2 Best Bars in Berkeley, The Bay Area

Since 1968, the Freight has been a venue for some of the world's finest practitioners of folk, rock, jazz, gospel, blues, country, bluegrass, and spoken word. The nonprofit grew from an 87-seat coffeehouse to a thriving, nearly 500-seat venue in the heart of Berkeley's Arts District. Many tickets cost less than $40.

Housed in the former music shop of John C. Tupper and Lawrence Reed, this cocktail haven presents a symphony of carefully crafted libations, which are mixed with live music performed by local musicians. The historic 1925 building features a balcony bar, cozy nooks, antique fixtures, a pool table, and romantic fireplaces.