About Retro Junkie
Looking to expand your business’s reach and attract more customers in the Bay Area? Look no further than Bay Area Biz Finder. Our online directory is the perfect platform to get your business noticed by thousands of potential customers. By listing your business on Bay Area Biz Finder, you’ll boost your visibility and increase your chances of being discovered by people looking for the products and services you offer. With our easy-to-use search function, users can easily find your business, read reviews and ratings, and get in touch with you directly. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your customer base. List your business on Bay Area Biz Finder today.
Been here about 4 times and honestly the tribute bands have all been quite impressive & fun. We’ve seen tribute bands to The Smiths, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, De Peche Mode, Alice In Chains here. We also have noticed that the audience here are generally unusually friendly. We’ve seen a few regulars while here & folks are open to chat, vibe in the music, really fun which is a welcome change from some unwelcoming “ too cool” crowds in other joints. Parking was easy in the back, drink prices are reasonable, there are places to sit & chill and some cool video & pinball games too. When patio is open there’s been food trucks - this last visit they didn’t have any -but did allow us to DoorDash our own food. We had lots of Palomas & beers while listening to live music - great time!
I have been to retro junkie several times for the Super Bowl. It was one of the best experiences and all of Walnut creek with their massive Jumbotron and party and DJ. I’ve also been there for Halloween where they do really cool festive events and everyone dresses up. Richard junkie isn’t on the main strip of bars and restaurants, but it is a place to go to for more of a destination on events that they hold and it is always busy there on weekends.
Really hit-or-miss bar from my experience. The tribute shows are awesome, and the few that I’ve been to have been a great time. Fun place to play some arcade games or pool as well. That being said, the cover fee is ridiculous, especially since they lost the outdoor area which gave the location a whole different dynamic, allowing you to get some air, chat where the music isn’t drowning out your voices, etc. also considering it doesn’t get super packed very often and the cover feels greedy (especially when they end up being empty). They also have some strange rules. Last time I went with a friend they made him remove his sports hat to enter… They said it was because people get in fights over sports teams there- whatever reason there is it’s something the business should do something about rather than causing customers to change their clothing… Like if I show up in a Lakers shirt am I supposed to go change? hysterical. TLDR: If there is an intriguing tribute show, swing by, they’re a blast. Otherwise I wouldn’t go, good chance you’d be paying $15-$25 to enter an empty room and leave within 10 minutes (This happened the last few times I went). Reply Response: My point is that Retro aren’t providing an experience that is worth a $15+ cover based on my experiences at many bars. It’s very telling that in responses to negative reviews Retro Junkie seems to be quite snarky and defensive. I’m commenting on my personal experience which is that paying a $15+ dollar cover to enter a near empty bar lacking any energy feels like a waste of time and money. This has been the case the last few times I’ve been here. If there was no cover I’d think “oh well, it’s rough tonight” and leave, but be willing to come back in the future because I’ve had good times there before and didn’t pay $15-25 for no reason. I also think that without the outside area the offering is decreased which makes me less willing to pay it and return in the future. I don’t think it’s a crazy suggestion to say they should drop the cover if there are under 50 people, for example. Countless bars do that because it’s quite logical. (Or have no cover before 9 PM, etc) Nobody wants to pay a cover to enter an empty bar, but is happy to do so if it’s energetic and they can assume they’ll stay for a while.
Was going to see a friend in the band , good atmosphere, staff is friendly, but no food/kitchen, so Eat something before you go, unless you want pho down the street on 85°+ day
Love this place! The cover bands are so much fun and drinks are great, though would really like wine options. We saw Temptation (New Order) and Bloodflowers (Cure). Both fantastic. Looking forward to future shows.