Mine Shaft

just moved to grass valley, came in on new years eve to a great selection of drinks and a knowledgeable and friendly bar staff. I will return!

Great neighborhood bar in a quaint and slightly swanky town. Great conversation, Great drinks, and good vibes.

The antidote to all that is froofy, faux and hipster. Superior popcorn. Jack & PBR special. No drinks with silly names.

EXTREME CAUTION HERE, the bartenders are under cover agents for the Secret Drunk Society. It is their aim to expose you from being a closet drunk to a public one. They do this by being as friendly and nice as they can, to make you feel better about drinking more in public. Be safe, drink in secret on their back balcony. Its a drunkards dream if I ever did see one!

Great atmosphere, super cool staff. The bartender talked with me about ghost stories, she’s super cool!!❤️

Great prices, good drinks. Old school atmosphere, not so Loud that you cant hear your friends talk..

The back patio is awesome especially in the warmer seasons. Bartenders are efficient and professional, and the prices are some of the most affordable in Nevada City. The pay to play jukebox usually keeps things interesting with a good variety of tunes.

Franny and the crew make this place! Its the kind of dive that you feel instantly comfortable in and never leave sober. The drinks are cheap and top shelf costs only .50c more, treat yourself!

Quaint and very friendly. Dallas was the bartender and she was very sweet and informative when I asked about the area. If you're looking for a cool place to have a drink or iced tea, stop by.

The barmatron was wonderful. No food but the Chinese place next store has a door directly to the bar. How awesome is that? NYers could learn something about partnerships like this.

Cold PBR! This is truly a great American dive bar! Adrian can mix it up and may even sing along with the jukebox.

I stopped in here while I was on a drive last week. I haven't been here in over 20 years. It was still an awesome dive bar, dark, great cocktails and a awesome bartender Jeff.

Omg loved it. Great bartender!

Great service and atmosphere! Tyler is an excellent bartender, maybe the best in NC!

Spectacular service, absolutely love the atmosphere. It’s real Nevada City, been in business for 40+ years. Try it, you will like it 🥰

What a classic and classy place to step back in time and have a beautiful experience. We had the best day and purchased classic Nevada City merch!

One of the best dive bars I have ever been to, wonderful bartender, best prices I have ever seen for draft beer in California. What else could you want? If I lived here I would be a regular. 10/5 stars

James Parker

I stopped in here while I was on a drive last week. I haven't been here in over 20 years. It was still an awesome dive bar, dark, great cocktails and a awesome bartender Jeff.

S GK

Omg loved it. Great bartender!

Steph Ann Lê

Great service and atmosphere! Tyler is an excellent bartender, maybe the best in NC!

Deborah Best

Spectacular service, absolutely love the atmosphere. It’s real Nevada City, been in business for 40+ years. Try it, you will like it 🥰

Lukas Svitek

One of the best dive bars I have ever been to, wonderful bartender, best prices I have ever seen for draft beer in California. What else could you want? If I lived here I would be a regular. 10/5 stars

Doraine Kennedy

What a classic and classy place to step back in time and have a beautiful experience. We had the best day and purchased classic Nevada City merch!

A real Nevada city vibe, unlike most of the town these days. The bartender was great at her job in every way, and the drinks were still well priced. Truly a gem in Nevada city.

Neat little old time saloon in downtown Nevada City with great service! Chinese restaurant next door is a plus.

The mine shaft is a pretty great bar. Service is good and they always have something on tap that I like. My favorite thing is the large outdoor area out back. It's a great place to go if you want to hang out with your friends outside and enjoy some brews during the hot summer nights. This place is always filled with friendly people to drink with.

Low-key, relaxed bar with an awesome staff. Snacks and cigarettes for sale, free popcorn, and great drink prices. Local staple. Go here to pregame a night out, party, or cap the night off. They put on fun movies if sports aren't on.

Nice old dim bar connected to great Chinese food. Always stop in when I am in the area.

BEST DRINKS AND BARTENDERS HANDS DOWN. LOVE THIS PLACE

Perfect place for locals or visitors looking for that "traditional" juke box music that doesn't stop or make your ears bleed atmosphere, especially the over 30 crowd. We had a great night here and the mixed drinks were perfect! The bartenders are first rate and so is the ambiance!! 5/6/22 Still as great as ever! Some of the BEST bartenders in the area!!

Mike Spurr

BEST DRINKS AND BARTENDERS HANDS DOWN. LOVE THIS PLACE

justin tillis

Nice old dim bar connected to great Chinese food. Always stop in when I am in the area.

Douglas Myers

Neat little old time saloon in downtown Nevada City with great service! Chinese restaurant next door is a plus.

Molly Finkelstein

A real Nevada city vibe, unlike most of the town these days. The bartender was great at her job in every way, and the drinks were still well priced. Truly a gem in Nevada city.

Tommy Flynn

Low-key, relaxed bar with an awesome staff. Snacks and cigarettes for sale, free popcorn, and great drink prices. Local staple. Go here to pregame a night out, party, or cap the night off. They put on fun movies if sports aren't on.

Lucas King

EXTREME CAUTION HERE, the bartenders are under cover agents for the Secret Drunk Society. It is their aim to expose you from being a closet drunk to a public one. They do this by being as friendly and nice as they can, to make you feel better about drinking more in public. Be safe, drink in secret on their back balcony. Its a drunkards dream if I ever did see one!

JenS

Perfect place for locals or visitors looking for that "traditional" juke box music that doesn't stop or make your ears bleed atmosphere, especially the over 30 crowd. We had a great night here and the mixed drinks were perfect! The bartenders are first rate and so is the ambiance!! 5/6/22 Still as great as ever! Some of the BEST bartenders in the area!!

Garrett Newman

The mine shaft is a pretty great bar. Service is good and they always have something on tap that I like. My favorite thing is the large outdoor area out back. It's a great place to go if you want to hang out with your friends outside and enjoy some brews during the hot summer nights. This place is always filled with friendly people to drink with.

Lovely dive bar in downtown Nevada City. The bartender was super friendly and help us to decide where to have dinner.

Hello Everyone, My base is Glenn Smith, My Father's Name is John Smith, I'm a Local who grew up in the Mine Shaft Saline!!! Ever you who Sat at that Bar, there for a relaxing Veverage after work ,b V S TN with your Friends is what I Remember!!! I want to give a Shout out to I #1( Vrice,Qwner : I want to thank you Sir for being there For my Father, #2 Frabie! I LOVE YOU GIRL! YOU ALWAYS PUT A SMIKE ON MY DACE AND ALSO MASE ME THE BEST SHIRLY TEMPLE,I HAVER HAD!!! LAST BUT NOT LEAST Bj, I'm gonna miss you I Love you always you were like a 2nd father too me! Thank you! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022!

Very cool "locals" bar. Small and historic. Been there forever. Typically older crowd.

Went here for a drink and to cool off. Went June 2nd..see receipt. This bar has been around a very long time in Nevada City. They have tvs to watch sports and a very large outdoor patio ( it appears you can smoke outside in the patio). I had a glass of wine and my friend had a beer. Their drinks are still relatively cheap! Freds Chinese Food is next door and you can order the food and eat it in the bar (Fred recently purchased the bar). Its a good place to bring your friends for a drink because the outdoor area is big enough to accommodate groups. Overall its a good place to stop in and have a cold drink!

Mary P

Went here for a drink and to cool off. Went June 2nd..see receipt. This bar has been around a very long time in Nevada City. They have tvs to watch sports and a very large outdoor patio ( it appears you can smoke outside in the patio). I had a glass of wine and my friend had a beer. Their drinks are still relatively cheap! Freds Chinese Food is next door and you can order the food and eat it in the bar (Fred recently purchased the bar). Its a good place to bring your friends for a drink because the outdoor area is big enough to accommodate groups. Overall its a good place to stop in and have a cold drink!

Small town hang out attached to Freds the best Chinese food in the area!! Adrian is the bartender. She is awesome with an awesome pour. We have a cocktail or two before eating at Fred's. Fred's will also serve you in the bar. Cool place.

mary jo nightingale

Small town hang out attached to Freds the best Chinese food in the area!! Adrian is the bartender. She is awesome with an awesome pour. We have a cocktail or two before eating at Fred's. Fred's will also serve you in the bar. Cool place.

Older bartender with short hair was quite sassy and rude. Cool dive bar atmosphere but sadly she ruined it for me and I couldn't wait to get out of there

Too small & crowded. Also very loud. Met friends for The Victorian Christmas event. We couldn't fit everyone together, couldn't converse. Too be fair, I'm not into dive bars. For those that like that sort of environment, this will fit the bill.

We came in for a drink before picking up our order at Fred's. We've been coming to The Mine Shaft for about 6 years and have enjoyed our time there. Every bartender we've met has been fun, accommodating, and friendly. We've had no issues with our drinks or service. Tonight the prosecco in my Aperol spritz was flat so I asked the bartender to add a little from a new bottle. She did not open a fresh bottle but put the rest of the old bottle in my drink. This did not change my flat spritz and what's worse is that she rolled her eyes, spun around, and walked away. My friends and patrons at the bar noticed this as well. This bartender, Lana, was very rude. Her behavior was unacceptable. She's not an employee I'd keep around my establishment! 2 stars to Lana.

Beth Freschi

We came in for a drink before picking up our order at Fred's. We've been coming to The Mine Shaft for about 6 years and have enjoyed our time there. Every bartender we've met has been fun, accommodating, and friendly. We've had no issues with our drinks or service. Tonight the prosecco in my Aperol spritz was flat so I asked the bartender to add a little from a new bottle. She did not open a fresh bottle but put the rest of the old bottle in my drink. This did not change my flat spritz and what's worse is that she rolled her eyes, spun around, and walked away. My friends and patrons at the bar noticed this as well. This bartender, Lana, was very rude. Her behavior was unacceptable. She's not an employee I'd keep around my establishment! 2 stars to Lana.

Terrible survices, rude bar tender. Whom would not stop talking gossip of other servers. Inappropriate behavior. Had to leave without finishing a drink. Would not recommend this place.

Tied to have a quiet conversation with the bartender about the person I was with drinking way too much before being served shots. I was called an antagonist and escorted out. This place holds no accountability to the role they play in the local bar scene. Grossly over-serves which is illegal

I come into town and one of the bars that stay open late and I use to appreciate that. I walk over at 830 to see you are closed on a Tuesday. Are we in the Bible belt or something. Open your doors. A lot of us are wanting to support you and you are at home. Not happy

The older white lady with the Can of hairspray hairdo is a total biotch and crotchety woman.. it’s what we would call a bar hag.. except she’s slinging the drinks when not ignoring you 💇🏼‍♀️

THE OWNER OF THIS BUSINESS USES DEROGATORY TERMS FOR BLACK PEOPLE. This wasn’t my regular watering hole, but I went there often enough until today and have always gotten good service. Unfortunately, today the owner was also there and asked for the tv channel to be changed to golf because “it’s better than this n*****.” A movie with Eddy Murphy was on. When I left I told him I’d never be back and why and he claimed he’d never said it and that he knows Eddy Murphy, as if that would somehow absolve him of racism. This is absolutely unacceptable behavior from anyone, let alone the owner of a Nevada City institution. Yes, their drinks are cheap, but it’s time to stand up to racism.

I cannot believe the lady bartending the day shift is a complete nightmare… I love Fred and the food but this was unforgivable… she freaked out because I needed to use my phone to tap to pay for a 3$ beer while waiting for my food because their tap doesn’t allow tips!!! What a monster

So many cool bars to patronize in Nevada City but this isn't one of them. Poor selection of beers. Visibly too drunk, over served patrons and horrible sewer smell. Meh bartender. Not my kind of place, sorry.

Where do I even begin with The Mine Shaft in Nevada City? If I could give this zero stars I would. Ive been coming to NC and upon arrival, my service animals and I were greeted with hostility by the owner, Adrienne. Despite the fact that both of my dogs are trained service animals, Adrienne made it abundantly clear that we were not welcome. Not only did she forcibly remove us from the premises which is illegal, she also had the audacity to confiscate our drinks, denying us even the basic courtesy of enjoying what we had paid for. She claims it's because my dogs were partially in the walk way... To add insult to injury, the bartender, in a shocking display of callousness, also snatched away my food, leaving me stunned and utterly appalled by the utter lack of. The level of disrespect and discrimination exhibited by Adrienne and her unnamed bartender was beyond reprehensible. Their behavior was not only unprofessional but downright despicable. It's appalling to see such blatant disregard for individuals with disabilities in this day and age. I urge anyone considering patronizing The Mine Shaft to think twice. Supporting a business that condones discrimination and mistreatment of customers is simply unacceptable. Save yourself the trouble and find somewhere that actually values human decency and respect for all patrons, regardless of their abilities. I'm not one to write reviews but this deserves to be out there. Absolutely shocking!!!!

logan knapik

I cannot believe the lady bartending the day shift is a complete nightmare… I love Fred and the food but this was unforgivable… she freaked out because I needed to use my phone to tap to pay for a 3$ beer while waiting for my food because their tap doesn’t allow tips!!! What a monster

Faith Shannon

Where do I even begin with The Mine Shaft in Nevada City? If I could give this zero stars I would. Ive been coming to NC and upon arrival, my service animals and I were greeted with hostility by the owner, Adrienne. Despite the fact that both of my dogs are trained service animals, Adrienne made it abundantly clear that we were not welcome. Not only did she forcibly remove us from the premises which is illegal, she also had the audacity to confiscate our drinks, denying us even the basic courtesy of enjoying what we had paid for. She claims it's because my dogs were partially in the walk way... To add insult to injury, the bartender, in a shocking display of callousness, also snatched away my food, leaving me stunned and utterly appalled by the utter lack of. The level of disrespect and discrimination exhibited by Adrienne and her unnamed bartender was beyond reprehensible. Their behavior was not only unprofessional but downright despicable. It's appalling to see such blatant disregard for individuals with disabilities in this day and age. I urge anyone considering patronizing The Mine Shaft to think twice. Supporting a business that condones discrimination and mistreatment of customers is simply unacceptable. Save yourself the trouble and find somewhere that actually values human decency and respect for all patrons, regardless of their abilities. I'm not one to write reviews but this deserves to be out there. Absolutely shocking!!!!

Laura W.

So many cool bars to patronize in Nevada City but this isn't one of them. Poor selection of beers. Visibly too drunk, over served patrons and horrible sewer smell. Meh bartender. Not my kind of place, sorry.