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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Berkeley

Beer spots

A beer in a cool setting that prioritizes the vibe over the volume of the music.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated April 2026
01
Acme Bar & Company image 1
Acme Bar & Company image 2
Acme Bar & Company image 3
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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.

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

Selections include Fieldworks beers and a light Guatemalan beer that is crisp. The beer list is small but offers delicious options despite higher prices.

People are saying

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

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

"I was impressed by the insane whiskey selection."

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.

02
The Station - Smashburgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Outdoor seating dominates with covered tables, fire pits, and generous greenery, creating a welcoming neighborhood vibe. Atmosphere feels lively and family friendly, attracting a wide age range. Setting in a converted old gas station adds a charming, elevated touch to the casual burger joint experience.

An old school gas station conversion creates a cool vibe. The place feels fun and family-friendly with enthusiastic young staff and solid food.

Offers a Hazy IPA on tap alongside rosรฉ and sparkling wine. The beer pairs well with burgers and fries, making for a solid drink and food combo.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is covered and has heaters."

"You've got to try the smash burgers and decadent shakes here."

"The beer here is uplifting and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Parking is limited, so expect to walk a bit.

3

The triple smash burger costs $13, which is a great deal.

03
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.

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.

A huge beer selection fills many taps, including a solid range of dark beers. The bar also offers a few nice cocktails alongside the beers.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection here."

"It's a cool spot to chill and people watch."

"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.

04
The Starry Plough Pub image 1

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.

A wide selection of draft beers and ciders comes super cold. Some desserts even use beer as an ingredient, adding a unique twist to the menu.

People are saying

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

"I love the live Irish music with my beer here."

"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.

05
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.

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.

Offers a great selection of local craft beers with several draft options. Staff can be uninformed about beer offerings, but the beer quality is consistent.

People are saying

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

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

"The beer has stellar views from the rooftop."

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.

06
Victory Point Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe blends classic charm with extensive board game library and gaming-themed decor. Atmosphere is fun and energetic but can get noisy during peak times, with outdoor booths offering a calmer alternative. Access to games requires a small fee, supporting a lively space for playing and socializing.

A cool spot to hang out with a selection of games to play. It combines eating and gaming in one relaxed space.

An impressive beer selection includes options like the Highwire Campfire Stout. Staff replace beers kindly, and beer pairs with available food and other drinks.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great and smooth."

"It's a cool place with tons of board games."

"Their beer selection was top-notch and impressive."

Good to know

1

It costs only $8 per person to play unlimited games for the entire day.

2

Access to the games requires an $8 tab as of June 2025.

3

The cafe is open late at night, making it perfect for studying.

07
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.

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.

A self-service taproom lets you pour your own beer and pay by the ounce. The selection includes a variety of beers with a decent range on tap. A speakeasy back room offers a unique spot to sample different brews.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and really special."

"You can pour your own beer and pay by the ounce."

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

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.

08
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.

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

A few beers come on tap, but the focus stays on cocktails. Canned beers add to the selection alongside the drinks menu.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are so creative and unique."

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

"I enjoyed the great selection of beer and cocktails."

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.

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