46 Best Dive Bars near Berkeley

“Things haven’t gotten going yet so you can still make it.“

“My dad used to drink there in the 1980s and the Asian husband and wife couple who owned the bar bought him a last drink and told him never to come backThe bar was closed for about 10 or 20 years in the 1990s and the 2000sMy favorite part of the bar is spinning the wheel and trying my luck at free drinks cuz half the time it's a l**** deal but half the time it's a winner deal it's a nice bar most people are really coolFor a while they had a 8-bit Nintendo system and I'd play Castlevania and Super Mario Bros over and over again but they do have some arcade games and pinball games really nice“

“Nice little gem in Oakland California, great shows, and friendly staff. Don’t pass this place up!“

“Bring on the funny 😁 happy anniversary Lisa good times great atmosphere!!!“

“Great place to sit and have a drink, good jukebox, pool table and friendly staff. You can request sports on one of the three flatscreen TVs. I've been going there for years and new owner seems pretty cool and actually lowered the prices on a few things, go figure.“

“Best place ever. Real humans being real beautiful weirdos. Music sometimes. Eye candy always. Specs’ is one of my favorite places on earth.“

“Great venue. L, X“

“Outstanding spot to watch sports, chill, and more“

“Good food under the towering Bay Bridge- great views 😍“

“Great bartenders, so welcoming& makes an awesome Old Fashion, makes you feel like a family“

“Halloween vibes year around!“

“A fun dive bar with kind and friendly staff“

“Super cute place. Come as you are kind of bar. There are food vendors, gaming activities, pool, darts, wonderful people that are super chill. Legend says if you're there on a Monday there's There 2 islanders that cook amazing food...The only thing is that they show up randomly. They will post on the Second 2 None Facebook 5 hours before showing up. If you want to be there when they cook best to like this page so you can get the latest updates and last minute events and after parties.. PS. mention Alice or Ichigo referred you to the Bartender so they know. Also real men wear miniskirts if you can do that, kilts count too...“

“If you want to sit on a throne in San Fran“

“Such a great old school vibe at this venerable blues club in the heart of Oakland. Amazing music with an alternating cast of vocalists and musicians as the night went on. Crowd was a mix of ages and colors and a positive vibe all around. For a break from the tunes there is a vast back yard area with tables and a second bar that has beer and wine. Get liquor from the main bar only. Bartenders were working hard but very friendly. Great time!“

“Great local bar. Been around since 1930's.“

“awesome place! I highly recommend!“

“This place is phenomenal.“

“It was a great positive experience and true local hidden gem! Come say hi to the owner Ann, tell her I sent you.“

“We sat at the bar and the waiter was super attentive and kind. We even asked for a custom drink that he tried to make happen, although he didn’t have all the exact ingredients. We had a great experience here. The games and jukebox are a fun add-on.
The interior and lighting could have been a bit better for my personal liking, but it still felt quite cozy.“

“Can’t believe this place is still open!Just stopped by cause the outside light was on. Got 2 Anchor Steam beers on draft. Bartender remembers me after all these years. Beers are only $6 each!Great spot as a low key, neighborhood bar.Stop by for a chill time!“

“Need more hand sanatary for people that dont wash their hands. (u dont even wanna know)Other then that Davet poors a smooth Gin & Tonic..Dude used to poor a nice one for me. So, ill go down to see if hes working at the "Capri"“

“Great Juke box, cute bartender and booze! What else can you ask for?“

“Great Atmosphere & Friendly Bartenders.Most Of All It Has Karaoke On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Starting @7pm-11pm. I Enjoy The Breakfast Club Wit The Bartender Stephanie On Saturday & Sunday Mornings“

“Good drinks, great atmosphere, best food!!“

“Great service great vibe....a real community bar... They remember everyone and treat everyone with respect... But if you mess up and make patrons uncomfortable.... You are OUT. Always something good on the tvs or juke box, random art pop ups with no pressure...plus you can't beat the prices... Definitely worth the visit“

“Kerry House, nestled on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, stands as an exceptional local haunt revered by residents for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibe. The establishment boasts a well-curated jukebox and an inviting outdoor patio where smoking is permitted, making it a rare find. Bartenders exude energy and friendliness, contributing to the lively ambiance that has been a hallmark of Kerry House for years. Flanked by exquisite restaurants and charming baguette spots to both the left and right, it's positioned in a bustling area, promising an engaging experience. While soaking in the locale's lively spirit, visitors should be mindful of parking regulations. Ensure you feed the meter or opt for paid parking to avoid the inconvenience of a ticket. Kerry House is more than a bar; it's a testament to Oakland's spirited community and a must-visit spot for an authentic local experience.“

“Friendly staff who are happy to give reccomendations for the area (both for food, bars etc as well as "cultural" advice).

Reasonably priced.

Nice vibe. Music, but not too loud. Cool rural on the floor you enter in.“

“This was my 1st visit to San Francisco on my birthday! Hidive was welcoming, with great staff, good drinks, and a great bar top food menu! Started the day out there with margaritas, and stopped back in for some wings and a nightcap at the end of the day. It was great!“

“Tony is the fantastic bartender“

“A local hangout full of characters who are not only friendly and entertaining, but welcoming. The kind of place that evokes the vibe of the TV show Cheers with a much more diverse clientele. Bartender was attentive and poured a great G&T. Classic. Dive. Bar.“

“Best quiz in Oakland! Wednesday night“

“The bartender Carlie is a true sweetheart. The service is stellar. They give you HUGE Shots here. I've never seen anything like it. She gave me 4 shots and it's like 2+ shots in each drink. Money will spent and they're not expensive. Based on quality of service I would've given them a 5 star review but it's just a dive bar. I'll be back #FACTS“

“Wow Ruby Room is back, as soon as I’m leaving after living here 15 years on and off… new ownership, waltzed in on a Tuesday at 10pm and the atmosphere was great. Great speaker system, still the same classic decor, nice vibe and people…. I will miss this place. The fact that this place isn’t packed 247 leaves me curious why.

Also, the sound and acoustics are fantastic, not sure if they updated after new ownership or if I’ve just not been here in a while“

“Rocked out New Year’s Eve with the greasy gills.“

“cheap and fun. please go.“

“The owners are the sweetest people in the world and the loved my Lady Blu thank you so much I had a blast and yes Dee Dee Simon is the truth it was so worth the trip to see her and meet you all. A very friendly place that makes really good drinks Tory from Vegas“

“A must stop when in the area. Nothing fancy, dive bar feel, but always a good time.“

“We were made to feel so welcome here on our first night in Oakland, had a great experience at this bar. The bartender and the local crowd that night were so friendly. They gave us great suggestions on things to do while in town for Halloween Meltdown. Would of never thought to take the ferry while we were here otherwise and it ended up being a favorite experience on our trip. Great dive bar atmosphere. It was cool to hear about the punk history of the place. The bartender sent us home with homemade spaghetti! We can't wait to visit again sometime.“

“Fun vibes and cool decor! Love the beats ! So fresh 😎“

“Lama Bar in El Cerrito is a gem! Exceptional service, great DJ vibes, and a cozy patio – it’s the perfect spot to unwind. Plus, the added bonus of billiards adds to the fun. Big thanks for the wonderful service; it’s definitely the go-to place for hanging out with friends!“

“What a great time - listening to a great blues band and loving the bartenders who take no bs! Thanks so much for rejuvenating my soul.“

“Nothing more iconic than meeting in little Italy with the loudest nations in a jolly and with a fantastic atmosphere bar. La Rocca is a great place with Italian and Irish heritage pouring from every corner and person in it. It is incredible. Very friendly and beautiful people too.“

“As someone who works in the restaurant industry, this is hands-down my favorite place to unwind! Michael here is everything you want in a night out—charming, flirtatious, and full of personality. On top of being ridiculously handsome, he’s also incredibly talented at what he does, pouring drinks with style and making everyone feel like the center of attention. His tattoos? Absolute bonus—they add to his irresistible vibe. This place wouldn’t be the same without him. If you’re looking for a spot with great drinks and even better company, this is the place to be.“