South Berkeley has long had some fun drinking options: Irish pub and music venue the Starry Plough and neighborhood karaoke bar Nick’s Lounge spring to mind. And the beer at those places, because we live in Northern California, is better than it needs to be. There was nothing you’d call a beer bar until this year, though. And that’s where Hoi Polloi comes in, bringing new beers to the not-yet-completely-gentrified (thank goodness) area around Ashby BART.
Hoi Polloi Brewpub & Beat Lounge (not a name that made me want to visit, but bear with me) is tiny. Thus, I’ve only stopped in at off times like weekday afternoons. I imagine it gets packed. On the bright side, you will have ample opportunity to meet the neighbors. I gather Hoi Polloi turned on a TV for the World Series, but generally the entertainment is mellow, classic hip-hop that seems hand-picked. Occasionally a DJ comes in to spin vinyl. It’s a cool spot, but relaxed enough that an unhip person such as myself doesn’t feel out of place.
On my visits, there have always been two house beers available on a rotating basis. They tend towards the lower-alcohol side of the spectrum. English, American, German, and Belgian styles all get their turn on the board. My favorite so far has been the English brown ale, but I can’t begin to keep up. It all comes out of the back of the bar on a 3 bbl system that owner Viet Vu put together with a little help from a friend who can weld. He’s often behind the bar and always happy to talk beer with nerds and neophytes alike.
Old photo for a rough idea of the guest tap philosophy
The ten guest taps ensure Hoi Polloi’s spot as the most serious beer option in the neighborhood, and round out the list if you’re not feeling the house-brewed styles of the moment. The list is local/California focused and there’s a cider tap, some wines, and non-alcoholic options to keep everyone happy. Prices are fair to low for the area.
There’s no kitchen, which means no meals (obviously) and no one under 21. The staff (ie, owner/brewer Viet or his brother) will be happy to make you some popcorn, and you can bring in food from outside. Getting something next door at Easy Creole, which has no alcohol license, is an obvious choice.
Life advice from the Hoi Polloi restroom
Hoi Polloi is at 1763 Alcatraz, a prime location for those times you’ve needed a beer after dealing with Berkeley Bowl. It would also be very easy to tie in with a trip to The Rare Barrel, which is less than two miles away. Follow them on Facebook and don’t drop the beat.
Thanks so much for the kind write up, Jen. Please look for me if you happen to make it back to Hoi Polloi. I’ll buy you a beer!
From the photo “Life advice from the Hoi Polloi restroom” I’m so happy to see all of my restroom visits documented here. I was sad when that got wiped clean. I didn’t write that epic line, but I was the one who started (and continued) the check marks after each visit to the restroom. Ah, memories.