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So there I was, zipping through the countryside on a spirited drive, when I noticed a bar. It looked like an oasis, by a lake tucked into the mountains. But its parking lot was full of Harleys and a sign by the door said “Bikers welcome!” The situation made me wonder Can anyone go to a biker bar? The truth is that while most bars will be happy to serve you, there are some rare cases where you’ll have trouble with either the staff or the other patrons.

First and foremost, any bartender can refuse service to any customer for any reason. The only legal exception is when the reason deals with a protected status (race, age, ethnicity, gender, etc.). Identifying as a sports car driver instead of a motorcycle rider is not a protected status.

That said, servers aren’t keen to turn away a paying (and tipping) customer. They’ll deny service to anyone who is acting drunk. It’s their legal obligation. They also don’t want to risk any drama. But if you look like you’ll mind your manners, it’s in their interest to serve you. Keeping that in mind, if a bartender asks you to leave there is probably a good reason. They want to avoid a different form of drama. And that brings me to the other patrons.

Row of Harleys in front of a biker bar on Route 66 in Arizona, mountains visible in the background.
Fast Fanny’s, Arizona | M. Kaercher via iStockPhoto

I’ve found motorcyclists to be a friendly crowd. If I’m out for a drive because it’s a nice day, the motorcyclists I meet are often out for the same reason and they’re happy to see me. But there is the rare bar that is essentially a clubhouse for a single motorcycle club. In this case, it would be a bad idea to swagger in like you own the place.

A quick word about “outlaw motorcycle clubs.” (Even the outlaw clubs don’t like the word “gang”). These organizations are structured around their territory. They will risk their life and liberty to defend this territory from other outlaw motorcycle clubs. But they care much less about law abiding folks–even bikers–who come and go through said territory.

If you arrive at a bar run by an outlaw motorcycle club, riding a Harley and wearing a jacket covered in patches, you’ll get asked “Who do you ride with?” If it’s a competing club, you may be in trouble. But the less you look like a competing outlaw biker, the safer you’ll probably be. The one exception may be the few Harley-Davidson riders who still have it out for riders of all foreign motorcycles.

This is how I was able to walk into a bar in California that was actually owned by the Hell’s Angels. I showed up in a convertible and wearing a t-shirt. I double-checked with the bartender that I was welcome there. And honestly, that bar was more business venture than clubhouse; the bikers there were happy to see a paying customer. That said, it never hurts to do your research, be humble, and double-check with the staff.

Next, find out how to spot an outlaw biker, or hear about how the Hell’s Angels work from an undercover ATF agent in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.