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1. Pasand Lounge
- Up-and-coming spot on the Berkeley nightlife scene, the Pasand Lounge offers a South Asian fusion décor with cleverly named and delicious signature... read more
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2. Shattuck Down Low
- Shattuck Down Low, is one of the most happening night spot in the East Bay area. It offers musical diversity with a mix of Funk, Soul and Hip Hop.... read more
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3. Beckett's Irish Pub
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Housed in a historic building, this cozy pub and restaurant is furnished with dark-wood furniture, wooden beams and a brick fireplace.... read more
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4. The Bear's Lair Pub
- Cal's student body, professors and alums unite to root for the Bears and nibble bar bites at this on-campus pub. read more
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6. Starry Plough (The)
- This favorite is full of congenial spirits (both the drinks and the regulars), fish and chips and some of the best in local and Irish bands. Enjoy... read more
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8. Pyramid Ale House, Brewery and Restaurant
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On game days, the crowd at Pyramid gets so boisterous that Berkeley students can't hear themselves drink over all the cheering. But even... read more
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9. Triple Rock Brewery
- Venerable brew pub with classic interior, great suds, big burgers and bay area jukebox. read more
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The Best of NileGuide
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No red rope and grumpy doormen here. Berkeley’s laid-back approach towards good times extends to its nightlife, making its bars and clubs some of the most unpretentious and fun places to kick back and let loose. Berkeley’s a college town, and that means that down-to-earth kicks and affordable entertainment are the name of the game. So leave the three-inch heels and flashy shades at home--but don’t forget your ID!
Berkeley’s bars are all about having fun. Pubs and dives make for great times without a dress code or a hefty tab. Beckett’s and Triple Rock provide frothy beers and good old American fare. Live music blares at Jupiter and Blake’s, while billiards and board games entertain everyone at Thalassa and The Albatross. Get a little down and dirty, and off the beaten path, at friendly dives like the Missouri Lounge and Acme.
Got your dancing shoes on? The beats bump and the parties get going at the Shattuck Down Low, showcasing funk, soul, hip-hop, even the occasional karaoke night. Community centers focused on dance and music, the Ashkenaz and La Pena host fun events like salsa nights and Afro-Caribbean percussion jams. A landmark of punk rock, the all-ages Gilman has been putting on live music shows for 20 years--and makes for a great place for teenage travelers. Big-name music acts come to the acoustically superior Greek Theater, located on the UC Berkeley campus.
Berkeley’s love of the arts makes for plenty of culture-filled nightlife activities as well. The Berkeley Rep, Aurora Theater and Shotgun Players provide top-notch independent theater, while artsy movie houses like California Theaters and the Elmwood show indie flicks outside of the mainstream. You’ll feel enlightened, entertained and even more like a local.
