Black Watch

Dive bar in Los Gatos?? Yep, One of the best neighborhood dive bars anywhere! Clientele, bartenders, owners...worth the visit!

Wonderful establishment. Great owner, bartenders, bar backs, and awesome bouncer

Great service, stiff drinks.

Stopped in to check out this small bar while in Silicon Valley last night. I was really suprised to see how packed it was when we walked in, since it was early evening on a Wednesday. The bartender was very friendly and even though we only stayed for one drink, we like the vibe and smiles from the people around us.

A long/short story of my fall and return from the bottom of a kamikaze. Breast cancer, me loving husband and caretaker to her end. I missed her and could not be alone. The Watch, closest watering hole to my digs. There is old and wise tenders, young and sweet, young and quick to replace your drink. Regulars of dregs to the semi interesting. A year and I just left. It is in las Gatos after all.

Fun bar, good people, cool faceted glass window created by my brothers father in law! Order some kamikazes and have some fun! Love the watch!

This is an awesome dive bar right on the strip in Los Gatos. Drinks are inexpensive--especially compared to all the other bars in town. A couple of dart boards in the back. Kamakazi pitchers (or Cranakazi) are a specialty. Make sure you pour the first one or two by dribbling down the edge of the glass and off the bottom of the glass.

Best Dive Bar in Los Gatos. Authentic and fun!

I was in Los Gatos looking for something to keep me busy for an hour while I waited for another service to finish. I walked into this quaint little pub and was instantly greeted. Reasonably priced cocktails and beers were readily available and quickly served by the skilled bartenders. I was looking to keep myself entertained with some games and luckily they had darts and a little table top video game with 40 different games to choose from built into it. The TVs were playing sports broadcast and the mood was that of any sports bar. The building is super old and the architecture shows it, and they keep the premises very clean including the bathroom. If you’re looking for a place to have a drink in Los Gatos this is the place I would recommend.

Fun place to hang out. It’s cool I can go to the same bar with friends that my Mom went to in the 60’s. I went to high school with the owners and we’ve been friends for over 50 years. We have our high school annual Christmas reunion lunch here every December and invite our football coaches for a free lunch. They have a dart board and it can get pretty busy on weekends. Plenty of parking on the streets around the back if none in front.

What more does one need for a great bar? Robert is the legend who will provide the best service. The team here provides amazing service, too. Go here early and often.

Staff members at Union Retirement Solutions have been enjoying fond memories of friends past and current for nearly 30 years at the Black Watch...

What can I say, I first came here 20 years ago and Robert is still serving! So many vague memories, thanks again Black Watch!

Annette Seaborn Top Los Gatos Monte Sereno Realtor

Best Dive Bar in Los Gatos. Authentic and fun!

Dustin Vaden Pascal

I was in Los Gatos looking for something to keep me busy for an hour while I waited for another service to finish. I walked into this quaint little pub and was instantly greeted. Reasonably priced cocktails and beers were readily available and quickly served by the skilled bartenders. I was looking to keep myself entertained with some games and luckily they had darts and a little table top video game with 40 different games to choose from built into it. The TVs were playing sports broadcast and the mood was that of any sports bar. The building is super old and the architecture shows it, and they keep the premises very clean including the bathroom. If you’re looking for a place to have a drink in Los Gatos this is the place I would recommend.

Clay Franklin

Fun place to hang out. It’s cool I can go to the same bar with friends that my Mom went to in the 60’s. I went to high school with the owners and we’ve been friends for over 50 years. We have our high school annual Christmas reunion lunch here every December and invite our football coaches for a free lunch. They have a dart board and it can get pretty busy on weekends. Plenty of parking on the streets around the back if none in front.

Brian C

What more does one need for a great bar? Robert is the legend who will provide the best service. The team here provides amazing service, too. Go here early and often.

S Rocker

Staff members at Union Retirement Solutions have been enjoying fond memories of friends past and current for nearly 30 years at the Black Watch...

I love this place. I've been going there about once a decade for at least 40 years, and it's never changed; which is a wonderful thing. Update: I've been there twice in the past three months, once with my age people, and once with my younger kids' friends. Great both times. Also, the place is dog friendly, so bring your dog.

A detailed interweb description called this a “bare bones bar”. I guess that’s sort of accurate. It seems that if one doesn’t have a modern gimmick then it’s “bare bones”. This is a bar. It seems to have everything going for it in that way. Every bar tender I’ve ordered from here has brought me a drink in a professional way. The locals are friendly enough. Not sure that I will ever find my new best friend here or fall in love with a stranger but they’ve always been a cordial bunch. If what you want is a non-pretentious bar in a town that prides itself on snooty bullshizen and an overflow of new tech money and attitude, then check this spot out. You might meet the inventor of online credit card software or you might meet a roofer after a hard days work. You might meet some twenty-something girls who think that they are out slumming it. But this is no slum. This is a clean bar that is well kept. When the lights are low it seems to have a bit of a dark and a faintly seedy feel. Like a memory of my favorite places in the 1970s, but when the lights are up you can see the pride of ownership as everything is in its place. The glasses are clean, the floors are clean too. I’d bring my mother here or my mother in law. Or my wife. 3 totally different people. Why would you even read this review? Just pop in for a drink. And, please take my advise, or don’t. However, avoid fancy drinks. Stay classy. If you require both a sprig of fresh sage as well as thyme in your signature gin and tonic that tastes nothing like gin or tonic then perhaps try another place. I’m sure you can get a 25$ G and T somewhere in this town.

One of the best local dive bars ever. It is dark inside and you may not know the time of day but a fun place. They have dart boards in the back to play if you'd like. You must try a kamikaze if you go. Prices are all very reasonable here as well. Bartenders are very friendly and will joke around so be ready.

Smoked Pork Butts

Amazing Kamikaze's. What a wonderful gem

Christina Bostick

The food and drinks are good. Not too pricey. They have outside seating and indoor.

Kevin Onorato

A detailed interweb description called this a “bare bones bar”. I guess that’s sort of accurate. It seems that if one doesn’t have a modern gimmick then it’s “bare bones”. This is a bar. It seems to have everything going for it in that way. Every bar tender I’ve ordered from here has brought me a drink in a professional way. The locals are friendly enough. Not sure that I will ever find my new best friend here or fall in love with a stranger but they’ve always been a cordial bunch. If what you want is a non-pretentious bar in a town that prides itself on snooty bullshizen and an overflow of new tech money and attitude, then check this spot out. You might meet the inventor of online credit card software or you might meet a roofer after a hard days work. You might meet some twenty-something girls who think that they are out slumming it. But this is no slum. This is a clean bar that is well kept. When the lights are low it seems to have a bit of a dark and a faintly seedy feel. Like a memory of my favorite places in the 1970s, but when the lights are up you can see the pride of ownership as everything is in its place. The glasses are clean, the floors are clean too. I’d bring my mother here or my mother in law. Or my wife. 3 totally different people. Why would you even read this review? Just pop in for a drink. And, please take my advise, or don’t. However, avoid fancy drinks. Stay classy. If you require both a sprig of fresh sage as well as thyme in your signature gin and tonic that tastes nothing like gin or tonic then perhaps try another place. I’m sure you can get a 25$ G and T somewhere in this town.

Dennis Bishop

I love this place. I've been going there about once a decade for at least 40 years, and it's never changed; which is a wonderful thing. Update: I've been there twice in the past three months, once with my age people, and once with my younger kids' friends. Great both times. Also, the place is dog friendly, so bring your dog.

Hye Brewing

One of the best local dive bars ever. It is dark inside and you may not know the time of day but a fun place. They have dart boards in the back to play if you'd like. You must try a kamikaze if you go. Prices are all very reasonable here as well. Bartenders are very friendly and will joke around so be ready.

Great little pub in Los Gatos. Very friendly staff and most of the locals know each other. A good selection of Wells and other drinks with darts and billiards in the back.

Great dive bar with good priced drinks! Super fun local bar in the area. They have darts which I love to play. I highly recommend a visit!

The food was descent, however the meals are expensive and it seems understaffed. I do not know wether or not the covid-19 affected the staffing. If I was given a choice between a Tai restaurant in my town and this one, I would choose to go to the one closest to me.

Nice dive bar in downtown LG. Drinks are good, great place to come with a group, especially if you can get the tables in the back by the darts.

Tradition for the last few years after our once a year work meeting out there in Los Gatos area. This spot has been here for a long time and the drinks are great. Dive bars have made a come back.

This is Los Gatos' premiere dive bar. Cheap drinks, great music and the most beautiful people are likely found here. Super crowded with pretty folks on Friday & Saturday, but quiet enough to drown your sorrows privately on any other night. Try the Kamikaze in lime or cranberry, one is all you need! In the back are dart boards, near the rest rooms. If you appreciate a good dive bar, you'll like this one!

Love this place! Great bartenders, drinks , and fun patrons. Pineapple Cranberry Kamakazis are awesome. Dog friendly. Very chill!

Good bar for nightcap in LG! Black Watch is a neighborhood dive bar. They have dart 🎯 if someone is interested. Bar is old school bar, with modern drinks/cocktails. They don't have kitchen, only food is chips and other readymade snacks. Service is good!

Ash Ster

Good bar for nightcap in LG! Black Watch is a neighborhood dive bar. They have dart 🎯 if someone is interested. Bar is old school bar, with modern drinks/cocktails. They don't have kitchen, only food is chips and other readymade snacks. Service is good!

What can I say to describe this place? Old school, old guard, locals, secret society? The name: So unPC I had to investigate. Nope, not racial. Black Watch is a Scottish military sect of regard, so to speak. I bought the Tshirt in support of my Scottish heritage but probably won't wear it in public. The Wednesday, 3-5p, I visited was active but not full. The gal tending bar was attentive and welcoming. The prices weren't excessive(this is a tony enclave) and the patrons cordial. There was definitely a sense of an inner circle going on. Very dog friendly, exceptionally. Want to experience a 1960's day-drinker's bar? Here ya go. No windows, through those doors and there's no telling if it's noon or midnight. Game room in back. A must for the aficionado of pin-up girls on velvet. (Redone with someone's gf's face)

I visited this place last night and enjoyed delicious margaritas prepared by a very friendly female bartender. I was very uncomfortable to order a drink by a bar which has a garbage bin hanging in the center of the bar. While I was ordering a drink a bearded server with gray hair literally threw empty bottles in it making a loud noise while i was standing there, waiting for my drink.He said, "Don't move! Stay where you are!" Absolute chaos and nonsense. I have never seen anything like that at a bar! No coming back for the rude server and for the garbage being displayed at the bar

Dina McMahon

I visited this place last night and enjoyed delicious margaritas prepared by a very friendly female bartender. I was very uncomfortable to order a drink by a bar which has a garbage bin hanging in the center of the bar. While I was ordering a drink a bearded server with gray hair literally threw empty bottles in it making a loud noise while i was standing there, waiting for my drink.He said, "Don't move! Stay where you are!" Absolute chaos and nonsense. I have never seen anything like that at a bar! No coming back for the rude server and for the garbage being displayed at the bar

The owner was kind of rude and almost broke my driver’s license since he never seen one issued to a non US citizen. It was not a very pleasant experience for an international.

The bar had a nice vibe but we had a pretty bad experience with the bartender. He was extremely rude to us. Seemed like he was overworked so wanted to give him a benefit of doubt but reading some of the other reviews makes me reconsider that. Wouldn't go back.

The bartender, Mike, provided great service and drinks. No complaints there. However, the place is a stomping ground for loud, abnoxious and rude douchebags. Crowds of them came storming in flexing their testosterone (or lack of) hooting and hollering, dropping F bombs left and right, thinking they are God's glory. As someone who comes from the bartending industry, I have never felt so annoyed and don't plan on coming back. Hats off to Mike though for his patience and service.l

A lovely place with great drinks, but horrible, horrible service. The older barkeep seems like he is done with life, extremely rude, with zero patience, yelling "shut up" in the faces of customers

I have grown up and lived in Los Gatos my entire life. Over the years. I have had lots of good times at Black Watch. The night of Thanksgiving 2024 was the worst night I've ever spent at blackwatch in my entire life. The bald-headed old man that was the only bartender there that night took 45 minutes to even ASK my order even though I've been sitting at the bar with my bestie for almost an hour. Then he tried to make my bestie and I look black and poor by announcing loudly to everyone that her credit card was declined, when there has never been an issue with her card. To add insult to injury, we ordered dirty martinis and he would not give us olives that we offered to PAY for. When I stated loudly that we offered to pay for them, he threw four olives in each of our martinis and muttered, "Here, this is all that the bar will let legally allow me to give you". We were clearly put off by the fact that he was treating us this way (and nobody else) and literally about to leave when some good music came on the speakers and a couple people started to dance. My bestie started to dance with them to which the bartender loudly yells, "EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME MISS!!! There's no dancing in this bar. You are not allowed to dance in this bar. There's an ordinance!!" So everyone else is allowed to dance, but when my melanated best friend stands up to dance all of a sudden, there's no dancing??? How is this place called "Black Watch" but they're mean to black people? I'm not even going to go into the way he was treating the bar back...who was the only other black person in the bar besides my friend and I .... There's prejudiced and then there is absolutely racist. This bartender was the most blatantly racist person I've ever come across in my life and I will never go to that bar again. AND I'M FROM LOS GATOS. And those were the worst martinis I've ever had in my life. Please don't go to this bar if you are African American or have friends that are because chances are they will be treated the same way my friend was. And that's a pretty despicable way to treat anyone or to be treated.

Lisa Marie Washington

I have grown up and lived in Los Gatos my entire life. Over the years. I have had lots of good times at Black Watch. The night of Thanksgiving 2024 was the worst night I've ever spent at blackwatch in my entire life. The bald-headed old man that was the only bartender there that night took 45 minutes to even ASK my order even though I've been sitting at the bar with my bestie for almost an hour. Then he tried to make my bestie and I look black and poor by announcing loudly to everyone that her credit card was declined, when there has never been an issue with her card. To add insult to injury, we ordered dirty martinis and he would not give us olives that we offered to PAY for. When I stated loudly that we offered to pay for them, he threw four olives in each of our martinis and muttered, "Here, this is all that the bar will let legally allow me to give you". We were clearly put off by the fact that he was treating us this way (and nobody else) and literally about to leave when some good music came on the speakers and a couple people started to dance. My bestie started to dance with them to which the bartender loudly yells, "EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME MISS!!! There's no dancing in this bar. You are not allowed to dance in this bar. There's an ordinance!!" So everyone else is allowed to dance, but when my melanated best friend stands up to dance all of a sudden, there's no dancing??? How is this place called "Black Watch" but they're mean to black people? I'm not even going to go into the way he was treating the bar back...who was the only other black person in the bar besides my friend and I .... There's prejudiced and then there is absolutely racist. This bartender was the most blatantly racist person I've ever come across in my life and I will never go to that bar again. AND I'M FROM LOS GATOS. And those were the worst martinis I've ever had in my life. Please don't go to this bar if you are African American or have friends that are because chances are they will be treated the same way my friend was. And that's a pretty despicable way to treat anyone or to be treated.

My office group went to Black watch for drinks. The bartenders boyfriend changed the music to country western. We asked if the music could be changed back. The boyfriend threatend to beat us up if we did not leave. Terrible experience!

I have never been more appalled at how I was treated as a person with a disability. I was refused entrance with my service animal bc Amanda, the bartender, knows nothing about Americans with Disabilities. She demanded documentation from me to prove my service animal was a service animal. I tried to explain to her that it is against federal law to request documentation from a person with a disability, but she continued to yell and scream at me, telling me I had to have my service animal marked with a vest (not true. It is my choice). I tried to explain that they're are too questions that she can ask me, and she interrupted and continued screaming at me. I had documentation, but I do not need to provide it. If only I had thought to record the encounter. I finally submitted, and showed the bouncer my documentation proving my service animal. I asked if I could enter. Amanda said no I couldn't. She pointed at the "reserve the right to refuse service" sign and said that she didn't like my attitude and was not going to allow me in. After I completed with her illegal request for documentation. I have never been so humiliated by how I was treated due to my disability. She additionally said that there are too many people inside who may be sleeping in to my service animal, and so no, I couldn't come in. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Amanda had no idea about disability laws, and unfairly discriminated against me. My lawyer who be in touch. This is unacceptable.

On August 6th, around 1 AM, we had an unfortunate encounter with a bartender at this place. The gentleman seemed older and had a receding hairline. What stood out was his extremely unprofessional behavior. To give you a clearer picture: (1) When we wanted to order drinks, he didn't even bother with a simple greeting. Instead, he just pointed at us and in a commanding tone, told us to decide on our drinks before approaching him. (2) We asked for a bud light, and he took quite a while to understand what we meant. When he finally got it, he kept emphasizing how to pronounce "bud light" several times. It was odd, as I've never had any trouble ordering Bud Light at other bars, even though English is not my first language. (3) We had ordered orange juice earlier, but he forgot about it. Instead of simply asking us again, he decided to blame us for taking too long, which, in his view, caused him to forget. I've been to many bars and dealt with different bartenders. Even if some were busy or not very friendly, I understood it happens. However, this time, it felt like he was deliberately trying to be rude. I don't think any customer wants to experience that when going out. While these issues may not be huge, his attitude made us feel really uncomfortable. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has felt this way. Honestly, I want to believe he was just having a bad day. But it's concerning if he can't handle his emotions or deal well with customers in a job that requires interaction. I hope he takes some time to assess if this job is suitable for him. Everyone deserves to feel welcome and respected when they go to a bar.

Older middle-aged bartender was rude. I was there for the first time and he made no mistake about treating me like an outsider one word answers no conversation. Luckily for me the Old Goat was in such a hurry to check me out he forgot to charge me for one of my beers. I still gave him a good tip despite his disparaging attitude. There's no reason to go here, unless you like hanging out with all the retirees

Terrible experience. Just moved to the area and came to enjoy and celebrate our first day of work. What did we receive? An extremely cranky bartender to which we over heard her saying to another paying customer as a couple left not finishing their drinks “I don’t care that they left and I’m being a b****. I’ve yelled at everyone at this bar already tonight!” We, of course, were other customers (of several) she had “yelled” at when we ordered drinks and asked a simple question of what cocktails she could make. Look-I used to be a server. I get it, some days are long and hard and I’ve wanted on so many occasions to voice my true feelings and thoughts on customers several times-but I never did. You know why I didn’t though? Because I was working and it was never (usually) the customer’s problem. I do understand the bartender’s predicament as she did complain to us in a form of apology that she has worked several hours over the week and “just can’t handle bar time anymore” and “needs a break”, but I, the customer can’t solve that problem. Instead I can write a scathing review to: 1. Ask management to either change shift schedules that are better for all or hire more employees or 2. Vent about the absolute abysmal experience we had. I chose to do both, but regardless you have lost a paying customer who was just looking for a beer and to enjoy a new town after moving across the country. Truly a shame on both our ends. I do wish that bartender better as she truly seemed unhappy, but it should never be voiced in the way in which she did to paying customers. I hope to see a change in the way this establishment is run for everyone.

Native of the area. Spent many thousands of dollars in the great place. Back in the area for a wedding for my niece and stopped in. What a disappointing experience. Bartender was so much more involved with her friends sitting at the end of the bar and on her phone. Place has lost mojo. No tip due no service. Can’t remember last time I didn’t tip. Will not be back. It’s sad. And anyone going will feel same.

Watched a scene unfold yesterday that I couldn't believe. I watched the larger, female bartender, have a complete meltdown. There were a lot of college kids in the bar, and after one ordered I watched her storm out from behind the bar (the bar was completely packed) and scream at this college kid. She was having a temper tantrum because the kid didn't tip!! She then proceeded to kick the kid and ALL of his friends out of the bar. They were all cordial and left without a fuss, while she continued to throw a fit. I've never witnessed something so disrespectful and weird. I will never be giving my money to this business again.

The service here is unbelievably atrocious. Every single time I've come here I've had a negative experience with the bar tenders. They are rude, disrespectful and treat their customers like trash. I have been here twice this week and both times have received snarky or rude remarks from service workers. I will not be returning.

The bar was actually decent, but the service was absolutely atrocious. Bartenders were extremely rude and made incorrect drinks. Extremely disappointing as the bar has a lot of potential. Truly ruined by awful service and horrific employees. If the owner were to fire everyone in the place and hire an entire new staff, I would give the place 4 or 5 stars.

Lennard

Watched a scene unfold yesterday that I couldn't believe. I watched the larger, female bartender, have a complete meltdown. There were a lot of college kids in the bar, and after one ordered I watched her storm out from behind the bar (the bar was completely packed) and scream at this college kid. She was having a temper tantrum because the kid didn't tip!! She then proceeded to kick the kid and ALL of his friends out of the bar. They were all cordial and left without a fuss, while she continued to throw a fit. I've never witnessed something so disrespectful and weird. I will never be giving my money to this business again.

Chase

The service here is unbelievably atrocious. Every single time I've come here I've had a negative experience with the bar tenders. They are rude, disrespectful and treat their customers like trash. I have been here twice this week and both times have received snarky or rude remarks from service workers. I will not be returning.

Michael Johnson

The bar was actually decent, but the service was absolutely atrocious. Bartenders were extremely rude and made incorrect drinks. Extremely disappointing as the bar has a lot of potential. Truly ruined by awful service and horrific employees. If the owner were to fire everyone in the place and hire an entire new staff, I would give the place 4 or 5 stars.

Ron Burgandy

Older middle-aged bartender was rude. I was there for the first time and he made no mistake about treating me like an outsider one word answers no conversation. Luckily for me the Old Goat was in such a hurry to check me out he forgot to charge me for one of my beers. I still gave him a good tip despite his disparaging attitude. There's no reason to go here, unless you like hanging out with all the retirees

Ken Han

On August 6th, around 1 AM, we had an unfortunate encounter with a bartender at this place. The gentleman seemed older and had a receding hairline. What stood out was his extremely unprofessional behavior. To give you a clearer picture: (1) When we wanted to order drinks, he didn't even bother with a simple greeting. Instead, he just pointed at us and in a commanding tone, told us to decide on our drinks before approaching him. (2) We asked for a bud light, and he took quite a while to understand what we meant. When he finally got it, he kept emphasizing how to pronounce "bud light" several times. It was odd, as I've never had any trouble ordering Bud Light at other bars, even though English is not my first language. (3) We had ordered orange juice earlier, but he forgot about it. Instead of simply asking us again, he decided to blame us for taking too long, which, in his view, caused him to forget. I've been to many bars and dealt with different bartenders. Even if some were busy or not very friendly, I understood it happens. However, this time, it felt like he was deliberately trying to be rude. I don't think any customer wants to experience that when going out. While these issues may not be huge, his attitude made us feel really uncomfortable. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has felt this way. Honestly, I want to believe he was just having a bad day. But it's concerning if he can't handle his emotions or deal well with customers in a job that requires interaction. I hope he takes some time to assess if this job is suitable for him. Everyone deserves to feel welcome and respected when they go to a bar.

Terry Sullivan

Native of the area. Spent many thousands of dollars in the great place. Back in the area for a wedding for my niece and stopped in. What a disappointing experience. Bartender was so much more involved with her friends sitting at the end of the bar and on her phone. Place has lost mojo. No tip due no service. Can’t remember last time I didn’t tip. Will not be back. It’s sad. And anyone going will feel same.

Jessica Hanson

Terrible experience. Just moved to the area and came to enjoy and celebrate our first day of work. What did we receive? An extremely cranky bartender to which we over heard her saying to another paying customer as a couple left not finishing their drinks “I don’t care that they left and I’m being a b****. I’ve yelled at everyone at this bar already tonight!” We, of course, were other customers (of several) she had “yelled” at when we ordered drinks and asked a simple question of what cocktails she could make. Look-I used to be a server. I get it, some days are long and hard and I’ve wanted on so many occasions to voice my true feelings and thoughts on customers several times-but I never did. You know why I didn’t though? Because I was working and it was never (usually) the customer’s problem. I do understand the bartender’s predicament as she did complain to us in a form of apology that she has worked several hours over the week and “just can’t handle bar time anymore” and “needs a break”, but I, the customer can’t solve that problem. Instead I can write a scathing review to: 1. Ask management to either change shift schedules that are better for all or hire more employees or 2. Vent about the absolute abysmal experience we had. I chose to do both, but regardless you have lost a paying customer who was just looking for a beer and to enjoy a new town after moving across the country. Truly a shame on both our ends. I do wish that bartender better as she truly seemed unhappy, but it should never be voiced in the way in which she did to paying customers. I hope to see a change in the way this establishment is run for everyone.