Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Berkeley

Cool spots

You are looking for spots that have a distinct character and a vibe that feels authentic.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
The BreakRoom image 1
The BreakRoom image 2

Pool hall boasts premium tables and a well thought out layout with ample space and good lighting. It blends chill vibes with vibrant energy, making it perfect for hanging out or playing competitively. Live music and darts add to the cool atmosphere downstairs.

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 chill spot to hang out with friends."

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

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.

02
Tipsea image 1

Ocean-themed decor and creative cocktails set a chill vibe. Booths and bar seating add to the laid-back atmosphere. Bay Area music plays softly, making it a cool spot to relax and enjoy small bites.

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."

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

"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.

03
Kinda Izakaya image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with Manga wall and Tokyo izakaya decor creates a cool, lively vibe. Walls covered in Japanese anime posters add to the unique atmosphere. Popular spot filled with Japanese students at communal tables.

Small space features a Manga wall that stands out. The overall vibe feels really cool and unique.

People are saying

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

"I thought the cocktails here were genuinely fantastic."

"The food here is so bomb, I'll order two next time."

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.

04
East Bay Spice image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant shines with authentic aesthetic and dim, cozy atmosphere. Creative cocktails add to the cool late night vibe perfect for dates. Varied seating, including outdoor and bar, suits small groups well.

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."

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

"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.

05
Study Hall Rooftop Lounge image 1

Rooftop bar boasts spectacular city views of Berkeley and San Francisco with both indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy flavored smoked drinks and house-made ginger beer while live music and a DJ set a cocktail social ambiance. Spacious patio and fire pits make it dog-friendly and perfect 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.

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.

06
Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music image 1

Cozy concert hall features an intimate stage and high-fidelity sound for superb live music. Spacious patio with heated garden seating and fire pits offers a relaxed vibe. Cool air flows from vents upstairs, creating a comfortable atmosphere perfect for chilling and watching the game.

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."

"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.

07
Ippuku image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Dark, traditional izakaya space offers an intimate vibe with private two-seater tables. Enjoy exceptional sake selection and authentic yakitori in a setting perfect for small groups and dates. Low lights and cool music create a cool atmosphere for relaxed chats.

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."

"I thought the yakitori here was the best I'd tried."

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.

08
Tap in lounge image 1
Cocktail bar

Low-lit space with a speakeasy vibe offers a self-serve taproom featuring rotating kegs. Lounge stays open late, perfect for chill late-night drinks and creative cocktails. Quiet backroom adds to the cozy, relaxed 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.

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.

Discover more

Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley

Area guide
Loading Map...