Berkeley, California boasts a thriving craft beer scene that attracts beer enthusiasts from across the Bay Area and beyond. With numerous breweries and taprooms scattered throughout the city, visitors and locals alike can explore a diverse range of beer styles and flavors.
Berkeley’s craft beer landscape features renowned establishments like Fieldwork Brewing Co., Gilman Brewing Company, and Cellarmaker Brewing Company, each offering unique and innovative brews. These local breweries have gained recognition for their quality and creativity, contributing to Berkeley’s reputation as a craft beer destination.
Beer connoisseurs visiting Berkeley can expect to find a wide variety of options, from traditional styles to experimental creations. Many taprooms offer rotating taps, ensuring there’s always something new to try. The city’s craft beer guide highlights not only breweries but also beer bars and restaurants that showcase local and regional craft beers, providing a comprehensive experience for those looking to explore Berkeley’s beer culture.
The Origins of Berkeley Craft Beer
Berkeley’s craft beer scene traces its roots back to the early 1980s. The city’s brewing tradition began with the opening of Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse in 1986, widely recognized as one of the oldest brewpubs in the United States.
This pioneering establishment set the stage for Berkeley’s burgeoning craft beer culture. Its success inspired other local entrepreneurs and beer enthusiasts to explore the world of craft brewing.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Berkeley witnessed a steady growth in its craft beer offerings. Local breweries began experimenting with unique flavors and brewing techniques, catering to the city’s diverse and discerning palate.
The city’s proximity to San Francisco and its vibrant food scene contributed to the development of Berkeley’s craft beer identity. Brewers often collaborated with local chefs and food artisans, creating beer pairings that complemented the region’s culinary innovations.
Berkeley’s academic community also played a role in shaping its craft beer landscape. The presence of the University of California, Berkeley attracted a young, adventurous demographic eager to explore new taste experiences.
As the craft beer movement gained momentum nationwide, Berkeley’s breweries continued to evolve and expand. Today, the city boasts a diverse array of craft breweries, each contributing to Berkeley’s reputation as a craft beer destination.
Noteworthy Berkeley Breweries
Berkeley boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments offer unique flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and inviting atmospheres for beer enthusiasts to explore.
Triple Rock Brewery and Alehouse
Triple Rock holds the distinction of being Berkeley’s oldest brewpub, operating since 1986. The brewery is known for its diverse selection of house-made beers, including seasonal offerings and experimental brews.
Triple Rock’s flagship beer, Monkey Head, is a robust ale that has gained a loyal following. The brewpub features a cozy, wood-paneled interior and a rooftop beer garden, perfect for enjoying their craft beers in the California sunshine.
The menu includes pub fare designed to complement their beer selection. Triple Rock also hosts regular events, including beer release parties and live music performances.
Fieldwork Brewing Company
Fieldwork Brewing Co. has quickly become a Berkeley favorite since opening in 2015. The brewery is recognized for its constantly rotating tap list, featuring innovative and experimental beers.
Fieldwork’s taproom offers a modern, industrial-chic ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can sample a wide range of styles, from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts.
The brewery doesn’t have a core lineup, instead focusing on new releases and seasonal offerings. This approach keeps the beer selection fresh and exciting for regulars and newcomers alike.
The Rare Barrel
The Rare Barrel specializes in sour beers, setting it apart from other Berkeley breweries. Founded in 2013, it has gained a reputation for complex, barrel-aged sour ales.
The brewery’s taproom features a sleek, minimalist design with rows of oak barrels visible to visitors. The Rare Barrel offers a rotating selection of sour beers on tap, as well as bottles for purchase.
Sour beer enthusiasts can join The Rare Barrel’s Ambassadors of Sour program, which provides access to limited releases and special events. The brewery also collaborates with other craft breweries to create unique sour beer offerings.
Gilman Brewing Company
Gilman Brewing Company, established in 2015, focuses on Belgian-style ales and West Coast IPAs. The brewery’s taproom, located in a converted auto garage, offers a rustic, industrial atmosphere.
Gilman’s beer lineup includes popular choices like the Champ Rochaux Saison and the West Coast IPA. The brewery also experiments with barrel-aging and fruit additions to create unique flavor profiles.
The taproom features a spacious outdoor patio and hosts food trucks regularly. Gilman Brewing has expanded to include additional taprooms in Daly City and Pleasanton, bringing their craft beers to a wider audience.
Trumer Brauerei
Trumer Brauerei brings a taste of Austria to Berkeley, focusing exclusively on producing Trumer Pils. The brewery, established in Berkeley in 2004, is an offshoot of the centuries-old Trumer Privatbrauerei in Salzburg.
Trumer’s state-of-the-art facility uses traditional brewing methods and imported ingredients to recreate the authentic taste of Austrian pilsner. The brewery offers tours that showcase their brewing process and history.
While Trumer doesn’t have a taproom, their pilsner is widely available in local bars and restaurants. The brewery’s commitment to a single style sets it apart in Berkeley’s diverse craft beer landscape.
Great Notion – Berkeley
Great Notion, originally from Portland, Oregon, opened its Berkeley location in 2021. The brewery is known for its innovative approach to beer styles, particularly hazy IPAs and culinary-inspired stouts.
The Berkeley taproom features a modern, family-friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Great Notion’s beer menu rotates frequently, offering visitors a chance to try new and experimental brews.
Popular offerings include their “Juice” series of hazy IPAs and dessert-inspired stouts like “Double Stack” and “Blueberry Muffin.” The taproom also serves a selection of pub-style food to complement their beers.
Specialty Beers and Brews
Berkeley’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of specialty brews. Local breweries excel in creating unique flavors and innovative styles that appeal to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
IPAs and Ales
Berkeley breweries are known for their hop-forward IPAs and flavorful ales. Fieldwork Brewing Co. produces a rotating selection of IPAs, including hazy and West Coast styles. Their “Pulp” IPA series features tropical fruit notes and a smooth mouthfeel.
Gilman Brewing Company crafts bold IPAs like their “Ripper” double IPA, bursting with citrus and pine aromas. For ale lovers, Triple Rock Brewery offers a classic American Pale Ale called “IPAX” that balances hoppy bitterness with a malty backbone.
Cellarmaker Brewing Company, while based in San Francisco, has expanded to Berkeley with their signature IPAs. Their “Coffee and Cigarettes” porter provides a unique twist on traditional ales.
Sour Beer and Barrel-Aged Sours
Sour beer enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Berkeley’s craft beer scene. The Rare Barrel specializes exclusively in sour beers, offering a range of tart and funky flavors.
Their “Ensorcelled” is a dark sour aged in oak barrels with raspberries, while “Across the Sea” blends apricots and sea salt for a complex taste profile.
Gilman Brewing also experiments with barrel-aged sours, releasing limited batches throughout the year. These often incorporate local fruits and spices for distinctive flavors.
Seasonal Beers and Ciders
Berkeley breweries embrace seasonal variety, crafting special releases to match the time of year. Fieldwork Brewing rotates their tap list frequently, offering seasonal options like their “Pulp Free” summer IPA and “Breakfast Time” winter stout.
Jupiter brewpub creates seasonal ales such as their “Quasar” winter warmer and “Heliocentric” summer wheat beer. For cider lovers, Crooked City Cider Tap House in nearby Oakland offers a rotating selection of craft ciders, including seasonal varieties.
Great Notion Brewing’s Berkeley location features creative seasonal brews like their “Blueberry Muffin” sour ale and “Double Stack” imperial breakfast stout, available at different times throughout the year.
Berkeley’s Beer Tasting and Tours
Berkeley boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous tasting rooms and brewery tours. Beer enthusiasts can explore the city’s brewing heritage through guided experiences.
Several local breweries offer tours showcasing their brewing processes. Visitors can learn about the careful selection of hops, malts, and yeasts that create Berkeley’s distinctive brews.
Tasting rooms provide opportunities to sample a variety of craft beers. Many feature rotating taps and seasonal specialties, allowing patrons to discover new flavors.
Some popular options for beer tours in Berkeley include:
- Bay Area Brewery Tours
- Velocipede Tours
- Craft Beer Stumble
These tours often combine visits to multiple breweries, offering insights into different brewing styles and techniques.
For those preferring self-guided exploration, Berkeley’s breweries and taprooms are easily accessible. Fieldwork Brewing Co., Gilman Brewing Company, and Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom are notable stops.
Trumer Brewery, known for its pilsner, offers tours that delve into its Austrian-inspired brewing methods.
Beer festivals and events occur throughout the year, showcasing Berkeley’s craft beer community. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to taste a wide range of local brews in one location.
Whether joining a organized tour or creating a personal tasting itinerary, Berkeley’s beer scene offers something for every palate.
Craft Beer with a Side of Food
Berkeley’s craft beer scene pairs excellently with its diverse culinary offerings. Local establishments blend innovative brews with delicious food options to create unique dining experiences.
Gastropubs and Eateries
Berkeley’s gastropubs elevate the craft beer experience with gourmet food pairings. Eureka! stands out for its impressive craft beer selection and upscale pub fare. Their menu features creative burgers, salads, and small plates that complement their rotating tap list.
Tap Haus offers a German-inspired menu alongside local and international craft beers. Patrons can enjoy schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels while sampling unique brews.
Jupiter, a longtime Berkeley favorite, serves wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a converted livery stable. Their outdoor beer garden is perfect for enjoying house-brewed beers and guest taps.
Pairing Pizza with Craft Beer
Wood-fired pizza and craft beer make an unbeatable combination in Berkeley. Bobby G’s Pizzeria is known for its extensive craft beer list and thin-crust pizzas. They offer over 20 taps featuring local and regional breweries.
Fieldwork Brewing Co. partners with neighboring businesses to allow food delivery to their taproom. Guests can order pizzas from nearby establishments to enjoy with Fieldwork’s innovative brews.
Many Berkeley pizzerias curate craft beer lists to complement their pies. Look for flavor pairings like hoppy IPAs with spicy toppings or malty amber ales with mushroom pizzas.
Barbecue and Brews
Berkeley’s barbecue joints recognize the natural affinity between smoked meats and craft beer. Smoke Berkeley offers Texas-style BBQ and a selection of local craft brews to wash it down.
Perdition Smokehouse, though now closed, set the standard for BBQ and beer pairings in Berkeley. Its legacy lives on in other establishments that combine slow-cooked meats with carefully curated beer lists.
Beer gardens like Missouri Lounge often host pop-up BBQ events, allowing patrons to enjoy smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork alongside craft brews in an outdoor setting.
Vegan Options and Craft Beer
Berkeley caters to vegan beer enthusiasts with several options. The Butcher’s Son, a vegan delicatessen, offers plant-based sandwiches and a rotating selection of craft beers, including vegan-friendly options.
Cinnaholic, known for vegan cinnamon rolls, has expanded its menu to include craft beer, creating unique sweet and savory pairings.
Many Berkeley breweries and taprooms offer vegan food options. Cellarmaker Brewing Company’s Berkeley location features a plant-based menu to accompany their innovative beers.
Vegan pizza lovers can find options at Sliver Pizzeria, which offers a daily vegetarian (often vegan) pizza and a selection of craft beers on tap.
The Social Scene
Berkeley’s craft beer scene offers vibrant social spaces where enthusiasts gather to enjoy quality brews. From lively beer gardens to family-friendly establishments, the city caters to diverse preferences and occasions.
Craft Beer Gardens and Patios
Westbrae Biergarten stands out as a popular outdoor venue for craft beer lovers. This spacious beer garden provides a relaxed atmosphere with communal seating and a rotating selection of local brews.
Several breweries in Berkeley feature inviting patios where patrons can sip their drinks in the California sunshine. Fieldwork Brewing Co. offers a dog-friendly outdoor space, perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Jupiter, located near the UC Berkeley campus, boasts a tree-lined patio that attracts students and locals alike. Their craft beer selection complements the charming outdoor setting.
Live Music and Entertainment
Many Berkeley breweries incorporate live music to enhance the social experience. Triple Rock Brewery & Ale House regularly hosts local bands, creating a lively ambiance for beer enthusiasts.
Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge combines craft beer with DJ nights and occasional live performances. This unique venue appeals to those seeking a more energetic atmosphere.
Some establishments organize trivia nights and game evenings, fostering a sense of community among patrons. These events provide opportunities for social interaction while enjoying locally crafted beers.
Family-Friendly Brewing Establishments
Berkeley’s craft beer scene includes several family-friendly options. Ocean View Brew Works welcomes children with a dedicated play area, allowing parents to enjoy their brews while kids stay entertained.
Gilman Brewing Company – Berkeley maintains a relaxed environment suitable for families during daytime hours. Their spacious interior accommodates groups of various sizes.
Many breweries offer non-alcoholic options and light snacks, ensuring all family members can participate in the outing. Some even host special events tailored for families on weekends.
Happy Hour Hotspots
Berkeley’s craft breweries and bars compete to offer attractive happy hour deals. Eureka! features discounted craft beers and appetizers during their daily happy hour, drawing in after-work crowds.
Tap Haus, known for its extensive beer selection, provides happy hour specials on both local and international craft brews. Their central location makes it a convenient stop for downtown workers.
Prizefighter, while technically in neighboring Emeryville, attracts Berkeley residents with its outdoor patio and creative happy hour cocktails featuring local craft beer ingredients.
Many establishments extend their happy hour offerings to include weekends, catering to leisure seekers. Some breweries also offer membership programs or loyalty cards for additional discounts during these popular timeframes.
Events and Festivals
Berkeley hosts several exciting beer-related events throughout the year. The Local Beer Fest, held at the Berkeley City Club, showcases craft brews from the area’s top breweries.
The Celebration of Craft Beer Festival takes place at Trumer Brewery on Fourth Street. This event brings together beer enthusiasts to sample a wide variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries.
Berkeley’s annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration often features unique brews inspired by Native American traditions. While not exclusively focused on beer, this event offers a chance to taste special craft creations.
Many local breweries participate in Berkeley Restaurant Week, offering special beer pairings with meals. This event allows visitors to experience the city’s craft beer scene alongside its culinary offerings.
Beer lovers should mark their calendars for these festivals:
- Local Beer Fest (Berkeley City Club)
- Celebration of Craft Beer Festival (Trumer Brewery)
- Berkeley Restaurant Week (various locations)
These events provide excellent opportunities to taste rare and experimental brews, including sour varieties that have gained popularity in recent years.
Berkeley’s Craft Beer Retailers
Berkeley boasts several excellent craft beer retailers for enthusiasts to explore. Ledger’s Liquors stands out as a popular destination, offering an extensive selection of local and international craft beers.
Ale Tales provides a curated experience for beer lovers, focusing on unique and hard-to-find craft brews. Their knowledgeable staff can guide customers to new and exciting options.
Northbrae Bottle Shop caters to craft beer aficionados with a diverse range of bottles and cans. The shop regularly updates its inventory to include seasonal and limited-edition releases.
Franklin Bros. Market combines a neighborhood grocery store feel with an impressive craft beer selection. Customers can find both well-known brands and smaller, local breweries represented.
Uptown Market & Liquors rounds out Berkeley’s craft beer retail scene. This store offers a solid variety of craft beers alongside other beverage options.
These retailers provide Berkeley residents and visitors with ample opportunities to discover new craft beers or stock up on tried-and-true favorites. Many stores also offer mix-and-match options, allowing customers to create their own variety packs.
Conclusion
Berkeley’s craft beer scene is thriving. The city boasts numerous taprooms and breweries offering diverse styles and flavors. Local favorites like Fieldwork Brewing Co. and Rare Barrel have gained recognition for their innovative brews.
Visitors can explore a range of options, from sour specialists to traditional ale houses. Many Berkeley taprooms feature rotating taps, ensuring fresh experiences with each visit. The city’s craft beer culture reflects its innovative and community-oriented spirit.
Beer enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Berkeley’s welcoming establishments. Whether seeking hoppy IPAs, complex sours, or classic lagers, the local craft beer scene has something for every palate.
Berkeley’s commitment to quality and creativity in brewing continues to grow. New taprooms and breweries regularly join the scene, adding to the city’s reputation as a craft beer destination. For those looking to explore California’s beer culture, Berkeley offers a rich and rewarding experience.
