Berkeley, California, is a vibrant city with a wide selection of bars and pubs that cater to the diverse tastes of its residents and visitors.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate spot for drinks with friends or a lively place to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone in Berkeley.
To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best bars in Berkeley, CA. From classic dives to upscale hotspots, these bars provide great drinks and even better vibes.
Are you planning a trip to Berkeley? Here are the top Berkeley bars to visit.
Best Bars in Berkeley
1. Jupiter
Jupiter is a locally owned neighborhood in Berkeley, a great place to go for a drink. The bar has been serving crafted drinks since 1992 and has become one of the most popular places in town.
Jupiter serves up classic cocktails and craft beers from around the world at reasonable prices—and they also have some delicious food options if you’re looking for something more than just alcohol.
Aside from the drinks, Jupiter has a restaurant spot that serves quality meals like pizza dough.
Another exciting thing about this spot is that they have live music and host live shows weekly. Furthermore, they have knowledgeable bartenders who don’t only serve you drinks but also keep you company by interacting with you if you are bored.
Erdinger non-alc beer and Housemade Lemonade are some drinks we recommend you order when you visit the bar.
Remember, their beer and wine list often change. So do well to ask for a new menu whenever you visit.
Jupiter is open Tuesday-Wednesday from 4:00 pm-10:00 pm, Thursday from 12:00 pm-10:00 pm, Friday-Saturday from 12:00 pm-11:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Address: 2181 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704. Phone: 510.843.8277
2. Triple Rock
Ensure you visit Triple Rock bar for your crafted and freshest beer with the finest ingredients. Triple Rock is one of the cool bars in Berkeley that serves new beers, opened in 1986.
It is known as American Fifth Brewpub. Since its inception over 36 years, this bar has been a hotspot for night entertainment and parties. They have a cozy and warm environment, perfect for relaxation.
The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, brats, and sandwiches made with local organic meats or a fish & chips combo served on waffles instead of fries!
Food quality varies depending on what you order, but we recommend getting something that comes with fries because they’re delicious!
Drinks include beer taps available by the glass or pitcher and cocktails such as mojitos made daily using natural fresh ingredients like coconut syrup from Florida.
If you want something more substantial than alcohol, try one of their many craft beers available here. We recommend Wolf Eater, Cobbler’s Thumb, and Rockinggrid Lager. These drinks have different ingredients.
Triple Rock is open Tuesday from 12:00 pm-10:00 pm, Wednesday-Friday from 12:00 pm-11:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm-10:00 pm, Sunday from 12:00 pm-9:00 pm, ad closed Monday.
Address: 1920 Shattuck Berkeley, CA 94704. Phone: (510) 843-2739
3. Cesar
Cesar is great for everyone, from couples to groups of friends. The food is delicious, and the drinks are strong. It’s also an excellent place to hang out with friends on dates or even with your family after church on Sunday mornings.
There are many different types of people coming into Cesar at all times: students looking for late-night snacks after work; families who want some good food before bedtime; young professionals trying to unwind after work; even regulars who’ve been coming here since before they could walk!
The bar offers a wide selection of beers on tap and bottles from around the world.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something more substantial than beer but still want something light enough not to interfere with your appetite, then try one of their signature cocktails like the “The Black Eyed Pea” made with tequila instead!
We also recommend radeberger pilsner and Fort Point Villager ipa. If you want cocktail, try ordering Andalusian Sidecar or Aperol Spritz.
Cesar is open Monday-Sunnday from 4:00 pm-2:00 am.
Address: 1515 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, ca 94709. Phone: 510 883 0222
4. Tupper & Reed
Tupper & Reed bar is one of the must-visit spots for cocktails lovers. If you find yourself in Berkeley, you will miss a lot and continue by this bar.
This bar is one of the fun bars in Berkeley, CA, and is known as home to innovative cocktails.
They serve crafted signature cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. These drinks contain premium ingredients like fresh squeezed juices or bitters from local plants like lavender or chia seeds.
The bar offers more than 200 beers on tap and has a large selection of wines by bottle and glass.
Aside from the drinks, another exciting thing about this bar is its historic space. They have an area with good interior decor perfect for hosting significant events, shows, and parties.
Also, they play live music like reggae, jazz, and rock, mainly in the fantastic evening.
From their drink menu, you can have any drink from their recent favorites. We recommend Larceny Bourbon or Averna Amaro.
Tupper and Reed are open Tuesday–Wednesday from 5:00 pm-12:00 am, Thursday from 5: 00 pm-1:00 am, Friday–Saturday from 5:00 pm-2:00 am, and Sunday from 5:00 pm-12:00 am.
Address: 2271 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94701. Phone: 510.859.4472
5. Bear’s Lair
Next on our list of the best bars in Berkeley that is a must-visit is Besr’s Lair. The selection of beers is impressive, with an emphasis on local favorites like Magnolia and Avery Brewing Co., as well as national brands such as Stone Brewing Co., Lagunitas Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
A unique aspect of the Bear’s Lair is its wine list, which you can order by the glass or bottle anytime during your meal. They also have over 500 different kinds of spirits from around the world!
Apart from the beers, the bar serves its customers delicious and quality pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Also, they have a conducive and friendly atmosphere, which is perfect for hangouts and parties.
Bear’s Lair is open Monday-Thursday from 10:30 am – 11:30 pm, Friday-Saturday from 10:30 am – 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 12:00–8:00 pm.
Address: 5493 US Highway 93 N, Florence, MT, 59833. Phone: (406) 926-1499
6. Limewood Bar and Restaurant
Another bar you should check out is the Limewood bar and Restaurant.
This bar is among the top bars in Berkeley, CA, that serve excellent drinks in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.
Aside from drinks, this bar is also a perfect spot to sit out for Brunch. They have an extensive food menu that can make your tummy find pleasure ad satisfaction.
Limewood bar serves crafted cocktails, wines, and domestic and foreign beers. For cocktails, we recommend you get a taste of Mood Moon.
This drink contains Casamigos Mezcal, Blood Orange Purée, Lime juice, and Egg Whites.
Limewood bar is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Address: 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA 94705. Phone: 510-549-8585
7. Grizzly Bar and Grill at Tilden
Located at the Tilden Nature Area, this is a great place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Berkeley for a bit. It’s a full bar, Restaurant, and a beer garden serving fantastic food and local brews.
The patio has fireplaces—it’s perfect for winter days or nights when it’s too cold to stand outside.
In addition, to live music on weekends, outdoor movies in this space are overseen by one of their favorite bartenders!
Grizzly Bar and Grill at Tilden is open Friday-Thrsday from 11:00 am- 10:00 pm.
Address: Berkeley, California 94708. Phone: 510.848.7373
8. Albatross Pub
Albatross Pub is a great place to drink if you are a game lover. This bar is one of the top bars in Berkeley, CA, where you can enjoy different game activities while sipping a bottle or glass of beer.
The bar has a vast collection of beer options, making it possible for you to get whatever you want as far as beer is concerned.
Another thing that attracts people to this bar is its atmosphere. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back, which makes it perfect for hanging out with friends.
Albatross Pub also offers live music events every weeknight from 6. so you’ll always have something fun nearby if you want some entertainment while drinking their delicious beverages!
We recommend you have a taste of Albatrashed. This is a specialty cocktail containing Bitters, syrup, and Buller Bourbon.
The bar is open Monday-Tuesday from 6:00 pm-2:00 am, Wednesday-Saturday from 4:30 pm-2:00 am, and Sunday from 6:00 pm-2:00 am.
Address: 1822 San Pablo Ave Berkeley, CA 94702. Phone: 510) 843-2473
Also, check out our guide on the best bars in Abilene for a fun time in Texas
9. Pappy’s bar
Pappy’s bar is located downtown Berkeley, at the corner of Shattuck and University. The bar has a retro vibe, with booths along one side and a stage for live music on the other.
Why university students frequent this bar most because of its lively entertainment, they have sports spots where you can watch soccer on a large screen while sipping your drink.
The drinks are made with quality ingredients and have an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to stay all night long!
They also have food available if you want something more substantial than alcohol.
Pappy’s bar is open Monday-Wednesday from 11:00 am-12:00 am, Thursday-Saturday from 11:00 am-2:00 am, and Sunday from 11:00 am-12:00 am.
Address: 2367 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. Phone: (501) 405-1000
10. Honor Kitchen & Cocktails
Honor Kitchen & Cocktails Berkeley is a unique dining experience for those looking for something special.
Located in the heart of Berkeley, this modern eatery and bar offer guests a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy classic American dishes and specialty cocktails crafted from local ingredients.
The Restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, featuring exposed brick walls and contemporary furnishings.
Plenty of outdoor seating is available on the patio, which features a lively garden surrounded by lush trees, giving the space an organic feel.
Inside, guests can enjoy their meal at one of the cozy tables or take advantage of the bar stocked with craft beers, wines, spirits, and signature cocktails created by expert bartenders.
We recommend Champagne & sparkling wines like Bollicini, Laurent Perrier, and Dom Perignon.
Honor Kitchen & Cocktails is open Monday-Saturday from 4:00 pm-11:00 pm and Sunday from 4:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Address: 1411 Powell St, Emeryville, CA. Phone: (510) 653-8667
11. Moxy Bar
Among the fun bars in Berkeley, CA, is the Moxy bar. This bar is at the New Moxy Oakland Downtown.
Moxy Bar is the kind of bar you want to go to when you’re in Berkeley for a fun and spirited experience. The interior decor of the bar is cozy and modern, with comfy beds for relaxation.
The menu features lots of different beers, wines, and cocktails. The atmosphere is also excellent; it’s where people can hang out with friends or have a good time alone. The service here is always friendly, too!
Address: 2225 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, California, USA, 94612. Phone: +1 510-974-1112
12. Comal Restaurant & Bar
Amongst the bars worth visiting is COMAL. This bar is located in Berkeley’s bustling Arts District, in downtown Berkeley.
They offer Mexican-crafted cocktails and homemade sangrias with a collection of agave spirits and a diverse selection of beer and wine that are locally made.
They have Rose and White wine, Aguas Frescas, and sodas draft and can; plenty of outdoor seating is tea.
They also have an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying Berkeley’s pleasant weather in spring or fall with a full bar and al fresco garden.
We recommend you order Pinot Noir Rose or Sauvignon Blanc if you want Rose or White wine. From their cocktail menu, you can go for Jicamama or Margaritas.
Comal is open Sunday from 5:30–9:00 pm, Monday-Wednesday from 5:30–9:30 pm, and Thursday-Saturday -from 5:30–10:30 pm.
Address: 2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. Phone: (510) 926-6300
13. Solano Cellars
Solano Cellars is a great place to drink. It’s located on Solano Ave, with a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars. They also have a huge beer selection!
Solano Cellars Berkeley is a family-owned business that has been serving the greater Bay Area since 1978.
The Solano Cellars staff are proud to offer their customers a wide selection of local and international wines, beer, and spirits.
Located near the San Francisco Bay in Berkeley, California, Solano Cellars offers something for everyone from novices to connoisseurs.
The knowledgeable staff at Solano Cellars are passionate about wine and have built a reputation for excellent customer service.
They believe every bottle should be served with love and care; therefore, every product they carry is hand-selected so you can enjoy world-class wines without breaking your budget.
Solano Cellars has something for all palates, whether you’re looking for a special occasion bottle or an everyday house wine.
Solano Cellars is open Wednesday – Thursday from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday-Saturday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Sunday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, and Monday-Tuesday closed.
Address: 1580 Solano Avenue #B, Albany, CA. Phone: 510.525.9463
14. Henry’s Bar & Grill
Henry’s Bar & Grill Berkeley is a local favorite for those who want to grab a bite to eat and enjoy some of the city’s best craft beer.
This lively restaurant has been serving classic American eats with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients since its opening in 2018.
The bar portion of Henry’s offers patrons an extensive selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The Restaurant also features weekly happy hour specials, offering discounts on drinks and appetizers.
In addition to its notable beverages, Henry’s is known for its delicious menu items like burgers with housemade sauces, fish tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something lighter fare, there’s something that will satisfy every palate at Henry’s Bar & Grill Berkeley.
We recommend you order New Amsterdam Gin, Vida Mezcal, and Becardi Silver Rum.
Henry’s is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, and closed Monday.
Address: 600 Durant Ave Berkeley, CA 94704, United States. Phone: 314-736-6800
15. Freehouse
Lastly, on our list of best bars in Berkeley is Freehouse. Freehouse is a gastro bar in Berkeley that serves local craft beers and cocktails.
Here, the atmosphere is always friendly and inviting, with a mix of students, locals, and visitors getting together to drink beer and eat some delicious food.
They also have a great selection of craft beers on tap—you won’t find more than 15 options here!
And if you’re looking for something to snack on while you drink up? They have some excellent snacks like pretzels or chips.
They also serve burgers during lunchtime, making this place super convenient if you’re hungry after work or school finishes early enough at night.
Freehouse also has outdoor seating, so there’s no excuse not to have fun when visiting this bar, whether it’s sunny outside or the rainy season is approaching!
Freehouse is open Monday–Friday from 4:00 pm–10:00 pm.
Address: 2700 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California 94704. Phone: 510-647-2300
Also, check out our guide on the best bars in Arlington , best bars in Riverside, and the best bars in Tallahassee for a fun time.
Have Fun!
Berkeley’s bar scene offers something for everyone. From the local dive bars to the sophisticated speakeasies, the city has various options for all visitors and locals alike.
Whether looking for an after-work drink or a night out with friends, Berkeley will have an unforgettable waiting experience. Whether you’re visiting or just out for a night on the town, check out some of these great bars!