I like the California Grand in Pacheco (just off I-680 near Concord/Walnut Creek). The place is run by poker players, with great dealers, food and service. The games have a lot of action and are friendly. It’s been voted Best Local Casino in the East Bay multiple times and attracts a broad mix of players. You can always find games going. They have 2-3-5 no limit, 2-2-3 no limit and 3-6, 6-12 and 15-30 limit. There are house funded bad beat jackpots that start at $70,000 and double during certain hours, all with room shares of $100-$200. There are high hand and new player promotions. The place is clean, safe and has a good vibe.
Down in San Jose there is Bay 101 and M8trix. They emphasize table games but generally there are good poker games. The drop collection is higher there and I don’t think they offer as many promotions. Bay 101 may have some larger stakes games. At other places in the Bay Area the action is not as good, and sometimes the players at some places can be rude.

I prefer the California Grand Casino as well. I play at night time and I feel very safe and comfortable going to the California Grand. They have a variety of limit and no limit Texas holdem games that meet my level of play. The food is great and staff are friendly. Highly recommend the Grand for the Bay Area

I live in Sunnyvale, so I'm closer to M8trix and Bay 101 but I go to the California Grand quite a bit. They've got the best dealers and best action.

I go to the California Grand as well. I live in Fairfield, so I am close to some of the Sacramento clubs as well, but I never liked them as much. I play the 15-30 limit, but there is fantastic no-limit action as well if I feel like changing it up. I like that the staff is really experienced, and they don't let players act like jerks in there. Plus, the food is really good.

I live in Oakland and drive to the California Grand rather than the clubs nearer to me. There is almost always a good 2/2/3 NLH game going on and the 2/3/5 NLH has been spicy as well. The Chinese food is a hidden gem and prices are insanely reasonable.

Confession time, im a low roller. By choice.
I play for fun and usually on a time constraint. If I know I have 6-8 hours to grind I'll play bigger but those moments are few and far between for me. One of the sad aspects of the changing poker scene in California is the decline of small "fun" games. That's why I like the California Grand in Pacheco. They have a thriving 3/6 limit base. This is the same limit I've been playing since 1990. Its my comfort zone, my grandma's cookies, my mom's lasagna. Wanna call a raise with 6-7 suited, go for it.
The action is good, and the mood is light.
Its a game I can usually get into fairly quickly, play for an hour or two and be on my merry way. And, win or lose feel like I had a good time. And if the mood for a little no-limit hits me. Thier small no-limit game is just a $60 buy in. It feels more like poker with the boys, then a gladiator ring feeling I get in some places. Im a fan. Highly recommend to those of you with a similar mindset. As an added bonus, the food is top tier as well. I haven't always left there with a pocket full of cash, but I've never left hungry.