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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Berkeley

Food and cocktail spots

Transitioning from a long day into the evening feels better with a meal and a cocktail in hand.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
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Updated May 2026
01
Kinda Izakaya image 1
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Izakaya restaurant

Small space with Tokyo izakaya decor and walls covered in Japanese anime posters creates a lively, jovial atmosphere. Music and energy feel authentic and fun, attracting a popular, crowded vibe often filled with Japanese students at communal tables.

Food features authentic Japanese flavors with dishes like Okonomi Yakima that match traditional textures. Grilled fish, rolls, and deep fried items stand out alongside tasty drinks and friendly service.

Lychee soju stands out as a unique cocktail option. The bar offers a selection of cute cocktails that are genuinely fantastic despite not being a full bar.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is bursting with flavor and delicious."

"I thought the cocktails here were genuinely fantastic."

"I thought the mentaiko carbonara was the best food here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or visit on weekdays.

3

Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.

02
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.

Bomb food pairs well with amazing cocktails and lively music. The dishes consistently hit every mark and match the vibrant vibe.

Cocktails stand out for their unique flavors and creative recipes. Bartenders explain each drink's complexity and serve them quickly with a friendly vibe.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are so creative and unique."

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

"I loved the unique and tasteful cocktails here."

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.

03
Beta Lounge Bar & Kitchen image 1

Wine bar offers cozy spaces with comfy furniture and soft lighting that balances style and comfort. Atmosphere stays chill and friendly, welcoming dogs and encouraging relaxed socializing. Regulars feel like family in a spot that blends casual elegance with a homey vibe.

Food here is thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavor, standing out from typical bar snacks. The tapas pair well with cocktails and wine, offering a satisfying dining experience.

Creative cocktail list offers a variety of unique drinks. The selection pairs well with tapas food and includes a varied beer selection.

People are saying

"It's a chill place with a warm, inviting ambiance."

"The food here has a great, cozy vibe."

"The cocktails here create such a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is on Tuesdays with special drink prices.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended for busy nights.

3

The bar offers a variety of craft cocktails and local beers.

04
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.

Good food pairs well with drinks and service for a solid evening. Dinner options impress across multiple visits.

A diverse selection of craft beer and rotating cocktails fill the well-stocked bar. Cocktails come at a reasonable price and the service stays fast even when busy.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection here."

"The food here is fantastic and improved a lot."

"You can get a good selection of cocktails and beer here."

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.

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.

Fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors creates unique dishes with generous portions. Food stays open late, making it a solid choice for late-night meals and drinks.

Strong, distinctive cocktails come with a variety that stands out. Staff guide through options, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the Tikka Masala Flatbread; it's the clear standout."

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
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.

Indian food stands out for being exceptionally good and delicious. The menu pairs exquisite cocktails with well-prepared dishes, creating a solid dining experience that lasts late into the night.

Cocktails here are inventive and high quality, with a menu that feels fun and special. Umar crafts unique surprise drinks beyond the menu that stand out.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and really special."

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

"I found the food here to be amazing."

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.

07
Comal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor backyard seating with a tall ceiling and colorful murals creates an airy, earthy vibe. The atmosphere balances lively energy with clear acoustics, supported by effective audio technology. Cocktails, especially margaritas and tequila flights, stand out as popular features.

Food here is consistently amazing and authentic, with highlights like ceviche standing out. The dishes deliver strong flavors and quality that impress across large groups and casual visits alike.

Exceptional cocktails stand out with a unique and creative menu crafted by talented bartenders. Drinks consistently impress alongside fresh-made guacamole, salsas, and tortillas.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and very flavorful."

"The food at this outdoor seating spot is always creative and delicious."

"I thought the cocktails here were amazing and great."

Good to know

1

Salsa dancing lessons occur every Thursday evening in the outside area.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups.

3

Parking is available in a ramp right around the corner.

08
Revival Bar+Kitchen image 1
Californian restaurant

Open kitchen and bar create a lively, noisy atmosphere with rustic, old-fashioned decor and plush seating. Jazz music adds to the cool, celebratory vibe that suits community events and date nights. Tables are densely packed, making conversation difficult despite the warm ambiance.

Food here is fresh, delicate, and well prepared with solid flavors. Cocktails complement the dishes well, making it a great spot for tasty meals and drinks.

Cocktails stand out for their inventive recipes and craft quality. They pair well with solid food and offer a noteworthy experience.

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.

09
Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya image 1
Modern izakaya restaurant

Modern izakaya with sleek decor and an open kitchen creates an upscale yet casual atmosphere. The space feels spacious with tall ceilings that balance lively music. Warm and inviting vibe suits a cozy dining experience.

Food here shines with fantastic flavors and amazing fish. Every dish, from appetizers to desserts, offers a unique taste experience that delights the palate.

Cocktails here offer great flavor and consistently delightful mixes. Service complements the drinks well, making for a pleasant evening.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is amazing and melts in your mouth."

"The food here is delicious, especially the salmon."

"I thought the cocktails here were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like New Year's Eve.

2

Expect to pay around $145 per person for the New Year's Eve prix fixe menu.

3

Portion sizes are small; plan to order multiple dishes for a full meal.

10
ZINO image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large, stylish space offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with fresh, handmade pasta and standout dishes like falafel with perfect fried exterior and phenomenal New York steak. Seating favors lounging with cocktails over formal dining. The vibe feels elevated yet calm, suited for a slow, easy meal.

Food here is consistently excellent and fresh, with a menu that offers creative and flavorful dishes. Mediterranean cuisine stands out as a strong point.

Creative riffs on cocktail classics stand out here, offering flavorful and inventive drinks. Sometimes the bar runs out of ingredients, which limits the special cocktail menu, and there can be times with no bartender available.

People are saying

"The food here is really creative and flavorful."

"The cocktails here are creative and flavorful."

"The Mediterranean food's falafel had a perfect fried exterior."

Good to know

1

The menu features mostly pasta dishes with limited options.

2

Expect higher prices than average for similar dining experiences.

3

No salt or pepper shakers are provided on the table.

11
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.

Food includes seasoned edamame, quinoa, and sesame chicken. Nachos and salads also stand out as delicious options. Drinks and other dishes consistently taste excellent.

Great cocktails come with interesting and inventive mixes. The rooftop lounge offers a social ambiance with indoor and outdoor areas for drinks and music.

People are saying

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

"The food here has amazing elevated views."

"The cocktails here offer amazing 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.

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