Tupper and Reed is a slightly hidden bar in Downtown Berkeley. I go here with a friend and every now and then (usually on a weeknight) to catch up over drinks. They have plenty of tables, so it's generally been quick to find seating. I like its dark lighting and casual vibe, so it's definitely a good hang out night spot. The staff is also friendly and make your drinks quickly. I don't really go here during the weekends, so not sure how the crowd or environment is like at the end of the week. If you're looking for a chill spot for drinks in an environment where you can hear each other talk and isn't overly crowded, then Tupper and Reed is a good choice. read more

I came here with large group of friends on a quiet night when they had no customers, maybe one couple in the corner making out? I thought it would be a fantastic place to hang out with friends- WRONG! Bartenders had way too much attitude and pride. They seemed to think themselves above us because we didn't know the differences between the brands of whiskey they carried. The drinks were okay, they weren't awful, but not amazing either. One bartender yelled at us for taking a photo with flash and then threatened to kick us out of the bar on a quiet night when we were the only group here ordering for hours! This place is perfect if you like snobbish hipster bars, otherwise, don't come here -- there is too much pretense. read more

Why do you only have one of three punchbowl options today on tap...? And no punchbowl ladle? For $45, a classy ladle should be provided for serving four classy folks who enjoy sipping boozy punch on a Saturday afternoon. The punchbowl served about 2-3 classic punchbowl teacups per person. Don't babysit your punchbowl because the ice melts and dilutes everything. Perhaps they need to take a chapter out of one of their sister bars, Rickhouse SF, and use an ice block...and some ladles. And maybe some cups without grooves in them because it slows down consumption. The décor & ambiance of this place is done in classic Future Bars style with a story behind it: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2015/02/25/opening-tonight-tupper-reed-a-classic-cocktail-bar/. The cushioned bench seating on the back left corner of the main floor where we sat was actually not that comfortable to sit on - the stiff cushion added to the wall, combined with the cushioned bench that had a short seat depth, forced me to sit with my back straight and I felt like I was towering over everyone else at the table. Speaking of the table, this probably won't (and shouldn't) affect your decision to try this place or not (because you should try it...they have punchbowls and an extensive cocktails and spirits list) - the tables in our area reminded me of something I'd find at a dive bar or a sports bar, a bit sticky and old. Keep your elbows off of them. read more

The decor and atmosphere in the bar are are great, but service was not spectacular. I feel like a bar of this caliber that charges $10+ for drinks should at least have someone waiting on tables and bringing your drinks. The bartender who took my drink order was busy and made me feel as if he didn't have time to even take my card to pay for my drink (tho the second one was much more friendly). Drinks were meh. Mine tasted watered down and my friend's was way too sweet. But the worst part of it was when I used the ladies restroom (in the basement down a dark hallway - creepy) and came out to find not 1 but 2 sinks that didn't work. I couldn't even wash my hands. Instead there was hand sanitizer. In my city that would be considered a health code violation. Not to mention it's just super gross. read more

On the entire spectrum of Bars, I suppose I'd give them a C+/B-. Three stars seems fitting. Went in yesterday, and had a sub par experience. The venue is fantastic. I love the building it sits in. However it's kind of awkward for hanging out, as far as the downstairs goes. The table area was cool but the booths are oddly high. There are no bar stools which i find lame, and the high tables in the bar area have only this weird small 2seater booth which makes it real weird if you're there with not your loved one. get high chairs for those tables guys! The drink menu was sub par at best. When I heard they were the "bourbon and branch" of the east bay I was stoked to check it out for some good 'tails however the menu consisted of ten fair vintage cocktails. Nothing spectacular. The service was mediocre as well, they were training a new guy who wasn't the friendliest nor the quickest which i guess is part of the training process and understandable for a monday, but it was just a little offputting. Then we asked about the upstairs area and apparently its reservation only and there is a more extensive cocktail menu...Which my buddy and I foundd to be a little ridiculous. So basically if i call ahead i get special treatment. The backbar had a nice selection and the prices for the cocktails were fair but I think this place could do Way better with what its working with. but may be they are directed at the young starving college kid population. i will only return if i hear things have changed. good luck read more

This is a great place to just grab a drink. Very comfortable setting and not too loud so you can have a conversation at the table. The ambiance makes you feel relaxed and the bartenders are really cool. This place has a young vibe and is perfect for grabbing a drink after work or if youre into really well done cocktails. Note: it is not a regular bar, so be patient with the drinks. They take time, but are made with care. Also, if the bottom get filled up there are more private intimate places upstairs if you want that one on one feel. I will be back for sure! read more

Berkeley's legit cocktail bar. Ok I know there are a lot of bars here in Berkeley, but these places are ether. 1. A restaurant not a bar (closes early and such) Or 2. A place where I wouldn't dare order anything but a beer. This place as such a great vibe and the bartenders know what is up 100%. Cocktail knowledge is impeccable and all without the pretentiousness you get at a lot of these cocktail centered bars nowadays. We had the blueberry smash, the sunflower, and the revolver and they were all amazing, this is a bar to not be overlooked, but don't take my word for it, get in there and try it for yourself. read more

Hats off to a classy cocktail bar, perfect for socializing, creative concocting, and unwinding with friends. A true Berkeley gem.

Went here for the first time (Wednesday night) and they had a live band. Drinks were on point, I usually order a Manhattan to gauge the bartenders but instead opted for a "suite and tie." Very nice balanced drink with aged whiskey and rouge served up. The bartenders are good and easy going. read more

Probably the worst bar experience I've encountered, ever. The level of unprofessional attitude from the staff left us dumbfounded. Needless to say we didn't spend any time or money here. My previous visits here were stellar. Not this time. What happened Bourbon & Branch folks? read more

Went here for a little bit while we were waiting for our table for dinner. It is an okay place. Definitely easy to miss because outside it is not very lit nor marked well. Kind of quiet and low key. Dimly lit. Seating is okay, lots of open space a few table. It wasn't very crowded so we just hung out a tall table. Not everyone got drinks, but the ones I tried were okay. Sorry, not much to say about this place thus "A-OK" because it definitely wasn't bad! Just not a GREAT experience. read more

One of the best bars I've ever been to. Good drinks, great vibes, live DJ weekends, pool table that takes quarters and $1 bills. This two story, double cocktail bar has ample sitting room upstairs with a cozy fire. Two sets of bathrooms. Definitely a good Friday night if you want a semi-upscale mellow atmosphere. read more

This place was great. We almost walked right by so be on the lookout for it. We got there early in the night so the place was pretty empty so we got to hang out at the bar and make conversation with DJ, the bar tender. The first round of drinks were delicious, the cucumber gimlet was a little more limey than I usually like but still tasted great. Husby got the revolver, which we cleared from DJ was taken from the signature cocktail menu at Bourbon and Branch, a sister bar in the city. You will see this a lot because I truly do have a great time and all of the concepts under this group. The drinks are always on point and I love being abel to watch the bartenders do their thing while still being engaged with other customers. DJ didn't make our first round of drinks but heard I asked about fresh basil. He was ready to recommend a cocktail that he thought I would enjoy, so of course, we stayed for a second round. My husband like the Revolver so much he go the same thing and I wish I knew what I had but it was really good, I believe a vodka based drink with lemon and basil eu de vive (sp?). We talked a lot about other bars under in the group and about different cocktail ingredients. All in all, very worth of each of the five stars. read more

The bartender charged me $11.00 pre-tax for a vodka soda made with Platinum 7x. I feel cheated because the cocktails were $12.00 and I could have ordered a much more involved drink for only a marginal amount more. read more

Very cool building and great atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and attentive. Drinks are made quickly and well. A nice selection of specialty drinks. This is definitely a nice addition to downtown Berkeley. One bummer $9 for well drinks. The specialty drinks seemed reasonably priced varying from 7 - 10. No food. read more

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A really cute bar. Their cocktails are nice and the vibe is sweet. The bartenders are hugely variable, some of them are nice, while others straight up ignore you when trying to order. One of the nice ones was willing to personalize my drink more (cut the alcohol quantity in half and increase various juices) so that was nice, they were also patient with me. I like coming here with my friends but I have to be patient with the bartenders. It's noisy so not a date spot, but definitely a classier college bar. read more

Sunday pre-evening is pleasant. There are only 4 groups scattered across the main floor and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Great ambiance, great drinks (so far), friendly bartenders. I'm actually studying here haha read more

Been here twice already (and it's still in its first month!) because I just love the feel of the place. The friendly bartenders are perfectly in tune to the ambiance. Great place for a date, perfect blend of chill and classy. Our group had no problem finding space to hang out and enjoy our drinks over candlelight. It's not too loud, but has a nice warmth of chatter. The cucumber gimlet is excellent! I also ordered a gin and tonic; it was a little weak compared to others that I've had. They ran out of punch bowls both times I went, so I still have to try that, and the spirit-driven cocktails are pretty strong (naturally). I'll be sure to check out Bourbon & Branch. read more

My friends and I came in after a party in Berkeley after hearing wonderful things and were created with terrible service. The staff was rude and dismissive as well as the patrons. Totally understand that you like a certain customer but this staff needs to welcome everyone no matter their background or demeanor. Skip this one for a couple months until the staff changes over read more

Phenomenal place for Cocktails! From the same people who brought you Bourbon and Branch, this swanky cocktail bar in Berkeley serves amazing drinks in a friendly atmosphere. I went there to celebrate a friend's birthday last night. We were seated right away in a booth in the second floor, and our server Serafina right away brought us a small complimentary cocktail (I had told them we were celebrating), which was a small cinnamony drink that was delicious. Then we each ordered different drinks from the _vast_ menu (which Serafina had helpfully explained to us), and we even got to ask the manager Sevan his advice on drinks. Needless to say each of our drinks was incredible, IMO best of show going to the Leggo drink, a frothy and spicey cocktail made with whipped egg whites. The birthday boy, who had ordered an Earthquake advice of Sevan, let us all know that it was the most complex and interesting cocktail he'd ever had. All in all, a classy place for great drinks in downtown Berkeley. They don't only serve classy cocktails as they have a full beer and wine list, but why would anyone go to a premier cocktail bar for a beer? As good as it gets. read more

Edited Review (3 stars): I was disappointed to receive poor service the last time I came here, and so I am back to amend my review. The server was rushed and inattentive, and when asked for recommendations (one of the highlights of previous visits, as I wrote below) he laughed at my friend's request for "a citrus drink, not too sweet). We all looked at each other when he did this, trying to figure out if he was actually being as rude as he seemed, and we all agreed that he was thoroughly unpleasant as a server. I was there with friends to whom I'd recommended the place, but after that experience I haven't returned and don't really plan to: I don't want to run the risk of having that bad server again when I can make my own drinks and not feel patronized. Original Review (5 stars): The drinks here are remarkable - they are what sets this place apart. The atmosphere is fun, dimly lit with gas-like lamps and candles and the service is excellent, but the drinks are complex, subtle, and delicious. I look forward to trying more. Both times I've been, my friend and I have asked the server for recommendations, and our conversation honing in on what we enjoy has resulted in a wide variety of drinks that have always been great new experiences. My favorite was one with absinthe, rye, and a little lime among other things, although the simple citrus and mint squash drink was also light and refreshing. I highly recommend trying some of the "intermissions," all made with egg whites. Friendly, fun atmosphere, and fantastic drinks. read more

Definitley a fan of their cocktail menu, from design to taste!

Wife and I stumbled in here and we were pleasantly surprised. Old school cocktails in a speak easy sort of vibe. Reminded me a bit of new Orleans cocktail lounges. Staff was very friendly and willing to make any concoction you could throw at them as well as provide excellent recommendations. read more

A classy new option in Downtown Berkeley bought to you by the Bourbon & Branch team. The interior is dim, elegant, and spacious but also quite barren. I wish they'd keep some type of visual art or props to fine-tune the vibe/theme of this place! I've come on weekends as well as weekdays and seating has not been a huge problem. I love how firm and high-placed the wall-seating/cushions are. When I'm in Berkeley next, will try to make a reservation for the upstairs! A lot of my friends have been turned off by this bar because the bartenders take their time in mixing drinks; although, that's never been a problem for me. Favorite cocktail: definitely the Crescendo (it has fernet!) read more

Tupper and Reed is a really average bar with hipster bartenders. The drinks are ok, but nothing I would want to come back for. The interiors are nice and it seems like a really intimate (dimly lit) spot you could come back to on a date. The food options seem alright, our party didn't try anything as we had already eaten earlier in the day. It was well packed for a Saturday night, the bar seemed to be a mix of drunk college kids and equally drunk older folks. I didn't have to wait at the bar very long, but my friends waiting for around 20 minutes. The most entertaining part of the night was watching a drunk lady continuously hit on the bartender while giggling with her friends every time he turned away. read more

Just celebrated my birthday here. The space was accommodating, and the drinks were well balanced. I wish there was a more extensive cocktail menu given the tremendous selection of spirits. I love that they offer The Botanist gin! Oh, and to the very entertaining bartender who made my stupendous drinks - Jobim, as in Antonio Carlos Jobim, is pronouced "jo-beem" or "zho-beem" in Portuguese, not "yo-beem", like it would be in Spanish. read more

Nice edition to the East Bay bar scene. The speakeasy vibe and feel of the place reminds me some bars I'd find in the City, but prices are much more reasonable for their cocktails. I was here on a weeknight, so I'd be curious to know how it is during happy hours or a Friday/Saturday night. Drinks were good though and I'd come back to try more, and even see what it's like upstairs (reservations required and drink menu, from what I hear, is more extensive). read more

Great selections of cocktails and whiskey similar to Bourbon & Branch. Bartenders are a hit & miss though.

Visited T&R a bunch of times as it was a very popular choice with my b-school class. It's a nice little cocktail bar in downtown Berkeley that makes great drinks and has a intimate feel to it. However, the space can get quite tight on busy nights which often happened most Friday/Saturday nights we were there. The ambience however is very pleasing; they have wrought iron gates out front, brick walls, and the interior is dimly lit with a fire in the background. The drinks menu is also constantly being updated, and they make bomb whiskey cocktails. Not your traditional Berkeley college bar, it is much nicer and probably a good place to begin your date night. read more

Tupper and Reed, with its trendy, on-theme ambiance puts you in another era. The intersection of drinks and music is really well done--down to the minute detail, from the menu to the wall sconces, the oil lamps at each table and the "Please be seated" sign stuck to a music stand. They have quite possibly the best pisco sour on this continent. read more

Great bar with an extensive cocktail list. They have cocktails with every different spirit. On Friday nights, they have love music. Make a reservation to get a booth upstairs. read more

Came for some pre-game cocktails after receiving not the best service down the road and was not disappointed !! My Revolver cocktail is out of this world delicious! Definitely will be back ! read more

The space is so pretty. Love the architecture and design of this old building. The fireplace makes it so cozy. But WHY ARE YOU PLAYING HIP HOP SO LOUD? The music selection does nothing to enhance the mood and vibe of the space. Also, bartenders- ahem, "mixologists"- why are you SO SLOW!!?? This place has so much potential to be great. Unfortunately they are WAY off the mark. read more

Great place for cocktails in Berkeley. Each is well made. My only hesitation at going for a full 5 stars: the service can be slow. But that is because each drink is made with care and there are only a few bartenders, even on a busy night. But the drinks are worth the wait. read more

The atmosphere is the selling point for this bar, very trendy and 50's style. The drinks were creative, the bar tenders were very friendly and very skilled. The drinks were not cheap but not expensive. And it seems classy enough that it will keep most college students away. We'll definitely be back! read more

Good place in Berkeley to grab a drink. They don't have a lot of beers on tap, but it's more of a cocktail type of place. They have love music, so I'll need to check it out when that is going on. Only 2 bartenders, so getting a drink can be a little bit of a wait. read more

Dissatisfied with the private event I hosted here. Here's what went wrong: -The bartender assigned to our room was not serving us, requiring a few guests going to public area, where the same bartender refused to serve them. I had to leave my event to defend my guests and speak to the bartenders directly. -Assigned bartender was not following directions given to management at beginning of night, once again leading me to seek the manager to reiterate instructions. -After the event, I learned the final bill was not charged according to the contract. The manager did not seem to understand the details of the contract at the beginning of the night, and when the final bill was given, he provided no clarification and overcharged me. He seemed quite pleased. Very unprofessional and poorly managed establishment. There seemed to be little concern for customer satisfaction as well as a lack of communication between the employees, management and bar owner/event coordinator. I would strongly recommend against hosting an event here. read more

Love visiting here when it's not too busy. If it's crowded, the wait at the bar can be quite excessive at times. The drinks are pricy but very expertly crafted. My favorite is the Cucumber Gimlet. They have a good weekday happy hour and the ambiance is wonderful - think speakeasy 1920s cozy vibes. The bartenders are cool and have made some great recommendations during my visits. Always a good stop when downtown. read more

Tupper and Reed - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Berkeley, California

Went to Tupper and Reed on a Friday afternoon for drinks with a friend. First off, I have to say that the interior of this place is so charming. It has a very rustic, Victorian type feel with intricate lamps, patterned ceiling, and eclectic wall paper. Of course, you can't forget the brick details and fireplaces that add to this feel either. There's supper served here on certain days and also live music at 8:00 on Fri-Sun, I believe. The drinks all seemed super interesting, but I went for one of the low ABV drinks: the Thank You Note. It was really delicious and just what I was in the mood for. My friend had the Sunflower which was, of course a bit more alcoholic, but just as good. This is really a good place to relax and chat with a friend. Downside is that it can be hard to really talk after the live music begins because it is quite loud. Overall, a good place to hit up for a drink with a friend. Very relaxed and laid back atmosphere. read more

I've always been puzzled by the obscure provincial architecture of the Tupper and Reed as it stands out among the Downtown Berkeley aesthetic. I am sure glad I walked through the iron clad gate into this bar. It's an old music store that has been refurbished to be a beautiful bilevel bar serving mid priced cocktails and a few beers on tap. They're known for their beautiful wooden interior and homage to their predecessor the music store. Even the bathroom entrances have dated sheet music as a wall paper. This interwoven story of new and old and classicism is a beautiful and amazing bar in the Berkeley area. read more