When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music
Why Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music in Berkeley, California, offers an exceptional venue for friends to gather and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with craft beer, live music, and delicious food. Spanning over 13,000 square feet, this expansive venue features two full bars and 42 beer taps, providing an extensive selection of craft beers that appeal to both casual drinkers and aficionados. With two stages hosting live musical performances regularly, Cornerstone creates a dynamic and engaging environment where patrons can experience the energy of live entertainment alongside their meals or drinks. The beer garden patio, complete with cozy fire pits, offers a comfortable outdoor space perfect for socializing in a lively yet relaxed ambiance. The kitchen offers a menu inspired by rustic comfort food, thoughtfully crafted to complement the diverse beer selection and satisfy a variety of tastes. Open daily from late morning to late night, Cornerstone provides flexible hours for meetups at any time. Its location on Shattuck Avenue makes it easily accessible within downtown Berkeley, adding to its appeal as a convenient and exciting destination. Overall, Cornerstone’s combination of high-quality craft beers, live music events, generous spaciousness, and a thoughtfully curated menu make it an ideal place to reconnect with friends, celebrate special occasions, or enjoy a memorable night out.
Here's what people think of Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music
As of recent, Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1723 reviews.
Reviews from patrons consistently highlight Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music as a lively and enjoyable venue. Many guests praise the energetic atmosphere, noting that it’s a fun and vibrant spot, especially suited for those who love craft beer and live music. The spaciousness and design of the venue, including the outdoor beer garden with fire pits, receive positive mentions, as it creates a pleasant environment for social gatherings. Several reviews commend the extensive selection of over 40 craft beers and the quality of the rustic comfort food menu. Visitors often comment on the friendliness of the staff and the variety of live music performances, which add to the overall engaging experience. On the other hand, some reviews point out that the venue can get quite loud, which occasionally makes conversation difficult, especially during popular live performances or busy nights. A few patrons mention that the noise level and crowd size might not suit those seeking a quieter environment. There were also occasional remarks about wait times for drinks or food during peak hours. In summary, while Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music is widely appreciated for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and live shows, potential visitors should be aware that it is popular and lively, which may impact quieter socializing. Still, the majority of feedback is very favorable, confirming Cornerstone as a standout entertainment and social venue in Berkeley.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Max Kay
It's a large venue with full bar and restaurant with many screens and projectors around. Great for sport watching, groups, casual hangouts and meetups. There are big runs for private parties with screen in the back. Not kids friendly on busy game days but could still be nice on regular days! Service is great with many responsive attentive staff. Foods are pretty good American style. I'd recommend burger, fries, sausage, tri-tips sandwich, pulled pork, etc pretty much everything is good after couple pitcher of good beer 🍻😀
Rob Anthony
This place has a cool, laid-back vibe with a spacious bar and restaurant area, plus a separate room for live shows. They also have a sweet outdoor patio. Definitely recommend this spot.
Jamie Chan
We ate before our concert at the same venue. The Pot Pie was good. Charcuterie is standard, no complaints. Cocktails are decent and the service was fast despite it being a pretty crowded space. No reservations for groups smaller than 10 but we came in around 8 ish and there was room to sit for two of us by the bar immediately. Four cocktails and the food pictured only came out to $100. We will be back for snacks and drinks before our shows for sure.
Jeff Laprade
Joseph really took care of us, we had a huge party of around 30 people and we were sat and served in a very timely manner. Food was amazing, beer was even better! And they had wonderful N/A options for our non boozers. We will for sure be back!!
Cassidy Williams
The food was flavorful and creative with plenty of gluten free options. I didn't try any of the alcohol since I'm sober now for 5 years, but I know they have a lot of beers on tap. We also saw a concert here and the sound quality was great. There was a large floor space for standing room, which was quite spaceous, and a balcony. My group and I saw MadNES, Powerglove, and Galactic Empire, and this was one of the coolest, most entertaining shows I've ever seen. We had a blast!
How to reach Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music
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Why Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music with your friends? Because it offers the perfect blend of vibrant social energy, great craft beers, and exceptional live music — all set within a spacious, welcoming environment. This East Bay gem in Berkeley is more than just a bar; it immediately feels like a community hub where friends and families can gather for fun, relaxation, and memorable experiences. The venue boasts over 13,000 square feet of carefully designed space, including two full bars, 42 beer taps showcasing an extensive selection of craft brews, and a large outdoor beer garden with fire pits that create a cozy ambiance even on cooler evenings. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply enjoy delicious comfort food paired with drinks, Cornerstone offers a menu crafted to complement its brews. It’s the kind of space that naturally encourages group interaction and enjoyment, with comfortable seating, lively music stages, and room to mingle. The fact that it’s rated 4.5 from over 1,700 reviews speaks volumes about its quality and appeal. In short, Cornerstone is a dynamic destination that turns any meetup into a memorable celebration, making it ideal for gathering with friends or family.
What kinds of activities can groups enjoy at Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music? Cornerstone is uniquely equipped to entertain a diverse crowd with overlapping offerings that cater to multiple interests. The primary draw is, of course, its extensive craft beer selection sourced from 42 taps, providing a wide variety of local, regional, and specialty brews. Friends can explore flight tastings or simply relax with pints while enjoying each other’s company. Beyond drinks, the full-service kitchen provides rustic comfort food designed to satisfy diverse palates, perfect for sharing dishes among your group. The live music aspect is a major highlight: with two stages inside the venue, there’s almost always a performance scheduled, ranging from emerging bands to larger acts. This means you can enjoy high-quality concerts without leaving the venue, making it a lively spot for music lovers. The outdoor beer garden, complete with fire pits, is another coveted space where groups can unwind in a relaxed atmosphere after or between shows. Together, these activities make Cornerstone a multi-dimensional entertainment hub suitable for day-long or evening gatherings.
Why is Cornerstone particularly well-suited for group meetups and social events? Its layout and amenities are clearly designed with social interactions in mind. The sheer size of the space — over 13,000 square feet — allows groups both large and small to find room to socialize without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. Multiple bars and stages mean shorter wait times for drinks and entertainment options, perfect for keeping the energy up during group events. The outdoor beer garden is a coveted space not only for its ambiance but also for offering a quieter spot compared to the indoor venue, ideal for catching up or celebrating special occasions such as birthdays or reunions. The menu’s emphasis on hearty, shared comfort food encourages communal dining, which naturally fosters bonding. Plus, the venue’s location on Shattuck Avenue places it just a few blocks from public transport options, making it easy for everyone to arrive and depart safely. This combination of accessibility, thoughtful space design, and versatile entertainment makes it an exemplary location for gatherings of friends and family.
How does the live music experience enhance a meetup at Cornerstone? Live music is integral to Cornerstone’s identity and a key pull for those looking to socialize with a soundtrack. The venue hosts regular concerts featuring a wide range of musical styles, from indie rock and garage bands to special theme nights like '90s and 2000s R&B and hip-hop nights. These events provide not just entertainment but a shared experience that can boost group cohesion and create lasting memories. With two fully equipped stages, the venue can support simultaneous performances or seamless transitions between acts, ensuring the music never stops and there’s always something fresh to enjoy. Concertgoers can also take advantage of dedicated seating areas, coat check during colder months, and earplugs available for purchase, enhancing comfort and accessibility for all. Post-show, the rear lounge and courtyard remain open, allowing your group to relax and discuss the performances over a drink and good conversation. For music lovers in groups, this makes Cornerstone an ideal spot to combine socializing with high-quality live entertainment.
What makes the food and drink selection at Cornerstone ideal for groups? Cornerstone’s food and drink offerings are designed to satisfy diverse tastes and fuel long social gatherings. The two full bars serve up 42 craft beers on tap, from local favorites to unique house-made cocktails, ensuring that everyone in your group can find a drink that suits their preferences. Whether you are a craft beer aficionado or prefer cocktails or non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone. The menu features rustic comfort food carefully crafted to complement the drinks, specializing in shareable plates that encourage group dining. This allows friends and family to sample a variety of tastes and share favorites — a perfect recipe for lively, communal meals. Additional amenities like the option to order food to-go and bring it into the venue provide flexibility for larger groups who want to tailor their experience. The combination of quality craft drinks, delicious food, and flexible service modes enhances the overall meetup experience at Cornerstone.
How accessible is Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music for guests using public transportation or driving? The venue is highly accessible, making it easy for groups to arrive without hassle. Located at 2367 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley, it sits just three and a half blocks away from the BART station, one of the Bay Area’s main public transit options. This proximity encourages guests to use public transportation, which is especially convenient when enjoying craft beers and live music. For those driving, several parking lots are within walking distance, and the venue’s website provides detailed parking recommendations to minimize the stress of finding a spot. Additionally, Cornerstone offers amenities such as coat check during colder months, adding extra comfort for guests arriving in inclement weather. These logistical conveniences make it a practical choice for groups coming from across the East Bay or beyond, helping ensure everyone in your party can focus on enjoying their time together rather than logistical concerns.
Can Cornerstone accommodate private events or special group bookings? Yes, Cornerstone is well-suited for hosting private events and group bookings, making it perfect for celebrations, corporate meetups, or family gatherings. The spacious layout and multiple seating areas allow customization to fit various group sizes and event types. Its combination of a full-service bar, extensive craft beer offerings, and a carefully crafted comfort food menu provides a turnkey solution for events requiring catering and beverage service. The live music and entertainment components can be tailored or set aside depending on the event format, offering flexibility that many venues cannot match. Whether your group wants an all-day brewery-style event, an evening of live music, or a relaxed dining experience, Cornerstone’s versatile space and experienced staff can help coordinate the details. This adaptability enhances its appeal as a go-to location for hosting memorable group gatherings.
Why do reviews rate Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music so highly? With an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 1,700 reviews, Cornerstone is clearly beloved by both locals and visitors alike. Reviewers frequently highlight its welcoming atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and high-quality live performances. Many appreciate the spacious indoor and outdoor areas that comfortably accommodate groups without crowding or noise issues that plague smaller venues. The staff’s friendliness and professionalism also consistently receive praise, as does the thoughtfully curated menu that pairs beautifully with their vast beer selection. Customers often mention returning because of the great vibes and the sense of community the venue fosters. This high rating is a testament to Cornerstone’s ability to deliver a consistently enjoyable experience that appeals to a broad audience, making it a trusted and desirable spot for social meetups.
In conclusion, Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music stands out as one of Berkeley’s premier destinations for anyone looking to gather with friends or family. From its expansive space and comfortable seating to its expertly curated craft beer selection and vibrant live music programming, it offers a dynamic environment customized for socializing and entertainment. Its thoughtful amenities, including convenient transportation access, flexible food and beverage options, and the welcoming ambiance created by fire pits and lounge areas, further ensure that groups have everything they need for an outstanding outing. Whether you’re planning a casual hangout, a special celebration, or a night of great tunes, Cornerstone provides an exceptional backdrop — making every meetup more memorable and enjoyable.