This is one of my favorite bars for the past 15+ years (I will count the years when it was Kitty's). Great drinks, great service, great vibes. In an old workshop space with high ceilings, the interior has plentiful windows and opens to the patio seating, making this a very sunny bar before sunset. It feels like a party. The outdoor area is a mini oasis in this industrial pocket between Berkeley and Emeryville (near Ashby Lumber and Urban Ore). You can't go wrong with any of their special cocktails, and the bartender helped me choose something once when I forgot my glasses. They are a little pricey, but good and generous. The vibe feels hip and cool yet open to all. read more

Save water, drink tequila. We tried finding a nearby cafe to kill time but every one of them was busy with no seating. So here I am, sipping on Fortaleza Blanco ($19).... *Cheers* to the Sunday scaries and Monday hangxiety! O T H E R I N F O * HH Specials: Tuesday - Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm and all day Sunday. * Bring your own food. They also have chips and tamales for purchase. * They have a bottle shop next door where you can find small-batch, hard to find spirits. * Hip, industrial vibes with indoor seating and a covered patio. * Well-behaved, leashed dogs allowed in the patio. * There's a spacious lounge area inside that's perfect for large parties and available to reserve. * Plentiful of street parking. read more

Prizefighter - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda + Ginger Beer ($19) - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

Came here for the first time during my friend's bachelor party, and I have to say -- the vibes were immaculate. The crowd was friendly, the atmosphere was welcoming, and as a minority, I still felt comfortable here. Security at the front was super chill and made a great first impression for someone visiting for the first time. I decided to try the espresso martini, and unfortunately it just wasn't for me. It tasted very vodka-forward, and I was expecting a smoother balance with more coffee flavor. Definitely not my favorite drink of the night, so I probably wouldn't order it again. Expresso martini- 1/5 That being said, I'd still come back for the energy and overall experience alone. Stars are based on overall experience. read more

An amazing cocktail bar tucked away in Emeryville! Its a great vibe - dim lights, boxing theme, good service, variety of cocktails and a wonderful outside patio space. I always look forward to coming back here when I'm in the area. read more

I've been coming to Prizefighter for years and it never disappoints. The whole staff is always friendly, but I want to give a special shoutout to Martin and Armando for the consistently great service, they really make you feel welcome. The drinks are top-notch and recently I tried the tamales, absolutely delicious! The location is perfect, always comfortable, and it never feels overcrowded. Prizefighter is one of those spots you can keep coming back to again and again, highly recommend! read more

If you're looking for a good, chill vibe... this is your place. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, the bartenders have great energy and the drinks were delicious. I think I paid a little over $100 (including tip) for three rounds of drinks for two. My type of vibe. Clean, good energy, good customer service, great drinks and out the way, just how I like it. I'll definitely be back. read more

I came here on a date over the weekend and we had a great experience! We both had the spicy watermelon margaritas and they were really good! Super refreshing and not too sweet. They have great indoor and outdoor seating options, and super clean restrooms. All of the employees we encountered were super friendly too. I'm not in this area very often, but next time I'm there I'd love to come back! read more

Great vibes, amazing staff and always a good time! Highly recommend stopping in a for drink or two. Prizefighter is awesome! read more

Such a fun spot with an expansive patio. Had a delicious shrub; they also have other non-alcoholic cocktails. I also loved the pork tamale, which hit the spot on a chilly night. read more

Prizefighter is a gem of a bar. It has a friendly vibe and delicious drinks. Very low key and fun spot

Dogs indoors drinking out of the human cups, so ick . None of the five staff intervened. I had to go to and ask the staff to intervene and give these guys a dog bowl, it was gross. Otherwise I like this place a lot but from now on, I'm taking my own water bottle. Health and sanitation matter to me, and accommodating dogs is getting out of control. read more

Prizefighter - Dog drinking out of human water glass - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

The service at the Prizefighter is always excellent. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. One thing I love about this place is how spacious and open the interior areas are. I've never been on a Friday night, but maybe they have it setup like that because people start to dance. I like how the tables are spaced and you can actually have a convo without it being too loud. The patio is great if the weather is warmer. They did a wonderful job building the outdoor area out. I've never tried any of the food items here, but the cocktails are great. With tax and tip, a craft cocktail runs about $18. read more

Quality drinks. They make them all even some of their own special creations. The vibe is cool - inside or outside. Bartenders are attentive and knowledgeable. read more

Prizefighter - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

Sorta a ritzy bar. It's located right near where Emeryville starts. The last time I was a patron was in 2014. Everyone was having a good time consuming things when I was here. The prices are a little much, but you should try it. read more

Still very relevant in 2026. I love the drinks, ambiance and staff at Prizefighter! Thanks Prizefighter!

Came here on a Friday night; the bouncer checked IDs at the front and then let us in right after confirmation of our age. It was full of people but not packed to the point of no sitting space. We ordered a couple drinks, all of which were good. I got the pink cashmere, which tasted like a strawberry milkshake and lemon drop, which tasted like a lemonade with sugar rim. The vibe is super chill and not too loud so you can talk without having to scream at the other person. There's a ton of seating inside and outside the bar, which is nice. There's space heaters outside in case you're cold. The prices were pretty typical for cocktails. I would recommend coming here if you're looking for a chill spot for date night or catching up with friends and good, reasonably priced drinks. read more

Prizefighter - Lemon drop - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

Very simple: go to this place, order the Clarified Piña Colada, and sip. You'll understand. Ambience is great. The people are cool. read more

Cute drinks! Location seems pretty sketchy since there's nothing else around, but that meant easy street parking right in front. Pretty extensive list of drinks to choose from. I opted for the Pink Cashmere and it was so tasty! Definitely a good drink if you're into sweet cocktails. Didn't stay too long but it seemed like an overall cool place to hang out with lots of seating both indoor and outdoor on their patio. read more

I've apparently been living under a rock because I had no idea cocktail bars were so popular! We were lucky to find parking right across the street and walked right in to catch a pre dinner cocktail. I ordered the margarita de tamarindo and the bartender made it right away. The cocktail was HEAVY on the tamarind (which was why I got it) and was a good twist on your traditional cocktail. I really enjoyed the boxing theme that was woven throughout the bar and the indoor and outdoor seating were spacious. read more

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This bar was a pleasant surprise. There was a certain vibe that I was looking for and this spot was exactly it. The spot: Randomly located in an industrial area which makes it pretty unique. When we arrived, they had a guy checking ID's. The patio was pretty awesome with lights, plants, and had about 6-7 tables with chairs. Pretty dope space and felt very cozy and welcoming. They were playing hip hop music during the first 2 hours we were there, it was pretty great vibes for an early Saturday evening. Dog friendly bar. The indoor space is pretty big with a handful of tables and a long bar with barstools. The bar is stacked with a huge variety of liquors. It was quite overwhelming, but also pretty exciting because they were nothing short of a variety of delicious handmade specialty cocktails that could be made. Restrooms were gender neutral and appeared to be pretty clean. They only had an air hand dryer, which are not my favorite. They didn't have paper towels, so I had to use my shirt to open the door after washing my hands. Parking: There's plenty of street parking. Not too much street traffic, so parking didn't appear to be an issue. The service & drinks: The bartenders were very friendly and attentive. They made some pretty amazing drinks too. I tried the Margarita de Tamarindo with Mezcal, it was fire. The drink was flavorful, I just wish it was rimmed/garnished with something creative to elevate the flavors. The Prairie Artisan Ales Slush was a great sour, with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus. The liquor/drink menu is almost 40 pages long, with some very unique and specialty options. So they have something for every palate. They also have some good beers available too. Food: They have $4.50 tamales. Who doesn't love tamales and a nice cocktail. They had a meat and a vegetarian option available. Which both sounded amazing, unfortunately we didn't try them. Definitely next time! Overall, this bar is fantastic! If you're in the area, you'll definitely want to check it out. It's a quick drive from the Emeryville hotels and a quick find from the freeway. read more

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Everything about this spot is right. Beautifully created cocktails with in house made syrups and bitters. High end alcohol. Yum. Very very good. I used to work around the corner and went there regularly. Staff is awesome. read more

Bonafide bar and lounge with a covered patio area. Great drinks. Nice bartenders. Couches if you want a more cozier setting. Good for dates. Bathrooms were clean. I would definitely go back. read more

Prizefighter is a nice spot for happy hour after work, especially when the weather is nice outside! They have a small outdoor patio with a number of benches, which is great for socializing. Personally, I feel like their drinks are a bit watered down with tons of ice, but the happy hour prices are decent so it's fine I guess. I got a sangria and a jalapeño tequila cocktail. They make their sangria here with rose, which I don't like quite as much as the typical red wine sangria. The tequila cocktail was much better and definitely had a strong jalapeño flavor! read more

Great patio, disappointing service. Came by after work with a friend for some pre-dinner cocktails. I ordered a Rosalita and my friend had a Manhattan. We sat on their outdoor patio by the space heater; which made it very comfortable despite the cold temperatures. Unfortunately, I had my cocktail taken away by an overly-industrious server who cleared our table even though I had only take a sip of two of my drink! By the time I called out that I was not finished, be had already put his hand in my glass and walked to the next table :/ When you're paying $14 for a signature cocktail and only get a few sips, it's disappointing. Would recommend that staff ask before taking glasses. read more

Prizefighter - Botanist gin and tonic - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Tasty cocktails with a cool ambiance. Huge variety of spirits and beers, would come back for sure.

Great drinks! We brought our own burrito takeout and had a great time with friends on the patio.

I wanted to get some drinks with some friends and Prizefighter has a great outdoor pad if you're looking for some socially distanced fun. It was super easy to make a recommendation for either indoor or outdoor seating, which I would recommend especially for the weekend. As of October 2021, they were also checking for vaccination cards regardless of where you are sitting. I ordered the Myth of Fingerprints (Vodka, Watermelon, Lime, Cappelletti, Salt) and their special for the night which was a special Daiquiri. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but I thought they were delicious and not too sweet. I love how you can watch them make the drink at the bar and how beautiful they all turn out. I also tried a cheese (vegetarian) tamale and it was pretty good. Definitely a nice snack when drinking. As a bonus, there's a bunch of free street parking nearby and tons of places to eat in walking distance! read more

Prizefighter - Myth of Fingerprints (Vodka, Watermelon, Lime, Cappelletti, Salt) - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

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It was my husbands birthday and we like finding new spots off our normal routine! We found this place, a welcoming bar. Melissa, the bartender, was so sweet and talked to us about what we do (teachers). She served us quickly and checked in with us often! Although it was Sunday, soon after we arrived a few groups showed up but it didn't make it too loud to talk to each other. We enjoyed our experience here and would come back again! Thanks Melissa for your wonderful service! read more

Great indoor and outdoor space in a prime East Bay neighborhood. The bartenders here are very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend this location for a beverage before or after dinner. We will keep coming back for sure. read more

Cool spot for cocktails, especially since there aren't that many places in this neighborhood. Would come back to get a drink here but wouldn't go out of my way. Cocktails are good but not amazing - they try! Just not as good as north light in temescal or Comal in downtown Berkeley They serve some food but not a lot. Tried the tamales which they microwave for you and give you some sauce. It's not bad but not great Nice indoor and outdoor seating. Plenty of parking available in the area Nice bartenders / service read more

Can't believe I only discovered this place now. Excellent foot and great service. Also on the weekends they do shows for kids, last week they had a magician and it was a blast. Very nice atmosphere and very good food read more

One of my favorite cocktail bars in the east bay and what makes it is the bartenders? They are super attentive and seem to enjoy working here, the atmosphere is casual but the ambiance is pretty up there with SF If not better. read more

Great drinks and chill ambiance. Indoor and outdoor seating. The bartenders are pretty cool to talk to and hang. There is a pizza shop across the street that is pretty good and will deliver to Prizefighter any time! Not a lot of other stores around, mostly apartments and industrial area. read more

What a hidden gem! This is a great bar in Emeryville with indoor and outdoor (covered) space. It's been around for sometime but surprisingly this was my first time here. We didn't need a reservation and just walked in (they do check IDs at the entrance). I enjoyed the Pink Cashmere drink (it's like the Starbucks pink drink, but with alcohol!). My fiancé also enjoyed his bourbon drinks. I think their specialty cocktail menu was a bit small but luckily I really loved the Pink Cashmere so was happy with my drink. We enjoyed watching the Warriors game here, and overall the spot didn't get too loud - it's nice to be able to hear the people you're with! They had a small menu, including tamales, which my fiancé enjoyed as a quick bar snack. Big plus is that they allow dogs - our dog enjoyed greeting people as they entered. The bartender was gracious in giving our dog a water bowl as well! Looking forward to going back here soon! read more

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Fancy drinks, clean spaces with social distancing, good music...this place has a lot to offer! I ended up here after a late movie (with social distancing). We were looking for a place that stays open past 8PM - which is near impossible during this pandemic. So imagine our excitement finding a place that's open and has so many cool options. I ordered a specialty cocktail from the menu and my friend ordered an old fashioned. Both were great - in presentation, taste and reasonably priced. Vibes! read more

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This place is such a hidden gem! Had a great night here with my friend. The outside patio is so pretty decorated with all the twinkle lights, covered and warmed up with tall heaters everywhere. Luckily California doesn't get too cold in the winter to dine outside! You scan the QR Code at your table and order off your phone. The pork tamales (which you had to order if you were getting a cocktail, but who's complaining?) were delicious and warm, I definitely demolished three. And the drinks were made really well! Strong and sweet/flavorful depending on what you got. Highly recommend the Democrat with bourbon, lemon, peach and honey if you like it sweet. Or the Mexican/Oaxacan Firing Squad if you love pomegranates but with a bit of tart. Haha I enjoyed both! Would definitely come back here. Nice service, cool atmosphere and most importantly, really great drinks! read more

Prizefighter - The Democrat - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Pretty place. Nice decor. As an old Golden Gloves boxer, I enjoyed the theme. It's too expensive, though. A beer and a shot of well tequila cost me almost $19. I can sort of understand expensive cocktails because they require skill and quality hooch, but a beer and a shot of cheap tequila shouldn't cost that much. read more

Prizefighter is a place we used to visit somewhat frequently, but stopped when we had to stop/cut back on drinking. We were in the area recently and popped in, and were delighted to see that they have a large nonalcoholic section! While that's becoming more common, it's rare that you see it this large. We tried one alcoholic drink, and the two top mocktails, and they were all delicious. Thanks for having good N/A options and mocktails, Prizefighter! read more

Prizefighter - The nonalcoholic section of the Prizefighter menu - Bars Near Me - Emeryville, California

Our group of 20 enjoyed the spacious patio with heaters. Mac the Host greeted us (carded us) with a friendliness that set the tone for a very happy Happy Hour. All the drinks were delicious, including the whiskey sour and pitcher of lager. We loved the pizza from Rotten Pizza just down the street. read more

Have been here quite a few times for after-work gatherings. Prizefighter is a (mostly) outdoor bar with good tunes and an impressive cocktail menu (lots of classics plus a page of signature drinks). Service has always been friendly, and they are pretty accommodating to large groups. This place is also pet friendly, so there are usually a few dogs in sight. Overall, Prizefighter has a good ambiance and is worth checking out if you like unique cocktails. I just wish they'd add more food items to their menu. read more

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