Plus appréciés Vie nocturne à Oakland

Located near the Ashby BART station, Nick's Lounge is a favorite Berkeley spot for those looking to sip on a few cocktails and unleash their inner Whitney Houston. With karaoke every night, this lounge ensures you will hear your fair share of singing, though no one can guarantee if it'll be on pitch or not. For some more... refined performances, Nick's also hosts jazz and East Bay-themed open mic nights to showcase unique local talent.

This is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) gay bars in California. It was a Chinese restaurant in the 1950s and 60s that would close the kitchen and open up the dining room to gay men and lesbians. Nowadays, the egg rolls and mu shu are gone in favor of a neighborhood bar with a friendly, low-key atmosphere, where people come for good conversation and to make a new friend or three. The crowd is a mix of gays and lesbians (although the men sometimes outnumber the women on weekends), comprised of both locals and some college students. Weekends feature a small dance space with hip hop, house and electronica music.

This favorite is full of congenial spirits (both the drinks and the regulars), fish and chips and some of the best in local and Irish bands. Enjoy over two dozen beers on tap, including an impressive selection of local brews and ales, as well as the usual suspects (Guinness, Rolling Rock). There is a small dance floor that fills up during live performances, but also features locals who jump on in for folk dancing. Traditional Irish dance lessons are held on Mondays, and Happy Hour lasts from opening to 7p.

If you are looking to have a relaxed time with your friends then head to the Missouri Lounge. It is basically a live music bar where a number of local musicians perform inside the bar area. There also have seating outside where you could enjoy your drinks in the outdoors. Patrons usually praise the bar for the friendly staff.

One of the newer members of Berkeley's bar scene, Cornerstone is a contemporary watering hole that is believed to serve the city's largest selection of craft beers. Signature beers include the Cider House Black Dog, Alesmith My Bloody Valentine, and Allagash White Ale. Their cocktails are pretty impressive too.