Out of Bounds Sports Bar

This is a review for The Tree dive bar, located at the back of The Almond Tree, 1490 Sycamore Ave, Atwater, CA 95 301 (209) 358‑6331.
There are bad dive bars, where people actually get killed or into altercations of a less permanent nature. Merced has a few, one of which was just recently closed down for that
very reason. It had been a good one, too, with access to great Mexican food right next door,
but some murderous scoundrel put an end to that. At the other end of the spectrum are the
$$$ designer brew-​pubs and restaurant bars – that are okay for a first date or serious-​spending
night out. But, when the pendulum stops in the middle, there are precious few safe, affordable
un-​boring dive bars – and thankfully, The Tree is one, if not the Only One in the tri-​city area surrounding Merced.
The Tree is a true hangout, with two pool tables, a long bar with TV’s galore behind the bar
and around the room. There are a few comfy-​cozy padded booths, small 4-​tops in the middle of the room, and a square wooden floor with a mirrored disco ball for dancers, a very small area
for Karaōke singers and the DJ. It’s dark in there. It’s clean (enough), the glasses behind
the bar are lit from beneath with multi-​colored Christmas lights which gives a little needed atmosphere. You can order off the menu and food comes to you from the restaurant’s kitchen. Good bar food, and the best part is, they serve it til around 2 a. m; the restaurant itself is open
²⁴⁄₇. Nice, mixed crowd – no yuppies, though – so? Great Jukebox with a wide assortment. I’m a Jazz freak, and there’s enough on there to keep me happy. Confession: My husband and I actually spent Christmas night there a couple of years back – rooted to two seats in front of one of the TVs watching The Grinch Who Stole Christmas while ordering non stop off the restaurant menu all night. It was one of the most memorable Christmases ever. Be nice to the bartenders. If they like you, you can get doubles (almost) for the price of one. The Tree is our go-​to dive bar whenever we just want to slum around and not waste a lot of time dressing to go out.

Not a real bad place, not that great either. Fairly small place, but it’s rarely busy so that doesn’t really effect your experience. Small dance floor, descent music selection, and prices are in line for the area. Not as lively as it once was 15 – 20 yrars ago.

Cheap drinks, but the bar is run down. Filled with shady looking men… I won’t returning.

Was kind of a regular here… would enjoy a beer or two on laundry day… but a few Sundays back my hubby and i are stepping out at night… they are running a special of 2 drafts, dollar off ANY well drinks… we order a few drafts… and two white russians… wrll, come to find out it was only money off domestic drafts and certain well drinks although thier sign with the special didnt say that… so, we paid our tab, i spoke to a guy in charge the next day… he backed up his bartender, he freely admitted HIS sign was wrong but didnt try to make it square… so now our spot is at Josies… nice HONEST people

Ghetto! Old homeboys standing around outside the front door. This place just feels unsafe n couldn’t wait to get out

This is the place to be if you want a quick drink and relax. Everyone is super nice and glad to meet new comers. The only thing missing is food :-/​. They have fish frys everyone in a while that are beyond belief just wish it could be a regular thing.

I’ve only been once, and it was on a Sunday, but I loved this place.
There are tons of specials scrawled on a poster board on the wall, including free pool on Sundays. The drinks are cheap ($ 2 domestic bottles when I was there), and there’s a varied music selection in the jukebox. It wasn’t very full when I went, but everyone was super nice, especially the bartender.

I think this is a great place for Atwater. It gives the residents a place to go to relax or shoot pool. It is small but the drinks are cheap and you can have a good time talking (yes I said talking since it’s not that loud) with your friends.

Am I really the first one to review this place?
Classic dive. Cheap drinks, good music, cute dance floor. Nice selection of liquors.