Berkeley's celebrated legacy of craft brewing taps deeply into city history. Breweries, tap houses and handles at local restos keep Berkeley beer flowing.
Berkeley's celebrated legacy of craft brewing taps deeply into the origins of the American brewpub movement. Newer establishments like Gilman Brewing Company and The Rare Barrel join legendary Triple Rock, America's original brewpub, Sierra Nevada Taproom and Trumer Pils to make Berkeley a true brew destination.
Housed in an old livery stable from the 1890s, with interior inspired by the oldest bar in Berlin, Jupiter is out of this world but just steps from BART in downtown Berkeley. Some say the outdoor beer garden in back holds a fountain of youth; what is certain is that this is one of the best places to be in Berkeley on a sunny afternoon. Live music, delicious wood-fired pizza and salads, too.
Triple Rock opened its doors in 1986, and since then has served the freshest beer Berkeley has ever tasted, using fine ingredients to create unique brews like IPAX, Red Rock, Monkey Head Ale, and many more rotating taps.
Born in Berkeley and now statewide, Fieldwork has quickly earned a following in the craft beer community. Fieldwork's Berkeley taproom is located in West Berkeley where visitors can sip an ever-changing tap list of fresh releases by the flight or glass. Fresh beer is available to go in 16 oz cans and 32 oz crowlers.
Established in 2015, Gilman Brewing Company's production brewery and taproom is located on bustling Gilman Street in West Berkeley. Situated next door to the historic music venue 924 Gilman where Green Day once played regularly, Gilman Brewing offers a spectral range of beers from award-winning IPAs to nuanced Belgian farmhouse ales.
The Rare Barrel makes sour beers that age in oak barrels for an average of one year. A blend of microorganisms shape the sour, tart, and acidic flavors of these award-winning beers. While sour beers take an exceptionally long time to develop, one taste reveals that they are well worth the wait. The Rare Barrel's south Berkeley tasting room and kitchen are open Thursdays through Sundays.