Richards' Goat Tavern & Tea Room — Restaurant in Arcata

While the decor and layout is really nice and the overall look of the outside logos and stuff feels really thought out, this place has been uber-hipster, way into themselves and has rubbed me the wrong way ever since it opened a few years ago. The bartenders have attitudes and the prices are high. There's some food options that you have to order from the bar but good luck getting any service. They have some old board games which is a cool way to spend the time waiting for the band, movie or your food ordered.

I've never been to a movie here but my band has played here once. Since I'd never seen the "theater" portion of this place which they call the Miniplex so when I set up my drums on the floor of a small empty room off the side of the hallway leading to the bathroom, I assumed there was a more legitimate actual theater space that I hadn't yet seen and they must just put the stupid local bands in this random utility room. When I finally went to see another legitimate touring band perform here I then realized that, in-fact that small stupid room was the Miniplex. This time I noticed that theres some theater seat rows pushed against the side walls and a projector screen on the wall that they must set up for the movie showings. It is a decent setup but no more elaborate than what some people I know have in their living room. The floor is flat and almost seems to slightly slope downward away from the stage/screen. God-forbid you’re a short person because all you will see is the backs of heads. There needs to be an elevated set of back rows of some kind so you can see the stage. Yea this time they had a 12” high stage for the band. 12 inches.

The Miniplex is a separate , small, dark room which makes sense for movies but when you go to see live music it’s very awkward. The door to the show, with a person collecting money/tickets is in the hallway to the bathroom. So essentially you’re already in the bar but you aren’t IN the show yet. Which also sucks because you can’t just hang out at the bar or on the couches or at a table and watch the band. You have to cram into this stupid tiny room.

They get some decent touring acts and unique movies and the staff seems to be lightening up a bit but really I hate...

A "straw-less" bar with no paper or plastic cups? How is that? Bars that don't provide straws always have another option because you cannot force folks to trust and put their mouths on glasses. Every bartender does not clean the same and may not be as thorough of a cleaner as they should. Remember germaphobia does exist and is much more common than people think. You either provide straws or give folks other cup options so they dont risk having to wake up with a swollen lips due to lack of proper cleaning. I have been a bartender for more than 6 years and have never experienced being forced to drink out of a glass with no straw, and without any other options. I understand going green but this is being cheap and calling it going green.... Strange. Will just start bringing straws and passing...

Best place to hang out in Arcata for a chill and fun night that doesn't get too rowdy. It's a blessed break from the insanity of Bar Row. Awesome bartenders (Alicia, Gina, Leo, Ian), great cocktails, good food, and a super friendly doorman (Toby) who works to keep everyone safe.

Come for the supportive Sunday night karaoke crowd, or salsa on Wednesdays, or the quirky indie films in the early weekday evenings, or the shows that happen quite frequently on Fridays and Saturdays.

The clientele is a fun mix of eclectic regulars who are chatting, drawing, writing, and reading at the bar, small friend groups, and seasonal trimmigrants. People are generally friendly if you want to meet folks, but there are also booth-like tables if you'd prefer a more private experience...