Dry January has become a popular way to start the New Year on a healthy note—pressing pause on alcohol and giving your body (and your wallet) a much-needed break after the holiday festivities.
If you’re in the East Bay’s 925 area code and seeking delicious, creative beverages without the booze, you’re in luck! From trendy mocktail bars to fresh juice spots, here are seven local favorites to help you crush Dry January in style.
1. True Food Kitchen – Walnut Creek
Why We Love It:
Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza is home to this health-focused eatery. While True Food Kitchen is known for its nutrient-packed meals, it also offers a selection of vibrant non-alcoholic beverages that fit perfectly with Dry January. Think cold-pressed juices, sparkling teas, and seasonal mocktails crafted with herbs, fruit purées, and natural sweeteners.
Must-Try Drink:
- Medicine Man (served as a mocktail) – A refreshing mix of pomegranate, cranberry, black tea, and elderberry.
Pro Tip:
Go during lunchtime for a lighter crowd, grab a seat on the outdoor patio (weather permitting), and pair your drink with their famed Ancient Grains Bowl for a wholesome, alcohol-free treat.
2. Bourbon Highway – Walnut Creek
Why We Love It:
Don’t let the name fool you—this country-themed bar and eatery has made it a point to offer creative zero-proof concoctions alongside its boozy Southern-inspired menu. If you’re craving that laid-back vibe of a classic American bar but need to keep it dry, Bourbon Highway has you covered.
Must-Try Drink:
- Swifty – Cucumber, mint and blackberry make for a delicious and refreshing mocktail
Pro Tip:
Check their event calendar. They often have live music or trivia nights—a perfect chance to socialize, have fun, and still stick to your Dry January plan.
3. The Press – Pleasanton
Why We Love It:
A cozy café by day and laid-back lounge by night, The Press in Pleasanton is a local gem. Known for serving high-quality coffee in the morning, they also shake up a range of mocktails after sundown. You’ll find everything from espresso tonics to fruit-forward zero-proof sippers.
Must-Try Drink:
- Lavender Lemon Refresher – House-made lavender syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water for a floral, palate-cleansing treat.
Pro Tip:
The Press has a great selection of small plates, so it’s an ideal spot to meet a friend for a quiet post-work catch-up without the pressure of “happy hour” cocktails.
4. Boba Guys – San Ramon
Why We Love It:
Sometimes the best way to celebrate Dry January is to indulge in sweet treats that don’t involve alcohol—like boba milk tea! Boba Guys has become famous for its premium teas, real fruit purées, and house-made syrups. If you’re craving something refreshing, there’s nothing like a tea-based drink with chewy tapioca pearls (or their signature “no boba, no life” alternative, like almond jelly or grass jelly).
Must-Try Drink:
- Strawberry Matcha Latte – Layered with real strawberry purée, matcha, and your milk of choice.
Pro Tip:
Ask for less sugar to tailor the sweetness level to your preference and keep things lighter.
5. Danville Brewing Company – Danville
Why We Love It:
A brewery for Dry January? Hear us out. More and more breweries are offering craft non-alcoholic beers or specialty sodas—and Danville Brewing Company is no exception. They often rotate in-house brewed NA craft sodas and occasionally host “tap takeover” events that include non-alcoholic selections.
Must-Try Drink:
- Hop Time – A nonalcoholic hop water with all the flavor of a hoppy brew, but no booze
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on their rotating taps or ask your server about their current non-alcoholic specials. Pair your drink with their popular brewpub bites like garlic fries or crispy brussels sprouts.
6. Vitality Bowls – Multiple Locations (San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Brentwood)
Why We Love It:
With several locations across the 925, Vitality Bowls is a go-to for healthy superfood smoothies, açai bowls, and fresh juices. Perfect for anyone looking to fuel up on vitamins and antioxidants during Dry January.
Must-Try Drink:
- The Rehydrator Smoothie – Coconut water, strawberries, kale, and banana for an ultra-hydrating pick-me-up.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a post-workout treat? Add a scoop of plant-based protein to any smoothie to make it a filling (and booze-free) meal replacement.
7. Social Bird – Lafayette
Why We Love It:
Social Bird serves modern American dishes in a stylish, airy space. But their beverage menu really stands out, featuring inventive mocktails that showcase fresh juices, syrups, and seasonal produce. It’s an elegant spot to enjoy a nice dinner without feeling left out if you’re skipping alcohol.
Must-Try Drink:
- Pear Spritz – Pear puree, cinnamon sage syrup and sparkling water make for a sophisticated mocktail
Pro Tip:
Split a few of Social Bird’s shareable plates—like their crispy cauliflower and deviled eggs—for a well-rounded, zero-proof evening out.
Bonus Tips for a Successful Dry January in the 925
- Plan Mocktail Meet-Ups: Instead of hitting the bar for “drinks,” gather friends for tea or smoothie dates. Downtown Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, and Danville all have plenty of cafés and juice bars that stay open into the evening.
- Explore Specialty Menus: Many local restaurants and bars are getting more creative with their zero-proof options. Don’t be afraid to ask your server if they have any “secret” mocktail recipes or non-alcoholic beer offerings.
- Stay Hydrated: Sounds obvious, but always have water on hand—especially if you’re used to sipping a glass of wine at dinner. Flavored sparkling waters are a great (and cheap) substitute when you’re craving fizz.
- Track Your Progress: There are many apps and online communities dedicated to Dry January. Keeping track of your progress—whether it’s daily, weekly, or all month—can help you stay motivated.
Cheers (with a mocktail!) to a fantastic Dry January in the East Bay.
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