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Loved by locals

Bars in Downtown Berkeley

A bar where you can actually hear your own thoughts over the music.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tipsea image 1
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Ocean-themed decor creates a cocktail lounge vibe with a chill atmosphere. Guests enjoy creative cocktails and small bites in cozy booths or at the bar. Excellent service and ambient setting make it a top local 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.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are so creative and unique."

"Happy Hour's bartender Hayley is so warm and accommodating."

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

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.

02
Revival Bar+Kitchen image 1
Californian restaurant

Open kitchen and bar create a lively, noisy atmosphere with rustic decor and plush seating. Inventive cocktails at the upscale bar pair well with solid food, offering a true California brasserie feel. Jazz music adds a cool vibe perfect for community events and date nights.

An open bar offers a classy, upscale vibe with inventive cocktails that stand out. The bar pairs solid food with craft drinks, creating a fully realized California brasserie feel.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, attractively prepared, and delicious."

"The bar's warm ambiance and plush seats make it groovy."

"I loved the seasonal mulberry cocktail; it was delightful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not honored if the restaurant is overbooked.

2

The restaurant charges an additional $3 fee for credit card payments.

3

Dinner costs an extra fee beyond the entry price for events.

03
East Bay Spice image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant shines with authentic aesthetic and dim, cozy atmosphere. Creative cocktails and varied seating options like outdoor and bar seats boost its lively vibe. Perfect for small groups or dates, it blends friendly bartenders with late-night food.

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.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the cocktails; they were complex and delicious."

"The cocktails here are distinctive and unique."

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.

04
Study Hall Rooftop Lounge image 1

Rooftop bar boasts spectacular city views and a great selection of local craft beers. Enjoy live music and a DJ by fire pits in a dog-friendly space with indoor and outdoor seating.

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.

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 sunsets here are stunning, with views of Berkeley and the bay."

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.

05
Hotel Shattuck Plaza image 1

Elegant hotel blends historical charm with a lively bar that feels like a movie set. Small rooms offer comfortable beds but poor sound insulation. Bar staff provide fabulous service and serve unique snacks like duck lollipops.

Bar offers fabulous service with staff that are consistently wonderful. Atmosphere feels like a movie set by David Lynch or the Coen Brothers. Duck lollipops appetizer is a notable item at the bar.

People are saying

"This historic hotel feels charming and nostalgic."

"I enjoyed the bar; it was a great place to socialize and dine."

"The beds were so comfortable, I slept soundly."

Good to know

1

The hotel is conveniently located next to the BART station for easy airport access.

2

The hotel does not have on-site parking; nearby garages are available.

3

Expect noise from construction nearby, especially in the mornings.

06
Spats Berkeley image 1

Three rooms offer pool tables and pinball machines for fun. Music blends hiphop and R&B with live improv in a back room. Bar serves beer and booze in a chill, neighborhood vibe with comfy booths.

Classic Berkeley bar with a chill neighborhood vibe. Offers beer, booze, booths, and a pinball machine in the back.

People are saying

"It's a chill neighborhood bar with beer and pinball."

"The bar has knowledgeable bartenders who make excellent cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices at Spats Berkeley are available until 6pm every day.

07
Tap in lounge image 1
Cocktail bar

Low-lit space creates a speakeasy vibe with a self-serve taproom featuring rotating kegs. Bartender Eddie crafts amazing drinks while tasty snacks like garlic Parmesan wings add flavor. Chill, cozy atmosphere with a quiet backroom keeps energy relaxed and cool.

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.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and really special."

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

"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.

08
The BreakRoom image 1

Pool hall shines with premium quality tables and a vibrant energy that lifts the mood. Bar offers ambient music and a tasty bar bites menu. Space feels open and inviting, perfect for both casual fun and serious play.

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.

People are saying

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

"It's a chill spot to hang out with friends."

"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.

09
Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music image 1

Cozy concert hall features an intimate stage and high-fidelity sound for live music. Spacious patio with heated garden seating and fire pits creates a relaxed spot for food and drinks. Large bar offers craft beer and cocktails, staying calm enough for easy conversation.

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.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection here."

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

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

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
Triple Rock Brewing image 1

Brewpub blends warm atmosphere with a classic bar vibe and a quiet roof patio. Casual diners enjoy indoor and outdoor seating while watching games on TVs that don't overwhelm. QR code ordering adds a modern touch but may challenge tourists without local phones.

Classic yet unique bar experience with a casual atmosphere. Uses QR codes for ordering, but they may not work for tourists without a local phone number. Closing time is strict, with last call announced early and staff quickly encouraging guests to leave.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the good beer selection and food."

"I had the best grilled cheese sandwich, it was paradise."

"The bar's buffalo wings are some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, both paid and free, near the brewpub.

2

Prices are reasonable, with a sandwich and beer special for $12.

3

The brewpub is family-friendly and has plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.

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Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley

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