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The UC Theatre

3.5 (158 reviews)
ModerateMusic Venues, Bars
Closed • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, 6:00 PM - 11:30 PM

The UC Theatre Photos

THE UC THEATRE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Live music
Loud
Casual
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The UC Theatre

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Reviews With Photos

JBOOG y'all! Off the hook;)
Kelley K.

What a beautiful theater! We will be back for sure. The employees are all so nice & efficient! We had the beer & their margaritas, both were excellent! It gets very hot inside here! No joke! I thought my husband was gonna pass out! It was 58 degrees outside & felt like a sweaty 100 inside. But I'd do it all again! Grateful I got a chance to experience this location. Hope to become more of a regular.

Chris R.

Me and my and my girlfriend and her sister and boyfriend came to see Sammy Johnson and the Bayonics. The food here is good but they charge about 8 to 9 dollars for a pizza slice which is insane. The service here is OK but the bartender definitely is a 10 out of 10 just because they give you more liquor and they also mix the drinks quite well. The ambience was super dope. I definitely would come back here again and see another person performing here.

Michelle M.

This place was great! It was my first time here to see my favorite artist, SnowthaProduct. One of the smoothest venue experiences I've had when seeing her. My only complaint is how high the stage is when you're front row, but they're not alone in a stage configuration like that. Staff were great and on time. Everything was really organized and sound was perfect. Thank you UC Theatre!

Kay O.

This was my first time ever attending this theater, and I love the old-fashioned theatrics behind everything! It seemed rather comical to me that we were watching Wu-Tang crew in such an iconic classic turn of the century theater, but the set up was great!! Great sound system, beautiful Structure, and agree wall of famous people that have performed here! I didn't eat any food, but there were tables that people were sitting at and standing towards the back. We were on the lower floor without any tables around. They had open bars on the side, not open, but available to the customers. And drinks were well poured. The only odd thing I would say was the bathrooms were rather thrashed. It reminded me of an outdated bathroom I saw in a hole in the wall restaurant that had delicious food while in Taiwan. At least they had plumbing, but they were literally holes in the ground, holes in the wall and then random Boards, put up to cover up the holes within the woman's bathroom. About a block away there is a parking garage, other than that their street parking. We were lucky and found some street parking about two blocks away, so it wasn't too hard to walk. I wouldn't mind going back to seeing another show here again.

Toad the Wet Sprocket.
John S.

The UC Theatre totally surprised me, in both good and bad ways. I saw Sixpence None the Richer and Toad the Wet Sprocket here earlier this summer. I had meant to see at least two other shows here in years past, and I actually had tickets to a Steel Pulse concert that I didn't end up using because of--you know, life. Anyway. I expected an old-fashioned movie palace that had been hollowed out of most of its original playhouse velvet seats, with some once-new-but-now-old cushier seats still remaining. I also expected the back of the stage to be toward the street, for some reason. I have no idea why, but I was sure that it would be just so, and it turns out that the stage is to the right as you enter the building from University Avenue. It was an old-fashioned movie palace, but it was so old that it didn't really have the kind of tiered seating that I thought it would. When you enter, you're in the upper area. For this show, they had some seats set up up there, along with some open space. There were no seats in the lower area, where I stood. But there is this huge wall that was helpfully mostly empty when I arrived, so I staked out a place against it. I would be wildly annoyed by the horrid shenanigans of a few concertgoers in front of me, but that's not the venue's fault, so I'll drop it. The wall is at the back of the lower area, but it's still really close to the stage, making it the ideal place to be, as long as you don't mind standing the entire show. But it also just feels weird. Like why is the wall so tall, and what's with having only two levels, and why are they so far apart from each other? There's at least one bar on the upper level, and the one on the lower level is to the right as you're facing the stage. I wasn't standing too far from this bar, so I could see just how ruthlessly efficient these bartenders were, especially during the show itself. I got a drink between acts, and they sell food as well (pizza?), but I didn't try any. Since I worked only a few blocks from this venue for more than a decade, I'm glad I finally got to see a show here, but it was a little bit less exciting and definitely much less historic-feeling than I thought it would be. There are plenty of overpriced parking structures nearby, but if you're coming here at night or on the weekend, you can usually find parking in the neighborhood pretty easily, if you're willing to walk three or four blocks. Or, better yet, take BART. The Downtown Berkeley Station is very close. The sound is decent, at least from the lower level. I'm sure standing right against that wall made it even better. I wasn't upstairs for either act, so I don't know what it's like up there.

My view, the whole show... everyone behind me chattering the entire time.
George C.

Horrible venue, horrible environment... The place is gross and overcrowded. I couldn't hear or see the musicians. I reached out to the venue and they don't seem to care. The show was just totally awful. Everyone seemed overserved and none of the staff seemed to care. Avoid this place if you are interested in performing arts.

Bonny Light Horseman at the UC Theater
Matt W.

My first visit to The UC Theatre since I saw The Rocky Horror Picture Show years ago. What a magnificent space! I think the UC rivals the Fox Theater and The Paramount as an East Bay location to see music. Just a classically beautiful interior. An amazing show by Bonny Light Horseman - an American folk band who I first saw at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass a few years ago. If you have a chance go see this band. They rock! About the UC, everyone from security to the nice lady in the ticket both to the ushers to the awesome lady serving drinks to the audience were kind and obviously loved their jobs. The UC Theatre is a non-profit organization. Their Concert Career Pathways education program teaches young people the technical, creative and business aspects of concert and event promotion. Through hands-on workshops and paid internships they train the next generation of music industry professionals. A worthwhile cause. Matt says if you love music, go check out the UC Theatre. You will love the experience.

Entrance to the Taube Family Music Hall.
Randy F.

Went to see Oteil and Friends at the venue. The mosh pit was packed and we were constantly reminded to keep the back pathway clear. So if you end up in the pit, make sure to stand within the blue taped floor border or you will be asked to move along. There seem to be mixed reviews about the sound quality, but I found it pretty good! Been here once before for traditional Latino music and the sound was good, too Perhaps the quality depends on the type of music being played. Just taking a glance, the poor reviews seem to be directed towards heavy metal type music. I don't know. Guess your milage may vary. BTW. Love the high ceilings. Gave the place a sense of spaciousness even though it was totally packed.

a crowd of people watching a concert
Leah E.

First time at the UC Theatre... employees were friendly and the venue was cool. However, I felt like the venue was oversold. It creates a lot of confusion when there are reserved tables + general admission. I understand everyone is trying to cash in these days but it created a traffic jam at this concert. Be ready for the hot dog vendors that pull up outside the venue after the show.

The Green (concert)
Annabelle R.

Attended a reggae concert here this past Friday (J Boog, The Green, Mike Love) and had an interesting experience. I mainly came for The Green, but all of the bands and musicians put on an extraordinary performance. Sound and lighting were quite impressive, allowing audience members a pleasurable music-filled evening. The music hall had beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, which worked nicely with the lighting during the show. Even the lobby had great appeal, decorated with artwork, photos, and posters of past events held at the UC Theatre. The standing room for general admission was a bit awkward and confusing in the venue (with reserved seating also an option for a higher ticket price). Luckily, we didn't have a problem finding space for enjoying a good view of the show. There were three bars inside the theater, but the drinks they served were gross. We got standard cocktails, and they were pretty much undrinkable (we took a few sips and tossed them). The venue was remarkable in many ways... too bad their drinks suck big time! At least that was our experience this past weekend. If you manage to find good drinks here, then consider yourself lucky.

VALLEY
Alisa B.

I came here to see Valley in concert. A cute small venue! Very minimal amount of seating, so expect to be standing for the entire concert. There's a little bar that conveniently placed near the stage, and they provide complimentary water. The sound quality was great and the stage is quite elevated. Lighting and visuals were fun, but VERY BRIGHT lights would shine into the crowd often.

Jo W.

Love it when metal bands and artists choose The UC Theatre as their venue! Close to downtown Berkeley Bart, beautiful venue, small and intimate with beautiful architecture and acoustics, this is a perfect concert hall to come to! I've been here twice in 2023 to see Tarja Turunen's first USA tour (Berkeley was her last stop, what an honor to have her visit here!) and Dragonforce with Amaranthe, NanowaR of Steel, and Edge of Paradise opening. Both times I've come early enough to stand close to the front, and had an absolute blast rocking out and singing along and taking in the performers' presence! What makes me love small concert halls like UC Theatre is that you get the best of both worlds of small and big venues. You get the intimacy of a small venue, with the great acoustics and performances on par with bigger venues. The UC Theatre is a winner, and I hope to come back for many more concerts.

Ian S.

As EVERYONE says...great for a small show. But they shoehorned Rise Against in last night (to a sold out show of course) so if you want to watch your band without standing or being in the pit...not a great venue. We literally stood in the back by the bar with tiny glimpses of the band from time to time. Almost walked out. I won't go back for anyone well known. Pluses include good sound, ample bars and staff, clean bathrooms etc. But if you want to occasionally sit and be able to enjoy the show at the same time...this ain't it.

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Ask the Community - The UC Theatre

Can we bring a 12 year old child to see Cavetown?

Most shows are all ages.

Is there any parking specifically for people attending shows or do have to find something in the neighborhood?

The Golden Bear Surface lot is the best parking lot nearby. The theatre has an arrangement to have them stay open till the show is over. The lot is also a block or two away from the venue. The address to the building the lot is attached to is 1995… 

If it's an all ages show, are children under 18 free? If not, what is the cost?

I am pretty sure the cost changes based on the show. The fees for concerts are determined by the amount of money the artist wants to make.

Can the owner please contact me? Would love to speak with you directly about our experience last night.

Have you reached out to the venue by phone? 510-356-4000

Is the UC theater GA standing only?

Hi Stefanie, It depends on the show! Most shows are "standing with limited seating," meaning most… 

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Review Highlights - The UC Theatre

“The sound quality was spot on and the stage easily handle the 15-20 people The Boss's guitarist brings with him.”

Mentioned in 9 reviews

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Jupiter - Try 2 pizza: 1/2 Eutropia, 1/2 Triton

Jupiter

3.9(3.8k reviews)
0.2 mi•Downtown Berkeley
•$$

Came here on a late Monday afternoon between lunch and dinner, which was great!…read more Service and Staff: - There are QR codes on the tables, but our server brought us menus as well. We ordered from her Food and Drinks: - Suicider: pomegranate and apple - dry and tasty - Aries pizza: basically a pepperoni pizza. We got the personal size to share since there were other dishes (9" with 6 slices) - Roasted potatoes: comes with two aiolis - a citrus one and a cilantro jalapeño one - Caesar: standard salad Miscellaneous: - Parking available via metered street parking - Bathrooms available downstairs and upstairs - Indoor and outdoor seating available - Lots of shade, so a little chilly - Casual ambiance - Good for families

Jupiter has a wonderful outdoor seating area and the food is consistently good. However, service…read morecan be a bit slow at times. During a recent Sunday afternoon visit, we experienced a pretty big delay during a shift change. We had traveled all the way from Palo Alto specifically for their pizza, but our waiter ended up forgetting to place our pizza order entirely. After waiting a long time just to get the check, I went up to the front to pay, which also took a while to get assistance. I was extremely disappointed at first, but the manager was incredibly kind, sincere, and accommodating. They apologized for the mistake and generously took care of the pizza on the house. Mistakes happen, but great management makes all the difference--we really appreciated how they turned the situation around!

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Jupiter - More interior views of the second floor (with stairs)

More interior views of the second floor (with stairs)

Jupiter - Bruschetta

Bruschetta

Jupiter - Bbq Pork Riblets

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Raleigh's Pub

Raleigh's Pub

4.0(287 reviews)
0.7 mi•Telegraph Ave
•$$

Made my first trip to Berkeley to watch Cal play football. This sports bar was the highlight of the…read morepregame festivities. It was packed with Cal and Clemson fans. The bar was checking ID's at the entrance so a small line formed outside. Nothing excessive. This bar is a must visit for anyone going to Memorial stadium. It feels bigger than it is. Wooden booths and lots of tables. Patio seating looked nice. Ordering at the bar took a bit of time but most of it was people not knowing what they wanted or having to get their friend to prove the second beer they were ordering was for a 21 or older friend. Didn't get a chance to order food but from the pics posted it looks good. I could have stayed here all night. People watching was pretty fun. My buddy and I had a great time.

Went to Raleigh's Pub before a show at the Greek, and probably stumbled upon the best deal for…read moresteak frites and veggies for $15! The steak with the cream pepper sauce was so enjoyable and with every bite I was saying to myself, how is this only $15. Good amount of meat, generous portion of fries, and asparagus. If I lived closer, I'd probably eat this everyday with no shame. We also got an order of their lemon pepper wings, and these were really good as well. Decent sized wings, dry rub, with a ton of flavor. Simple and flavorful. It was a Friday night, and when we arrived, it was busy and we grabbed a seat at the bar. After a few minutes, we realized that we had to get in line and order. They make all the drinks to order so that took some time to get through the line but once our order was placed, the food came out pretty quick. The menu is reasonably priced all around. The space is large inside and outside so definitely good for groups. Definitely will be back next month when we go to another show just for the steak frites and wings.

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Raleigh's Pub
Raleigh's Pub
Raleigh's Pub - Upper back patio

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Upper back patio

The UC Theatre - musicvenues - Updated October 2026

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