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    Kensington Circus Pub

    3.8 (350 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Kensington Circus Pub Photos

    KENSINGTON CIRCUS PUB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Kensington Circus Pub

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    Our special day at the pub with loved ones!

    I recently held my husband's memorial at the Kensington Circus Pub because it is such a special place in our neighborhood. Scott, the owner, and his staff were phenomenal in helping us with all logistics and set up. I can't say enough about how chill this place has always been-- is a hidden gem here in Kensington. The beers are exceptional, the food has always been great (we love the fish & chips and burgers, and the corn fritters with a beer after a neighborhood walk is pretty much Heaven). Thank you, Scott and staff for creating a relaxed space for all of us to eat, drink and just hang.

    Dog at table! Not a good look.
    Bob F.

    Just saying they can tighten up their table service. I wouldn't want to be the next person there. This "dogs everywhere" thing has gone too far! Otherwise I love the beer, food and ambience.

    Gina G.

    Kensington Circus Pub is such a hidden gem & most certainly one of our favorite neighborhood places to tuck into. It's not only a fun place to watch a game with friends, but also just for date night to cozy up to the bar for comfort food, a cocktail or freshly poured Guinness, and conversation. Love the British pub feel! Food highlights: corn fritters, thick cut fries, the clam chowder, Caesar salad, Shepherds pie, fish tacos, tuna melt, B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato), and thick cut pork chop to name a few. As you can see, we've been eating here for a few years - the food is always consistent, fresh, hearty portions, and honestly there's such a variety it keeps the overall ordering experience just so fun! The servers make you feel like family and the ambience is lively, especially when sports are on or live entertainment (check their website for the event calendar). We recently stopped in on a weekend evening for dessert, drinks, and music. They have what's called "England's most popular sticky toffee pudding" with a tagline that reads "so good that we have it flown in"...omg they aren't joking! It's so delicious - warm, in a bath of butterscotch sauce with vanilla ice cream and whip cream...yum! Can't rave about this community joint enough - with indoor/outdoor seating, kiddo/dog approved, ample areas for street parking, we'll see ya again for tunes and toffee pudding soon!

    Penne Bolognese
    Jules K.

    We stopped here after a long grueling day of competition at Albany HS. Hubs and daughter came here last year and enjoyed the steak. This time we all came and arrived around 8pm on a Saturday and were seated right away. Pub is pretty small and they had a live band playing. Hubs ordered the ribeye, daughter sirloin steak, and I tried the bolognese penne pasta. The pasta had a thick hearty bolognese and it was really good. Both hubs and daughter approved of the steaks. I had a bite and it wad delicious. Not cheap so be prepared but food is solid. Definitely not a place for you if you are looking for a quiet cozy spot but solid food.

    Live band
    Annabelle R.

    A reputable british pub serving some amazing "circus" fish & chips, fries definitely double fried, blackened and crunchy, and the fish flaky and moist, sooo good! I wasn't too big a fan of the tartar sauce here though. We also had the pepe salad, and it was fresh and tasty as well, and large in size, good enough for a filling meal (it better be with the high prices here). We enjoyed live music by the Undertones cover band between 8-10pm, awesome sounds on the electric guitar and bass, drums, and saxophone. They played great songs including Let's Stay Together, Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, and If I Ain't Got You (by Alicia Keys). Along with a really good speaker system and sound quality in the restaurant, this set the mood for the perfect night. With a lovely atmosphere including quirky decor and Beatles posters, 5 large TVs for enjoying sports, plenty of tables as well as bar seating, easy parking across the street, and friendly service, this was a great spot to enjoy a delicious dinner before going to a show later in the evening. Even though the drive here was a bit out of the way for us, it was worth it.

    Ittai S.

    If you live in Kensington, you've likely experienced the charm of the Kensington Circus Pub. Whether you're a regular or just passing through Colusa Circle to pick up some fresh ingredients at the farmers market or treats from Semifreddi's bakery, the Circus Pub is a cornerstone of the community. For 35 years, the Kensington Circus Pub has become a favorite spot for gathering with friends and family. A cross between an American Grill and an English pub they serve classic British Ales and West Coast brew in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The pub's menu is as much a draw as its drinks. While you'll find essential bar snacks like fries and onion rings, the Corn Fritters are a must-try, offering a satisfying balance of sweet and savory. For heartier fare, the Circus Pub features high-quality pasta dishes, along with a tempting array of burgers and sandwiches. However, the spotlight remains on traditional English dishes. Of course, there's the iconic Fish and Chips--made with cod strips deep-fried in a beer batter and available in servings of three to six pieces, perfect for sharing. Other standouts include the hearty Shepherd's Pie, featuring stewed lamb topped with mashed potatoes, tomato-cilantro salsa, and cheese. Another pub crowd-pleaser is the Bangers and Mash, which pairs juicy pork sausages with house-made mashed potatoes and rich gravy. My wife was ecstatic when she saw Sticky Toffee Pudding on the menu. Her favorite dessert it's a moist sponge cake bathed in warm toffee sauce, which restaurants don't often get right. In this case, it satisfied a harsh critic and was a truly comforting end to the meal. Beyond its food and drinks, the Circus Pub thrives as a dynamic music venue. Friday and Saturday nights come alive with an eclectic mix of live music. During our last visit, we were treated to some French Cafe Jazz, with its upbeat accordion and spirited violin, with a few couples getting up from their tables to dance (yes, we were one of them). The events calendar is an exciting showcase of everything from country and rock to blues and bluegrass. Their most popular event, literally called the "Beatles Thingy," is held on the last Sunday of every month. It's an energetic Beatles sing-along where the band and the audience take the stage. I repeat, you can experience live-band Beatles karaoke right here in Kensington. The Kensington Circus Pub is more than just a place to eat and drink--it's a reflection of the community's spirit. At its epicenter is Scott McFadin, who bought the pub in 2012 after spending time as its bartender. Since then, he has worked hard to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment with a staff that combines attentive service with genuine friendliness, and makes everyone feel at home from the moment they walk through the door. Scott's stories about the pub's past also provide a fascinating view into our local history, filled with anecdotes about notable guests, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, members of The Cure, and even Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Did you know Maya Angelou resided a few blocks away on Colusa in the 70s? Whether you're drawn in by the food, the live music, or the history, there's no denying that the Kensington Circus Pub is a quintessential part of life in Kensington. Congratulations and thank you for 35 years of being a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the community comes together!

    Montage of images from Kensington Circus Pub
    Ed U.

    I remember Colusa Circle from years ago when Narsai David had his eponymous restaurant there. Narsai's was a big deal back in the early '80's because he was one of the first chefs to serve California cuisine. As it so happened, this casual, family-friendly eatery would've been next door to it, but it's probably a better fit now for the bedroom community Kensington is. In the mood for comfort food, Jamie W. and I dropped by here after walking up from El Cerrito. It was already pretty busy with several big groups, dog owners, and young parents, some of whom may have been sticking around for the live music scheduled a bit later in the evening. Jamie ordered the $15 Tuna Melt which was stuffed with albacore tuna mixed with mayo. It also featured melted cheddar on grilled sourdough toast. Accompanied by their house-cut fries, it was nicely executed (photo: https://yelp.to/A2XMrF98Ml). I went predictably for the $18 Large Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, and it was pretty standard except for the chicken breast which was generous and succulent (photo: https://yelp.to/Spv2LqNNmq). We didn't stay for the music, but I could see us coming back without hesitation. FOOD - 4 stars...comfort food well turned AMBIANCE - 4 stars...enough room for a lot of locals in here SERVICE - 4 stars...steady servers TOTAL - 4 stars...no Narsai's but good enough RELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

    Entrance way
    Claude H.

    This is a really favorite restaurant. What is there not to like? Welcoming, attentive waitstaff - Warm, no frills, looking exactly like a pub environment - Lots of consistent local clientele - Good, cold, draft beer selection- Decent wine - check (okay, this is one of the few things that could perhaps be better. But this is a nit! What is available works, especially at the price point) Single, couple, family, family with young children, large group friends?- 'em all. Live music- not every night, but Great, wholesome, appropriately hot, or cold, food served at inarguable price points, and done well- absolutely We always enjoys Kensington Circus Pub. It truly has an English feel to it, and we could not be happier with the fare. In particular their steaks are just epicly tender, flavorful, hot and visually appealing. My ribeye last.night was a masterpiece. One of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Just memorable. This with buttery, garlicked mashed potatoes and broccoli meant I was a happy camper. My wife's 4 filet fish & chips (choose how many filets up to six, I believe) were hot, appropriately battered, and served with good fries (chips) and other sides. I hope you'll come here and become part of this restaurant's history, and make it part of yours across the stages of your life.

    The stage is set just as the small children's play area empties. Something for everyone!

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    5 months ago

    7th time. A local bar reminiscent of an Old Englis Pub. Free music from local groups--some of them are very good.

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    7 months ago

    Always a friendly staff, great beer and wine selection, great food! Be prepared for music on Friday and Saturday, it can get crowded.

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    1 year ago

    Best food ever!! Ive been going there for years and it never disappoints! The live music and a glass of IPA always hits the spot.

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    Good food and great entertainment! It is a great place to stop off at after a full day of work .

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Kensington Circus Pub

    Are they open on Thanksgiving?

    Do they take reservations?

    No they don't take reservations except for very very rare occasions, like when they got reviewed for Check Please! Bay Area. For music nights the place sometimes does fill up depending on the artist.

    View All 4 Questions

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    Schmidt's Pub

    Schmidt's Pub

    4.4(240 reviews)
    0.6 miBerkeley Hills
    $

    A must-visit place for anyone living in the area (4/5 Green Stars)…read moreBring cash! That's the first rule of Schmidt's Pub. Maybe it's the only rule! I've been coming here a bit more regularly, lately - more visits in the last year compared to the previous decade, in fact. Now I wonder what I was waiting for. According to the East Bay Express, Schmidt's Pub is "basically your living room, but better" - that does sum it up, except that very few of us have living rooms anything like this, with a cozy fireplace surrounded by comfy armchairs and rustic tables beside sunny windows. Not many of us have living rooms with Old Speckled Hen on tap, or populated with an entertaining parade of quirky folk and friendly dogs. If the people and dogs are not entertaining enough then pick up a copy of Calvin and Hobbes or A History of Clay Pipes (okay, I made that one up) and have a little retreat with a pint. 4/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, based on these factors: * Beer on tap (transported in reusable kegs) has a much lower footprint compared to bottles or cans. * Allows you to bring your own food, which is good for folk like vegans who are often more comfortable with BYO. * The snacks available at the counter could be a bit more Berkeley (or Albany)! They were mostly from big corps - Lays chips (PepsiCo) and chocolate bars from Mars. Would be nice to see a more imaginative/ethical selection. * A great community space with an inclusive atmosphere. Schmidt's is home to many groups (e.g., knitting) and provides a second family for many, some who send postcards from their trips! * Finally, we shouldn't underestimate the importance of having a place to slow down, reflect and connect with each other a little. In that respect, Schmidt's Pub is worth its weight in gold.

    Kicking myself for not coming here sooner! 5 hearts and stars!…read more Neighborhood favorite.

    Photos
    Schmidt's Pub - 02.2023 fieldwork blueberry parfait

    02.2023 fieldwork blueberry parfait

    Schmidt's Pub
    Schmidt's Pub - 02.2023 today's wine menu

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    02.2023 today's wine menu

    The Factory Bar - A view of the patio at the factory bar

    The Factory Bar

    4.0(207 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Looking for a super cool bar in the Richmond area? The Factory Bar is full of Richmond pride,…read morelocated off San Pablo Ave. Upon walking in, your greeted by security carding patrons (it's been a while since I've been carded, haha) and you can begin noticing the nodes to Richmond in art, decor, collectibles, and sips. It was a beautiful weekend evening and we sat in a room adjacent to the main bar in super comfy lounge chairs. This room is where karaoke and other events take place. There's great ventilation, and it's just quite honestly a great space to chill with friends, and also observe all the fun Richmond memorabilia. We also sat in the outdoor space, a super nice garden area that is well-kept and a great option to enjoy on these beautiful sunny days. I had a watermelon margarita and it was so fresh & tasty, I thought it was already summer! Friendly staff and environment filled with regulars and newcomers alike. They seem to have food trucks regularly, and we ordered food to-go from the Brazilian truck outside. Deliciously unique! There's also a few spots nearby you can bring food in from (an ice cream/waffle shop next door and Tacos El Tucan too). We took a ride share, but street parking is available. Looking forward to coming on an event night to catch the local vibes.

    Tried to hang out,…read more Stood still for thirty minutes with dozens of people. Nobody was getting drinks. It's Hard to make money running a bar when you can't pour a drink. Poorly trained, poorly motivated bar tenders. SHYTE OWNER. Predictable results.

    Photos
    The Factory Bar - Back area of the bar at factory bar

    Back area of the bar at factory bar

    The Factory Bar - A good Sazerac

    A good Sazerac

    The Factory Bar - Overflow bar, seating and entrance to the restrooms

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    The Goose & Fern - huge fish and chips - yum

    The Goose & Fern

    4.5(161 reviews)
    44.0 mi
    $$

    We attended their World Cup Final event. The staff handled the large crowd with ease. The service…read morewas exceptional! Fish and chips were delicious! I never waited in the beverage line for more than a few minutes. Food was ordered at the bar and servers ran it out. Several TVs inside along the wall, a large projector screen on the east wall, and a 65" outside all displayed the game. The sound was good too. I had no difficulty hearing the match over the noise of the crowded venue. Water was supplied next to the bar and was self service. It was constantly kept full. I never saw it empty. When the bar served so much it ran out of glasses they already had plastic cups available. Overall, great spot full of great people. Well done.

    My family and I stopped by The Goose & Fern to watch a World Cup match because their website had…read moreadvertised that they'd be showing the game. My wife and I had just visited Abbey Tavern this past weekend, a premier Scottish pub in the City, and we expected a similar atmosphere. However, the moment we showed up, we were met with great disappointment. The Goose & Fern is honestly a terrible place to watch a sports match: there was only a single TV mounted in the back corner of the restaurant, the TV wasn't particularly large, and the speakers had been turned completely off. What a bust. Although the food was decent, especially the Shepherd's pie -- which came piping hot in a small cast iron skillet, the service was downright dreadful and almost non-existent. We never received waters (or were even asked if we wanted beverages), our table wasn't given enough silverware, we were never checked on during the meal, and we were waiting around for 30 minutes twiddling our thumbs before somebody from our party finally went up to try to pay for the check. In hindsight, a tip was not warranted for the lack of service. Overall, Yelp grossly misled me on The Goose & Fern. This is not a spot I would stop by again to watch a sporting match. If you're in this part of Santa Rosa, do yourself a favor and head over to Dave and Busters down the street where they have a bunch of massive screens, tons of beer options, and service that will far surpass what you're getting here.

    Photos
    The Goose & Fern - The Goose & Fern on February 17, 2024

    The Goose & Fern on February 17, 2024

    The Goose & Fern - Shepherds Pie with Braised Beef - Take Away - @rayz

    Shepherds Pie with Braised Beef - Take Away - @rayz

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    Tipsy Putt - chicken, pork, steak, vegan? What's are you getting?

    Tipsy Putt

    4.4(549 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    This was a fun afternoon to spend time with the kiddo and his cousins. The grownups had a couple of…read morebeers and the kids went and played golf and had a blast. The food menu looks a little pricey for what you get so we opted not to eat there. But the beer selection is quite extensive. Seems like a fun place to take the kids for some fun, or have a date.

    If you're planning to host an event, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere. For the amount…read moreof money I spent for a three-hour event for 25 guests, the experience and service we received were extremely disappointing. From the very beginning, the customer service was lacking. Before finalizing my event, I visited the venue in person to ask questions and get a better understanding of the space. The Hispanic male employee I interacted with was unfriendly, unapproachable, and unable or unwilling to answer even basic questions, repeatedly telling me to contact sales. While I understand that sales handles bookings, I expected someone who works at the venue to be able to provide some level of assistance or information. Unfortunately, his attitude remained the same during the event. Several things that had been requested were not set up as discussed, and the overall atmosphere felt unwelcoming. What upset me most was that some of my guests arrived carrying water bottles, and this employee openly told me, in front of my guests, that he would kick us out if he sees outside drinks again. I found this incredibly embarrassing, unprofessional, and completely inappropriate. The experience became so uncomfortable that many of my guests left early. For what was supposed to be a special occasion, the service and treatment we received fell far below expectations. Considering the amount spent, I expected professionalism, hospitality, and a welcoming environment. Unfortunately, we received the opposite. I would not host another event here, nor would I recommend this venue to others looking for a place to celebrate an important occasion.

    Photos
    Tipsy Putt - Free weekly trivia nights. Check out our events calendar for more details

    Free weekly trivia nights. Check out our events calendar for more details

    Tipsy Putt - The pulled pork sliders making me hungry

    The pulled pork sliders making me hungry

    Tipsy Putt - Putt a round, and find out

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    Putt a round, and find out

    Kensington Circus Pub - british - Updated September 2026

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