$$ | (925) 687-6363 | WEBSITE
On a Friday night you’ll find the Concord locals at Bambino’s, but the real feast is happening right there, at this family-friendly Italian spot. This local favorite has been perfecting its pizza recipe for years, and if you’re now thinking to yourself “who needs another pizza place,” stop right there, because at Bambino’s, everyone does.
Come here for a family gathering, or just when you’re craving pasta in a cozy dining room with slightly worn booths and sports on the TV, and big groups laughing over plates of seafood appetizers, with full glasses of house beer sloshing back and forth in their hands.
Kansai Concord
$$ | (925) 446-4402 | WEBSITE
There are many reasons to spend time at Kansai Concord, the lively sports bar on Concord’s main strip. The wall of TVs, for example, and the late-night happy hour deals. But if we had to pick one, it would be the sushi counter, the restaurant-within-a-bar located at the back of the wide-open space. Catch a game, then stroll over and order some udon, a katsuo plate, or a John roll that’s so generously portioned you could share it with the whole family.
They have plenty of cooked options and reliable rolls, and you can always do takeout if you don’t have the energy to relax in the clean, spacious interior.
Yard House
$$ | (925) 602-0523 | WEBSITE
Concord has plenty of sports bars and casual dining spots. Try them all, but make Yard House your first stop. The lively restaurant in the Veranda shopping center has been serving the area for years, and it’s firmly established itself as one of the East Bay’s most reliable destinations. Cooked to order, their Nashville chicken comes out crispy and juicy, with just the right amount of heat.
Go for the whiskey salmon with its rich glaze, or the truffled mushroom pizza with earthy aromas and melted cheese. Both are favorites among regulars, who keep coming back for the generous portions and friendly service.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (925) 676-4062 | WEBSITE
Chili’s makes a mean smash burger. The place was, after all, founded as a casual American grill chain—although it’s been serving Mexican-inspired options for quite a few decades now, and offerings include quesadillas and nachos. Whenever you swing by, you’re guaranteed to see a crowd of regulars chatting with the friendly staff, picking up baskets of burgers and plates of chicken & cheese quesadillas.
Rack Em Up Billiards
$ | (925) 691-3894 | WEBSITE
Billiards and good times are a big part of Concord. There are a lot of fun bars and game spots, but the one we spend the most time at is this all-night venue on the main strip. Take a seat in the warm, welcoming game room and enjoy some friendly competition, lively dancing, or a comfortable evening singing and playing. Before you leave, take a moment to appreciate the helpful security and staff who keep the atmosphere harassment-free.
Dave & Buster’s Concord – USA
$$ | (925) 655-6000 | WEBSITE
This massive entertainment venue feels like a casual arcade paradise, with servers like Brittany wearing friendly smiles, and a constant buzz of something that sounds a lot like billiard balls clacking and game machines chiming. But Dave & Buster’s is actually a very serious restaurant that serves seriously tasty, crowd-pleasing food, like excellent burgers and wings that come out hot and satisfying. It also happens to be a very fun place to go out for dinner or weekend parties.
Get one order of loaded fries for every two people, and if you want to try their signature cocktails, go early because the bar can get backed up during busy UFC fight nights.
La Piñata 6
$$ | (925) 609-9119 | WEBSITE
La Piñata 6 makes authentic Mexican dining feel genuinely festive. Probably because this family spot, near Todos Santos Park, is also full of mango Agua Fresca and staff chatting warmly with regulars over lively music. Focus on the homemade guacamole and solid classics, which are all priced around $15 or under and come steaming out of the kitchen. The shredded beef Enchilada dinner with rice and beans sure goes well with a refreshing glass of that mango drink.
