Mecca Bar & Lounge - Porterville, California

Natenapa S.

This is a cash-only bar, and no food is served, only drinks. However, an ATM is available on-site. The bar has a small space—a small selection of craft beer. The bartender is amiable, though. If you can't sleep like me sometimes, this bar is open until 2 am daily, which is nice.

Roy B.

I lived in Porterville from 2001 - 2003 and could walk to Mecca from my apartment. I wasn't in there often, but every time I went in I had a lot of fun. I see there's new owners now, looks like they put some money into it and that bodes well for keeping it going. If I ever make it back through Porterville, I'll definitely stop in! Lots of memories (and blurs) from the times I went in. Thanks for the memories!

Angela P.

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 upward—for you.

Malcolm B.

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.
Prices were acceptable for the quality of the drinks.
We left happy and mellow.
Great start to a great day. 😎

Cynthia R.

I’ve always loved this bar. Lots of good memories made there

X

"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 at the Mecca.

Sonya C.

This once hole in the wall bar now has modern and elegant updates, making you feel like you've been transformed to another time and place. The ambiance is 10 out of 10. I will say there is a slight musty smell, but it is an old building, so maybe it's to be expected? Overall, it's a nice place to have a drink or two.
Girls, the bathroom is definitely selfie worthy!!

Maira H.

i went in earlier today and i asked for a lemon drop and the bartender gave us nothing but vodka didn’t even taste like a lemon drop! instead of tryin to fix our drink she gave me a slice of lemon!! never again!!