The Rare Barrel - Berkeley
The Rare Barrel
Description
Hidden in an industrial pocket of Berkeley, this beloved taproom specialized in inventive barrel-aged sour beers — vivid, fruit-forward pours and hazies — served in a spacious, chill industrial setting with generous indoor/outdoor seating, parking, board games and rotating food pop-ups. Friendly staff, dog- and family-friendly vibes, and a passionate, experimental approach to sours made it a neighborhood favorite. The brewery is temporarily closed after acquisition by Cellarmaker; reopening plans and contact info remain unclear.
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Just FYI the place is (temporarily? closed even if Google says otherwise. There are no phone numbers or websites to get any info. The Rare Barrel was bought by Cellar Maker and it’s unclear when it’ll reopen. The only way to get info is to call the Cellarmaker pizza place in SF. Bummer as this is the only brewery specialized in sours in the Bay. Hope it reopens soon, at the same level of quality as before it was bought.
Service was very friendly, but seating inside is scarce and almost as chilly as outdoor and the outdoor area has only a few heaters. The place is packed though, so they're obviously doing something right. I found the prices to be very high, and for pours that were very small, to boot. East Bay brewery hopping is perhaps my favorite activity, but we have never returned to Rare after the one time. I love sours, so I'll give it another shot one day, but dayum gina, them prices. Many moons ago somebody gifted me a (super thoughtful) box of various beers all brewed with wine grapes (it was a big phase for me) and there were several selections from Rare included. In hindsight, that person must've dropped a pretty penny on that gift. Thanks friend!
Although I can't wait for Cellarmaker to make it nearby my neighborhood, I'm humbled to have visited this place while it's still Rare Barrel. Their hazies are good! The ambience is chill! Lots of doggos and everyone behind the bar is nice
Sad what has happened here. Used to be one of the best experiences in the bay.
Parking is a little odd, but turn in and there is some limited parking inside. Note that the only entrance (walking or driving) is through the same place. Thus if you park on the street, park closer to where you turn in with a car. There is a small menu with some tasty looking food. Ended up getting the delicious burger but all the other stuff looked really good too. We saw the food that other people ordered when it was being brought out. Great selection of beer. Ended up getting a few beers and then the hello friend beer with cute cats on it to go! Really chill vibes with outdoor seating that is also dog friendly! Recommended and will come back!
Menu
Beer
Skus MeProportional ResponseShadows Of Their EyesMap Of The SunTremendous SlouchSour Beer
Wise Guise