Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Berkeley

Cool bars

You are looking for a bar that feels current and has a distinct personality of its own.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
The Starry Plough Pub image 1
The Starry Plough Pub image 2
The Starry Plough Pub image 3
View all

Irish pub with authentic Irish vibe and live traditional music fills the space with energy. Community-oriented atmosphere invites dancing and socializing, especially on weekend nights. Old-world decor and a well-designed dance floor create a welcoming setting for enjoying music and food.

An authentic Irish vibe fills the pub, with great Guinness and affordable pub food like garlic fries and Irish cider. The atmosphere is friendly and community-oriented, with a strong activist spirit and attentive service.

People are saying

"This pub truly embodies the Irish pub experience with live music."

"I found it to be a great little local Irish pub."

"The atmosphere here is really cool, with friendly people."

Good to know

1

Free Irish dance lessons are held on Monday nights.

2

Open mic night takes place every Tuesday with no cover charge.

3

Trivia night is on Thursdays, starting at 7pm.

02
Hayati Hookah image 1
Hookah bar

Hookah lounge with beautiful decor blending traditional and modern styles creates an inviting, stylish space. Atmosphere stays super relaxed with chill Afrobeat and Arabic music, perfect for conversations or solo time. Spacious seating and excellent ventilation keep the air fresh, while hookah flavors consistently impress.

A true oasis for hookah and relaxation, this lounge offers a setting where time slows and worries fade. It stands out as a haven to unwind with a unique atmosphere for enjoying hookah.

Warm, inviting ambiance with dim lighting and plush seating sets a relaxed tone. Smooth beats and cool vibes create a laid-back, enjoyable atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a really chill spot with a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

"The bar staff is so attentive and knowledgeable about flavors."

"The vibes here are so cool, it's a perfect chill spot."

Good to know

1

Hayati Hookah operates until 2am.

2

There is free parking available right next to the building.

3

The prices at Hayati Hookah are very affordable.

03
Acme Bar & Company image 1

Warm, cozy bar with a local vibe and a layout that includes a main bar, back patio, and intimate back room. Atmosphere ranges from relaxed and down to earth to busy and loud on Friday nights. Known for an amazing whiskey selection and a classy dive bar feel.

Whisky and agave spirits form a well curated collection here. The bar offers three distinct intimate zones including a main bar, back patio, and back building, with a dedicated event space available for private gatherings.

Late-night hours make it stand out as a cool little bar. The focus on whiskey adds to its super cool vibe.

People are saying

"They have an insane whiskey selection from around the world."

"The bar staff were so amazing and easy to work with."

"Their specialty cocktails are great and made with fresh-squeezed juice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

The bar allows outside food for private events.

3

Event space is available for rental with access control.

04
Tipsea image 1

Ocean-themed decor sets a cocktail lounge vibe with chill atmosphere and Bay Area music at a comfortable volume. The place draws a relaxed crowd enjoying creative cocktails and small bites in booths and at the bar.

Offers a very ambient and cool setting with booths and a bar. Provides excellent service and stands out as a top spot in the local bar scene.

Booths and a bar create a laid-back vibe that feels very ambient. The overall setting makes it a cool spot to hang out.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are so creative and unique."

"I waited 30 minutes for drinks at the Bar."

"It's a really cool place to hang out."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs daily from 2 pm to 5 pm with discounted drinks.

2

Dollar wing night offers great deals on wings, popular among patrons.

3

Tipsea serves food late into the night, perfect for night owls.

05
East Bay Spice image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant with an authentic aesthetic and dim, cozy atmosphere offers varied seating options including outdoor and bar areas. The place has a lively, packed vibe especially late at night, making it suitable for small groups or dates. Cocktails stand out with creative flavors, complementing the late-night food service.

Offers a solid cocktail bar experience with a variety of seating options including outdoor, upstairs, and bar seats. Bartenders engage in friendly discussion while the food serves as typical bar fare.

A cool late night vibe sets the tone here, making it a cozy spot that works well for dates. The atmosphere and location both add to its cool feel.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, flavorful, and unlike anything I've tasted."

"The cocktails here are distinctive and unique."

"I found the atmosphere and late night vibe to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Midnight happy hour offers the best drink deals.

2

Taco Tuesday is a popular event at East Bay Spice.

3

The restaurant serves food late, helpful for night owls.

06
Study Hall Rooftop Lounge image 1

Rooftop bar offers spectacular city views with both indoor and outdoor seating. Live music and a DJ create a cocktail social ambiance enhanced by fire pits and heaters. The space is dog-friendly and features a spacious outdoor patio for groups.

Elevated views of Berkeley and Mount Tam stand out at this rooftop bar. It offers a great selection of local craft beers, fire pits, and both indoor and outdoor seating with stylish lighting.

Rooftop bar offers cool views of Berkeley and San Francisco. Drinks include flavored smoked options and house-made ginger beer. The atmosphere feels very cool and relaxed.

People are saying

"The elevated views of the city and bay are spectacular."

"Angel made us some of the best drinks and provided a great experience."

"The rooftop views of Berkeley at night are really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the lounge's popularity.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:50 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect to pay around $70-$80 for two people with drinks and appetizers.

07
The BreakRoom image 1

Pool hall offers premium quality tables and well thought out layout with ample space and good lighting. Atmosphere blends chill vibes with vibrant energy, creating a welcoming and lively environment. Features include live music, darts, and comfortable seating, appealing to both casual and competitive players.

Ambient music sets the mood alongside a bar with a bar bites menu. Seating includes only 9-foot tables and lacks bar boxes, but this does not affect the experience.

Downstairs poolroom offers a cool atmosphere with plenty of pool tables. The vibe feels relaxed and great for hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"I found the pool tables here to be amazing."

"It's a cool place with a chill vibe for friends to hang out."

"This bar offers the ideal pool playing experience."

Good to know

1

The BreakRoom hosts pool tournaments and leagues regularly.

2

BART station is half a block away for easy access.

3

The current rate for pool is $15 per hour.

08
Tap in lounge image 1
Cocktail bar

Low-lit space offers a speakeasy vibe with a self-serve taproom featuring rotating kegs. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy, with a quiet backroom for pouring beer without music. Late hours and cocktail creativity add to the relaxed, cool energy.

Bartender Eddie crafts amazing drinks with serious skill. The speakeasy back room lets you pour your own beer. The bar offers a fun vibe with tasty snacks like garlic Parmesan wings and popcorn chicken with tikka masala sauce.

Rotating kegs offer a fresh selection of brews in the tap room. The lounge stays open after midnight, making it a chill spot for food and drinks.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and really special."

"It's a cool spot for food and drinks after midnight."

"Bartender Eddie is an artist who takes his work seriously."

Good to know

1

The self-service taproom allows sampling beers and paying by the ounce.

2

Expect a $2 fee for using the tap card to pour your own beer.

3

A $10 automatic gratuity is added to all takeout orders.

09
Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music image 1

Cozy concert hall with intimate stage setup and high-fidelity sound system creates a superb live music atmosphere. Spacious patio with heated garden seating and backyard fire pits offers a relaxed vibe for food and drinks. Calm bar area allows conversation without shouting, while late-night turns into a lively club scene.

A large venue with a full bar offers a diverse selection of craft beer and rotating cocktails. The bar area stays calm enough for easy conversation.

Cool air flows from vents on the upper deck, keeping the space comfortable. The bar offers a cool vibe, and the venue hosts fun events that make it a great spot to chill and watch the game.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection here."

"The pub food at the bar is decent and slightly elevated."

"The venue has a cool vibe and is great for live music."

Good to know

1

The concert starts at 9:30 PM, 1.5 hours later than scheduled.

2

Latin dance night ends early, so check the schedule in advance.

3

Standing-only is the norm for shows, but special seating can be arranged if requested.

10
Ippuku image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Dark, traditional izakaya space with Japanese decor and private two-seater tables creates an intimate, cool vibe. Expansive whiskey bar and exceptional sake selection complement authentic yakitori and grilled skewers. Atmosphere suits small groups and dates seeking a quiet, immersive experience.

A traditional izakaya vibe sets a cool tone with low lights and cool music. The bar and food add to the overall cool atmosphere where people chat happily without too much noise.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the grilled skewers, is amazing."

"The atmosphere here is cool, with chill music and happy people."

"This bar feels like an authentic izakaya in Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.

3

You can order at the bar, but seating is not guaranteed without a reservation.

Discover more

Berkeley, California

Area guide
Loading Map...