The Hotsy has provided me with years of great memories, laughter, and good times. It is one of…read morethose places that has more character and charm than many bars twice its size. The menu changes regularly, which keeps things interesting, but one thing that never changes is the consistently excellent service. One of my favorite things about this spot is how dog-friendly it is. The owner's dog is practically the co-owner of the bar and is often lounging around, adding even more personality to the experience. If you are lucky enough to meet him, just know the dog has standards. The dog only accepts meat, so do not bother offering him the tortilla from your taco. Trust me, you will be judged. Another major perk is that they allow outside food. Conveniently, there is a taco truck right next door serving some of the best carnitas tacos around, making it easy to pair great food with great drinks. Also, keep an eye on the TVs. They always seem to be playing some delightfully over-the-top late-night movie programming that inevitably sparks random conversations and plenty of laughter among the crowd. Overall, this is a fantastic neighborhood bar with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a ton of personality. It can get crowded, so try to grab a spot early if you can. You'll notice plenty of regulars who come back again and again, and to me, that is always one of the best signs that a place is doing something right.

DON'T LET OTHERS SWAY YOU THIS IS DEFINITLY A STRIP CLUB!…read more These other reviews are gaslighting me! I came in and bought some women several drinks and got NOTHING for it, JUST LIKE A REAL STRIP CLUB! Some even offered to take me to VIP and said I'd only be able to look but no touching! The nice thing about this STRIP CLUB is that the rules are so lax you can EAT THE TACO! Name another STRIP CLUB in America that allows that??? Drink prices are reasonable though.

Beta Lounge on Durant Ave Berkeley, been around since 2009 and just relaunched as 3.0 in 2025 with…read morea new tapas menu, wine flights, spirit flights, and fresh herb cocktails. Happy hour runs 3 to 5:30 with $8 wine and cocktails which is genuinely hard to beat in Berkeley. Wednesday wine night is 50% off bottles including reserve, so that one is worth planning around. Spring rolls and hummus plate are the go-to snacks, light menu that works well with the drinks. Comfortable couches, good music, dog friendly, bartenders that actually remember you. 5 stars, solid neighborhood spot that keeps getting better, Wednesday wine night alone earns it

I had no idea Beta Lounge existed off of Durant Ave. and what a cool space and place off-the-beaten…read morepath! We heard this building has been many different iterations over the years, but happy to have found this spot in Berkeley for a fun happy hour with friends. We enjoyed the wine flight (choice of 4 wines), each with a nice pour, and shared the spinach dip with chips. We also enjoyed an espresso martini to cap off the evening. The staff were super friendly, and the lounge was filled with what seemed like regulars. The lounge couches were super comfy and it was an overall very relaxing yet intimate experience. I would definitely come back again with a group, or even stop by for a date night. Parking is a bit tough in this area, but there is street parking (if lucky enough to find it) and garages nearby.

Always solid here - inside bar also - pool table - great live music - local dive - good vibe oread more

I'm gonna be very honest with you. The only reason why they're getting three stars is for a…read moreBartendar. I think her name was Alex not sure who told her how to serve drinks but at any rate my first Bartendar (Wu Tang Clan tank top) curly hair with glasses was freaking amazing freakin rocked..full pour definitely worth the money, an extremely hospitable. Atmosphere was exceptional and the vibe was good, but then I went for another round of drinks after getting amazing service and good pours.. and then there was Alex. I didn't even get a full pour when she freehanded then she pulled out the measuring cup (after I observed the micro shot I got told her to make it a double) and she didn't even fill the measuring cup up, kindda was like "whatever"so I literally got (1) drink and paid for a double. I'll be back for sure because my BFF loves karaoke and this is my first time here so first impressions are lasting. The guys at the pop up food were so hospitable and very nice as well. I'll go the other way when I see Alex- yikes!

Great place to come eat a bite, drink a bear, and sing a karaoke song!…read more I came here with some friends on a week night. It was pretty empty and had two nice pool tables. There's a food guy in the back that serves Japanese food (pretty good!). The karaoke sound system is pretty janky but functional and the DJ is very nice.

This is about karaoke. Wednesdays at 9pm ther is karaoke in either the back-most room or front-left…read moreroom. I've been several times and it warms my heart. The crowd (sometimes small) is super sweet. Like most karaoke places, it's often (usually) pitchy and raucus (bring and wear earplugs to reduce the volume)), but every time there's warm comaraderie and support and friendliness among the people cheering each other on. It's like attending a Little League match in the best way. (I also like Dana's monthly-ish karaoke at 924 Gilman. which tends to have more of a punk, angry-rock and death metal vibe.

Little Hill is what's you get when you cross a dive bar with a community center. People of all…read morestripes gathering for drinks, meeting friends, chatting up someone sitting next to you, people watching, and listening to local musicians or DJs. Bartenders are friendly and drinks are great. The place is plastered with posters of upcoming events. The interior is classic dive bar with red lights, beer signs, circle booths, wooden bar and jukebox. I love being able to slide into a booth and watch everyone else stroll in to the bar. I try to support the occasional pop-up food booth outside to keep them coming back.

Little Hill Lounge, what a gem for our little city of El Cerrito. I love a good neighborhood bar,…read moreand LHL is exactly what you want from a neighborhood spot ~ walking distance, cool peeps, friendly bartenders, great music, stiff drinks, fun foodie pop-ups, and cool events throughout the year. We've celebrated birthdays, holidays, and taken new friends and old here. The perfect meet up, place for one/done or sit and stay a while. Good value, great Little Hill Mai Thai. During the holidays they have one of the best hot buttered rums I've ever had. Most recently, we've enjoyed their live karaoke (you get to perform with a live band) which makes for a pretty epic experience, the addition of local bands performing in the back of the bar, and the pop up Double Barrel BBQ with the amazing Lorenzo cookin' it up (yes to the smash burger, grilled cheese, and chocolate chip dipped cookie). Dimmed lighting, curtained photo booth, booth/bar stool seating..simply the best. Recently popped in and noticed new napkins with their logo and pretty menus with new creative cocktails/fun, localish names. Looking forward to the future of this bar, rock on!

First this place is a five star dive bar! Love the service I got from Wavy Dre! His service and…read morehospitality was completely genuine! My first time in Berkeley and will be back... TOMORROW :) Thank you! -Bjaxxx

Saturday I went out to have a drink with my man and my total was $26. I did NOT leave a tip on the…read morereceipt because I gave a cash tip instead. The next day I get a notification that my transaction was UPDATED and $4 more was added. I called and asked to speak to a manager, of course one wasn't available. The bartender said he was the one working that night, but suddenly he "doesn't handle transactions". He said a manager would call me back and nobody ever did. So now I'm returning in person because that charge was NOT authorized. I don't care how little the amount is. You do NOT add money to someone's card without their permission. That is wrong and shady. If you come here, WATCH YOUR BANK STATEMENTS and KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS because clearly they feel comfortable adding extra charges after you leave.

Hidden almost behind the freeway entrance , is a magical small intimate space. A classy wine lounge…read moreof sorts with attentive and knowledgeable staff and amazing ambiance. Their selections of wine is incredible (and all delicious). Definitely a date night spot!

"You telling me that wine is better than Pepsi? Huh, no way wine is better than Pepsi." - George…read moreCostanza, Seinfeld da Scene: Yelped them for pre-dinner spot. Kinda hidden on a corner right off University & 5th; make the right onto 6th & scoot around to park on 5th or University. They buzz you in, best to make a res., but seems like walk-ins are ok. Very modern, yet welcoming feel, tables spaced well for intimate encounters and a bar with Hightop seating. da Grub & Libation: I had res. for a buddy & I and belly up to the bar; they offered a table, but we're bar flies by nature. Very diverse wines by the glass & bottle so we had 4 different glasses w/ a modest charcuterie plate. da Service: Excellent, warm, friendly and genuinely so. I look forward to my next visit, whether it's for a contemplative glass in solitude or with the wife on a pre-dinner excursion. Hidden Gem, find them and enjoy!

Freehouse is an OK place that could be amazing! It has a unique and intersting history with its…read more1928 building that used to house a Presbyterian Ministry wherein they pay homage to the Free Speech Movement of the early 1960's. I thought the bar area looked interesting because of that! It was busy when we arrived for dinner before a concert but we were seated at a table right away in the courtyard by a very friendly and efficient server. We ordered a couple beers while we looked over the menu. My husband ended up choosing their Blue and Gold Burger (with a veggie Beyond Burger patty) which came with a not very generous serving of fries while I had their Vegan Chili. We shared our meals and agreed they could have tasted much better. The blue cheese in the burger helped to elevate the flavor but otherwise it was just ok. My chili was a disappointment. It was pretty flavorless. It really could use a side of salsa and/or the option of adding shredded cheese. But our server was great and the ambiance was cool!

The food is very poor quality. The soft pretzel was a stale microwaved from frozen sad pretzel. I…read moregot served literally 3 small chicken tenders that looked like they also came from a frozen packet. Service is just ok. Ambiance is great though, which is why this place gets 3 stars.