Berkeley Nightlife

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.

Shattuck Down Low

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2284 Shattuck Avenue

Dance the Night Away...
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Pasand Lounge

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2280 Shattuck Ave

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Jupiter

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2181 Shattuck Avenue

A different planet...
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Starry Plough (The)

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3101 Shattuck Avenue

Even Sean Would Approve...
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Beckett's Irish Pub

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2271 Shattuck Ave

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Ashkenaz

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1317 San Pablo Ave

World music community and dance venue...
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The Bear's Lair Pub

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2475 Bancroft Way

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Pyramid Ale House, Brewery and Restaurant

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901 Gilman St

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Triple Rock Brewery

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1920 Shattuck Ave

Historic Berkeley brew pub...
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Henry's

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2600 Durant Avenue

Pub and Grille...
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Cesar

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1515 Shattuck Avenue

Tapas chic...
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924 Gillman Street Project

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924 Gilman St

Youth rock institution breeds leading punks...
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Landmark Albany Twin

1115 Solano Avenue

Movie magic...
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Cerrito Speakeasy Theater

10070 San Pablo Avenue

Cinema Intoxication...
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Orinda Theater

4 Orinda Way

Movie musings...
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Rheem All-Stadium 4

350 Park Street

Get your popcorn...
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Emery Bay Stadium 10

6330 Christie Avenue

Movies and more...
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Shotgun Playhouse

1901 Ashby Avenue

Eclectic Drama...
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Memorial Stadium

Bancroft Way

Historic Home To Football...
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Oaks Theatre

1875 Solano Avenue

Choose Your Screen...
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