Hoi Polloi Brewing Taproom and Beat Lounge

This place is a nice local berkeley spot with a decent variety of beer. It's small inside but they have overflow seating outside.You can bring in outside food. They only have popcorn (read 'only' as buttery salty goodness). You can also bring dogs. It was almost like a dog park the day I came. 4 cute pooches all getting alongThe bar tender was laid back and kept the glasses full without being intrusive. The vibe was cool jazzy Hip hop. The bathroom was clean. They have chalk and you have the option to draw on the walls.You will probably be able to find a parking space within two blocks.

Love this neighborhood gem and worth the visit if you're in Berkeley. Hoi polloi meaning "the many, the masses, the common people.". Next time I'm there, i'm gonna ask who I think the is the owner, and who is usually behind the bar, where that name come from.Over the years, I've come a dozen times and I'm always like, I should be coming here often. But alas, I also have 2 kids, so you get what you get.This tiny little craft brewery, used to brew onsite, but since has moved the actual beer production. It has a nice little l shaped bar, free popcorn, and hip hop. They are usually screening sports on the wall. They have quite a few brews with fun names like "Polar Bear's Toenails Cold IPA" or "Ashbyplatz Bavarian-style Hefeweizen". Not a beer fan? They also have some hard ciders, wines and NA drinks. And wanting to bring a little piece of this gem home? They have cans to-go. Feel free to ask for tastes before you go with your flavor of choice. Mid-week: it's hip hop from the stereo, seemingly weekends there is a dj spinning hip hop.They have a great parklet outside, and the most recent Friday I was there, they had a little local business cooking up tacos and Mexican eats at a table outside.5 stars all the way for this gem of a taproom. Small, but mighty.

I can't believe I haven't written a review of Hoi Polloi yet. This place is effing excellent. There's always something very delicious on tap. I had a dark Belgian ale heer this time and it was so delicious. It's intimate and cozy. They have a nice outdoor seating area but it's a little loud on always busy Alcatraz Ave. there is a nice long bar inside with lots of stools.P.S. you knew that Alcatraz was so named because you could see the famous penitentiary by looking all the way down the street from its higher elevations in Berkeley, right? Check it out.

This place seems like a hidden spot in Berkeley area. Its a small taproom with very cute sitting areas. They have nice variety of beers and the bartender is very kind to explain/ recommend beers to the customers. They don't have much snacks but Ive seen ppl bringing their own food to pair up with the drinks. I really enjoy their beer with the peanut that they serve as snack. It was my second time to visit this place. I would totally go back for a beer.

Can't say I love the beer, do love the free WiFi and chilling with straight ahead jazz in the afternoon on the veranda. Not a huge place obviously a locals watering hole. Enough outdoor area to not feel like delta is gonna get ya.

Dope bar with dope drinks (and dope people!). My bf and I had a spontaneous night out here and have nothing but good things to say about Hoi Polloi :-) For COVID safety purposes, staff wear masks and tables are sanitized thoroughly. We Ubered in on a Saturday night and found only 4 other patrons there. Frankly, surprised to find a brewery open after 9. Expect mellow jazz tunes, intimate seating, and friendly staff.We had to try their endless truffle popcorn (now $3, not complimentary)! Perf to snack on with a couple of beers. Their variety is more my speed-- great cider and seltzer options along with solid beers. I couldn't find a recent photo of their current menu; likely that they rotate offerings on a regular basis. My favorites were their raspberry and cherry ciders (name escapes me now...), and my bf enjoyed their People's Park Ale.BONUS: Their bathrooms are immaculate. Covered in chalk art, but literally clean af. For a bar open so late, color me impressed by their hygiene standards.

This quaint little bar has a funky yet modern ambiance, and super friendly staff to go along with the wide beer selection. They play some great music and even have a weekly DJ spinning hip-hop tracks on Friday night (forget the exact hours, but the bartender made it sound super fun!).Fantastic spot for audiophiles, beer drinkers, chill folks alike!

Great small outdoor space next door to yummy Creole food. Had seltzer, cider and beers. All very good. No tasting menu, but can order smaller pours.

A really great local brewery -- I wouldn't venture out here for the beer but the vibe is excellent.They have some outdoor patio seating and the interior is small, but cozy!

As dinner with friends wound down, we all decided to continue the festivities; hence, we ended up at Hoi Polloi. From the tap selection, I tried the Belgian Trippel (16oz @ $8), smoked wheat beer (16oz @ $6), and Bavarian-style marzen (16oz @ $6). The trippel, while fragrant, did not overdo the sweetness and sharp earthiness I find in other trippels. The smokiness of the wheat beer seemed apparent on the nose and rear of the palate, but seemed subdued in the body of the palate. The marzen tasted a touch richer than medium.Given that everything seemed quite decent and reasonably priced, I would certainly return.