Great Notion Brewing - Berkeley

Always a lovely selection of brews here. Honestly, they don't seem to make good IPAs here, but I do enjoy their fruity and sour beers very much. They had a lot of new brews this visit so ended up getting a sampler to try out the new beers. It's a small location so it can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends, but well worth it for fruity and sour beers.

12/30/2024* We went on TRIVIA night and had an absolute blast. I got a flight of their sours, and each one was a delightful burst of flavor. I found out they have happy hour at the taprooms from Monday to Friday, 2pm-5pm, which is an amazing deal. The host was incredibly chill, making the night even more enjoyable. Plus, if you win the trivia, you get to take a celebratory shot of beer with the staff crew! 4/4/2024 The Guava Glow is like a tropical paradise in a glass, while the Breakfast Of Leisure tastes exactly like French toast with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. I couldn't resist grabbing two packs to enjoy whenever I want.tropical paradise in a glass, while the Breakfast Of Leisure tastes exactly like French toast with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. I couldn't resist grabbing two packs to enjoy whenever I want! 9/22/2023 I was thrilled to hear that Great Notion Brewery was bringing back their Mango Fluff! I even made sure to inquire with their staff about the precise date of its return and marked it on my calendar. I got a flight of their Fury, Seedless, Nox Illuminate, FH Time Keeper, and Blueberry Muffin. They truly offer a fantastic selection of beers on their taplist! Additionally, I took the opportunity to purchase a pack of Mango Fluff and one of their beer glasses. 8/20/2023 The Over Ripe and So Wrong It's Ripe beers left an indelible mark on our taste buds. Over Ripe's tropical hazy IPA took us on a journey through ripe fruit flavors, while So Wrong It's Ripe's inventive twist amazed with its honey-infused and Citra dry hopped profile. We couldn't resist taking home a pack of their Blueberry Muffin sour beer. It's a masterpiece that captures the essence of a blueberry muffin, baked to perfection with Oregon blueberries. *July 2023 Their sours are top-notch, delivering a delightful explosion of flavors with each sip. The balance between tartness and fruitiness is perfection. Personally, my favorites were the Blueberry Muffin and Mango Fluff; they were simply outstanding.

Great Notion Brewery: Berkeley's Explosion of Flavor and Innovation Our insatiable thirst for exciting breweries and unique beers led us to Great Notion Brewery in Berkeley, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. Great Notion truly lives up to its name. Their beers are unlike anything you've ever experienced – bursting with flavor, pushing boundaries, and offering something truly special for every taste bud. Convenience and Comfort: A Smooth Start to Your Adventure Finding parking in Berkeley can sometimes be a hassle, but Great Notion makes things easy. They offer decent street parking options, and for those who prefer a contactless experience, pay-by-phone parking is readily available. Once you've secured your spot, head inside for a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The seating is described as "decent," suggesting a good mix of tables and chairs to accommodate groups of all sizes. The MVP Hall of Fame: Electric Headband, Over Ripe Fruit, and More! Now, let's dive into the main event – the incredible beers! Great Notion boasts a wide range of styles, but your review highlights a few true champions: Electric Headband (MVP): I can describe this beer as "to die for" with its vibrant blue color and surprising blue raspberry flavor. A beer this unique deserves a visit on its own! Over Ripe Fruit in the Can (MVP): This "mango heaven" sounds like a smoothie lover's dream come true. It's a testament to Great Notion's innovative spirit and their ability to create truly delicious and unexpected flavor combinations. Munchies: This imperial stout takes the cake for intriguing ingredients. Combining pretzels, potato chips, and peanut butter might seem strange on paper, but a "complex" and "soulful" taste hints at a truly unique and satisfying experience. GR 75: This red tart ale sounds like a delightful burst of tropical fruit flavors. I can mention notes of guava and raspberry, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a refreshing and slightly sour brew. RIPE: As an IPA lover, my declaration that this is "one of the best IPAs I've ever tasted" is high praise indeed. It suggests a perfectly balanced and flavorful IPA that will leave any hop-head happy. A Must-Visit for Beer Adventurers and Traditionalists Alike Great Notion Brewery caters to all palates. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast seeking the next boundary-pushing brew, or a casual drinker looking for something unique and delicious, Great Notion has something for you. They even offer non-alcoholic options, like the "Black Cherry Cream Soda" – creamy, different, and perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience without the alcohol. This place is a true gem, and with so many incredible beers on tap (including the "Beer Has No Name" hazy IPA), it's no surprise id plan to return for more.

RACIST establishment. Unless you’re white don’t come here. You can read all the previous 1 star reviews and see it’s all written by POC who were dismissed/ignored like me. That’s not a random coincidence. I came here purely because they have this amazing food truck outside, and while ordered I noticed in the food trucks window they had a menu for this place. I went inside to ask about something on the menu and was completely dismissed. I asked about “underberg” or something similar on their menu because it claimed to aid gut health etc and the workers looked at me like I was stupid! I was ready to sit down and spend money on beers, but with that experience and badgering for an answer about a menu item I was ok. No “How can I help you today” or “Let me know if you have questions.” Unprofessional establishment. You lose out on money not prioritizing customers who come and sit down. Hope the bartenders conversations with each other were life changing while they ignored me!!

Solid unadulterated No GO.. Rude. Condescending. Unprofessional bat tender...reading below..it's the same behavior Very unhappy I asked for menu and interpreted his convo with other guy behind the bar.. The bar was dirty.. water on bar and sticky..it clinged to my sleeve. I moved to the part by the window..even more sticky.. The vibe..just indifferent..almost snobbish. Parking..freaking problem.. Prices..reasonable. Safety..good. Clients..mostly white Overall... sucks Oh..what was doing there..a friend suggested we meet here. Status of friend.. fired😄😃😀.. need to crawl back up from dodo whole he is in.

If you want the best tasting beer come here. Might be the best ever I’ve had. If there’d be a drop of a dollar off the beer during 5-7 it’d be SRO. Standing room only. Owners may could go to RRB Santa Rosa for illustrations in a vibe where perfection meets the common man. Great Notion is the best beer I’ve been privileged to consume—I’m not certain but I don’t think anyone made me say that.

This place is just The Best!! From atmosphere to service and even their choice of food trucks. Everything was simply OUTSTANDING. The staff knows their stuff. Had the pleasure of getting to know &Mel, as well as Smish Smash burgers and their delicious The OG burger with fresh French fries. Everything hit the spot.

BBA 11PM is redonk. Easily rivals Prarie BOMB. Wonderful job y'all. Opening it w/ that wax(?) required a feat of engineering but once I got it popped all is forgiven. I'll grab some more next week, A+

We went on TRIVIA night and had an absolute blast. I got a flight of their sours, and each one was a delightful burst of flavor. I found out they have happy hour at the taprooms from Monday to Friday, 2pm-5pm, which is an amazing deal. The host was incredibly chill, making the night even more enjoyable. Plus, if you win the trivia, you get to take a celebratory shot of beer with the staff crew!

Great Notion makes great beer. This satellite shop has a good selection of GN's beers and merch. The service is very good, although not the warm and fuzzy vibe that I had experienced at the Mother Ship in Portland.

Fruity brews, lazy Sunday afternoon, and fries (from Asian hot dog truck in front)...nice way to end a weekend! Dog friendly patio is a plus!

Dominic and Ian have their hands full. It busy in this upscale neighborhood. This is the place to be. Great beer, food out the back door in the patio, and a clean comfortable interior. The tunes were a nice added bonus. Enjoy people watching or take a selfie with Sasquatch (you need to see to understand this) LOL. I ordered a colorful tasty flight and a Blackberry Cream Soda for my wife. There are wonderful options to non-alcoholic drinks here, Also, I see children, and pets. How cool is that? Then I set out my pic of my 2 buddies lost in war for this Memorial Day. I remember them on Veterans day too. Heroes all. Its a tradition with me. I always spill a little for the guys and remember them in story. Ian and Dominic were very understanding and totally supported this. I am a Vietnam Vet, Sgt USAF so their sacrifice is real. TY gentleman. This is why the community embraces this place. Like an English Pub, this serves the locals like an extension of their Livingroom. I recommend it. Parking around the side, great and safe place to bring a date, and the locals are friendly. See you soon That Strawberry Ale caught me off guard. Delish guys.

Great Notion Brewery: Berkeley's Explosion of Flavor and Innovation Our insatiable thirst for exciting breweries and unique beers led us to Great Notion Brewery in Berkeley, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. Great Notion truly lives up to its name. Their beers are unlike anything you've ever experienced - bursting with flavor, pushing boundaries, and offering something truly special for every taste bud. Convenience and Comfort: A Smooth Start to Your Adventure Finding parking in Berkeley can sometimes be a hassle, but Great Notion makes things easy. They offer decent street parking options, and for those who prefer a contactless experience, pay-by-phone parking is readily available. Once you've secured your spot, head inside for a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The seating is described as "decent," suggesting a good mix of tables and chairs to accommodate groups of all sizes. The MVP Hall of Fame: Electric Headband, Over Ripe Fruit, and More! Now, let's dive into the main event - the incredible beers! Great Notion boasts a wide range of styles, but your review highlights a few true champions: Electric Headband (MVP): I can describe this beer as "to die for" with its vibrant blue color and surprising blue raspberry flavor. A beer this unique deserves a visit on its own! Over Ripe Fruit in the Can (MVP): This "mango heaven" sounds like a smoothie lover's dream come true. It's a testament to Great Notion's innovative spirit and their ability to create truly delicious and unexpected flavor combinations. Munchies: This imperial stout takes the cake for intriguing ingredients. Combining pretzels, potato chips, and peanut butter might seem strange on paper, but a "complex" and "soulful" taste hints at a truly unique and satisfying experience. GR 75: This red tart ale sounds like a delightful burst of tropical fruit flavors. I can mention notes of guava and raspberry, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a refreshing and slightly sour brew. RIPE: As an IPA lover, my declaration that this is "one of the best IPAs I've ever tasted" is high praise indeed. It suggests a perfectly balanced and flavorful IPA that will leave any hop-head happy. A Must-Visit for Beer Adventurers and Traditionalists Alike Great Notion Brewery caters to all palates. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast seeking the next boundary-pushing brew, or a casual drinker looking for something unique and delicious, Great Notion has something for you. They even offer non-alcoholic options, like the "Black Cherry Cream Soda" - creamy, different, and perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience without the alcohol. This place is a true gem, and with so many incredible beers on tap (including the "Beer Has No Name" hazy IPA), it's no surprise id plan to return for more.

This place is so much fun! More importantly the beers and sours are delicious. The service is excellent and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. It's great looking inside as well. They have great flights as well for trying multiple offerings. Can't wait to go back!

This is probably my favorite brewery in East Bay to go to after finding out about it at a Yelp Elite event. They have so many fun options, especially if you enjoy sours. I also randomly came here on a Tuesday night and learned that they host Trivia Tuesday as a fun option! I got a 5 x 5 oz flight ($19) with Passionfruit Mochi IPA, Blueberry Muffin Sour, Fruit Monster Sour, Vanillazilla, and Strawberry & Kiwi Seltzer. My favorites were the blueberry muffin sour (it actually tastes like blueberry muffin!) and the vanillazilla. They were out of the Big Papaya sour, so that will definitely be on my order when I go next time!

This place is super chill. They offer a wide variety of beers as close as something for everyone as you're likely to find anywhere. I did a flight a while back and more recently I just pick something that suits my mood. Bar keep has poured me a taste of anything that interested me in the past. This week's visit was time for something with Mosaic and Citra. Superglow delivered. Delicious brew, great service, and on Tuesdays, a pizza truck right outside -- Uncle Cheezy's.

Tried the "Munchies" stout (from tap) $8 on the recommendation of another guest at the bar when I ordered, and it did not disappoint. I could smell and taste the different notes (cacao, caramel, peanut butter, graham cracker) in the aroma and flavor. It was an unexpected surprise. Beer has come a long way in the past 20+ years - I am amazed at how breweries infuse all this flavor and interesting profile combinations into the barley and hops. More than glad and happy to try all these different approaches and techniques employed by our own breweries. I think the Bay area is at the level to give Portland a run for their money. Next time I return I want to try their flight of 5 beers ($19) and nosh on whichever food truck happens to be parked and featured during happy hours. Note: this place has no food of their own. Only beer on tap or poured from the can.

Great way to get together with some of my best dad friends and our kids! Great Notion is one of the best in the business with hazy IPAs and sours. I have visited them now in all 3 of the mainland Pacific states. The Berkeley brewery is a good size with some outdoor seating. It gets a bit crammed in there but that's breweries in the Bay Area for you. Good music plays but it's bar service for drinks and food trucks for food. Every beer in my flight was delicious and I ended up going back for the Blueberry Muffin and the Raspberry Shake. The Triple Dank Shark and Super Over Ripe were also standouts for hazies! All so good!

Wasn't really feeling the location, the beer was just okay and the music selection was not fitting for a taproom. Parking was also atrocious.

I'm not going to lie, Great Notion is one of my favorite breweries. The beers they have on tap are excellent, and I'm a massive fan of their sours. I've been to this taproom several times, and most have been positive experiences. However last time I went, it was a Friday evening that wasn't really busy and the bartender was basically on his phone the whole time and made me wait before serving me twice, which kind of irked me. At any rate, I still love Great Notion beers, but hopefully they can improve on their service

It's all about the hazy life at this new Portland based brewery on 4th street. A little away from the main drag on 4th street it has plenty of parking on the street and adjoining lot. Interior decor is interesting with some psychedelic brew label art adorning the walls. They have the most wide collection of hazy ipas and sours. The tasting flights are a great option to try before you decide. The merry dankster half a Plato were our favorites. They have a rotating tap of several good options though and a freezer full of to go beers. They also had a pop up burger spot for food. A good brewery with some delicious brews - a must try in Berkeley.

Beers are always on point. The only set back in my opinion is the seating... inside has a handful of tables and outside has a small patio. That being said, not really ideal for big groups

A great tasting room a small walk away from the bustling 4th St area in Berkeley. Fair bit of seating to be had with freshies in the fridge and friendly service by the beertenders. It's been a while so I don't remember the exact name of what I had, but it was a delicious clear fruited sour in a gorgeous red color (which got a lot of comments from the passerby!). When I was there they had a great selection of all kinds of beer, and I always have a huge soft spot for breweries that do fruited/smoothie sours so this place was a huge win for me. I picked up some more fruited freshies for home and they were just as delicious as the pour I had. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Berkeley!

Great Notion is originally from Portland, Oregon and can't believe they made it down for the Bay! Love their beers but please note that this brewery is extremely tiny and packed. We came here on a Sunday and weren't even able to get a table or a bench of any sort. We just had our beer standing up and left after.

I love a popular out of town brewery make the Bay a home. Portland's Great Notion is here to stay, and they're a winner. PARKING Pro Tip: They're actually located pretty close from the walkway from Cesar Chavez Park, so a good idea could be to park there and walk over to save yourself some trouble with street or paid parking. I think most people who were enjoying brews in the store were local, so they didn't have to deal with parking. It's a great cozy unassuming spot for groups, dates, or catching up on some work. They have strong wifi, clean restrooms, and are dog-friendly. I love that they have treats too for doggos. They do offer flights, and y'all know I had to go for a flight of their IPA's and some of their delicious fruited sours. I gotta say, it's a rare thing when I like all of my tasters, but in this case Great Notion definitely delivered. Their sours were accurately named, all of their beers are! So props to the team that does that. My faves were def: POG IPA (so juicy), Seedless Watermelon (perf for a hot sunny day), and Ripe IPA (so tasty). The Blueberry Muffin Sour was indeed, just like it's namesake, not my cup of tea but accurately named. Synesthesia was also the taptender's rec as it is a popular IPA, I can see why. I enjoyed my time there on my weekday off, although music choice was interesting...the entire Taylor Swift album. And it was off-putting that there were a bunch of flies buzzing around the large tables. Regardless, they have a fantastic to-go selection. It's insanely beautiful, but they have SO many 4-packs and canned goodies for those who are interested in taking some brews to go, or if you particularly love any of the beers you've had while visiting. Saw lots of people come through just for their pickup orders.

I really like this place. Been here a couple times and it has the feel of an old fashioned local gathering spot but with a young vibe. Amazing beer selection and super nice staff. Even better when there's a good food truck out front

I spent an evening in Portland many years ago and had the opportunity to visit Great Notion while I was there. The gentleman that was helping us was super cool and super welcoming despite it being a Sunday night about an hour before closing. I never had the chance to return, however the beers I had while I was there remain fresh on my mind. I have since used those memories as a standard to determine how good other beers are. There are only a few breweries with beer that I have liked as much. So I was thrilled to find out that Great Notion has come to the Bay Area. I finally got to visit last weekend and was so happy to enjoy a fresh pour of my all time favorite, Juice Jr.! Still as delicious as my first sip back in Portland. If you find yourself thirsty and happen to be in Berkeley, then definitely stop by this brewery and satisfy your thirst. Cheers! Had to give 4 stars due to lack of seating and staff was nice but not so attentive. For the beers it gets 10 stars! I will still return even if I have to stand while enjoying my juice!

Came here on a Monday night when Diggy Dogs was there serving food. I got a michelada which was very good - the glass just got messy so I wish it came with a napkin. There were a lot of people there already, but was able to get a seat by the window. Some people were playing super smash brothers at the bar so the energy inside was lively. There are two bathrooms inside and you can park on the street or inside the lot which are both metered, but free after 6pm. Diggy Dogs - We tried their pork sliders, the chili hot dog nachos, and the 2am dog (not pictured). Everything was delicious!! The pork was sweet and smokey and the coleslaw paired with it perfectly along with the potato chips for the crunch. I'm a big fan of nachos so these were my favorite. The chili had cut up pieces of hot dog, there was nacho cheese, sour cream, jalapeños and green onions - yummmmmmy! The 2am dog had bacon and onions on top and was so good that we didn't get a picture because it was eaten already. All in all - nice spot in Berkeley to get a drink and try out other food trucks that come on different days!

4++ there was a time I used to trade for their beer pretty often especially since it was pretty hard to obtain in California when they were just located in Portland. I've been a fan of their beer for a pretty long time so it was cool to hear that they opened a spot in Berkeley. The place is located kind of in a trendy area, or at least shopping area on Fourth Street in Berkeley. I'm actually from Southern California and not too familiar with the Berkeley area so that's what it felt like. The space itself is nice, clean and pretty big. My brothers family and I came in to try some tasters because we were in the area and I asked if we could make a stop. I ordered two full tasters so we covered a pretty good part of the menu for that day. We got some sours, stouts, and some IPAs. They had both the blueberry muffin and the double stack on top that day. I think those are the two that they were most known for especially to people outside of the area. The person at the counter or beertender was super friendly and helpful. I just picked a bunch of different ones I wanted to taste, and he wrote them all down and it was easy as that. It feels like there's plenty of seating as well. I'm really glad they have a spot relatively close to where I can access. Especially when I'm visiting family. Will definitely come back.

Once again we enjoyed ourselves. Great atmosphere and great drinks! I know beer coneseryers don't seem to like "Sours", but I really like them. While Blueberry Muffin Sour probably makes real beer drinkers cringe, it includes me know I like a brewery now too! Thanks again Dom for your hospitality! And thank you Great Notions for Blueberry Muffin Sour!

We agree that after a hike a beer is needed & deserved. Heading back to SF we decided to try Great Notions, we made the right choice. Great selection of beer, upscale vibe. Seating inside & out. Service friendly. Cans to take home. Great beer! I went with one of the staff selections, puffery. Easy drinking tropicalness. Perfect after a hike. Crisp & refreshing.

It's been a while since I walked down Fourth Street but to my surprise I found out that Great Notion has taken over a favorite beer location! I've tried Great Notion in Oregon and in Sacramento so I was ecstatic to find them in Berkeley. If you're a sour beer lover as I am, you'll be sure to find some pretty awesome pours here. The layout is the same as their previous owners so the vibe is totally there. Sometimes they'll have food catered in to order at the bar and for the month of February they have a rotating weekly special. You'll for sure find me here!

Great selection of beer, especially for fruity and sour beers! I enjoyed I all the beers I tried including the orange creamsicle IPA and queen of fruits beer. Got to try 4 beers and I was happy with the beers, ended up getting a few more cans to-go. $7.50 for most pours usually ranging from 12-16oz. I might try a flight next time to try out more beers. The only issue is the space, it is overly crowded with not enough seats/tables. They may need to crowd control or limit # of people inside.

Omgeee these beers, I think about them all the time. It's so yummy not basic at all they are thoughtful well made and full of flavor. If you haven't had an opportunity to grab q beer here run don't walk.

Was in the East Bay and I needed a spot where I could get some computer work done and I discovered Great Notion. Came in as a walk in during the middle of the day on a weekday and there were only a few people inside. Ordering at the bar was straight forward and there was seating along the bar itself as well as bar-style seating against the exterior facing windows. I opted to sit by the windows for the natural light and because there was an outlet there. I don't recall if they have wifi or not, I may have just used hotspot. Great Notion itself is very casual and cool with a neat beer list that features some unique ingredients. I opted for the passion fruit mochi beer which sounded super interesting and also happened to be two thing I enjoy the flavor of. The beer itself was incredibly juicy (it's a fruit IPA) with some nice roundness that I think comes from the toasted mochi and other ingredients. I was a big fan and even got a 4-pack to take home! Great Notion seems like a super cool and casual spot that I'd definitely visit again if in the area!

Hidden gem in the West Berkeley area. Feels more like an hipster brunch spot than a traditional "bar", but it is very clean and well maintained. The staff was very kind. There is also some outdoor seating. Got to sample three of their craft beers-- blueberry muffin, ripe, and double stack. All of which had well rounded flavor profiles and really followed their themed flavor accenting. There's a wide variety of other drinks that I'm sure follow the same quality. Would definitely come back if I were in the area!

Personally as a self proclaimed beer connoisseur I would put Great Notion as a top 5 of best hazy's and sours. At this point I'm sure I've visited at least 300 breweries, and Great Notion always has a top position. When I took a trip to Portland I went to every one of their tap houses, and had a sad clown frown when leaving the city knowing I'd be back to only enjoying them in a can. This Berkeley spot has the same happy-go-lucky attitude the Portland spots have. Colorful art, welcoming to everyone, doggo friendly, rotating food venders, and of course delicious beer. Berkeley has a lot of beer options that are stellar, do yourself a favor, and stop by Great Notion. After all, it would be a great notion

I was visiting the Bay Area for a short weekend and chanced upon Great Notion's Mango Coconut Mochi beer at Caps & Taps in Dublin. I loved it! We've never heard of Great Notion until that night so my husband starts googling them. Great Notion is from Oregon and it looks like they specialize in IPAs, tarts, and sour-smoothies. My husband found this location during one of his searches and we just knew we had to come. We came at around 1-2PMish on a Saturday and it was busy! They were new too! I think one of the guys there said they opened 6 weeks ago! They had a good selection of beer on tap and they're pretty reasonably priced. You could get a flight too! For a flight, you can choose 5 different beers at 5oz each pour. My husband and I decided to share a flight with: Orange Creamsicle Fruit in a Can (sour-smoothie) Blueberry Muffin (sour) Blueberry Cobbler Muffin (sour) PB&Jammy Pants (Raspberry) (sour) Mango Fluff (sour) I'm not a huge fan of sours as many that I've tried made me pucker. However, Great Notion's versions are actually pretty decent. While it still holds that tart element, they don't overdo it to where I look like I ate a warhead. I especially really liked the Orange Creamsicle -- I actually got a 13.5oz draft ($9.50) of it after we went through the flight. It was a tart orange juice with a vanilla cream finish. The Blueberry Muffin smelled and tasted like blueberry muffin. If you like blueberry muffins, blueberry scones, or blueberry cake, this is the one for you. The Blueberry Cobbler Muffin was more tart than the Blueberry Muffin, most likely due to the cobbler. I wasn't a huge fan of this one but that is probably because I'm not a fan of cobbler. PB&Jammy Pants tasted and smelled exactly like how a PB&J sandwich would taste like but with a tart raspberry jam. Not my favorite flavor but definitely impressed with the product. Mango Fluff was also a favorite and with a 8.4% ABV, it can definitely get dangerous. It tasted like semi-tart mango but you can also taste that it is stronger than the rest of the flavors. They also had 4-pack of cans for you to purchase if you choose to. As an FYI, the sour-smoothie types need to be kept in the fridge to keep the fruit from fermenting. Once the fruit ferments, there is a chance that the original taste of the beer will differ. The prices are a tad high for a 4-pack but seeing as they're specialized, it isn't so bad. They actually had cans of the Mellifluous, which is a blend of apricot, peach, banana, passionfruit, and tangerine. It's unfortunate that they did not have it on tap to be sampled but it's OK, I purchased it anyways. What is unfortunate is that they were out of the 4-packs of the Mango Coconut Mochi. That beer tasted exactly like the Chinese dessert with mango sago with tapioca. They only release the batches twice a year or so from what we were told so hopefully we'll be able to catch it when it comes back. While we were there, there was a pop-up going on with Rucolina. Since the brewery didn't really have food options (you could buy some bags of chips), we decided to get a Hanger Steak Sandwich, which comes with wild arugula, parm, calabrian chili aioli, and herbed focaccia. The sandwich was absolutely delicious. The steak was tender and flavorful, the arugula provided a freshness to the sandwich, the parm added some salty element, the aioli went great with the steak, and the focaccia was crispy! Even though I was full from half of the sandwich and beer, I wanted more! But they ran out so we couldn't go for seconds :( Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the beer and the food from the pop up. Definitely recommend them! If you like sours/IPAs, definitely a plus! If you don't, this may not be the place for you. I can't wait to visit again when I'm in the area again!

It was a little loud inside, so we sat on the patio so we could more easily converse. The beer was SOOOO GOOD! Our favorites were the mango fluff sour, the otter milk stout and the over ripe IPA (very juicy). They also had a food truck (chicken dumpling co) serving incredible dumplings! We will definitely be back!

I love love love Great Notion in Portland. I am so happy they're here now in Berkeley!!! I have been before the grand opening for their soft opening and a few times since. Unfortunately, the beer is good and people know about it. The inside space is pretty small. I wish it was bigger but hopefully they can expand in the future. You might find yourself hovering around people to get a table. I wouldn't take a large group here, not more than 4 people. The employees are always really nice. The bathroom situation isn't that great since there's only two stalls. They do sell take away beer, and some merchandise in a small section. I've had so many of their beers I can't keep track, but they are all good. I am amazed at how they can have such a high ABV beer and make it so tasty. I love all of their sours and hazy's. They're stouts are also ridiculous. There is a great depth of flavor in these beers that you don't find at other breweries. You can really tell that their beers have been brewed with so many amazing ingredients. I just had their strawberry cheesecake beer and 14.8% stout this past weekend and it was epic. They always have classics on the menu and new experiences so you really can't go wrong. Get yourself a flight of the beers you fancy!

Fun spot in the former Sierra Nevada tasting room. I appreciated how they had a good array of hard seltzer and sour beers choices since I'm not really a beer person. Busy Saturday night. Service was friendly. My flight included Bubbs and Jules hard seltzer, Cantina, Mangossi, Tigers Blood. The cantina (the blue frothy one) was really good. I like most of the other ones as well very unique. Not a fan of the Mangossi it was very thick has oats so it was like a protein shake if you like that kind of thing. Overall fun spot.

My girlfriend and I were looking for good beer around Fourth Street -- and we found it! It's not the biggest place; it feels more like the size of a standard bar. But they optimized the space with bar seating all around, tables filling up the center, and a bit of outdoor seating (but not much). They have big TVs and nice decor. It seemed like a neighborhood favorite, as it was crowded the whole time we were there. Granted, it was the Niners playoff game, so that not sure if it'll be that busy otherwise. But we did see plenty of people popping in just to grab beers to go. That's a good sign! So, we were both not a fan of sours, but sours were obviously highlighted on their menu. The bartender told me it's their specialty, so we decided we had to try it. And, boy, the beers we got were yummy! I got the Blueberry Muffin and she got the Orange Creamsicle. They were both tasty. The Blueberry Muffin is one of the best sours I've had. Smells just like its namesake, and the taste is perfect. The bartender mentioned it's their most popular one, and it's sometimes sold out. They make great beer here, and it makes sense why so many folks grab it to go! Staff was friendly, on point, and knowledgeable. Highly recommended, and definitely want to try more sours here when we return.

Great notion in Berkeley! A taste of Portland's sweet nectar is here. Great Notion, if you're not familiar with them, specialize in NE Ipas and desserty sours (though they do of course have other styles too.) And they do a damn good job! Previously, you would see their cans or beers on draft here or there in the Bay Area. Now, you can get them straight from the source. The location in Berkeley is on the small side, but maybe it just feels that way on a Saturday when everyone is there to get some tasty pours. Still, you can usually grab a nook or corner if you look long enough. The couple times I've been, they have had a food vendor onsite but they also allow outside food (woohoo!) I hope this location is just the start of things to come. Would love to see them open a location in SF too.

Three stars? What the hell, yo? Well... here's the deal: If you are a 'trendy' hipster then this might just be the place for you. You love sour beers? Great! This is the spot for you, your beard and your man-bun. They have more sour beers on the menu than any sane person would want (one is enough). That said, here are some deets: This place is two businesses in one: a tap room for beer and a small kitchen for food. You can't order both things at the same time. You have to go to one end of the bar for each and stand in line to order. It was packed on Friday at 4:30pm. We had a short wait for a table (you gotta hover). When we were there, a couple of people had their dogs inside so they are pet friendly. AMBIANCE : 5 stars (thanks to the previous tap room - Torpedo Room [Anchor Steam]) This place changed nothing other than hang artwork by the same artist who's work is on all the beers. Great stuff if you are into micro (or macro) dosing hallucinogenics. BEER: 3 stars. We wanted to try a variety of brews so we each got a flight (5 5oz. pours for $25 w/ 20% tip but variety is NOT what you get here unless you want to choose between too many sour beers and IPAs (oh so trendy!) - Side note: When the fuck did a suggested 15%, 20%. or 25% tip become the norm for having to stand in line to order and carry your own shit away??? My flight had: Thumb Splitter (Pale Ale) - We both enjoyed this Pale Ale! Lady Behind The Glass (Pilsner) - nondescript, unmemorable Love & Ritual - IPA (not bad but the pineapple was better) Pineapple Pillows - very good IPA with a hint of Pineapple - YUM! Double Stack (stout) - NAAAASTY shit! neither one of us could stomach it. FOOD: 3.5 stars (they could get 4 with a couple of simple tweaks). The menu is a small BBQ offering (ribs, brisket, pulled pork and Jack Fruit (LOL... did I mention this place is for hipsters??) with a couple of side options (mac 'n cheese, slaw). We each ordered the $25 3-meat sandwich that came stacked with pulled pork, brisket and boneless ribs and slaw. You get a slice of pickle on the side. The sandwich is not easy to eat. The bun was cold (grill it or heat it please) and fell apart for both of us despite the fact that I removed some of the meat to manage biting it. The meat was generous (should be for $25!!) but the brisket was a little dry. The ribs, on the other hand were nice and juicy. None of the meat was hot. :( SERVICE: tap room side - 2.5 stars, kitchen side - 4 stars. The kitchen staff was very friendly. They had smiles on their faces and were happy to serve. The food came out very quickly. The tap room service was ok. There were plenty of people working that side but they were busy so we felt rushed. Two sandwiches and two flight set us back $110. I suspect that business may die down after the initial buzz wears off. We may be back for a couple of the beers that we liked at some point if we're in the neighborhood.

One of the best breweries in the Bay Area. It is still relatively new, but they are busy. They had mostly sours, imperials, and NE IPAs, but there was a pretty good variety overall. Prices were reasonable at about $7.50 for most pours, but depending on the style it can either be anywhere from 13.5-16 oz. pours. Flights are $19 for 5-5 oz pours (25 oz total) which is pricey but you pay a premium for variety like at most breweries. Individual 5 oz pours are about $4. My friends and I liked all 10 of the beers we tried, but the sours were definitely the standouts. They have a lot of different 4 pack beers to go, some that are not on tap as well. Most are in the low $20s. They also do growler fills. They have food available but we didn't try any The only problem is the place is pretty small, both inside and outside. The patio is not covered and no heat lamps. It can get crowded. Mostly paid street parking, but you can park a couple blocks further away for free

This Oregon based brewery is in the spot of the former Torpedo Room. It is recommended for fans of double IPAs and sour beers. There wasn't a lot on the menu to try in a flight if you aren't a fan of those two beers. There also weren't snacks for vegetarians on the day we went. I did like the beer that I had--it almost tasted like a cognac. Otherwise, it's a sun filled spot, always hopping (pun not initially intended) , right off the bike path and near Fourth Street shopping area. There us outdoor seating and a casual place to hang out for a while like you would in a café. I live in the neighborhood and would love to go more often, but I just don't enjoy extreme sour beers and double IPAs, and I do like having something to nosh on when having a strong beer.

Great beer and service. A ton of sours and hazys, which was perfect for me and the hubs. Wish there woulda been a food truck or something but they did have poke bowls they sold out of, just not my jam. Nicely decorated and not too loud.

Sometimes you forget you're drinking a beer. I came here as a sour beer enthusiast after Rare Barrel closed down. The beers aren't super sour like RB but boy are they tasty as hell! Plus they release a new beer like very week! My fridge has no place anymore!! But my wife and I love coming here from the city. The brewery has a nice vibe and sometimes they play games on their screen. The staff are super friendly, I know almost all of them by name now It's definitely our favorite brewery right now in the area!

Good choices of beer to pick from . Love the local vibe. Service is good and staff is friendly.

Not subtly sweet smoothie beers are what brought me to Great Notion. We ended up buying 4 packs which are not cheap by any means. But the smoothie type beers are mostly unique to Great Notion and are undeniably delicious while being strong. The service was great even though it was packed, and the venue was a great spot for beer. One bonus was that they had a pop up restaurant that had one of the best steak sandwiches that I've ever had - we actually tried to get one more but they were sold out. We hope Great Notion will be able to ship to Nevada soon!

Favorite brewery with sours flowing on tap! Blueberry muffin is a must & well as their strawberry shortcake. Friendly service means will definitely come back again & absolutely recommend to a friend!

It was gonna be a good review until I had to sit there with no drink for 30 minutes. Beer is good. Staff was good until the guy in the overalls took over behind the bar

Cool sours, tons of beers that rotate throughout the year, funky decor, flights to try everything, cool merch, tv's playing sportson a street not far from a shopping center so there is stuff to check out in the neighborhood. Indoor no patio, I dont think there is a dedicated parking lot, closes early. Def worth checking out

Best new brewery in my humble opinion. I found out about their beers during SF Beer Week 2023, and was an instant favorite. Their sours are the best I've tasted. The varietal IPAs, plus stouts, are delicious. Well actually, pick any beer from here and it will impress.

So sad that this place gets more business than Sierra Torpedo Room did. Stopped by after the nearby beer fest, while waiting for the train ride home and the place was packed. Waited for the seat for 30+ minutes. Service was friendly, so that's a star up, but their beer IMO is just okay. Sure, hazy and kettle sour and pastries are what they do best, so obviously there's more appeal to the younger generation. However, there are CA and even local breweries that do those styles equally well, if not better. As far as the beer quality goes, GN is all hype if you ask me. But the location and pleasant service would eventually make me come back..to kill time waiting for the train.

Cool place beer is good but didn't have many on tap. One of my beers we from a can. Parking is kinda of crazy down there. The place was packed. Wife was trying to look at the shirts but there was a table in from of there merchandise. The staff was super friendly and nice. The beers are good and have ones to take home.

I've really enjoyed all the beers and seltzer I have tried here. The sour tart styles they carry are very impressive and actually taste like the claims. They have a nice selection of hazy style IPAs that hit the mark. If the timekeeper is on tap, make sure you get it. The stouts offered will please anyone even those (like me) who don't prefer this style. I hope to try more of their offerings as they rotate as I haven't been dissatisfied with anything here. One Sunday came and there was no food except chips and another Monday there was a taco truck. Hopefully they lockdown a food vendor who can have a menu as good as the beers.