If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through the Arts District in Pomona on a Tuesday night looking for a place that doesn't feel like a corporate lounge, you probably ended up at Characters. It's a staple. Honestly, it’s one of those spots that defines the city’s grit and charm all at once. People call it a dive bar, and yeah, it fits the description—dark lighting, pool tables, and a smell that’s a mix of old wood and spilled beer—but it’s more than just a place to get cheap drinks. It’s a community hub.
Characters Bar in Pomona has survived the waves of gentrification that hit the downtown area, keeping its personality while newer, shinier spots opened and closed around it. It’s located on Main Street, right in the thick of things. You go there for the local bands, the karaoke nights that get surprisingly competitive, and the fact that the bartenders actually remember your face if you show up more than twice. It’s not trying to be a mixology lab. You aren't going to find a $25 cocktail with artisanal foam here. You’re getting a cold pint, a solid pour of whiskey, and maybe a conversation with someone who has lived in the Inland Empire since the 80s.
The Vibe and Why the Locals Stay
Most people think of Pomona as just the place with the Fairplex or the Glass House. But the heart of the city is really these smaller, darker rooms where the subcultures hang out. Characters Bar in Pomona serves as the "living room" for a lot of these folks. It’s an eclectic crowd. You’ll see college students from Cal Poly or WesternU sitting right next to construction workers and local artists.
It’s loud. It’s often crowded. The acoustics aren't exactly "concert hall" quality, but that’s the point. When a local punk or metal band takes the stage, the energy is immediate. You feel the bass in the floorboards. There’s no pretense. People are there to blow off steam, not to post perfectly curated photos to their feed—though the neon signs do make for a decent backdrop if that’s your thing.
The bar itself is long, stretching across the room and giving you plenty of space to lean in and talk to the person next to you. And that’s what happens. You talk. In a world where everyone is glued to their screens, Characters still feels like a place where you actually interact with strangers. Maybe it’s the pool tables in the back. There’s something about waiting for your turn on the table that forces a level of social cohesion you don’t find at a fancy bistro.
What to Expect on a Typical Night
If you show up on a weekend, be prepared for a cover charge if there’s a show. It’s usually nominal, maybe five or ten bucks, but it goes to the bands. Support local music, right? The booking here is surprisingly diverse. One night it’s a goth-industrial DJ set; the next, it’s a straight-up rock and roll band or a hip-hop showcase.
📖 Related: Despicable Me 2 Edith: Why the Middle Child is Secretly the Best Part of the Movie
- The Drinks: They are heavy-handed in the best way. If you order a Jack and Coke, you’re going to taste the Jack. They have a decent selection of craft beers on tap—usually some local SoCal favorites like Stone or 818—but the majority of the crowd is sticking to PBR or Modelos.
- The Food: They don't have a full-scale kitchen, but they often have pop-ups or you can grab food from the nearby spots and bring it in (check with the staff first, rules can be weird). Usually, you’re hitting up a taco truck on the corner after you stumble out at 2:00 AM anyway.
- The Entertainment: Beyond the live music, the karaoke nights are legendary. It’s not the "I’m a professional singer" kind of karaoke. It’s the "I’ve had three shots and I really think I can hit the high notes in Journey" kind. It’s supportive, loud, and genuinely fun.
The Reality of the "Dive" Label
Let’s be real for a second. Some people walk into Characters and walk right back out. If you’re looking for white tablecloths or a quiet place to have a romantic date, this isn't it. The bathrooms are... well, they’re dive bar bathrooms. They’ve seen some things. There’s graffiti on the walls. The floor might be a little sticky near the bar.
But that’s the authenticity people are looking for. In a world of "Instagrammable" bars that look like they were designed by a committee in a boardroom, Characters Bar in Pomona feels human. It’s got scars. It’s got history. It’s been a part of the Pomona scene for decades, and it carries that weight.
There’s a specific loyalty here. You’ll talk to people who have been coming since they were 21, and now they’re in their 40s, still sitting on the same stools. It’s a anchor point for the neighborhood. When other businesses moved out during the lean years, Characters stayed. That counts for something in a city like Pomona that has seen a lot of ups and downs.
Navigating the Neighborhood
Parking in Downtown Pomona is always a bit of a gamble. There are lots nearby, but on Art Walk nights or when there’s a big show at the Fox Theater, it’s a nightmare. If you can, Uber or Lyft. It’s safer anyway, considering how those pours are.
Main Street is walkable, and Characters is positioned perfectly if you want to do a little "bar crawl." You’ve got the dA Center for the Arts nearby, and several other bars within a two-block radius. But most people find that once they settle into a booth at Characters, they don't really feel like leaving. There’s a gravity to the place.
👉 See also: Death Wish II: Why This Sleazy Sequel Still Triggers People Today
How Characters Fits Into the SoCal Scene
Southern California is full of these legendary dives. You have the Frolic Room in Hollywood or the Pike in Long Beach. Characters is Pomona’s entry into that hall of fame. It represents the Inland Empire’s specific brand of cool—unapologetic, a little rough around the edges, but incredibly welcoming if you’re not a jerk.
The bar scene in the IE has changed a lot. We’ve seen a massive influx of craft breweries and upscale gastropubs. And look, those are great. We all love a good IPA and a plate of truffle fries. But there’s a fear that the "soul" of these cities gets scrubbed away in the process of modernization. Characters Bar in Pomona is the resistance to that. It’s a reminder that you don't need a million-dollar renovation to provide a space where people feel like they belong.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
If you’re planning on heading down, keep a few things in mind to make the experience better.
Bring Cash. While they definitely take cards, having cash for the cover charge or for tipping the band directly is just good form. It moves things along faster at the bar, too.
Check the Calendar. Before you go, look at their social media or website. If you hate heavy metal, you don't want to show up on a night when four death metal bands are on the bill. Conversely, if you love karaoke, you’ll want to make sure you’re there on the right night to get your name on the list early.
✨ Don't miss: Dark Reign Fantastic Four: Why This Weirdly Political Comic Still Holds Up
Respect the Staff. The bartenders at Characters are pros. They handle large, loud crowds with a lot of grace, but they don't have time for nonsense. Be polite, tip well, and you’ll find they’re some of the coolest people in the city.
Dress Casual. This isn't the place for your Sunday best. Jeans, a t-shirt, and comfortable shoes are the unofficial uniform. You’re likely going to be standing, dancing, or leaning against a pool table all night.
Engage with the Locals. If you see someone with a patch-covered vest or an artist covered in paint, say hi. Pomona’s creative community is incredibly tight-knit, and Characters is where they congregate. You might end up finding out about an underground art show or a backyard gig that isn't advertised anywhere else.
Characters Bar in Pomona isn't just a place to get a drink; it’s a piece of the city’s identity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through the IE, it’s worth a stop if you want to see what the "real" Pomona looks like. It’s loud, it’s dark, and it’s exactly what a bar should be. No fluff. No pretense. Just a good time.
Go for the music, stay for the people, and don't be surprised if you end up staying until the lights come up at closing time. That’s just how the place works.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Lineup: Head to their official Instagram or Facebook page to see which local bands are playing this Friday or Saturday night.
- Plan Your Transport: Use a rideshare app if you're coming from outside the downtown area, as parking on Main Street fills up by 8:00 PM.
- Bring a Plus One: While it's a friendly place for solo visitors, having a friend to jump on the pool table with makes the night go smoother.
- Explore the Block: Arrive an hour early to walk through the nearby art galleries or grab a quick bite at one of the street vendors before the bar gets packed.