Main Tap Tavern — Restaurant in El Cajon

I was walking in I needed to use the bathroom and ask how much the cheapest drink is to use the bathroom he was nice enough to let me use it without paying anything but the woman that used the bathroom before me took long about 3-6 minutes just to use the bathroom and finally I got to use it there was pee on the toilet so afterwards I finished up within 7 minutes the bartender who helped me banged on the door like the police then tells me that's customers need the bathroom and that's fine and I let him know the previous person might have peed on the toilent but he looked at me like i was lying or I'm homeless when I had explained to him I just left the trolley and that I was walking to get home and so i left but the Approach to get me out of the bathroom was very aggressive even when I offered to pay my services there, so I will not be coming back to this bar for any future reference for anybody. Even when I was just walking in to use the bathroom. And offering to pay for anything, just do that. They will not be getting my services again. If you look homeless or apparently dress in slids and romper and big jacket thats looks like it you keep warm on the walk or even to dress an certain way like dresses and mini shorts in the club there is a certain way looking like a homeless and who doesn't have money for Expensive drinks. or ask for an reasonable price drink or shot they will judge you off of that or to look an certain way and treat you like I'm not welcome shoot it almost made me feel like an racism thing was happening there was not much black people in the location just other races which made feel like i was trying get something for free or supposedly dirty their bathroom like some homeless do and there at this location they only care about their money or should say looking for those tips no proper customers services or the customer is right that's what's to expect from this location working for customer services in any field you must treat the all customers with utmost respect even when you trying buy and have great service to come back again to spread the news about this location I recommend doing business somewhere else if you're black or not "looking" homeless to these people apparently you have look or be a certain way to get the best...

The Main Tap Tavern is East County's hidden gem. Before trying this place on a late night whim with my cousin, I used to drive down to north park or similar area to find a good beer bar. Located on El Cajon Boulevard in El Cajon, there are trolley and bus stops close by. Looking at the front of the bar, it appears to be tiny and a bit like a small dive. However, if you are out in this area, give it a try.

There is minimal street parking in the front of the bar, but if you can find your way to the pack by the side street to the east, Roanoke Road, or driveway to El Cajon Boulevard on the east side of the building, there is ample parking. Once parked, you can enter from the rear of the building by following the wooden fence which funnels you into the back patio with two tvs, a fire pit, and misters depending on what is needed.

Upon entering the bar, you find a nice sized indoor area with a very nice curved granite bar surface that is well lit. They have 20-30 rotating tap beers, one rotating cask that generally taps on Wednesdays at 3pm, and a healthy bottle list to round out the selection. Bar tenders are very nice and personable. They have one pool table for $1 a round, a Foosball table, digital jukebox, and two more tvs which show mostly sports at either end of the bar.

They also have a VIP program that you can get on with only an email address. This comes with a card that you leave at the bar. Once you complete a card, which consists of 50 different beers on tap, cask, or in bottles you get your name on the wall, a t-shirt, and receive discounts off certain beers. While drinking your way through the 50 beers, you are rewarded after ever 10 beers; with $1 off your next pint, free appetizer, $1 off your next pint, a free tavern burger, and finally a shirt after completion.

Overall, I love this place and has been my go to spot for just over a year now. You can almost always find a seat, if not at the bar, outside is usually very nice. Typically there is no cover charge unless there is an event going on such as a UFC fight, which packs the bar.

Give this place a try. You will be...

For El Cajon, it's probably the best that it gets! So if you have some visitors from the beach area or whatever, don't take them to one of those other "bro" bars...take them here and get 'em trashed!

The bar is full of tasty craft beers from some of the best local breweries. They also serve cask and nitro beers. In addition to their vast draft selections, they also have some bottled ones as well. I haven't had any of the food here, but I've heard it's pretty good.

Do yourself a favor...get there early and take over the jukebox before anyone else does...

Pros: LOTS of great craft beer. Live bands on Fridays. Sweet smoke area out back with chairs and tables. Fire pit. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Good happy hour prices on beers.

Cons: Drunks. Not enough pool tables. Jukebox being taken over by Disturbed /Nickelback /...