The Albatross Pub

The other night I was starving and everything seemed crowded so I figured «it’s been a while– lets check out Manuel’s!» Sure enough, I got a front row parking spot!
It’s cool how there are two entrances and lots of old feel to it.
You walk in, and the bar is right there, and the dining area to the right. Behind the bar on the left there were bathrooms, arcades, and almost looked like a whole new area (almost looked like a new party room– had live music). It was interesting to see that they knocked a wall out of the dining area (it used to be two rooms back in the day) — which gives it more space and visibility. I got the table window at the end of the bar– I couldn’t believe it!
It took a few minutes to get noticed, but then Barry and another bartender (I forgot her name, my bad!) took care of us. Pitchers of High Life were 6 $, you better believe I got a few! I also got a godzilla dog, which was huge and cheap ($ 6.50) — in fact I couldn’t eat the whole thing– my buddy finished it!
This place is old, it hasn’t changed much– which to me is a great thing– I know I can always get decent cheap meals when all else fails.

Cash only but reasonable prices. Free popcorn for happy hour. Lots of dart boards, pool, board games, TV, and friendly crowd.
Cone here a couple times a month

Super rude at the door! I never made it in but I was not happy. We had a friend that was leaving and decided to have a farewell gathering there tonight. Normally I wouldn’t bother but I won’t get to see my friend otherwise, so my husband called them earlier today and asked if we would have any issues bringing our baby daughter in, the person on the phone said no problem! WRONG! I COULDN’T MAKE IT PAST THE SUPER JUDGY AND RUDE GUY AT THE DOOR WITH ATTITUDE! He basically gave me a rude look with attitude like you should know better and you shouldn’t be here anyway. I don’t need your attitude, besides it’s one of your coworkers fault! Like I said I wouldn’t have bothered if the person on the phone would have just said no. I will never come back I’ll go somewhere there’s no rude attitude!!!

This is a unique place. Lots of game and an atmosphere where people are just looking to have a good time. Good beer selection and lots of activities to enjoy while drinking.

Really cool and fun bar. Mostly a hip and young
Crowd. I always have a good time stopping by here. If you like bar games and fun bar games this is the spot to be at. Really great prices and the staff is really friendly as well. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.

The crowd here tends to be a mix of grad students and young adults. My roommate and I stopped by after dinner around 9pm on a Friday night. There was a decent amount of people playing card games and board games. We didn’t have to pay a cover but sometimes they do charge when live bands come to perform. Some nights the place can get pretty crowded here.
The drinks here are hit or miss. I ordered a moscow mule and it was not that good but my manhattan was pretty solid. The drinks aren’t that expensive compared to other places so I didn’t mind too much. The service can be a bit slow but everyone was really nice.
This is a fun place to hang out. I thought it was cool that they provided a lot of games — cards, checkers, chess, etc. There’s also a pool table and an area to play darts which is pretty fun. I just wish they served food here… don’t get me wrong, the popcorn is awesome but it would be nice to have «bar food» available to order. I was also surprised it was cash only.

Cash only! Attentive service while you play darts or sit at a table. I love that I don’t have to go to the bar while I play darts, they come to you often seeing if you need anything. Cool vibes and reasonable prices

Had our engagement party here, Wendy was super helpful in reserving a table for our food. The staff were nice and provided quick service for our group as well. I loved the vibe of this place and there is so much room for activities!!! My friends still talk about how much fun they had months later :) Thanks Albatross!

Trivia night on Sunday’s is great. Good for groups :)
+ can bring your own food
+ $ 1 for unlimited popcorn
+ lines for bathroom isn’t long
+ trivia nights on Sunday
+ lots of tables
— no actual food
— service can be a little slow

Albatross is pretty great. I love that there’s boardgames to play as well as darts, and popcorn! It’s one of my favorite local bars. Everyone is chill. Beware though, this place can get SO packed on the weekends. But it’s always a great place to stop by, check out, and grab a drink. Cash only though.

Maybe I’m just bias towards bars because I tend to rate bars highly… Regardless, this bar (pub) really deserves five stars! Why? Because it’s awesome!
Factors of awesomeness:
1.) The scene. This pub attracts a good crowd, think Berkeley grad students mixed with your undergrads and locals. I went here one time while I was an undergrad, and didn’t really like the scene — I thought it was too «learned» and old. But coming back as a grad student, my perception has changed. This place attracts an «older» crowd (again, think grad students), which nowadays is my kind of demographic!
2.) The games. They have a decent list of available games available for check-​out. My favorite: Scrabble, because I *always* win. There are less nerdy games available too. The cards go fast though. There are also darts (for a fee), which I’ve always wanted to play but for some have yet to. I’ve talked with the people playing darts though (while me just passing bar the darts area), so I think it’ll be a great way to meet people (just for kicks and giggles).
3.) Huge! This place is surprisingly huge, which is a good thing because this place gets crowded.
Now, let me briefly talk about the negatives: this place is fire (basically, this place needs to learn to turn their heater down a couple of notches because it gets freaking hot in here) and small bar (boo, I love my alcohol but I don’t like waiting for about ten minutes to get serve).
But even with these flaws, I still think this pub is five star worthy! Must visit. (Invite me when you do, so we can play Scrabble or darts!)

If you’re looking for a chill, place with cheap drinks, this is the place to go! The crowd here is definitely older. There’s a pool table in the back and plenty of dart boards as well. I saw people playing chess and checkers too which was kinda cool. They had live music when I went this past weekend, but don’t expect hip hop or anything, this is an IRISH pub.
The drinks here are CHEAP. Shot of Jameson was $ 6.50, and well whiskey was $ 5.50. You can’t beat that. They also pour a mean Guiness, it tasted amazing. There might be a wait for alcohol though so be patient, the bartenders are doing the best they can.
Definitely check this place out!

My friend was a bar back here and I came to hang out while he worked. The bartenders gave me stiff drinks at the bar. The place gets packed with a group that isn’t just Berkeley students. I loved the dark dankness of the bar. I would tell you more, but I can’t even remember because I had far too many drinks.

Still one of my favorite pubs around the area. Just wanted to note that this place is CASH only! So bring your dollar bills and more so you can buy drinks and such.
Also, Albatross allows outside food in the pub, so get your munchies on.

This place keeps me coming back. Ok its nothing like stopping at a bar with a great vibe. After long days of work i tend to need a relaxer. This place knows how to party. The crowd is always having a great time. The bar staff is just amazing they keep this place running smooth. The beer selections is just crazy and the drinks are always on point. One big note is they are cash only so make sure you have plenty. The place is open late and that’s a good thing because time flies when you’re having fun. When you and your crew are in the area this should be 1 on your list for of bar hopping.

Rule #115: Trivia Night Is A Great Way To Hang Out With Friends
This place has a great Sunday Trivia Night. The questions aren’t too hard. I felt it was a little easier than 389 on Wednesday Night.
Gotta love Albatross’ beer selection too. Tons of Dart boards in the back of this huge space. It doesn’t look as deep as it really is from the street, impressive slide of hand you clever pub you. This spot reminded me of a bar that would be in a movie set in Boston where two young college guys would be talking about something with annoying accents.
It was pretty crowded when I was there and the staff was still super nice and attentive. There is a specific area where a person can stand to get bartender attention. I hate when you order a drink and have to damn near piggyback a guy sitting in a bar stool in front of you, only to poor half your drink on his shoulder as you try to get it from the bar.
Oh and put a buck in a container and get some popcorn. You can also just bring your own food in from outside (they allow it and I’d suggest bringing in some La Mission).
… because people like lists.
1) Trivia Night!
2) Great staff
3) Anchorsteam on tap for 5 bucks
4) Numerous seats/​tables to grab
5) Dartboards and a pool table
6) B.Y.O.F.

Very cool spot. I spent my time up front and there were nice folks and staff. Later I walked back to fund a huge area with popcorn, many legit dart boards, and pool tables.

I used to like this place a lot back when I went to school here. We came back for a quick in and out to say goodbye to a friend, and we’re stuck with a three-​year-​old in tow. For a laid-​back pub, they werent understanding and we had to leave immediately. I get the idea of why pubs are under 21, but when it’s someone who is three years old, there’s a time to be a little bit more lenient. It makes me sad place in Berkeley, a city known for questioning the rules or at least if they make sense in all situations.

darts
games
drinks
$ 1 endless popcorn
yayyy! yeeps this place is fun meow

I love this place.
The bar has a good selection, and all the bartenders have always been pretty nice to me, which I appreciate in a bar! There is no kitchen, but they will let you bring food in (at least this is what I’ve heard, and for my friend’s birthday they let us bring in a huge cake and even lent us a knife to cut it with). I love all the games. This place can appeal to so many people, as it can be a more chill night playing board games, or a louder night filled with live music. Definitely my favorite bar so far in Berkeley.

Best pub at Berkeley. The wine is not very tasty but acceptable. Environment is great and we went here every Friday evening.

The worst service I have ever experienced! The chick bartender with pixie haircut couldn’t smile if her life depended on it. By far the worst thing that could happen when you go to a bar is the bartender losing your card, and that’s exactly what happened. The guy bartender literally lost my friends card! Who does that!!! He didn’t want to admit he gave it to the wrong guy. He never apologized, just told us to come back at 2am to see if it comes up (it was only 12am!!)

This is like a fancy dive bar with craft beers. Lots of space, would probably be great to have a party here. Not too many craft beers on draft, but definitely a lot to choose for bottles. Service is good here. They also have a popcorn machine and fire place.

My kind of place!
As far as I’m concerned, this is the gold standard for East Bay pub quizzes, and probably just edges out Edinburgh Castle for the entire bay area crown.

Keep the plastic at home, as this establishment only accepts those green backs. Didn’t appear to be a Happy Hour special going on, so bought a tripel on tap that was pretty good. Little pricey here, but at least the beers are high ABV. The space is really big (there’s a back area), and on a Monday it was really quiet inside. They do have a TV for sports above the bar. Definitely a good place to have a birthday, though I’m not sure they have much of a cocktail menu. Probably better off sticking with the hops and barley. Good spot on San Pablo for starting or ending a night. You can also bring food in.

I totally dig this bar. Super chill and awesome to bring friends who love game nights! You pay $ 1.00 for unlimited popcorn which you serve yourself until you’re sick of it. Drinks are pretty cheap as well. There are plenty of board games or cards to suit whatever you feel like playing and there are plenty of dart boards if that’s what you’re looking for. I can’t remember which night it is but they charge $ 5.00 for cover charge. Street parking is pretty easy to find, at least the nights I went there. I’m sure I’ll end up being back here in the future.
P. S. it’s a cash only bar so bring them dolla dolla bills with ya!

So… I’d hate to be the barer of bad news — the popcorn isn’t free. It’s a dollar for the bowl but after that it’s free refills. Just wanted to clarify that since the waiter told us the after we heard it was free.
There’s a ton of activity here and there’s no possible was to get bored unless you’re the type to not participate in anything. Darts are $ 1 and you gotta give them your I.D. to exchange for darts (but of course they give it back after your game). A nice pool table in the back and a ton of board games to play.
I liked the layout of the bar and each segment of the activity rooms. There’s a room for their trivia night, tables near the darts, a large area for drinking and board games, and a room in back for the billiard.
Cash only however they do have an ATM. Nice selection of brews and a pretty cool staff. I’d definitley drop by again.

Pretty chill spot. I read that outside food was allowed but they aren’t kidding– one group of kids set up a whole snacking station while the got going on a game of Settlers (sadly, that was their copy and not a house copy). We had a good time with our scategories and drinks. Little annoying they’re cash only but they have an ATM and if you don’t want to use that one there’s a Wells Fargo nearby,

We enjoyed everything about our Friday night at the Albatross. Located on a deceptively quiet block of Berkeley that’s more distanced from the campus, we found it pleasantly buzzing once we got inside. Not jam-​packed, but enough to keep things fun and lively. Friendly bartenders and an impressive array of beers on tap — and even more in bottles — at great prices. It’s wood-​paneled and homey inside with lots of tables for both couples or bigger groups. And they’ve got board games galore. Everywhere you look it’s Connect Four, Apples to Apples, Dominos! Good times… We didn’t venture back into the area where the intense dart throwing was happening, but it looked fun too. And the bottomless bowls of popcorn fresh from the machine (just be sure to throw your dollar in the popcorn jar) make for a really nice touch as well!

CASH ONLY. The Albatross is legit! The BF and I were staying a few blocks away and stumbled across it. The inside appears clean and feels cozy. It reminded me of how I *think* the bar in Cheers made the characters feel — welcome. Board games, darts, and a pool table are available. The bartender was super chill, didn’t catch his name. No kitchen, so no food. Good alcohol selection. If I lived in the area, I could totally see the Albatross as being my «go-​to» bar.
Would gladly return. :)

This is classic Berkeley. Along the same status as Top Dog, Triple Rock and Chez Panisse. Solid hangout that needs no advertising nor promotions. People just come, and rightfully so.
Trivia Nights on Sundays are packed to the gills. Never seen a bar with such a trivia turn out. It is awesome and fun. Other days/​nights it is a bar that one can play other games such as chess, Connect Four or cricket on darts. It is not a bar fly’s bar, which explains their dynamics.
And when this place is full, their old school popcorn machine (no friggin’ microwavin’ here!) is working overtime, cuz people will get in line to get their bowl of warm, fresh popcorn. I definitely know cuz our table was next to this damn machine, and what-​a-​spectacle it is. Plus the aroma of fresh popped popcorn is as unique to everyone’s olfactory memory that it cannot be denied. Right up there with the smell of bacon in the morning or a whiff of cinnamon rolls at the mall (damn you Cinnabon!).
I could be a regular here.

I love Albatross.
You love trivia? Board games? Darts? Billiards? Beer?
Then this is the stop for you.
Albatross is what every pub needs to be – gloriously great for games and trivia, yet with a wide selection of craft beers and imported beers.
The major downside of Albatross is that it can get pretty packed quickly. Parking can also be a bit tricky around here, and don’t forget it’s cash only.
Have some fun at the dart boards! You can rent the darts from the bar (it’s $ 1, plus they hold your driver’s license), or you can bring your own (I think). They also have self serve popcorn in the back. They charge $ 1 for the bowls.
Note — THIS IS A CASH ONLY PLACE! Bring cash. The ATM they have here rips you off and charges you the $ 2.50 fee twice. (Once within your ATM withdrawal, and then another time separately later directly to your bank.) So if you don’t want to be charged the ATM fee twice, I recommend bringing some cash. :)

This is probably my favorite bar to hang out in. To begin with, the bartenders are friendly and knowledgable. Huge beer selection as well.
Unlike other bars where people just stand around and look awkward, or stare at their phones, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself here and make new friends.
You can play a variety of games like darts ($ 1 with ID), taboo, apples to apples, cards against humanity, etc. You can also get unlimited popcorn for just $ 1. Grad students tend to frequent this bar a lot, especially for Trivia Nights (on Mondays I think).
It does get kind of hot in here, especially near the dart boards, so I would prepare for that. It’s also CASH ONLY.

Albatross is a great place to catch up, hangout, and play board games (e.g. scrabble, dominos, chess, connect four, etc.) or dart with your friends. The music is not loud and the inside is bright with a warm and inviting decoration.
They have around 10 – 15 beers on tap, and a lot of varieties of bottled beer. They also have a great selection of cocktails, that are fairly priced. Most of the bartenders here are friendly and helpful. You can also get unlimited popcorn for only $ 1! The only downside is that they are cash only.

Came on a Saturday and it was packed. Good spot if you are looking for somewhere to drink casually and play some games. They have one pool table, a bunch of board games, connect four (which I love!) and a ton of dart boards… I have never seen so many in one place.
I stuck to beer that night and they had a good selection of unique beers. Also, they have a popcorn machine where you can get bottomless popcorn for $ 1…although apparently they don’t check or care if you put a dollar in the jar. When I put my dollar in the bartender was shocked and said he couldn’t believe how honest I was.
We did have to wait for the pool table but it wasn’t too bad.
Overall good time!