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Tipsea

4.5 (180 reviews)
Closed • 2:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
Updated 3 months ago

Tipsea Photos

TIPSEA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Tipsea

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Reviews With Photos

Truffle Burger
Kendra F.

Berkeley sure was packed this past Saturday, but surprisingly this bar wasn't, though they did have quite a few customers. Prior to arriving I had to circle a bit for parking. After being ambitious for three minutes to find parking, I parked across the street on Durant. My friend and I arrived, were greeted and seated ourselves in one of the booths. Looking at the drink menu we asked for recommendations - I got Lightkeeper's Daughter, which has a nice citrusy taste. Side note but I love when they give us crushed small balls of ice. My friend ordered the Green Lantern, which was very good. I think the fresh Fiji apple juice inside is what made this drink stand out, though it didn't have the slight cider taste that you get from fresh apple juice. It was just good. Drinks get a 5/5. I ordered the truffle burger and good gawd was it delicious. I'd definitely order again. It comes with fries, and I upgraded to the Cajun fries they had. Lemme get back to the burger - I'm not a person who goes crazy for burgers but sometimes I just have that craving for red meat. This burger did not disappoint - the mushrooms were made perfectly and were in each bite of the burger with nothing falling off - you know how sometimes the burger is too stuffed and ingredients start to come off? Not here. 10/5 for the burger. It just might be the best burger I've ever had, no exaggeration. Considering this bar markets themselves as the best bar in Berkeley and I had a really good experience, I'd like to come back and try other drinks and other items off of the menu. I never expected to be wowed by the burger here, but as a fan of truffle I was glad this was on the menu. They have NA beverages and I was tempted to try, especially since my astrological sign is the name of one of the mocktails, but here is my issue. Why are we having NA beverages cost the same as alcohol beverages? It just seems like a rip to me, no matter how well you craft us some juice. Just my opinion, but it's nice they offer NA beverages since more and more people are letting go of the liquor. However, my point still stands. $15 is nuts to me. Have I spent that before at another restaurant/bar before? Sure have, when I wasn't drinking and I've decided that I'd rather opt for water or a Topo Chico if offered. The ambiance here was mellow. Very dark inside so I didn't get great pics of the menu, but the pic of the burger? Good and necessary.

Great place to have a drink after work . Especially on a Tuesday night. Attentive and friendly staff . Definitely be back.
Jacob O.

Love this place. Amazing and attentive staff . Great music and tasty food . Highly recommended.

Happy hour onion rings
Alicia B.

The service here is always impeccable .Both of the bartenders that I've encountered have been great ! They are friendly and don't have ego problems like most do .haha .Anyways ,this is my new go to bar in Berkeley

Stephanie A.

Discovered this spot on Yelp while looking for a place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink before our reservation at Chez Panisse. They offer some really unique cocktails, and the bartender was both friendly and helpful. Definitely worth a visit

Cucumber basil mint vodka gimlet
Max Y.

We came to the bar because our friend who worked in Berkeley used to work right up the it was super close and the timing was perfect because it was right after the city's very first Pride festival. Super convenient spot to end up at. The bar is on the smaller side, but unless you show up during peak hours it doesn't feel crowded. When we got there, I saw maybe four or five booths, a couple of tables in the back, and some bar seating. The whole place has a cozy speakeasy vibe and it's really cute. When we left is when it got super busy!! Everyone from Berkeleys pride was showing up! They've got a solid selection of liquor, especially if your into whiskey, mezcal, or tequila. The owner apparently isn't a fan of vodka, but they still keep it on the menu since a lot of people like that liquor. I loved how all the bottles are lined up on these bookshelf-style racks with a rolling ladder. Such a cool detail. The bartender was awesome! super sweet and she made really good drinks. I stuck to the menu, but added in a couple of other items lol. The only thing I regret is not snapping a picture of the menu because they have happy hour every single day and the food and drinks looked really good. Definitely a spot worth checking out if your around.

Wings
Jude D.

Cute bar with friendly bartenders and a great happy hour! My friend and I had the ten dollar margaritas, the sangrita, ghost fries and wings. Margaritas and sangrita were on point, wings were crispy and spicy, and the seasoning on those ghost fries was fire.

Super cute cocktails & vibe
Jazlene T.

2nd review with food: we ordered the oysters, fish tacos, fish and chips, the tikka fries are amazing btw! I recommend anything because I actually trust their food. Fish Tacos - fish on the smaller size, otherwise 7/10 Oysters - super fresh and enough for 2 people to share! Fish & Chips - yummm can't complain, the fries pair well with the tikka sauce (ask for it on the side) The drinks never fail and they pour strong. I love the staff here, they're welcoming and helpful. I always come here for a chill night out, this time was during the day and it was fun.

The Kelp Forest (left) & The Baltic Pearl (right)
Jasmine C.

Their drink menu is SO fun! There are honestly so many good selections that you'll want one of each (pls be responsible). The bartenders are friendly, speedy, and artists creating these yummy cocktails. My favorites were Caught in the Riptide and The Baltic Pearl. Their hamburgers looked really good but we just got a side of fries extra crispy. Amazing compliment to the drinks with an ambiance like you're by the water. So looking forward to being back one day!

Tequila that the bartender recommended
Amber H.

Jess was the best bartender around! Really nice bar if you're looking for a lowkey vibe. We were referred by the crew at Eggy's and Tipsea did not disappoint.

Weathered brick exterior entrance
Roy A.

Intimate nautical themes bar with unique cocktails. Enjoyed the "Unseen Depths" which featured a unique blend of buttered bourbon and other artisanal flavors. Efficient friendly service and enjoyed conversation at the bar.

Christine F.

Food was delicious !! Sam was amazing! gave great service , will make sure you're always good . drinks were good as well .

Arrete reposado
Azalia R.

Good service but it was dead when we went I would come back forsure. They had happy hour drinks and food

French Fries with ketchup and Tikka sauce! Freshly made, Perfect texture and saltiness, tikka sauce 11/10

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11 months ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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7 months ago

Food and service was very good. It's small but I f you go on the right day it does feel crowded. I think happy hour is 4-6 everyday.

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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9 months ago

Drinks and vibe were 10/10. 100 percent would recommend. Coming back next time I'm in San Francisco

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1 year ago

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7 months ago

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7 months ago

Love this place. Bartender was very friendly and the drinks were excellent. I'll definitely be back.

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8 months ago

Food great drinks great Sam was so sweet and had very good recommendations. Ambiance is great 10/10

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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8 months ago

Sam is a very lovely and social manager. We love the food and the service and I love coming here when I can

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2 years ago

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9 months ago

Great food and drinks. It was Happy Hour which made things even better. We look forward to our next trip to Tipsea.

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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11 months ago

Gabriel (at the door) and Chloe were the best!! Best drinks and had a great time. Cannot recommend this place enough!

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11 months ago

Gabrial is so great! The wings are so amazing and the specials are too good!!! We will be back the next time we are here!!!

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10 months ago

Came for a conference and went here for a chill night. Gabe and Chloe are great!!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!

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10 months ago

Came from Texas, had a great time. Gabe and Chloe were super chill and made this the best experience! 10/10 would recommend.

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

Gabrial and Yaz hooked us up w/ some quality wings! Highly recommend the lemon pep and sriracha mango

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Gabriel and Chloe were the best hosts I could have. Food was phenomenal. 10/10 would recommend.

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1 year ago

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Tipsea Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Tipsea

I see "dog friendly" on the listing but no reviews or photos with dogs. We always have our small dog with us. Can someone confirm if/where she would be allowed while we drink & dine? Thanks.

they have a contact button on their website.

Hey there - can someone please advise on the demographic of this bar? Students? 30-40? 40+? Thanks!

It definitely depends on the night! We cater to a wide variety of guests, but the weekends can attract a younger, more college aged crowd.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Roses On Adeline

Roses On Adeline

(115 reviews)

South Berkeley

The one thing I'm always looking for when I go out with my fiancé is good food, good drinks, and a…read morecozy vibe with great ambiance. And what a nice surprise it was to have Roses on Adeline hitting the mark on all 3. We've been to Roses on Adeline twice now, once as a walk in and the second time with reservations. Both times we went for happy hour. Their drinks are creative and yummy. The smash burger here is absolutely delicious. The fries w/ sriracha aioli is also the perfect light bite. But beyond the good food & drinks, the ambiance here is really what brings us back. I love the vibe this place has and am so excited to have this as our new local staple for a date night. But be warned this place fills up quickly - I would recommend making reservations if you can!

I was very pleasantly surprised this place. I had eaten dinner with the fam before meeting up with…read morefriends for drinks here so didn't get to experience too much, but I was very happy with the things I did get. The spring milk punch was SO GOOD. Like, way too drinkable. I usually like to try multiple drinks on a menu, but I just kept ordering this one. For a snack, I decided to get the crudite platter even though when I asked the server, she said it would just be lettuce, radishes, and something else... it turned out to be so much more! Endive, super sweet purple snap peas (which I've never seen before??? and now want to grow in my garden because they were like the best peas I've had in a while!!!), radishes, and some carrots. I'm still thinking about those snap peas haha.

East Bay Spice

East Bay Spice

(710 reviews)

$$

Downtown Berkeley

East Bay Spice is a vibey spot across UC Berkeley's campus for a flavorful cocktail menu and good…read moresample size of Indian bites. It has an open window next to the bar area, low lights for an intimate atmosphere, and lots of cozy tables. We ordered the Ginger Spice and Royal Charter for drinks, the former a smoky ginger drink with lots of ice and the latter a tasteful chai/citrus-y old fashioned that wasn't too strong (pro for me). I liked both, but the royal charter especially! We also ordered the paneer tandoori tacos, which were top notch - a good amount of paneer that was well seasoned, and surprisingly light (loved all the crunch from the veggies). The service was really warm, with bartenders introducing themselves and being really enthusiastic about the menu. My only gripe is the menu saying dhokla is South Indian love dhokla, let's get an actual South Indian dish out on there!!

Phenomenal place with lots of great taste from their drinks to bites. My friend and I had the…read more Mango Mommy - 10/10 Love & Demons ?? - 3/10 she didn't like it, but the bartender acknowledged and said next time tell them so they could adjust Tikka Masala flatbread - it was like tikka masala pizza, 7.5/10! it had more cheese than anything else and it was a bit dry, if there was a sauce to pair it would be better. The ambiance includes the bar, different tables, and upstairs. It's really cute, good service, we came in last minute before they closed and they still took our last call orders. They close at 12am every day.

Acme Bar & Company - Michters toasted barrel

Acme Bar & Company

(377 reviews)

$$

West Berkeley

Local iconic cocktail bar with a standout whiskey and mezcal collection. Always enjoy the warm…read moreambience and impeccable service available here. We hosted my wife's 40th Birthday party at Acme for 40+ guests and worked directly with Jennifer (owner) to plan the whole thing. Jennifer did an absolutely knockout job ensuring the party had the best variety of tasty finger foods (including platters of fresh oysters from Monterey Fish Market with champagne to start), a hosted bar with specialty cocktails (Terence's drinks are always ), and incredible staff to keep my wife - and all our guests - incredibly happy. We were able to reserve a cute patio area with private bar and a private large room for our guests. I cannot wait for the next opportunity to host an event here again!

I'm not sure whether it was the bartender who assisted me that evening, but unfortunately the…read morecustomer service I experienced was very disappointing. I tried to start a friendly conversation and ask a few questions about the drinks, however the responses I received were very brief and limited to only the drink names, which made the interaction feel unwelcoming. I also noticed that we were the only Latino guests there at the time, and throughout our visit we felt largely ignored. As a result, the overall atmosphere did not feel comfortable or inclusive to us. Based on this experience, I did not feel welcomed at this bar in Berkeley and would not recommend it. Even though we live only a few minutes away, it didn't feel like a place worth returning to or spending our time and money at.

Tallboy - Deli dog

Tallboy

(171 reviews)

$$

Temescal, North Oakland

This place is great! The drinks are delicious and very affordable. Service can be a little slow at…read moretimes but that's completely understandable since it's usually packed. Making drinks for a crowd takes time and the staff always does their best. The people who come here are super friendly which adds to the welcoming, cozy vibe of the place. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel comfortable. If you love a good martini this is definitely a place you should check out.

I'll give it to them, Tallboy is a solid concept with their "tinis & weenies". However, a clever…read moreconcept can carry a place so far. Customer service is a close second to concept. Tallboy's martini menu is well-executed. While I didn't personally try one of the slushies, a friend ordered the espresso martini version and gave it a solid thumbs-up. Unfortunately, the experience falls apart when it comes to food and service. Waiting 30+ minutes for two hot dogs (after paying) is hard to justify. When I checked in with a server, she was curt and dismissive. She was quick to explain there was only one person in the kitchen, with no effort to offer a solution, timeline, or even basic courtesy. I understand staffing issues happen. However, customer service is a close second to concept. How an issue is communicated and addressed is what separates good service from bad. What's more frustrating is that these aren't customer problems to absorb. If the kitchen is understaffed, if tables aren't being cleared in a timely manner at a seat-yourself spot, those are management problems. Guests should not have to choose to leave without the food we paid for. There's a lot of competition out there, and concepts alone aren't enough to bring people back. I genuinely wanted that hot dog. That's probably the most disappointing part of the whole experience. Great drinks, solid ambiance, but the service needs serious attention.

Tigerlily - Michael's Pollen (yum!), and a shot of Glenfiddich 12

Tigerlily

(797 reviews)

$$

North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto

I was so happy to hear Tigerlily on Shattuck is still open! I hadn't been a patron there for…read moreyears..so much has changed (in a great way) in this sweet area of Berkeley. I can't wait to come back and order food, but the drinks and ambiance remain just lovely, and the family that runs this spot are also just the most kind. We came ironically during their happy hour and ordered Espresso Martinis and watched the end of a big college basketball game. We started to see Shattuck 'wake back up' if you will, as most places close and reopen around 4:30-5:00pm. Service was quick, and if we weren't on our own food tour de Berkeley, would have ordered a couple of happy hour snacks or just stayed for dinner. We heard the Tikka Masala Fried Chicken and the Indian fusion brunch are something to def make our way back to try. Other unique menu items: Tumeric Mashed Potatoes, Sesame Avocado Fry Bread, Tigerlily Nachos & Tacos, and the North Indian Style Meatballs. Oh, and the brunch cocktails :) If you're looking for a date night spot in the month of love, grab some friends on the weekend, or just saddle up solo to catch a game, Tigerlily checks all these boxes.

We came here for a company event and also our first time here ever. But what a pleasant experience…read morein this cozy restaurant bar in downtown Berkeley! I tried the seafood curry, the naan bread plate and the secret cocktail! They all hit the spot. The chicken masala was so flavorful and delicious. The portion was good and i was full with one serving. The bartender and service were amazing. It's not a huge place but it gave the character as a cozy place to relax and have a good meal! Will definitely return again!

51 & Tel - Golden Girl: Vodka w/ lemongrass, hay liqueur, aloe, lemon, orange ($16) + Fuego: Tequila w/ mezcal, watermelon, italicus, habanero ($15)

51 & Tel

(34 reviews)

Temescal, North Oakland, Rockridge

This is a very cozy and intimate space. My friend and I ventured into 51 & Tel while waiting on our…read morereservation next door at Pizzaiolo. We only stayed for about 15 mins, but we had a wonderful time. The bartender Danny was very hospitable and made me a very yummy tasting mocktail called Like The Sun that had Aplos Arise, Lyre's Italian Orange, passionfruit, lime. He said that they had an event going on that night and suggested that we try to attend if we had time. We did not attend the event, however I can only imagine that the event was successful. They have a patio, great lighting, a dj booth, and great drinks. I also found out that the bar is in relation to Asmara which is the Ethiopian restaurant next door. Asmara has been there for 40 years. Please check this bar out if you're in the Temescal region. Update: I stopped in during Happy Hour and had a slushie cocktail called Kiwi To My Heart. It was delicious. I enjoyed the patio area this time around with the nice weather.

One of my favorite cocktail bars in Oakland! They have an amazing menu from well curated cocktails…read morefor anyone to beer & a shot deal. Bartenders are attentive and fast. IThey also have a nice outdoor area, and usually have some heat lamps on in the winter which is a nice cozy vibe. They sometimes have rotating pop-ups in the back with food, but do wish they had some more food and snack options and it would make this place even better!

Tipsea - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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