You’ve probably driven past it a dozen times without even realizing what you were missing. Up & Under Pub and Grill isn't one of those flashy, neon-soaked gastropubs that pop up in gentrified neighborhoods just to disappear two years later. It’s a Richmond staple. Specifically, it’s a Point Richmond staple, tucked away in that quirky, historic pocket of the East Bay that feels more like a sleepy coastal village than a part of a major industrial city.
Walking in feels like a time warp. In a good way.
The first thing you notice isn't the decor—it’s the noise. Not the annoying, high-pitched screech of a sports bar with bad acoustics, but the low, rhythmic hum of people who actually know each other's names. It’s loud. It’s local. Honestly, it’s exactly what a neighborhood pub should be. If you're looking for white tablecloths or a waiter who explains the "provenance" of your kale, you are in the wrong place. But if you want a pint and a burger that actually tastes like meat, you’ve arrived.
The Rugby Roots and Why They Matter
Most people don't get the name. They think "Up & Under" is some generic British-sounding phrase. It’s not. It’s a very specific rugby kick—a high, short punt designed to give the kicking team time to get under the ball before it lands. It’s a pressure move.
The pub was founded with deep ties to the Richmond Rugby Football Club. You can see it in the memorabilia. The walls are practically a museum of local sports history. You’ll see jerseys, old photos, and plaques that look like they’ve been there since the dawn of time. This isn’t "thematic" decor bought from a corporate catalog. It’s earned.
The connection to the rugby community gives the place a rugged, inclusive energy. Rugby is a sport where you beat the hell out of each other for eighty minutes and then go grab a beer with the opponent. That "all are welcome" philosophy translates directly to the service. You might be sitting next to a longshoreman from the Port of Richmond, a tech worker who escaped the city for a quieter life, or a retired schoolteacher. Nobody cares.
What’s Actually Good on the Menu?
Let’s talk about the food because, let’s be real, that’s why you’re here.
The menu at Up & Under Pub and Grill is deceptively simple. They do the classics, but they do them with a level of consistency that’s rare these days. You know how some places have an "off" night? That doesn't really happen here.
The Burger Situation
Their burgers are the heavy hitters. We’re talking about thick, juicy patties that require multiple napkins. They don't over-complicate things. It’s about the char on the beef and the freshness of the bun. If you’re feeling adventurous, people swear by the specialty toppings, but a standard cheeseburger here is a masterclass in "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The Fish and Chips
This is the litmus test for any pub. If the batter is soggy, the whole place is a fraud. At Up & Under, the batter is crisp enough to hear it crack when you bite in. The fish is flaky. The fries—or chips, if we’re being traditional—are salty and plentiful.
Wait, They Have Salads?
Surprisingly, yes. And they’re actually good. It’s not just a sad pile of iceberg lettuce with a lonely cherry tomato. They put effort into the greens, which is a nice pivot if you’ve been eating fried food for three days straight.
One thing to keep in mind: the portions are huge. You will probably leave with a box. Or a food coma. Possibly both.
The Point Richmond Vibe
You can’t talk about the pub without talking about the town. Point Richmond is a weird, beautiful anomaly. It’s separated from the rest of Richmond by the 580 freeway and a whole lot of industrial landscape, which has allowed it to preserve a small-town feel that’s almost eerie.
Up & Under Pub and Grill is the anchor of Washington Avenue.
Because the neighborhood is so walkable, the pub acts as a living room for the locals. On a sunny afternoon, the outdoor seating is the place to be. You can watch the world go by at a glacial pace. It’s one of the few places in the Bay Area where the "hustle culture" feels like a distant myth.
Why the Beer List is Smarter Than You Think
They don’t have fifty taps of identical-tasting IPAs. Thank god. Instead, the draft list is curated. You’ll find the standard domestic favorites because, hey, sometimes you just want a light lager. But they also rotate through local craft brews that actually reflect the California beer scene.
- Local Favorites: They often feature breweries from nearby Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco.
- The Classics: You’ll always find a solid Guinness pour here.
- The "I’m Driving" Options: Their non-alcoholic selection has actually improved over the years, acknowledging that not everyone wants to get buzzed on a Tuesday afternoon.
Misconceptions About Up & Under
Some people think it’s just a "dive bar." It’s not. A dive bar usually has sticky floors and a faint smell of regret. Up & Under is clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly, especially during the day. You’ll see parents with kids in high chairs right next to guys watching the Warriors game.
Another misconception? That it’s only for rugby fans. While the sport is the soul of the place, you don't need to know what a "scrum" is to enjoy a sandwich. The staff is incredibly patient. If you ask about the rules of the game playing on the TV, someone will likely give you a twenty-minute breakdown whether you wanted it or not.
Realities of Visiting
Is it perfect? No. Nothing is.
If you go on a Friday night when there’s live music or a major game, it is packed. I mean shoulder-to-shoulder, wait-at-the-bar-for-ten-minutes packed. If you hate crowds, go on a Wednesday at 3:00 PM. It’s a totally different experience—quiet, contemplative, and perfect for reading a book with a basket of wings.
Parking in Point Richmond can also be a bit of a nightmare. The streets are narrow and old. You might have to park a few blocks away and walk, but honestly, the walk through the historic district is half the fun anyway. Look at the architecture. It’s worth the extra steps.
The "Secret" Menu and Local Tips
There isn't a secret "In-N-Out" style menu, but there are definitely ways to do Up & Under like a pro.
First, check the specials board. Don't just glance at it. Read it. They often do seasonal rotations or one-off experiments that aren't on the permanent laminated menu. This is where the kitchen really gets to show off.
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Second, if they have a bread pudding on the dessert list, get it. Just do it. Don't think about the calories. It’s dense, warm, and probably contains enough sugar to power a small village for a week.
Third, engage with the bartenders. They’ve seen it all. They know the history of the building (which has its own stories) and they can give you the best recommendations for what’s drinking well that day.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Up & Under Pub and Grill, don't just make it a pit stop. Make it the destination.
- Arrive Early: Especially on weekends. If you want a table without a wait, 5:30 PM is your magic window.
- Explore the Point: Walk down to Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline before your meal. Get some fresh air, look at the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, and work up an appetite.
- Check the Schedule: They often host live music or trivia nights. If you want a quiet dinner, check their social media to make sure you aren't walking into a high-energy event.
- Bring the Dog: The outdoor seating area is generally dog-friendly, making it a great spot for those who don't want to leave their four-legged friends at home.
Up & Under Pub and Grill represents a dying breed of American establishments. It’s a "third place"—that essential space between work and home where community actually happens. In an era of QR code menus and sterile "concept" restaurants, this place feels remarkably human. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s authentic.
Next time you're in Richmond, stop by. Order a burger. Watch a few minutes of whatever sport is on. You'll realize pretty quickly why the locals fight so hard to keep this place exactly the way it is.
To get the full experience, park your car near the historic Washington Elementary School and take the short walk through the downtown corridor toward the pub. This gives you a chance to see the historic storefronts before settling into a booth. Always ask about the "Daily Catch" or the seasonal tap; the staff takes pride in the rotating selections that don't always make it onto the printed menu. If you’re a fan of history, take five minutes to look at the photos near the back hallway—they tell the story of the Richmond rugby community far better than any website could.