I have a personal goal to try all the beer places in the East Bay area. I've been to most of the breweries in Berkeley (Gilman, Great Notion, Fieldworks, Headlands), some in nearby cities (Match Point, East Brothers, Fraction), and I've been wanting to check out this taproom because of the good reviews online. I don't consider myself a beer connoisseur, but I like trying different beers and ciders so this place was right up my alley. I had a friend visiting Berkeley from out of town so we came here to hang out and catch up. One thing that stood out to me is this place, because it's a taproom and not a brewery, is open later than the other beer places in the East Bay. Many choices of beer and cider on tap. I tried the ginger peppercorn cider and it was very unique, I've never had a cider like this flavor, it's almost like a cross between ginger beer and cider. My friends enjoyed various beers on tap. The place is pretty small but very clean and cute. I like that you can choose from 10 oz or 16 oz pour, so people like me can try more varieties in smaller portion than just drinking one boring thing. I like variety. The all you can eat popcorn was a hit with our little group. The truffle flavor really elevates the popcorn and it goes well with beer! There's so much free parking in this area at night... super convenient... although it scared me for a minute when I couldn't find my car in the very empty street lot, before I realized I was another block farther down. This area of Berkeley feels pretty safe at night even at 11pm. Good place. I would definitely go again! read more

Came here for a quick little beer and it was exactly what I wanted. Walked in around 3:30pm on a Saturday and the place was so quiet - i loved that! It was the perfect spot to sit and think a bit before planning my next move. The bartender was great and friendly! I ended up with a delicious sour beer and sat and chilled. Cute little 20 minutes spent at Hoi Polloi. I'm sure ill be back when needing a little break from life to sip on a yummy sour. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Menu and a sour beer - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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My local watering hole. Solid beer, great bartenders, but the best part about this bar is the music selection and vibe now that they have the 2nd room. Mid century furniture, perfect lighting, cozy vibes. 10/10 read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is my spot, people you get to know and a real beat lounge. The music selections and truffle popcorn are the perfect accompaniment to their excellent craft beers. They are my fave brewery in all of the many I have traveled to. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Live skratch dj The Friendly Traveler kicken it up! - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I had a mind blowing seasonal Belgian beer here today. The Trappist Single Belgian Ale was beautifully malty, yeasty and something I'd come back for frequently enough to make me an alcoholic. I've been here once before and had an equally memorable pog sour so their rotations are on point. As someone who typically navigates to neipas and hazys, I look to coming here for a reliable change of pace read more

This place is a nice local berkeley spot with a decent variety of beer. It's small inside but they have overflow seating outside. You can bring in outside food. They only have popcorn (read 'only' as buttery salty goodness). You can also bring dogs. It was almost like a dog park the day I came. 4 cute pooches all getting along The bar tender was laid back and kept the glasses full without being intrusive. The vibe was cool jazzy Hip hop. The bathroom was clean. They have chalk and you have the option to draw on the walls. You will probably be able to find a parking space within two blocks. read more

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My husband loved the two beers he tried and they have a really cool interior area as well as plenty of seating outside in a covered area. The bartender said that she had worked for quite a few breweries and the owners are much kinder than most. Great beer and nice people? We support you. read more

Great little place around the block from our Airbnb. Pretty empty on a Friday night but the barkeep said it's happening during the week with lots of locals and regulars. My beers were amazing. My hubby's ciders were the same. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - People's Park beer - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the coolest joint in South Berkeley. Hidden gem with smooth vibes. Plays great low fi music and has a bevy of snacks. The popcorn is awesome! The ppl are cool and the vibes are immaculate. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Their own, Lager and Hazy IPA - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Love this neighborhood gem and worth the visit if you're in Berkeley. Hoi polloi meaning "the many, the masses, the common people.". Next time I'm there, i'm gonna ask who I think the is the owner, and who is usually behind the bar, where that name come from. Over the years, I've come a dozen times and I'm always like, I should be coming here often. But alas, I also have 2 kids, so you get what you get. This tiny little craft brewery, used to brew onsite, but since has moved the actual beer production. It has a nice little l shaped bar, free popcorn, and hip hop. They are usually screening sports on the wall. They have quite a few brews with fun names like "Polar Bear's Toenails Cold IPA" or "Ashbyplatz Bavarian-style Hefeweizen". Not a beer fan? They also have some hard ciders, wines and NA drinks. And wanting to bring a little piece of this gem home? They have cans to-go. Feel free to ask for tastes before you go with your flavor of choice. Mid-week: it's hip hop from the stereo, seemingly weekends there is a dj spinning hip hop. They have a great parklet outside, and the most recent Friday I was there, they had a little local business cooking up tacos and Mexican eats at a table outside. 5 stars all the way for this gem of a taproom. Small, but mighty. read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review of Hoi Polloi yet. This place is effing excellent. There's always something very delicious on tap. I had a dark Belgian ale heer this time and it was so delicious. It's intimate and cozy. They have a nice outdoor seating area but it's a little loud on always busy Alcatraz Ave. there is a nice long bar inside with lots of stools. P.S. you knew that Alcatraz was so named because you could see the famous penitentiary by looking all the way down the street from its higher elevations in Berkeley, right? Check it out. read more

Service is always great here! I love the friendly vibe and the drinks! The popcorn is always a treat!

good beer is good beer and i like the beer that they beer in here lol but no it's a good place and good people. check it out

Can't say I love the beer, do love the free WiFi and chilling with straight ahead jazz in the afternoon on the veranda. Not a huge place obviously a locals watering hole. Enough outdoor area to not feel like delta is gonna get ya. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Easy Creole plus Hoi Polloi = dinner - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place seems like a hidden spot in Berkeley area. Its a small taproom with very cute sitting areas. They have nice variety of beers and the bartender is very kind to explain/ recommend beers to the customers. They don't have much snacks but Ive seen ppl bringing their own food to pair up with the drinks. I really enjoy their beer with the peanut that they serve as snack. It was my second time to visit this place. I would totally go back for a beer. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Kolsh, Running man - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Beer, atmosphere & staff are great. Hoi Polloi is the heart of the neighborhood & I'm so glad it's still around for us to enjoy.

Dope bar with dope drinks (and dope people!). My bf and I had a spontaneous night out here and have nothing but good things to say about Hoi Polloi :-) For COVID safety purposes, staff wear masks and tables are sanitized thoroughly. We Ubered in on a Saturday night and found only 4 other patrons there. Frankly, surprised to find a brewery open after 9. Expect mellow jazz tunes, intimate seating, and friendly staff. We had to try their endless truffle popcorn (now $3, not complimentary)! Perf to snack on with a couple of beers. Their variety is more my speed-- great cider and seltzer options along with solid beers. I couldn't find a recent photo of their current menu; likely that they rotate offerings on a regular basis. My favorites were their raspberry and cherry ciders (name escapes me now...), and my bf enjoyed their People's Park Ale. BONUS: Their bathrooms are immaculate. Covered in chalk art, but literally clean af. For a bar open so late, color me impressed by their hygiene standards. read more

Really great local brewery with some fantastic brews! Got the cherry ale and a nitro stout. Both were really tasty and they had fresh popcorn as well! Great way to get a nightcap or have a small group to hangout at. read more

Great small outdoor space next door to yummy Creole food. Had seltzer, cider and beers. All very good. No tasting menu, but can order smaller pours. read more

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As dinner with friends wound down, we all decided to continue the festivities; hence, we ended up at Hoi Polloi. From the tap selection, I tried the Belgian Trippel (16oz @ $8), smoked wheat beer (16oz @ $6), and Bavarian-style marzen (16oz @ $6). The trippel, while fragrant, did not overdo the sweetness and sharp earthiness I find in other trippels. The smokiness of the wheat beer seemed apparent on the nose and rear of the palate, but seemed subdued in the body of the palate. The marzen tasted a touch richer than medium. Given that everything seemed quite decent and reasonably priced, I would certainly return. read more

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This quaint little bar has a funky yet modern ambiance, and super friendly staff to go along with the wide beer selection. They play some great music and even have a weekly DJ spinning hip-hop tracks on Friday night (forget the exact hours, but the bartender made it sound super fun!). Fantastic spot for audiophiles, beer drinkers, chill folks alike! read more

Hoi Polloi has been on my radar for quite a while, and WHAT A FEELING when you finally get to check out a spot that has been on the list for two years. Let's talk service. OMG, Jorge was the man. Right when my boyfriend and I walked in, he was on it with the greetings, charisma, and knowledge. I'd go back for him! They don't sell taster options, but you can get a full or half pint--whoot. Their beer list is extensive, so I'd suggest going half-size-style until you taste the rainbow that is Hoi Polloi's selection. Jorge explained that the history of Hoi Polloi's brewing started right in their Berkeley tasting room. But demands kept increasing, forcing them to move their brewing efforts outside of their taproom to meet the needs of the beer-lovin'-people! So when you visit the taproom, there aren't any tanks or production tools out. We tried their POG sour ale (very juicy, awesome mouthfeel--I hate sours with a passion, and I'd drink this. Not a lemon-puckery taste at all), Red N Black hazy IPA (my favorite!), Bernia IPA, Fundraiser IPA, People's Park PA, Helles Lager (for my people who don't want something strong, but are also looking for crisp and refreshing), Scotch Ale (quite good! go for it if you want something different), and nitro stout. MAN are they killin' it with the hazy IPA's--giving Barebottle and Fieldwork a run for their money. They have such a list for the millennial drinker, with all of the things that are "trendy" from hazy IPA's to sours and a solid nitro. Thanks for the yummy flavors, Hoi Polloi. Plus, they have strong wifi, consistent themes, a clean unisex restroom, and USB chargers--just bring your cable! What's better is that Jorge the GOAT serves up a hot bowl of truffle oil popcorn (AND free refills without you having to ask) once you get your drink on. Everybody knows popcorn and beer are such a great combo. Live beats don't spin as often anymore, but they spin on "party nights" like Friday/Saturdays I believe. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - They don't do tasters, instead 4oz pours - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Love Hoi Polloi! Never a bad time for a trip to the local watering hole. $3 for bottomless popcorn also a great deal, although not everyone loves the truffle oil. read more

Delicious microbrewery. Local. Open for online orders, delivery and curbside pickup. I love this local watering hole. Their rotating microbrew selection ensures you always have something new to sample. With life feeling too reminiscent of the movie "Groundhogs Day," having new beers is a welcome break from the monotony. Option to order online or in person, curbside. They also deliver if you're feeling lazy ;) So happy they're open and taking orders! I ordered a 4 pack of their red and black lumberjack IPA (not typically an IPA fan, but theirs is refreshing and flavorful without the bitterness of the overhopped, west coast style IPAs you find everywhere else), and 2 oatmeal stouts (not too heavy for late afternoon, summer drinking on the porch). Strongly recommend read more

I had this place bookmarked for years as it looked like a fun spot. One night we went out trying some local brewery spots and Hoi Polloi popped up. The place is small, but cozy and the music was flowing. It was just our kind of spot to talk, enjoy the music and try new different beers. My guy really enjoyed his time here as he was a DJ back in the day and loves trying new beer. There is just a cool, relaxed vibe here that makes this place a unique gem in the East Bay. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

A really great local brewery -- I wouldn't venture out here for the beer but the vibe is excellent. They have some outdoor patio seating and the interior is small, but cozy! read more

Excellent beers on the cheaper side (compared to other local breweries)! Nice and convenient outdoor space. Great service. Highly recommend.

Chill spot. Great beer. Awesome staff. Has a parklet out front for you to enjoy. What more can you really ask for. :D This is a little hidden gem in the Lorin District. Check it out next time you are in the area. read more

Great neighborhood craft beer place. Got the vibe they want to stay under the radar. Wonderful beer selection. Nice indoor seating. Cool outdoor seating available as well. I'll be back. read more

Hoi Polloi Taproom is a great place to hangout, with a large seating area outdoors and inside towards the back, but I can't say I'm a huge fan of their beers. I tried their stout, their hazy and West Coast IPAs, and their barrel aged beer and nothing blew me away. Beers are priced appropriately starting from $6. If you're looking for food to accommodate your beer, you'll have to venture next door to Easy Creole, as your only option here is a boat of peanuts for $1. Parking is pretty limited in this area, so you might end up circling the block a few times before you find something. read more

Fantastic spot with great staff and a good selection of beer! The staff was super accommodating for my partner (who uses a wheelchair) and I. read more

I was out Free Wheeling around in my Whip Black Beauty and felt like a Beer . Hell I always feel like a good beer LOL. I had a Fresh Charge on my Ankle Bracelet so I was good to go . So I check my Trusty Yelp Bookmarks and up Pops Hoi Polloi BrewPub and Beat Lounge . So I rolled there and Stashed my Whip down the Street . No Parking lot. So I rolled in to Hoi Polloi and it was a Packed House. Its a Small Neighborhood Bar . They Serve Beer and Wine . They have Numerous Choices on Beer and 2 House Brewed Beers I Tried Both House Brewed Offings . 1 was a Belgian Style Beer Named after the Warriors - Dubs Beer . This was Very Good and had a Good Taste too it . The Other House Beer was an IPA it was pretty good also . But I preferred the Belgian Styled Beer . One of the Bartenders was the Owner and Brewer . They have a Projection Screen TV for Entertainment . On the Evening I was there they were Showing Andrew Bourdain No reservations I was Enjoying that. Its one of my Favorite shows -What a Dream Job. On Occasions they have a DJ and they play diffenent types of Music depending on the night. Its quite a Social Bar lots of Friendly Folks . I stopped in for 1 beer and almost stayed to Last Call . They serve up a Mean Bowl Of Complimentary Popcorn with Truffle Oil Drizzeled on it . House beers are priced at $5 and and others are $6. I would definitely return if in the area . read more

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Super lowkey taproom with good vibes! Their selection is always on point, as I've been told by beer connoisseur coworkers. I got their red ale, which I enjoyed a lot. They have truffle oil popcorn for drunk munchies!!! read more

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I love the fact this place is tucked away around the corner from a busy street. Turn off, park your car. Lock up your bike. Tie the dog to the street sign in front. Sit at the bar and check out the 17 beers on tap. Four house beers (the brewing equipment is out in the open right in the back. This is legit!) and 13 guest beers. I'm drinking the Hoi Polloi Saison Seche as I write this and if this is anything to go off of, they know what they're doing here. Nice balance between hops and malt. Absolutely perfect for my non-hoppy beer preference. But don't despair! You can get your hop head on here too! While the spot does not serve food, you can literally walk next door, pick up a plate, and carry it back to your seat and continue the party. For convenience they list five restaurants close by where food can be purchased and brought back. So cool! I can't wait to add this to my regular rotation of beer places to visit in the East Bay!! read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - The legit deal. Beer brewing equipment right in back! - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Probably my favorite beer place in Berkeley. Hoi Polloi gives me Brooklyn beer joint vibes, and it's always JUST packed enough. The truffle popcorn goes well with their beers, and I haven't had a beer here that I didn't like. You can bring outside food in, so plenty of Easy Creole floating around. Very friendly bar staff! read more

New favorite Berkeley. Can't believe I've been here for almost 4 years and just went here for the first time. Too bad I found our about being able to bring outside food in only once I got inside. Definitely bringing in some Easy Creole next time around! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with the beautiful and comforting smell of truffle oil popcorn (complementary). Service is wonderful, beer selection is on point, and the vibe is inviting and cozy. I'll be back. Residential parking around. read more

Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge - Love this truffle oil popcorn - Breweries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great but small taproom in Berkeley we'll away from the college crowd. Nice to see a non-IPA heavy menu. I wish they had more taps and room. read more

We tried a couple sour beers over the weekend while sitting outside and eating some food from next door for Berkeley Restaurant Week. The salted plum sour was amazing, and the cherry sour was good too. Both had so much flavor! read more

This is a great neighborhood spot. Respectable beer selection, comfortable atmosphere and DANGGGGGG, the truffle popcorn snack man, so good. I don't live here so I can't speak to it on the reg but I can say I wish I had an intimate local bar like this in San Diego. Try it if you're in the Berkeley area, why not? read more

Great outdoor seating area, delicious beer menu, and dog friendly! A win. I can't wait to go back.