THE best bar in Berkeley. Not just Poet's Corner or West Berkeley either...ALL of Berkeley. My home away from home. Camille and Anais bring it every night they're on and if you're lucky you'll be treated to some of Anais' awesome dancing behind the bar when a righteous song comes on. Camille is a true old-school bartender with a cool, modern, fashionable and totally East Bay industry look who'll lend you her empathetic ear while she's quick to sling you a slug of rye. And let's not forget about Terrance and Damon, who have forgotten more about music than I'll probably ever know and who are always up for a conversation or pointed discussion on who the best artists in music are while they get your drinks to you at a fast and furious pace. I'm constantly asking Terrence - or "T" (as he says you can call him): "Who is this??!" whenever a cool song comes on the AMI jukebox I've never heard of before, which is how I discovered the Ting-Tings. Their new manager, Damon, is a welcome addition to the crew and it's great to swap crazy concert stories with him all night long while all the girlies fawn over how awesome and nice he is - which is true. They all have really great taste in music and have the regulars coming in from North Oakland and Emeryville, Richmond, El Cerrito and Albany. They don't serve food here, because they are a whiskey bar proper (well, they do have snacks u can buy, like chips), but you can of course bring some in and eat while watching their TV on mute which is usually tuned to the Warriors when they're on or some other game with the odd weird TV series thrown in or the Oscars when they were on a few weeks ago. They treat you like family here while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. The owner, Jen, has really done a nice job keeping the place stocked with the finest whiskeys the Western Hemisphere has to offer and they also have great beers on tap. Tonight was her and my buddy Ian's birthday and they actually had a nice little charcuterie spread on the wall counter-space available for the occasion, which they usually only do for tastings. As Terrence said to me tonight, "This place is driven by regulars." He couldn't be more right. And you know if the locals and even not-so-locals swear by this place and become regulars you know it has to be good. Especially when it is THE industry hangout after all of the alcohol-serving restaurants shutter for the night. I've met so many acquaintances and friends here over the past few years and I meet someone new & cool almost every time I come here and have the beginnings of a beautiful friendship. And you will too - with this place. I guarantee it. Less

Large selection of whiskeys, great patio and the service was top notch. Loved the Highlander old fashioned and the bartender made me an another fruity slightly bitter drink with blueberries and a whiskey base that was fantastic. Less