Dead Reckoning Tavern

Wow! What a great place to enjoy quality beers!
Amazing selection! Able to taste as many as we wanted! Loved the ambiance… rustic and utilitarian…
If you love beer, this is beer heaven. Everything but 72 virgins.

Really good beer and music. Everyone who works here that I have spoken to are very knowledgeable about different kinds of beer. They are quick to offer samples, recommendations, or just shoot the shit. Great place to sit and people-​watch.

Hard not to feel the passion and appreciate the vibe in this place. The beer menu is incredibly thoughtful and the staff will always steer you in the right direction. The décor is beautiful and this makes it a nice place to hunker down for a while. For those who really love beer and constantly want to be exposed to new ones, this is the place for you.

Remember when Nevermind hit and everyone was like «Woah, that came out of left field, who the hell are these guys?» That’s what Dead Reckoning opening in Arcata was like. Everyone I bring there is instantly floored by the sexy interior and gigantic beer menu. You feel like a kid in a candy store, except the more candy you eat the better the music gets and your friends get funnier. I love this place. I hear they play Dopesmoker (by Sleep) on Tuesdays at 4:20pm. Better dust off the old one-​hitter and skip on down to DR with cash in hand next week.
PS: This is a tavern, not a tasting room. They’re showing you the best brews in Northern California and Southern Oregon, not brewing them.

I was visiting from San Diego, in town for work, and stopped in based on the recommendation of someone I met on the plane ride up. I am so glad that I did. The man behind the bar, Theo, was awesome. I bought tasters and presented him with this challenge, «What are five beers you would’t want me to leave here without trying?» This led to he and I engaging in a wonderful conversation about beer. My being from San Diego, and he being from Northern Cali, we had a bunch to talk about. Their selection was impressive, and I ended up trying almost the entire board.
At some point I met and began conversing with the couple sitting next to me. This led to my being invited to their place for BBQ that evening. It was like meeting old friends for the first time.
My experience at Dead Reckoning may be unique, but it was real; none-​the-​less. I will forever have a warm place in my heart for this Tavern, and am a little sad I do not live closer.
I will be back. That is a promise.
Thank you Theo and Dead Reckoning for a wonderful time.

Pretty unique and definitely enjoyable. The mini record store in the back is a nice touch.
There was a great selection of beers on tap — although it would have been nice if the menu had been a tad more descriptive of the beers. I’m not the biggest beer drinker, so I felt a bit lost. I told the bartender what kind of things I like, he narrowed it down to two, and let me try them before I chose — both were good! It was great to see someone so helpful and knowledgeable.

I love this place, it’s great for beer-​lovers looking for something new. Lots of great craft beers on tap from all over the place, reasonably priced and there is always something for everyone from sours, hoppy IPAs, dark beers (a couple on Nitro), barrel-​aged, Belgians, the list goes on… even a locally crafted (Lost Coast) root beer is on tap for those who are not imbibing! Tough to decide what to have, but if you’re overwhelmed with choice, the staff will help direct you to something, sometimes offering a sample, and you will NOT be disappointed. I never knew I could like a sour beer until I came here. Great atmosphere to meet up with friends. They have a Thursday deal with live art being made and sold currently… They allow outside food but also make hot dogs, and you can get a scoop of ice cream in your creamy porters or stouts if you please. For dog-​lovers if your dog can behave around other dogs (the owner has 2 great dogs), it is dog-​friendly. Vinyl record-​lovers, Missing Link Records is also housed in this beer bar, which is a great combo — we go drink some beers and husband peruses select vinyl, and our friends meet up for the same. :)

Nice selection of beer and great place to hang out and relax. The location is easy to find as well. The décor is a work in progress, but overall this place has lots of potential. Food would make it excellent. Good idea! Will be back for sure.

Cutting edge pub with loads of different brews, great gathering space for large groups, awesome music spun by a DJ playing classic LP’s. The atmosphere is positively projecting great vibes, the owner was working the bar, he’s a giant Scottish hunk sporting a utility kilt serving up cold delicious micro brews with awesome customer service. It’s in the perfect spot, away from the crappy bar scene on the plaza. Thank you Dead Reckoning… I’m a fan!!!