Kip's

We loved the food, the bartender was amazing, and the chef was awesome. It was 2 guys running the whole show before the Cal game and they killed it. Thanks for a great night!

Good fishbowls and good vibes overall. They have taco tuesday as well, with a $30 margarita fishbowl and $2 tacos. The inside is spacious and actually quite nice which is surprising for a college spot.

How is the worst place I've ever ever been to the service. Not only did I pay more than I should for the common drink at this bar they kicked me out before closing time which is scheduled on their website and they were very aggressive and even called the police on us. This establishment is so unprofessional to the point where their ownership needs to reconsider, their business model. As a manager of the business, the customer service here is not acceptable for any establishment in any state of this country.

Huge line when we arrived and every single person in line looked like they were hardly even 18. They weren't charging cover for the little girls, but everyone else has to pay $20. Seems to be a very honest business model.

Kip's is a classic college drinking spot, and I always have a good time when I come here. If you're looking to party, pre-game, or even post-game after an event, Kips is a great time to drink and spend time with your friends. Sure, it has its occasional frat bros... but that is just part of the college town experience! It's a great time and the bartenders are usually friendly enough.

I get why some folks who visit Kip's leave sub-par reviews, although I do believe part of the disappointment may be in the expectations coming in. If you're looking for high-end service or an immaculately clean bar, this may not be your spot. If, on the other hand, you're looking to let loose and have drinks in a fun environment, find your way over to Kip's.

If you like your privates snipped off, by all means frequent this place. I approached two beautiful women, had a few words with them, and let them go when they were no longer interested in conversing with me. I walked to the dance area to move my body and relieve stress from the work week, and then Chico's (Chico is the bartender) body guard, Marcus, approached me and told me I had to leave. Marcus told me that Chico asked that I leave the premises. When I asked why, Marcus had no real answer. You can make your own speculative answers. Regardless, if you approach women respectfully because you are heterosexual and would like to date women, then do not go to this bar. You will be kicked out of the premises.

Warm Regards,
A.Z.G.

Would definitely recommend their Taco Tuesdays, when they have $2 tacos and $30 margarita fishbowls. You'd probably want at least 3 people to finish a fishbowl. The dance floor's music ranges a lot, mostly pop of course, but I think you can check their Instagram for the music theme that day. They also do no cover on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, and karaoke on Wednesdays and Sundays. Definitely want to try them.

The only con at Kips is that on the busier weekend nights, there tends to be creepy men standing in the sides of the dance floor and just... watching. Kinda strange.

Classic Berkeley bar. Any negative reviews should not be trusted. Kip's is the best.

I only went here in 2011. I thought it was a college bar that had friendly service. It's right down the street from UC Berkeley and by some great restaurants. Might have to check it out again.

Beware of scams that this place is conducting!!!

To summarize why I believe this place is attempting to scam people: I came here and ordered two drinks - one for myself and one for my partner. The bartender proceeded to make three drinks instead of two, and when I told him that I only wanted two, the bartender yelled at me very dramatically and insisted that I pay for all three.
When I refused, he yelled at me more and then told me that I am just drunk and don't know what I asked for. Now that most certainly isn't true, as I hadn't even had a single drink yet. Not very sure how I could've been drunk if I hadn't even had a drink?
He then continued screaming and called over a security guard, who ordered my partner and I to leave.
I didn't even do anything at this point - we just calmly walked out and left, as they continued yelling at us and ordered us to never return.
I can assure you that nothing I ever did warranted any of this behavior.

Warning if you go here: the bartender that did this to me was an older gentlemen that wears glasses. Definitely watch out for him if you do go.
I don't want to read too deeply into it, but I really can't think of any explanation for the way that I was treated by the staff here, except to say that it was homophobia.

Also, the actual bar itself really just isn't that good.
I don't know if they're trying to save money on AC expenses, but it's incredibly humid and stifling hot up there.
Combine that with a space that clearly is not maintained, cared for, or cleaned ever, AND a ridiculously high cover to enter?!
Be my guest if you want to go.

Just know that all of the employees here - security and bartenders alike are all incredibly rude and hostile towards people and are also openly attempting to scam customers, in my opinion.