Upland’s Ultimate Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Breweries, and Wine Lounges for 2024

Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains along historic Route 66, Upland brings small-town charm together with a lively, easygoing nightlife. Downtown Upland’s brick-lined blocks and neighborhood hangouts give you the choice between casual pubs, sports bars buzzing on game day, and taprooms pouring standout Inland Empire brews. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime local, this guide highlights where to sip, cheer, and unwind in and around Upland.

As a local mortgage resource, Richard Centeno at RayBon Mortgage understands that lifestyle matters when you’re deciding where to live. The neighborhood bars, breweries, and lounges you love can be just as important as square footage or a school boundary. Consider this your on-the-ground look at Upland nightlife—and if the atmosphere here feels like home, Richard can help you make the move confidently with the right financing.

To set the scene, Upland’s community calendar and city services keep things accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Explore local updates and events via the City of Upland’s official site: https://www.uplandca.gov. Getting downtown is also simple by rail; the Metrolink San Bernardino Line serves the Upland Station, a short walk to bars and eateries: https://metrolinktrains.com.

Purpose of this guide: to help locals and newcomers quickly find the best bars in Upland, grouped by vibe—from long-loved locals and sports hubs to craft breweries, wine lounges, and late-night stops.

Local Favorites

Second Avenue Saloon & Sports Bar (Downtown Upland) - Why locals love it: A fixture in the historic core, Second Avenue Saloon mixes the comfort of a neighborhood bar with live music and a lively weekend crowd. Expect pool tables, plenty of TVs, and rotating entertainment like karaoke or DJ nights. - Atmosphere and history: With its old-town setting, it’s a natural first stop for a laid-back night out that easily turns energetic as the evening goes on. - Specials and features: Look for daily drink deals, game-day specials, and occasional themed nights. It’s also a go-to for larger groups thanks to ample seating and space to mingle.

The Bulldog Pub (North Upland) - Why locals love it: Bulldog feels like a true neighborhood pub—friendly bartenders, darts on the wall, and a crowd that knows the big games and the music quiz schedule by heart. - Atmosphere and history: It’s the kind of spot where soccer fans catch early weekend matches, friends meet for a pint after work, and regulars trade tips on what to try next. - Specials and features: Expect karaoke nights, trivia, and a solid rotation of draft beers. The bar leans into sports viewing throughout the week.

Rescue Brewing Company (Downtown Upland) - Why locals love it: Community-minded and proudly Upland, Rescue Brewing pours small-batch beers in a comfortable taproom steps from the Metrolink station. It’s the quintessential downtown stop for a flight before dinner nearby. - Atmosphere and history: The name says a lot—Rescue often partners with local charities and hosts fundraisers. The taproom’s casual industrial style feels welcoming and unfussy. - Specials and features: Food pop-ups, live music, and trivia nights appear regularly. Seasonal releases keep the board interesting year-round.

Curious about the roots of Downtown Upland’s historic storefronts and brick buildings? The Cooper Regional History Museum offers a fascinating look at local heritage, with exhibits that bring the city’s story to life: https://coopermuseum.org.

Sports Bars and Entertainment Hubs

When a big game is on, these Upland bars bring the energy—plus comfortable seating, better-than-average bar bites, and a TV sightline from just about anywhere you sit.

• Second Avenue Saloon & Sports Bar: On NFL Sundays and during playoff runs, the saloon becomes a fan zone. Multi-screen setups make it easy to keep tabs on several games, and drink specials incentivize settling in for the day.
• The Bulldog Pub: Soccer fans appreciate early opens for major matches, while the pub’s dart boards and occasional tournaments add a competitive edge to weeknights. It also shines during basketball and baseball seasons with packed houses for big games.
• Upland Hills Country Club Lounge: Golfers already know the scenic fairways, but the club’s lounge is an underrated spot to catch a game. Expect comfortable seating, a full bar, and a mellow, upscale-adjacent atmosphere that works for casual meetups or a quieter sports night.

Entertainment extras to look for: - Trivia and karaoke: Bulldog and Second Avenue regularly host crowd-pleasers like trivia or karaoke—perfect for groups or after-dinner fun. - Live music: Downtown taprooms and bars frequently book local bands on weekends. Check each venue’s Instagram the week you plan to go. - Big-event viewings: March Madness, title fights, and postseason runs often come with themed menus, giveaways, or extended hours—keep an eye on postings at the bar and their social feeds.

Craft Breweries and Distilleries

Upland punches above its weight in craft beer. If you enjoy fresh, inventive brews, plan a mini “brewery crawl” that starts downtown and heads a few minutes north and east.

Last Name Brewing (Upland) - The beer: Formerly known as Dale Bros., Last Name Brewing is a pioneer of Inland Empire craft. Expect well-balanced IPAs, crisp lagers, and seasonal specials that lean flavorful without palate fatigue. - The experience: A spacious tasting room makes it easy to bring friends or the family; food trucks and community events are common. Brewery tours occasionally pop up—watch their calendar for dates. - More info: https://lastnamebrewing.com

Rescue Brewing Company (Downtown Upland) - The beer: Easy-drinking blondes, citrus-forward IPAs, and special releases appear throughout the year. Flights offer a quick way to discover their range. - The experience: Pop-ups, live music, and charity tie-ins are part of the draw, along with a walkable location that pairs well with downtown dining.

Rök House Brewing (Upland) - The beer: Known for expressive IPAs and rich dark beers, Rök House keeps a rotating tap list that appeals to both hopheads and stout lovers. - The experience: Set in an industrial space, it’s a straightforward, beer-first taproom that still feels friendly and local. Expect food trucks and occasional themed nights.

Distillery note: The immediate Upland area is more brewery than distillery, but craft-spirits fans will find multiple tasting rooms across the Greater Ontario/Inland Empire region a short drive away. Consider making a Saturday of it: one or two Upland breweries, dinner downtown, then a nearby cocktail bar for nightcaps.

Wine Lounges and Upscale Bars

When the night calls for a polished setting, Upland offers refined restaurants with strong bar programs and nearby wine destinations in the historic Cucamonga Valley.

Spaggi’s (Upland) - Why it stands out: An elevated Italian favorite along Foothill Boulevard, Spaggi’s pairs a thoughtful wine list with classic and modern cocktails. It works for date nights, celebrations, or any evening when ambiance matters. - What to try: Ask for wine pairings with chef specials or opt for a craft martini with small plates at the bar. - Specials: Expect weekday happy hours and seasonal menu features that make the bar a destination in its own right.

Upland Hills Country Club Lounge - Why it stands out: Panoramic fairway views and a relaxed, upscale feel make this a strong choice for sipping wine or bourbon after a round—or for a quiet evening away from the bustle. - What to try: Classic cocktails, component-driven Old Fashioneds, and a curated glass-and-bottle wine selection. - Specials: Look for early evening discounts on drinks and appetizers, especially midweek.

Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards (Nearby Rancho Cucamonga) - Why it stands out: A cornerstone of the Cucamonga Valley wine region, Joseph Filippi offers tastings, special release events, and live music in a tasting-room setting just minutes from Upland. - What to try: Heritage varietals and blends that highlight the area’s winemaking roots, plus seasonal specials by the glass. - Events: Check their calendar for ticketed tastings and concerts. More info: https://www.josephfilippiwinery.com

Late-Night Hotspots

For night owls, Upland’s late-night options center on Downtown and a few stalwart neighborhood pubs.

• Second Avenue Saloon & Sports Bar: Often open late on weekends, this is where the night builds—live DJs or bands, a packed dance floor, and plenty of screens still showing West Coast games. Check their social media for closing times and event updates.
• The Bulldog Pub: A steady late-night choice for groups who want darts, sing-along karaoke, and round-after-round conversation at the bar. You’ll find regulars alongside first-timers.
• Downtown Upland Taprooms: Rescue Brewing and nearby bars typically wrap earlier than dance-forward venues, but they’re perfect for a lateish flight before you move to a nightcap elsewhere in downtown.

If you like pairing nightlife with community happenings, watch for seasonal festivals, car shows, and special gatherings that add buzz (and extended hours) throughout the year. The Upland Chamber of Commerce is a reliable resource for community events and business spotlights that can enhance your weekend plans: https://www.uplandchamber.org.

Closing times and tips: - Most bars and pubs run to midnight on weeknights and later on weekends, with a few popular spots staying open until 1–2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Schedules do change—always verify hours before you go. - If you’re bar-hopping downtown, consider the Metrolink for an easy ride home or use rideshare to keep things simple.

Summary: From neighborhood pubs to trailblazing breweries and refined lounges, Upland’s bar scene offers something for every mood. You can keep it casual with a pint at Bulldog, cheer on your team at Second Avenue, sip a flight at Last Name or Rescue, then settle into Spaggi’s or the Upland Hills lounge for a polished finish.

Thinking about calling Upland home? Here’s how RayBon Mortgage can help: - Local expertise: Richard Centeno knows the neighborhoods—from homes within minutes of Downtown Upland’s nightlife to quieter pockets near Upland Hills Country Club—and how each can fit your budget and lifestyle. - Clear, competitive financing: Whether you’re a first-time buyer comparing low-down-payment options or a move-up buyer exploring conventional, jumbo, or VA loans, Richard breaks down choices in plain English so you can decide with confidence. - Fast, reliable pre-approvals: In a competitive Inland Empire market, a strong pre-approval helps you act quickly when you find the right place.

Have questions about neighborhoods near your favorite Upland bars—or want a quick, no-pressure pre-approval? Contact Richard Centeno at RayBon Mortgage: - Visit: http://rayboninc.com - Use the site’s contact form to reach Richard directly and get personalized guidance on your next move.