I used to think this place was for wandering drunks and crack dealers, but the new Missouri lounge has arrived! There are great DJs almost every night and the bartenders are cool and friendly. The drink specials are good and sometimes funny (I liked the mystery beer night), and the room is decorated exactly as a local bar should be. The first Saturday of every month is East Bay Honky-Tonk where the DJ plays lots of awesome classic country and honky-tonk music. Rumor has it they're going to start carrying Lone Star beer on those nights! So best! read more

I miss molo. I hope they come back. The best place to dance and get some banging grilled cheeses. Plus you could get some drinks at a great price. read more

This place really brings out the dive in "dive bar". If you are looking for nothing more than getting a cheap watered drink, this is the place. It was dirty, many animals were running loose (and lets just there wasn't any "restroom areas" for the animals. The food was mediocre, borderline inedible. I mean, how can you mess up a grilled cheese sandwich?! It was burnt on one side, and the cheese was un-melted in the center (advice: buy a George Foreman instead of trying to BBQ a sandwich!) The outside area was somewhat cleaner than inside, but 100's of spilled drinks/sodas on the furniture without anyone cleaning up has given them a lovely "film" of 'If I touch that I might get some unknown disease'. The drinks were cheap, that I give them (that and the music is why they get two stars, not one). But, the mixed drinks are certainly watered down. Even the soda was watery. The one silver lining, at least to me (others in my party did not agree with me on this), was the music was nice. It was a mishmash of songs, but I think they worked well together and I was actively listening for what the next song would be. If you are looking for a place to take folks out to and enjoy a nice night out drinking and socializing, I would recommend somewhere else, but if you are looking for a cheap beer, some odd music and have clothes you don't mind getting stained from the tables/chairs (and the smells that emanate from them), then enjoy the Miss. Additional: The service/bartenders were a bit "short" (re: rude) and offensive as well, but I was told by friends that's it only certain people that work there that are like that and not to judge the place on their attitudes, so I did not take their actions into account when giving them two stars... If I had, they would have received 1. read more

I initially checked this place because I heard it was the Zeitgeist of the East Bay. But, in reality, it deserves more respect for its individuality. Missouri Lounge (named after my 9th favorite state) is all about the back porch/outside area. I have only met a handful of people who don't enjoy drinking outside and this is an excellent place to do so. In addition to the ambiance, MoLo has EXCELLENT food. Their grilled cheese is stellar! Go here for the "El Especial" drink specials-- a shot of Tequila and a can of Tecate for $6. Also, the bouncer at MoLo was the only person who ever checked my I.D. and commented on my address when I lived on Bonar Street. "Haha... Boner Street." I appreciated that. I have been asked whether I liked Acme or MoLo more (my two closest neighborhood bars) and I wasn't able to answer. Acme is smaller and more intimate with an amazing jukebox. MoLo is larger with an awesome outside patio and delicious food. This is Sophie's Choice. I love both equally. read more

"Do you like my face?" is what I thought he asked me, two stools over at the bar. After a hard day at the office I was thrilled that I might yet be able to provide someone, ANYONE, with a definitive answer before the day was through, so I ambled over to his corner, ready to lean in and study his features and facial hair and only then did he gesture to the three metal sculptures laid out in front of him on the bar top and restate, "What do you think...do you like my fish?" I'd been forewarned about the Missouri's hipster quotient but to my great delight a mix of folks abound -- many of them neighborhood residents and workers. A few were already well into their rounds of The Special -- a whiskey shot and "a can o' beer" for $5. And the above mentioned metal fabricator instructor who had just made his first foray into the metal arts and was seeking a little encouragement? He's a patron of 18 years. Once in the neighborhood, he now makes the haul over to the Lounge from Old Oakland. My friend and I sat very comfortably on the seemingly highly flammable but otherwise not too frightening looking couches for a couple hours and enjoyed our drinks and the planning of our upcoming weekend road trip and wine tasting tour, to the backdrop of some surprisingly good music, although I'd have enjoyed a bit of Thin Lizzy (as heard by another reviewer) mixed in with those Magnetic Fields. The bar looks, and feels, like it belongs in some dusty place, which I like, but in fact it's located a convenient two blocks from the office. As I expect to have some more bad days (and good ones, too) I'll be back. And the bartender did invite us to come back although walking back to our cars we both wondered if he was being ironic. read more

The tofu bahn mi is the best sandwich I have ever had. EVER. No joke. How can I describe it? Did it make me scream? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, I did. I enjoyed every minute of it. One thing I love about the grill is how reliable it is. The grrrrrrrrrrrill has and always will open at six and the mama grill and her baby grills are amazing. The only thing I would change? The grill should open earlier. Oh yea, and be in my house. Not to mention the bartenders and bartendresses are hot, sassy and hot. They are awesome. I love this place. read more

Updated in 2008 - Losing points because they keep raising prices, which was OK when they offered Happy Hour, but now Happy Hour is gone, and that makes me sad. Sad Hour. Bring back Happy Hour! At least they still allow my dog. ------------------------------------------------------- Unpretentious. Informal. Local. And they allow my dog. Actually, they welcome her. There's a pool table, giant TV, and a music/DJ scene. Anyway, fun and friendly place, and sometimes there's great live music. Other times, there's local live music. read more

Great bar. Very chill. Low prices. The back patio is perfect for sunny days and warm evenings. read more

Just minused a star for now cause my hot link coulda been better, they served it on a whimpy hot dog bun....when it normally comes on a roll. But it was still good...but coulda been better! Two thumbs up for the drinks specials! I'll put back my star, upon returning again... read more

HIPSTER HERD ALERT!!! (Note: I really, really, really dislike hipsters, but this dive-y, mash-up, piss-hole of a party is just too fun to pass up!!!) Drinks are cheap, and conversation is good. Grab a seat outside in the patio area and do some people-watching with friends. You have cyclists, hipsters, college kids, sorority-types, and everything else you can imagine here. I'm waiting for a Michael Jackson impersonator to show up one day! I've literally seen a librarian-looking chick dry hump a Rastafarian-looking dude until she vomited all over the concrete outdoor area. I sh*t you not, America! read more

Some dives are belly flops, but this, this my friends, is a back flip, pike, tuck and swan dive in one. A truly finely formed, 10 points from even the Russian judge, dive. Let's start with the name. Missouri Lounge. Good, Good. Indoor Decor: Couches, concrete floor, pool table, rows and rows of moderately priced liquor. Patio: Gigantic, communal and private tables, outdoor heating, lighting, and umbrellas. Music: Soul filled. Booze: $5 pbr/whiskey shot, $6 tecate/tequila shot $5-8 cocktails, $2-5 cans of beer Dogs welcome most days. Staff: Solid read more

Missouri Lounge I like you a lot. You are warm and inviting and you have nice bartenders. I've been to four pub quizzes now, and although we have only walked away with one victory, it's still fun to go back every month and try again in this adorable lil bar. Plus, I love that they play weird movies on the TV. The other night was some bad J-horror about vampires. They were really bad vampires. Anyway, point is, great bar, fun people. And keep an ear open for oldies night, one of my good girfriends djs that night with her man. read more

Drinks are good, atmosphere is eclectic, DJ sucks so bad. No blending of songs, goes from fast to slow every other song screwing up the vibe. Songs don't flow. Worst dj I've ever experienced. read more

Mislo. The unofficial going-away dive for my workplace. A place for friends of friends. No bros. Just locals. Plus they got this awesome back patio area that's just the right amount of chill and not giving a sh*t. Oh, and they serve burgers and dogs too if you're starvin'. Wouldn't say they will blow your mind or anything, but for a dirt cheap drink and bite, you can't really complain. Bonus chill points: There's occasional DJs that stop by (mostly locals) that make the place extra fun when it gets later in the night -- when you've had one too many drinks and stopped caring if the bartender is judging you or not. read more

Update: Ok, after reviewing the place again and looking at their kick ass posters for events and the sweetness of the bartender who served us, I have to give the Missouri another star. Maybe i was in a cranky mood the other day. I can't agree with my man over the 4.5 stars, but I give this bar a solid 4. Probably bc I couldn't really stand on solid ground by the time we got there and I was having bad Twin Peaks flashbacks since Sherilyn Fenn was on the flat screen engaging in some side pony tail action and a skateboarding flick. Where is Christian Slater when you need him!? It was like being in the basement that belonged to the crew of That 70's Show. It was dank, it was cheap and the bartender flew straight from Vegas to work to pour our drinks. Kudos for that! After a few too many though, the Missouri has the potential to turn into the MISERY, so be careful. I'm glad I went on a low key night, with few people, an attentive bartender and a very big Slice (the drink) fanatic. Thankfully, no hopped up hipsters, just drifters. read more

The Good: This is the diviest of dive bars, exactly what you're looking for when you don't want to dress up and you definitely don't feel like crossing the bay. Squint a little and this could be Detroit. The beer is cheap and the porch is comfortable. People bring dogs. The essence of 'hella chill.' The Bad: Look, if you can't tell this isn't the place to order a fancy cocktail, I don't know what to tell you. Take stock of your surroundings and order accordingly. Don't be the guy who's mad about his flaming rum punch being a problem. It's a beer and shots kind of place. Overall: Hella chill. read more

Dive Bar? Naw, i wouldn't call the Missouri a dive bar... i'd call it the get-along-gang meets the boys & girls club of america. dive bars don't watch 80's vhs movies on pay-per-view, then again pay-per-view cable is what makes this the east bay. by day this place could easily slip your bar-dar radar, by night (even on a Saturday night live ) there is no feeling of being invaded by crowds of birthday girls in heels, or trendy cool rocker wanna-bees with Budweiser born on dates of 1982. Has a Pop's Bar culture, with the space of Oasis, makes for some elbow room while i drink my pint without anyone bumping me. my complements to the bartenders for being bad-ass chicks without the bitch attitude. So come on down and wear your new sneakers. Keep this place fresh and on the low, or i will bust you in your left eye. read more

Dive bar at it's best. Nice bartender cool vibe. Large outdoor seating. Good choice of beers on tap and a full bar. I will definitely be back. read more

I am usually a big fan of Missouri Lounge--the drinks are strong and the patio is a sweet deal. However, my experience this past weekend was horrifying. So horrifying that it prompted me to write a review... It was a Saturday and there was only ONE bartender. When my friend and I actually did get her attention, my friend attempted to order an old fashioned. Keyword: attempted. The bartender said she didn't know what was in an old fashioned and that was that. I noticed her telling more than one patron she didn't know how to make their drink and once she even said she had a bar book but wouldn't look at it. The service wasn't the only thing that was lacking--the music was horrendous! The DJ was a pompous douche who scoffed at people when they tried to request songs. In fact, it was more than scoffing...it was more raising his voice and telling people to "piss off." With spring here and summer fast approaching I was looking forward to balmy nights at Missouri Lounge, but now I am thinking twice about that. Time for a new haunt. read more

Usually I am a big fan of this place but the super loser bouncer was a total dick to my friends tonight for no reason and we all were good tipping well behaved patrons and I felt his attitude was uncalled for. This is coming from someone who was a head bouncer for two years at a way more intense bar then this so I know the game and customer service is still important as a bouncer. read more

The most Parenthetical Review Ever 4:30 Skip out early from work at 4th and Bancroft (no not American Soil Products) 4:45 Realize that you're not in the mood to drink at the Brennan's cafeteria (you know where it is) 5:00 Stop in at the Missouri Lounge at San Pab and Parker (but not before stopping at the BofA that's across the street) Stumble out, forty five minutes, two beers, two shots and $10 later (try doing that in Downtown SF) Fantastic little bar, but I wouldn't drive 20 minutes to drink here, (and I'm glad no one else does either). read more

This is my neighborhood bar. I love it. It loves me. Sit in the back and prepare to make friends. Its rare that I go to that place and DON'T end up hanging out with the people I'm sitting next to. Don't change a thing. read more

This was a nice bar, my friend introduced me to. I was skeptical at first, but I liked it here a lot. Friendly bartender, not to mention cute as well lol. I just got a Vodka/Cran definitly did not skimp on the alcohol. We sat at the bar, but next time I would like to return to enjoy the outdoor seating, it looked nice, and they allow dogs, I think that's awesome! read more

Missouri Lounge - Awesome bathroom - Dive Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cheap, divey and relaxed. Great place to get drinks with friends without worrying about who gets the next round. Outside patio area is great on a dry night. -- Editing after a second visit to the lounge. I didn't notice this the first time, but this place is DIRTY. The indoor section of the lounge is small and dark, great to hide all the spilled drinks floor and ground in stains on their chairs. To top off the visit, I watched as someone puked his guts out all over the floor near the bar. Glorious. After a while the putrid stink filled the entire room, and I didn't see anyone try to clean it up. Either way, that was our cue to leave. There must be better things to do in Berkeley.. read more

what happened here? I think 2007 came and went and whatever was okay about this place quietly moved on....I used to kind dig this place and for the past year and a half any time I come by, something is off. I came by last week and an aggro bartender literally hollered at me and 2 of my friends because we walked in and there was no door person....no one needs that kind of reception-- and seriously, for a bar that had only 3 customers hanging out at 11pm, totally way overdone... Other than that, its a bar: cheap, large patio area, if-you're-in-the-area type of place, not a destination. read more

Molo is the place to go-go if you wanna dance to ghetto fab rap on Friday nights (although I wish they'd stick some Biggie, Warren G, Missy, and Pac in yo. Lets do some dancing and singing not just zombie swaying to the slow gangsta flow of Mac Dre. I'd even go with a few Eminem songs if it meant livening up the joint). The outdoor area is pretty cool but the drunkards tend to hog the tables. There's food and such and their Martini's are 7-9 bucks depending on the Vodka/Gin you use. (ICK for Gin. Vodka girl all the way Jus sayin.) If you're bored and wanna kick it with some locals, go here. read more

I use to be a regular because they had the bestest cheapest veggie sandwich, but they have drastically downgraded food ingredients and prep work. They still have the same names for stuff and prices, but the food is gross. The veggie burger used to be two veggie sausages with grilled veggies and pesto on ciabatta with a side of potato salad. Last night I ordered and was served a crappy veggie burger on a white bun garnished with 2 mini leaves of raw spinach, 2 raw red onion rings, and no side. I will not be returning. Couldn't even enjoy washing it down with a beer. The cooks did not change. Additionally the grill is now only running restricted evening hours, even on weekends. We went at 4:30 and a sign said starts at 6 the previous Saturday. The patio has truly become a packed smokers paradise, not really a place to eat. They added more picnic tables which filled with a huge smoker crowd most hours they are open. Regulars, who know how to drink, and their dogs are a large portion of the crowd. If you want to get to know the drinkers in the neighborhood, this is the place. Folks are friendly and drinks are average priced. Also new rule: NO DOGS ON WEEKENDS AFTER DARK!!! read more

The MoLo is one of my favorite local bars, and nearby one of my very good friends' houses, so we end up here pretty often. My most recent visit consisted of, like, five different groups of friends convening in one place, and the Missouri Lounge is perfect for that kind of social fluttering. The patio out back is huge and loud and fun and easy to talk to people - friends, strangers, random creeper dudes that come up behind you and you sneak away from. Let me be clear - I love good whiskey. I love good beer. But do you know why I go to the Missouri Lounge? That's right - to get shit faced drunk off $5 specials! A huge shot of whiskey and a cheap beer? What could be better on a Saturday night after a day of day drinking and/or being hungover? Nothing! There's pool, some nights there's a DJ, they have pretty decent food (or so I've heard from my carnivorous friends), and there's plenty of space for all that drunk. Seriously, check it out. read more

Chris is no longer a bartender here. Go see him at Flora for something class and spectacular and befitting his fantasticity. But please leave your drama in Berkeley where it belongs. This place is still alright tho if I'm visiting friends in Berkeley. read more

Missouri Lounge is great. I am oh so happy they now have the patio section in the back. Makes it easier to breathe in the bar and move on the "dance floor". The drinks are cheap and the specials are awesome. Before you go and complain about the music please be advised that there are different DJs on different nights so check their myspace or website to see what you'll be hearing all night. Doesn't make sense to go on a Soul night and complain that all the DJ played was soul music. Quite fucking irritating if I do say so myself. And if you want to call a sector of the people here hipsters then keep in mind that these are East Bay hipsters, so like that's about 5 times less obnoxious than SF hipsters. Also I believe the crowd here is a lot more mixed than people have let on in their reviews. Honestly, the weirdest thing about this place is the girls bathroom. It's a pretty big room but there's one toilet and no stall but amazingly there are two sinks in the bathroom. Why 2 sinks and one toilet and no stalls?!? Who built this place? Every time I go there I get drunk and talk about this. It amazes me to no end. read more

Berkeley's cheap to get drunk Dive Bar of record No self respecting single girl would ever be caught dead here and they aren't. Which is fine by me I just need a drink and no distractions. I've stopped in here 10-15x after hearing the thousandth liberal progressive boring speaker drone on about the conspiracy of neo-con, Israel, and Halliburton to steal your non-Easter celebratory eggs. It's real we have all the eggs! Well don't worry you have escaped all intellectual pursuits when you land in the Missouri Lounge. In fact, nothing of value is with-in walking distance either. The male population always outnumbers the female population. Almost all the female are are spoken for. I think the TV plays Ren and Stimpy or the equivalent which is fine. It's a terrible cartoon and I have no problem not watching it. They could take the TV out. The bar wench is proficient and also the eye candy which works well... unavailable and usually too busy to chat with. On two occasions some guys at the bar had extra pizza boxes, which I was offered and partook. In return, I gladly returned them some liquid nourishment. Pay attention to what the drink specials are, it will help your pocket book. They let various people spin music here and it's almost always bad. An internet jukebox would be welcome swap. There is a jukebox, but I haven't checked it out since when I visit someone is always spinning. Durin a recent Sat. night visit with Meg I was surprised to find a few single females and a healthy lesbian population present. Almost parity girl to guy. their www page http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=39855314 read more

The incongruity between obsessively disavowing hipsters while writing out detailed taxonomies of hipster minutia that only an insider could know isn't lost any of us. It's like you guys have run out of things to be disaffected by and have resorted to pure cannibalism. As for the hipsters at the Missouri, they're a tame breed, more Portland than New York. The drinks are cheap, and the regulars are genuinely friendly and are seemingly less degenerate than at other dives. Those not merely interested in debating the ins-and-outs of those they feel slightly superior to may have noticed that the full menu of cheap food out back is some of the best in Berkeley. And there's tons of outdoor seating, and the drinks are still cheap. Great place. read more

If I'm gonna leave the city, it better be for good reason, and thankfully Missouri Lounge is it. Wooooo~! This is the East Bay's answer to Zeitgeist, and I have to commend MissLo, because she's answered correct & hardcore. Really friendly crowd, great DJ, cozy divey indoors, amazing back yard, heatlamps, better-than-it-needs-to-be homemade veggie patty, bike-friendly, and lots of really tasty cheap booze. This is a dive bar after my heart! Totally worth my BART fare (though, I learned from asking around that lots of people drink-n-drive home from the bar....boo!) Im holding on to my 5th star until they get that ladies room door lock and weird-ass wobbly sink fixed. read more

Missouri Lounge. The best bar in the East Bay. All these bad reviews are from oversensitive people with michelin star rating high expectations for a DIVE BAR. If you want top quality service, fancy cocktails then maybe try going to a different bar. If you want to have a cheap drink in a chill atmosphere then def check out this joint. Major bonus- they have a baller grill on the patio with dank food. There's a black guy who works the grill that makes the BEST NACHOS. First ask him if the grill is open. And if you catch him working inside ask him if the bar is open. He doesn't get annoyed by that at all. There are sometimes french fry specials so you can ask about that too. read more

This is a REALLY impressive dive bar. Lots of space, sometimes dancing, a huge mix of all kinds of people, strong drinks. I've met so many interesting people here. A little bit of a meat market, but oh well. This vegan doesn't mind a good bar meat market, heh. One complaint; it seems impossible to play pool. There just isn't enough room. I love pool and have never even attempted here. Still not enough of a complaint to take off a star though read more

Definitely a rockin' spot. They converted a large portion of the parking lot to an outdoor drinking area (for lack of a better term). It's kinda like a mini Zeitgeist in the East Bay. The little barbecue they have going is also quite awesome. I tried some lamb shish kabobs as well as bacon wrapped sausages. The lamb was awesome, but the sausage was a bit of a disappointment. Kielbasa + Bacon = salt-and-fat bomb! They have all day specials of the "cheap beer with cheap shot" variety. The only negative here is that it's in the middle of nowhere (as in, not close to BART). But that's probably a good thing, as I don't want to be up to my ass in bridge-and-tunnelers from San Francisco ;-). read more

I didn't think this place could get better, but it did. Now there's a huge outdoor patio area with plenty of seating and often times a hosted-bbq that serves tasty steak sandwiches. $5 drink specials? Awesome DJs? Unpretentious crowd? Check. Check. Check. Maryam hearts The Mizz. read more

Hey this place is awesome. I brought my dog here and she loved it. All the patrons were so nice to her, and the bartenders even had dog biscuits behind the bar. Seldom have I ever felt so comfortable walking into a place. The music was very good, people were dancing even though the "sound system" sucked. I will definitely be coming back here sometime. read more

Not slick, refreshing... quite the music "tongue in cheek" Speak Easy. Talented mostly, not exactly "Open Mic Night", instead it was like American Idol meets Billy Idol. Sweet folks, good drinks, good BBQ, totally welcoming for new comers audience and talent alike. All styles of music from folk, little punk, some Cash, blues, rock, chick guitar, sing along... just fun! Oh, and it's free. Just don't come with attitude, fancy pants, or expectations. Just come to have a good time. What a breathe of whacky, groovy, low brow fun! Coming back for sure. read more

HIGHLY DIG. I know that phrasing makes no sense, but it's how I feel. Roomy bars are the best, right? I should clarify and say that "roomy" does not mean "empty," because this bar definitely wasn't the latter. It started off chill, with a good number of people playing pool, getting drunk, chatting it up inside and out, and then it got even more fun and people-filled as the music got louder and the night got older. And, magically, there wasn't ever a line for the single-stall bathroom. I don't know how that's possible. I'm also a big fan of the outside patio at this place. Super grungy, dare I say hipster, but very accommodating to eaters, smokers, and general fans of the outside. The grill food is delicious--I had a pulled pork sandwich, my friend had the reuben, and we were carb-and-protein'd up for the bar part of the night after these meals. I ended up spending less than $30 for the sandwich, two beers, and a round of shots for a few friends. Not bad at all. The only negative is the location, which is to say that it's in the very, very least exciting part of Berkeley. But maybe the Missouri will start a trend, and maybe the students will flock to the southernmost side of campus instead of congregating at Kip's. Someday. read more