Beta Lounge - Berkeley

Friendly local artist lounge with aSports Fan Artistic atmosphere as well as fine pizza offers from the kitchen in this Resto/Bar

The bartender Jesse makes the best drinks. I'd suggest the Angry Mule. Perfect place to relax and talk a date

The drinks are ok, but it is the environment/ atmosphere that distinguishes this place. Definitely a mature less sophomoric mood you tend to get from most drinking water facilities near CAL's campus. Near the campus there are not too many refined cocktails. They are usually beer and dip-bar mixes/mixers. This place can give you something different than a screwdriver.

I'm really digging the locals vibe! Beta Lounge is an excellent place to kick it while enjoying a nice cocktail and some light bites. I was in the area and saw this spot in the distance. It's kind of randomly located off of Durant Ave but can be easily missed if you're not looking for it. Beta is truly a loungey little spot. I plopped myself on one of their cozy sofas in the back and didn't move from that spot for almost the entire time that I was there. Just low key and super relaxed vibes. The drinks are really tasty and the bartenders are all really chill. Nothing too fancy about the drinks here, but they're decently priced and made with love. Had a spicy marg and a Moscow mule and both were delicious sippers. They also serve food here if you have an appetite. Their food menu is mostly light bites but still pretty versatile as far as options go. Their flatbread pizza seems to be all the rave, so I decided to try one while I was there. Had the pepperoni mushroom flatbread pizza and it was good for what it was. Don't come looking for anything restaurant style; it's definitely bar food quality but still yummy nonetheless. Many of the people that were at the bar seemed to be regulars as everyone knew each other and the bartenders knew most people by name. I chatted up a couple of the regulars and they were quite friendly. Sometimes when I've popped into locals joints, I don't seem to get the friendliest reception. But I didn't get that feeling here at all. It was like everyone knew that I wasn't a regular but they were quick to say hello and embrace my presence. It made me feel instantly comfortable.I also love that this lounge serves a multitude of purpose for the people. I witnessed someone studying, another person reading, a few people watching a football game, a casual meeting amongst friends, and what looked to be a first meeting and/or date. There's no blueprint here and I love that. You come for whatever reason that suits you and there's no judgement for it. Beta also has a great looking happy hour that I need to come back for. It's just an all around laid back place for some drinks and a chill atmosphere. Glad that I came upon this spot and excited to come back again.

Love this place! Perfect for fun hangouts, date nights or solo times. Good food, good drinks and awesome service. Been a favorite spot for about 10 years :