Mecca Bar & Lounge — Restaurant in Porterville

"Hello, welcome to the Mecca, what can I get for you?"

If you're expecting to hear something like that in this tiny, smelly, depressing 3 star Porterville dive bar, you're in the wrong place.

Actual Facebook Post:

""Oh, you didn’t bring your ID to MECCA? Well, isn’t that just brilliant! If you thought just looking fabulous was enough to get you a drink here, think again. Whether you’re a regular or a newbie, fresh-faced at 21 or rocking a century of wisdom at 101, we require that little card to prove you have the right to exist in our bar. Our bartenders aren’t mind readers and dont know everyone. No ID, no drinks—simple as that. And for those lacking the common sense to carry their ID and choosing to throw a tantrum about it? Congratulations, you’ve just earned yourself a VIP spot on our 86 list. Enjoy your 30-day vacation from our establishment. We’ll be here when you rediscover your manners and your wallet. Enjoy the dry spell!""

Yes, these people are for real.

The Mecca has always been a tiny, SMELLY, disgusting "bar" and a running joke -- even in an impoverished, dead-end town like Porterville. They have about 12 bar stools jammed up against one wall, some rude bar tender and that's pretty much it. It's a sad, depressing place.

The Mecca has no food or anything else to offer but trouble and bad vibes. If the smell of the sludge in the beer lines, mold in the drains or the stink of stale vomit doesn't make you gag, the bad attitude of the useless, entitled staff will.

(Smile), "Thank you." Something else you'll never see or hear...

Well, look at that, celebrating a birthday at MECCA? Totally not on my life's bingo card, but here we are. Who knew this place could evolve into such a stunner? The vibe is off the charts—energy, diversity, prime people-watching!

Full disclosure, I'm one of the owners. Never set foot in MECCA before our purchase negotiations. Reputation and exterior? Yeah, not impressed. But once inside, I really knew it needed a glow-up, ASAP.

My husband Eddie and I, (and Massey), don't put our names on anything less than stellar. No shade to past owners—MECCA is a product of its history. There's a time for everything under the sun, including dive bars, but trust me, THOSE days are gone.

Change takes time and a knack for hiring folks who share your energy and goals. We are working hard to bring existing staff up to speed, ensure our loyal customers feel included, and attract new patrons who, like me, were put off by the old rep and look.

MECCA is your neighborhood bar, and it's only getting better. We aim for a fun, safe, and comfortable spot for everyone, day or night. Sure, there will be the occasional squabble or keyboard warriors with a vendetta—bar issues, HEAR ME NOW not Porterville issues. Plenty of good people here in town working hard keeping our community businesses top-notch.

So, join us on this journey. There's much more to come. Eddie and I aren't settling for anything subpar. The process might not move as fast as we'd all like, but we're moving forward and...

We were looking for a daydrinking place open early so we could down a couple drinks after breakfast on Mayday 1. We were pleasantly surprised, as the reviews, and owner, mentioned, the interior is all remodeled and very classy I would say. The Cherry Wood Cabinet where they keep the liquor is exquisite. The chairs were very comfortable. I noticed they did have new leather chairs, and private tables for 2. The whole setup reminded me of a 1930s Speak Easy. The cocktails were well mixed and stiff enough to taste the liquor. If you can't taste it, you ain't getting much. Btw, Cash bar only. Prices were acceptable for the quality of the drinks. We left happy and mellow. Great start to a great day. 😎 Bartender needs to upgrade the Mixologist skills. Or call John Taffer. Put Mojitos, Daiquiris, Cosmos, Cappuccino martinis, and a few other more modern and hip drinks on the menu and make sure the Bartender can make them. Upgrade the drinks and your clientele will also be upgraded meaning more profit coming in. And we WILL Definitely be back. 😁👍 Thanks Angela (one of the owners, review down a little) for keeping it real, and rejuvenating the MECCA. One more thing, get a good drink menu, you will sell more. At least 3 specialty drinks and 10...