THE ALBATROSS – BERKELEY'S OLDEST PUB

The Bird

Conversation, playing darts on one of six lanes, enjoying a game of pool, eating popcorn served from a converted phone booth or playing board games are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy at this homey pub.
 
Obeying tradition, Albatross patrons spanning all age groups and from all walks of life, enjoy the art exhibitions, live music or just sitting by the fireplace. Its large, warm, intimate and relaxed atmosphere is also a drawing point for many travelers from overseas as well as Bay Area neighbors.

“This ‘cozy,’ ‘woody’ British-style pub is so laid-back you could go there in your pajamas; board games... awesome darts and unlimited popcorn, add to the best-friend's-kitchen vibe.” Rated top in best beer selection in the Bay Area and listed in top 20 Biggest Buzzes for the Buck which considers the cost of a drink, appeal, decor and service.

  — Zagat Survey 2002 San Francisco Nightlife

 

Being the oldest pub in Berkeley, started in 1964 by Bill Scanlon and Phil Randall, it soon came under the ownership of brothers Val & Bob Johnson for the next 30 years. In 1997 Wendy Halambeck and Linda Zsilavetz became the new owners and completely restored and refurbished the interior as well as constructed a new exterior. Hoping to keep the best parts of this Berkeley fixture, as well as drastically improving the product selection, it has become one of the nicest places in the Bay Area to sit with friends or meet new people and enjoy a single malt scotch, Belgian beer or a fresh domestic microbrew.

“The Albatross... is one of my favorite bars in the world. It's really cool, it feels real warm inside. There are booths, each table has a little lamp over it and chess boards ready to go. You can go anytime and see people playing anything from Chutes & Ladders to chess.”

  — Johnny Steele

 

Additional features include being able to bring your dog before 8pm (if he or she does not mind being on a leash) buying a variety of dart supplies and bringing in your own food if you prefer something other than a slice of Little Chicago deep dish spinach and mushroom pizza. We will assist you with reserving tables and/or dart lanes for meetings and parties.

“The combination of the superb Irish coffee and the pub's comfortable atmosphere makes it well worth a spin across the bay.”

— SF Weekly Best Irish Coffee Award, 2001

 
dogs on leash welcome
dogs on leash welcome
 

UNDER 21 NOT ADMITTED
ONE BEVERAGE MINIMUM
CREDIT CARDS NOT ACCEPTED
ATM AVAILABLE


 
 
   
AWARDS
East Bay Express 2007
Best Bar
Featured in Sunset and
SF Magazine February, '05
Featured on Evening Magazine, San Francisco's Premier TV Program, November '04
SF Guardian 2004
Best Mental Gymnastics (Pub Quiz)
Guinness Company
Gold Standard Award
Daily Cal 2004 Best Bar
East Bay Express 2003
Best Student Hang Out

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