When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Acme Bar & Company
Why Acme Bar & Company is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Acme Bar & Company, located on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California, is a standout neighborhood bar known for its warm, intimate atmosphere and its extensive, expertly curated collection of high-quality spirits. Open since 2002, this venue appeals especially to whiskey lovers and spirit enthusiasts with over 700 bottles on offer, including award-winning whiskeys and mezcal. The bar's cozy setting features a small front bar, tables in the back, and a chalkboard menu listing an impressive variety of drinks that runs the length of the interior. Its friendly, knowledgeable bartenders provide expert guidance on whiskey and spirit flights, making it a welcoming spot for both novices and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Acme Bar & Company is also unique in that it allows guests to bring their own food, pairing perfectly with top-notch drink selections and creating a laid-back yet refined social experience. The establishment's popular cocktails, including the Bourbon Old Fashioned, Manhattans, and Margaritas, are crafted with fresh ingredients and artisanal syrups, ensuring high quality and flavor. The venue’s private enclosed banquet area and outdoor seating options also make it an excellent choice for private events and celebrations. With reasonable prices, a loyal local clientele, and proximity to popular local eateries like Lanesplitter’s Pizza, Acme Bar & Company remains a beloved and vibrant spot to meet up with friends, enjoy fine spirits, and unwind in a comfortable setting.
Here's what people think of Acme Bar & Company
As of recent, Acme Bar & Company holds a 4.4-star rating based on 269 reviews.
Reviews of Acme Bar & Company reveal a strong positive sentiment from patrons who appreciate the bar's knowledgeable staff, exceptional whiskey and spirit selections, and a welcoming ambiance. Regular visitors praise the exceptional quality of the whiskey flights and cocktails, noting the attentive service by bartenders who are both friendly and well-informed. Many highlight the relaxed atmosphere that allows patrons to enjoy conversations without the noise levels typical of larger venues. The ability to bring in outside food adds a versatile and appreciated layer to the experience, especially being close to a popular pizza spot. Positive reviews also emphasize the reasonable prices, well-crafted classic and original cocktails, and the overall vibe that blends intimacy with casual sophistication. On the other hand, a minority of less enthusiastic feedback points to occasional waitstaff distancing or a feeling that the venue can be a bit small or crowded during busy times. However, these critiques are relatively infrequent and often counterbalanced by the quality of drinks and the friendliness of the staff. In summary, Acme Bar & Company is widely regarded as a hidden gem in Berkeley’s bar scene, offering top-tier spirits, great service, and a unique, cozy environment that caters well to both casual visitors and serious whiskey aficionados alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Maya Kay
I really love this bar! They have 4 different indoor and outdoor areas perfect for any occasion! Happy hour is everyday 3pm to 6pm! They have drinks that come with characters which I love!
Clayton Summitt
I have been here 3 times now. First time I didn't stay, too loud on a Friday night and it was busy, not the vibe I was looking for. I have been with friends and my spouse, feels like a better friend spot than date night unless you want something less romantic. Overwhelming whisk(e)y selection, and that is nice. Staff are super friendly and make good drinks. Not a large beer selection, but what they do have is good. Happy hour deals are killer.
Dave Timmons
Around six months before we got married in Berkeley in August, we started reaching out to possible welcome party venues for the night before the big day. We wanted to find a place that would allow for outside food at a reasonable cost, provide quality drinks for a fair price, and has a nice access-controlled event space on premises. As someone who has run a number of large events previously, I know well that this task can be somewhere between tough and impossible. The minute one uses the term “wedding” to any vendor, costs can go way up. Or venues can charge exorbitant fees for space reservations, or have minimum spends that are crazy. And, honestly, it is really hard to simply find venues that allow for outside food. So we started the search, and emailed venues throughout the East Bay area (Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, Alameda), At first, the only possible venues I could find were craft brewing establishments. The one with the best location for us charged a lot for space reservation, and for a space that was not access controlled, and without our own dedicated bar. So, in effect, we would be paying thousands for a craft beer spot to a few “reserved” signs on some random tables for us. Suffice to say, we were starting to get discouraged. Then, after another internet search, I found a listing for Acme Bar in west Berkeley. Having never been there before (it has been a few years since I have lived in the East Bay), I asked around and realized that it’s a pretty cool bar with good service and great drinks. We checked in out in person, and was pretty impressed with the available event space. But our greatest surprise was when we actually emailed Acme, and got to know the owner of the bar. She must have had a previous life as an event planner or something, cause she was amazing. The prices she quoted were quite fair, and she helped identify possible outside food vendors that met our needs. She helped arrange special drinks for our event, which ended up being really tasty. The beer selection we ended up having was top notch as well, as was the wine selection. We arranged for our own dedicated space on a Friday evening, with our own bar. She helped identify our needs for us, and went out of her way – along with her great staff – to ensure we had a great event. Some of my friends are quite experienced with events, and others are pretty hard to please, and everyone had a great time. The price quoted was on target, and there were absolutely no surprises, price-wise. I have never been more satisfied with a venue, or had a better event for the price. Working with Acme was, in two words, both fair and fun. We highly recommend working with them – you will not be disappointed.
P. I.
While looking for a place to learn how to enjoy whiskey, I stumbled upon this place, for the second time, (forget what it was 30 years ago) Is the epitome of a warm cozy spot. Super friendly staff, informative about whiskey, great clientele, and decent prices all make for one great experience. I will be back!
John Ferraro
One of the biggest Whiskey selections in the bay, if you’re looking to try old Carter, Michters, Parker‘s, old Fitz and many more. Great spot!!
How to reach Acme Bar & Company
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Why Acme Bar & Company may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Acme Bar & Company with your friends? Because this is not just any ordinary bar—it’s a spirited and intimate neighborhood haven that offers a vibrant social atmosphere rooted in quality and camaraderie. Whether you're planning a low-key evening with close friends or a lively group gathering, Acme Bar & Company provides the perfect balance of welcoming ambiance and exceptional drinks to create lasting memories. From its extensive award-winning whiskey and mezcal collection to knowledgeable bartenders who cater to novices and connoisseurs alike, this bar invites you and your friends to embark on a unique tasting adventure. You won’t find generic bar fare here; instead, there’s thoughtful curation with a laid-back vibe that encourages conversation, laughter, and connection. It’s a place where quality meets social warmth, making it ideal for gatherings that value both good company and a refined drinking experience. Friendly staff, comfortable seating, and an atmosphere that is both lively and unpretentious make Acme Bar & Company a rally point where friends can truly unwind together.
What activities make Acme Bar & Company ideal for a group meetup? First, the bar specializes in high-quality spirits with an emphasis on whiskey and mezcal, boasting a collection of over 700 bottles curated over two decades. The bar offers whiskey and spirit tasting flights served on custom-made boards, allowing groups to share and savor a variety of flavors in a relaxed but sophisticated setting. These flights serve as an excellent interactive activity where everyone can explore new tastes and learn from expert bartenders who provide detailed insights and personalized recommendations. Aside from tastings, Acme’s cocktail menu features classic favorites like Bourbon Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Margaritas carefully crafted for maximum enjoyment. The bar’s casual yet intimate layout—with a bar area up front and seating in the back—facilitates easy conversation, ensuring groups can comfortably chat without shouting over loud music or crowds. Plus, the atmosphere is enhanced by interesting memorabilia, adding character to the space and sparking conversation starters. All these elements together make it a natural gathering spot for friends and family who appreciate quality drinks, engaging experiences, and a welcoming environment.
Why is Acme Bar & Company perfect for hosting lively social gatherings? The environment at Acme strikes a rare and enjoyable balance between being energetic yet never overwhelmingly crowded or noisy, allowing meaningful interaction among friends. It caters mostly to patrons aged 30 and over, providing a mature crowd that appreciates well-crafted drinks and good conversation. The bartenders are experienced and friendly, knowledgeable enough to help guide your group through the diverse liquor lineup, and well-versed in cocktail preparation with swift, attentive service. Owner Jennifer Seidman, a seasoned hospitality professional and certified sommelier, has invested great care into the bar’s beverage program, ensuring quality without sacrificing speed or efficiency. The welcoming neighborhood vibe encourages repeat visits, making it a dependable spot to build group routines or celebrate special occasions. With historic references in its name offering both a sense of fun and a nod to reaching the “highest point” of craft, Acme Bar & Company becomes more than a bar—it becomes a shared destination for friends to rally.
What kind of drinks and food options enhance your group’s experience at Acme Bar & Company? The true highlight is undoubtedly the extensive whiskey and mezcal collection recognized nationally among the top bourbon bars in the U.S. This allows your group to indulge in rare and popular selections, perfect for sharing or sampling over a night out. Cocktails like the Bourbon Old Fashioned have been signature staples since opening, crafted with care and consistency. Aside from drinks, the bar has a unique relationship with nearby Lanesplitter’s Pizza—just 150 feet away—and allows guests to bring pizza in, giving groups a delicious food option without leaving the premises. This one-of-a-kind convenience enhances the social atmosphere, turning the bar into a flexible venue for lively, casual dining paired perfectly with spirits. The combination of carefully crafted cocktails, quality spirits, and tasty food options makes it a distinctive and satisfying place for groups who want fun late-night gatherings with great flavors.
How does Acme’s ambiance and customer service contribute to group enjoyment? The decor leans towards a friendly, corner or dive-bar style rather than a flashy, overly designed space, creating a cozy yet vibrant environment where groups feel at ease. Interesting memorabilia adorns the walls, serving as conversation pieces and adding a personal touch to the surroundings—ideal for breaking the ice or sparking nostalgia. Despite being busy, the space never feels overly crowded or noisy, which is essential to a positive social experience. Staff members are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and efficient service, always ready to answer questions or recommend specific drinks tailored to your group’s tastes. This genuine hospitality ensures everyone feels welcomed and attended to, increasing satisfaction and encouraging longer stays. The collective effect of warm service and inviting ambiance transforms Acme Bar & Company into a social hub where groups can relax, reconnect, and enjoy each other’s company in a lively but comfortable setting.
Why do repeat customers and locals recommend Acme Bar & Company for group meetups? Many patrons return for the consistent quality in drinks and atmosphere, highlighting the bar’s welcoming vibe and excellent service as major draws. The intimate size of the establishment prevents it from ever feeling overwhelming, while still offering a dynamic experience suitable for various social occasions—from casual meetups to celebratory events. The presence of a mature, friendly crowd creates a relaxed mood, perfect for conversation without the excessive noise common in larger bars or clubs. The option to enjoy tasting flights encourages a shared activity that fosters bonding and discovery among friends, setting it apart from typical bar experiences. Moreover, the flexibility to bring in food from nearby helps groups stay longer and enjoy a full evening without interruption. Taken together, these factors explain why Acme Bar & Company remains a favorite among locals and a trusted choice for anyone looking to host a memorable and enjoyable group gathering.
In summary, Acme Bar & Company excels at hosting group meetups by combining an exceptional, award-winning spirits selection with a casual yet intimate atmosphere and stellar customer service. It offers a unique experience where groups can explore quality whiskeys and cocktails together in a cozy, lively setting enhanced by personal touches and a neighborhood feel. With thoughtful beverage curation, friendly bartenders, flexible food policies, and an environment designed for meaningful socializing, it stands out as a top destination to rally friends and family for good times and great memories.