St. James Gate

This Irish pub at 1410 Old County Road in Belmont pairs a 1950s speakeasy interior of dark wood, pressed tin ceilings, and low lighting with one of Northern California's largest whiskey collections, displaying over 500 bottles on backlit shelves. Owner Doug Mottern describes the concept as "whiskey on the inside, tiki on the outside," with an outdoor patio complementing the moody interior. Live bands play pop, rock, and dance music on weekends, while the weekly calendar fills out with open mic nights, pub quizzes, and whiskey dinners. St. James Gate has built a loyal Peninsula following as a neighborhood spot where solid live music, craft cocktails, and a welcoming pub atmosphere come together.