Headlands Brewing - Berkeley

At first glance, it’s just a small burger place, but it turned out to be a really nice spot. The atmosphere is cozy, the music is pleasantly quiet, and the beer is excellent. They even have activities for kids, which makes it great for families. Overall, I really enjoyed it. My only suggestion would be to improve the burger buns—something of higher quality and without added sugar would be perfect. Other than that, a great place. I’d definitely recommend it!

This was a fun little brewery. I especially liked being able to order at the table from your phone and then bringing your drinks and food straight to you. The beer was great. I tried the GOAT Maibock, Earth to Beer Kolsch, and Hawk Hill Hefeweizen. The maibock was my fave of the 3. There are bench tables plus lawn chair table seating arrangements. Staff was awesome and very family and pet friendly.

A lively, dog-friendly spot with a great vibe, even in a less upscale neighborhood. Perfect for a casual hangout with friends. Highlights: Lemon Shandy – Light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer afternoon. Black Bean Burger – Crispy with decent flavor. Sweet The Creamery Pop-Up – High-quality homemade ice cream. I had the "Fresas con Crema," which would have been even better with chilled strawberries instead of warm ones. I just wish they had more vegetarian options with creative sides. Overall, a fun and welcoming place to relax and enjoy good company!

Neighborhood favorite! Love the vibes and the staff is super welcoming. There are heaters for night when it’s cold :) love the smash burgers and all the sandwiches on the menu!

The perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day with friends! They have something for everyone — even as someone who isn’t a big beer drinker, I loved their ciders, especially the Humboldt Cherry. Great beer for the beer lovers too! The laid-back atmosphere, friendly crowd, and dog- and kid-friendly outdoor space make it a must-visit. Highly recommend!

A wonderful counter service restaurant with outdoor only seating but lots of shade, heat lamps, and fire pits. Our counter server, Jen, was very friendly and helpful, as were all the other employees we interacted with. They had a large selection of beers, delicious smash burgers, and a kids menu. They are also dog friendly if that matters to you. Highly recommend for a quick bite or a couple of beers.

Great spot for a beer! The food is also delicious, my Gallinaso sandwich with bacon and fries was very satisfying. The staff here are great, they hold down the lines and crowds like champs and are very helpful and friendly. Beautiful garden area with tons of outdoor seating and fire pits.

Been hitting this place up regularly since they opened. Love the Deluxe Smash Burger (Make it a double!) & the Loaded Potato w/ Chicken & Jalapenos. New remodel is nice, Drinks selection is ample! Pet Friendly & 1% to the Planet.

"A beer garden with a real garden!" This is a cute beer garden in the heart of Berkeley. Parking can be a bit tight so be prepared to perhaps walk just a short bit. I had a chance to chat with the friendly bartender, Joey, who has been with the company a long time. She explained some of the history on this location and was extremely courteous. When she saw I was shivering, she even lit the fire for me. That's what I call service! If you want a really cute little beer garden this is a A+ location. Glad I came here.

We were about to head to another brewery but decided to try a new spot and found Headlands! We came on a Friday after work and it was very lively and busy. Drove around a bit to find street parking. When you first enter there's a line to order beer and food at the bar. It's open and self seating. Because it was so busy we drank our first beer standing around waiting for some seats to open up. There's also QR codes on the tables that you can place your order from. The whole brewery is outdoors and it feels like a cozy backyard or garden. It was a bit on the pricier side for a brewery serving their own beers. Most drinks were about $9 which is more in line to what I expect from a tap house or bar. Headlands probably wouldn't be my first choice for a brewery because none of the drinks stood out to me but I definitely wouldn't be opposed to grabbing another drink here when the weather is nice :) The food looked good so I might check it out again in the future!

We took a spur of the moment trip to Berkeley on an absolutely beautiful day. We went to Headlands Brewing, a new brewery to us. The staff is very pleasant. The food and beers are a solid 4, and came quickly. We sat outside on the patio, on this perfect day, which has patio umbrellas, comfortable picnic tables, misters for those days when needed, a pretty garden, and clean bathrooms (this is the first time I've ever been moved to comment on bathrooms). You should try this place. Very solid all around.

What a gem! I was skeptical after hearing Westbrae Biergarten was no more and something new was in the space. But..after hearing it was Headlands Brewing, I was intrigued and also excited after a little research. We first visited the Lafayette location and now are frequent to the Berk location. Delicious smash burgers (served with a special yet hush hush sriracha sauce), crisp, light, and dangerously delicious beer, and awesome staff. Such a friendly environment and outdoor digs that are kiddo, wallet, and doggy approved. Can't wait to try other items from the menu including the sausages, nachos, and if you've been following my recent reviews..the pretzel and beer cheese hits home! Would love to bottle it up! I love a local and community gathering hub, and that's exactly the look and feel I get from Headlands. Quality beer, solid food, and an approachable/friendly vibe to stay for one, or a while. The Berk location has TV's and love the Lafayette location's mini fire pits. Excited to follow this spot with their East Bay expansions on the horizon and mission-forward brews.

Yes, you read that right--you can bring the kids! This spot makes enjoying a night out with friends so much easier. With a dedicated play section for the little ones, I was able to hang out with my girlfriends for hours while my daughter happily played with other kids. Bonus points: my dog was perfectly content chilling under the table, hoping for leftover snacks to come his way. The food did not disappoint either. The smashburger was absolute fire, and the aioli for the fries? The perfect match. Headlands Brewery is a win for the whole family--kids, dogs, and adults alike! The ambiance is perfectly set and there are fire pits to keep you warm in the evening fall nights.

Headlands Brewing is a go-to spot to unwind for myself and my company! Before this new business, we used to frequent the Westbrae Biergarten. Glad to see that the business is doing well and I enjoy supporting them. The beer garden is all outdoors and is similar in layout to Westbrae. Open seating with plenty of communal picnic tables and beach chairs. Here you make yourself comfortable and get to know those around you. The fire pit, kid area, and the fact that it's dog-friendly is appreciated! I love walking my puppy here for a sip and bite. She loves it too--more so for the attention, treats, and seeing other dogs. The service is friendly and all smiles; especially when they recognize me and my pup. It makes us feel like we're a part of this close-knit community. Ordering is done at the front for both food and drinks or through the QR code. Everything is brought out to you. This time around, my companion and I came and shared the Seasoned French Fries. They're super seasoned, it's a party in your mouth, and hard to pinpoint the exact flavor profile. We thought the texture and size reminded us of In N Out fries. The price felt decent for the portion given. I'm interested in trying the sandwiches. I love frequenting local dog-friendly spots with friends and family. Headlands Brewing will continue to be on my rotation as it's always a chill but fun time. The beer garden is easy to find off Gilman with residential and street parking around. I'll be back soon!

The pros: Big outdoor space, thoughtfully designed, with picnic tables, umbrellas, fire pits, and a small park for kids to play. They have a varied drink menu, with a bunch of local beers on tap from the brewery; some wines, including organic varietals; and a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including Martinelli's apple juice. Headland's brewery also serves food - a very limited menu, but it includes burgers, chicken fingers, and a few veggie options. They are open until 9 PM, so you can wander over after work for a beer. On a nice day, including any random Wednesday, there's a line for food by 5:30 PM. The cons: This is the place people who have no idea how to say "no" to their dogs - let alone their kids - apparently come to hang out. As someone who loves dogs and kids, we were surprised to see kids climbing on the tables and running around screaming while dogs barked their heads off and tried to eat everyone's food. This place gets so loud you can't hear the person next to you talking. The wait in line to order food is also abysmally long. They need a few more folks behind the counter during rush hour to meet the demand. If you want a peaceful drink and shorter lines, show up at 8PM when the kids are heading off to bed. (That's when these photos were taken - nice and empty!!) All told, Headlands brewing has incredible promise, but they need to set some rules in the yard so that it's less like a schoolyard at recess and more like a place you'd want to hang out and relax. Otherwise, it's a great venue!!

Came here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday evening and enjoyed our time here! Staff and Service: - Order at the counter and take your number to a table (tables are on a first-come, first-served basis) - Staff will bring your drinks and food to your table from your number Food and Drinks: - Smash Burger: this was better than I thought it would be. Good flavor from the sauce and the pickle spear I got was nice and crispy - Veggie Sandwich: good, but a little pricy - Ciders: I got the standard apple cider and the cherry cider. Both were good, with the cherry cider being more on the tart side Miscellaneous: - Parking is available via street parking - BART is nearby for those wanting to take public transportation - Seating is a mix of picnic tables, chairs, benches around fire pits, and lawn chairs - We arrived around 7 and had trouble finding a seat initially. Around 7:45, the place started to clear out a bit, so that's a good time to come if you have a larger group - Good for groups, families, etc.

Absolutely a smash hit! Beer was fantastic! We got a kolsch, delicious! The lager was really well done as well! I hesitated when I was told it was in a can not out of the keg, but the server was correct, excellent! The smash burgers are delicious! I dont typically order smash burgers, but i would come back for these! The pretzel is excellent, light, tasty and has a great cheese sauce! Outdoor seating was great. Totally casual and a lot of fun. Great for kids, families or couples. We will definately be back!!

Headlands Brewing's new Berkeley location on Gilman Street takes over the old Westbrae Biergarten space by the BART tracks. It's fantastic that they preserved the set up allowing lots of casual hanging out with friends, kids, and dogs. Apparently the owner lives in the neighborhood and missed the old beer garden. Creating an opportunity for him to expand Headlands Brewing to a second location. It looks like Walnut Creek will be the third location. Went over for a Friday evening happy hour with beer and food served up in the sun - it was a delightful opening day! Everyone was in good spirits and the taps were flowing and the food orders are flying, albeit from a limited opening menu. Their beers are well crafted. 14 on tap and a few in cans. Mostly served as full pints, but some stronger beers are poured in smaller glasses. Large steins are available if that's how you spell biergarten! Great selection from Headlands. I loved the Haná Helles Lager and the Pt. Bonita Pilsner was pretty tasty too. Other breweries are represented, which fills in the selection. As a dark beer lover, I was glad they had the absolutely delicious and very smooth Faction Nitro Oatmeal Stout - a 13oz pour. Most beers are $9 but a few are $8. I'd say the food is more than satisfactory, although Brazil offered a few options that were even better in the previous incarnation. As I mentioned, Headlands started out with the limited menu for opening day. I can't wait to see the full menu and I certainly think the food is very solid for beer garden, where, first and foremost, it's about the beer! Michoacano Sandwich - delicious pulled pork on perfect Acme bread. Or at least I would put it in the "much better than your average bar" food category. $14.50 Westveggie Sandwich - the Acme bread was fantastic, but the humus quite unsatisfying as the base for an unsubstantial sandwich. Add Fries for $3.50 - pretty good. Not amazing or anything, but get the fries. A full order is $6.50 and a basket $9. Churros - a sweet ending, with caramel dipping sauce. $6.50 Fantastic service even with many customers queued up. I heard that they hired some of the old Westbrae Biergarten staff - classy move. I saw the old manager and said it was nice to see her. But as much as anything, this place is about the space and the sunshine, at least until the fog rolls in.

Solid place to drink beer and chill with friends. It was a bit hard to find seating on the weekend. They had good food offerings with kid friendly and vegan options.

Came on a Friday evening. Been here before under previous owners. Glad they have hard kombucha and other wine drinks since I'm not a beer drinker. Always appreciate the outdoor space which they updated chairs and umbrellas. Staff is friendly and I like that you can order at your table the drinks. I miss the Brazilian food options but enjoyed having the salad with chicken. Chicken seasoning was good and fries. Gilman Curry sandwich was ok. Overall fun local place that's nearby. Wish they had more appetizer food offerings beyond "bar food" ie pretzels, veggie, and fries and sandwiches. I guess I was missing the empanadas.

Food is delish - smash burgers, fries and some other options! Can't beat it and perfect for the whole family. Love the setting and vibe of this spot in Berkeley- all outside with lots of seating and sun coverage. Everyone is super friendly and fast service even on a busy warm Friday night!

Jen was our awesome server. Everything was perfect from beer to food. I couldn't come through this area without trying the local brew and the food was over the top. The food looked delicious and it tasted exactly like it looked. This is definitely a great place to stop off. I do it again if I was in the area. Might even be my local go to if I moved.

Same space as Westbrae Biergarten but we liked the beer better because they have their own beers on tap--my dining partner enjoyed their The GOAT Maibock. We both thought the food (sandwiches, burgers, and salads) and service were an upgrade from before. The fries were warm and crispy, but not overdone, and my oescadero (tuna) sandwich was quite tasty. My partner liked his michoacana (pulled pork) sandwich but thought it was a bit on the hefty side. All in all, we'd be down for return visits to this easy and friendly hang out spot on sunny days.

Went to headlands brewery today after a day trip to Berkeley. This used to be my go-to spot due to the food and ambiance. I was sad to see the Brazilian food was gone but excited to try the new menu. The service was fast. However, the food was overpriced, poorly seasoned, and overall a disappointment. I don't plan to return which is sad because I love finding dog friendly spots.

I have gab many burgers in my life, but never have I had a thinner patty. It has to be a joke. Im sure there must be a camera measuring people's reaction. It's tasty though, but since in one of the more expensive burgers around, this is my last one here.

This is a review for all of the parents or friends who have friends with kids that want to suggest a kid friendly place that's not obnoxiously loud with kids running around and pinball machines in every corner. The beers are good! The smash burgers are good! Kids meals are awesome. They're pretty quick too, even on a busy sunny Saturday! I will be back with a variety of friends with or without kids for the charming outdoor energy. A big plus for several nonalcoholic options too. Something for everyone but for sure those parents in need of some social time but don't want to spend $100+ on a babysitter.

Really great beer garden! The smash burger and fries were super decision. Lots of seating and a fun kids area. Dog friendly. Love the staff and feel. Was great to watch some of the Olympics. Overall it's a little pricy, but worth it!

Nina and I had lunch here and LOVED it! I got there a little early and found a parking space near the nursery and did a better job of parking. Nina arrived shortly after and we went in. Happily we could order at the front counter rather than via the QR code on the table, which neither of us could have managed. We both ordered the Michoacano sandwich and I added extra crispy fries to mine. It also comes w/ a nice dill pickle spear. To drink I ordered some of their homemade lemonade and Nina drank water. We were given numbers on stalks and chose a table. It was a bit chilly so we moved down the benches into the sun and that was much better. The garden looks beautiful and there's even a pond w/ a fountain that I think is new. The lemonade was fantastic, albeit a bit heavy on the ice, so next time I will ask for light ice. They didn't offer straws, which I like. Our sandwiches were great, very tasty and I liked the fries. The portion was a good size, not too big. I was hoping that the owner would be there so I could chat w/ him, but he wasn't. The young woman at the counter was sweet and helpful, even offering me a sample of the lemonade before I ordered, which I decline, knowing if it was house made it would be good. There were a few adorable dogs. Before we left we used the bathrooms. The fixtures look new, but I'm not sure they are. It's been a while since I've been to the biergarten. Nina and I will definitely be back.

Stumbled upon this place today and grabbed a few beers with a buddy. Was surprised to hear it had only been open for a few weeks as it appeared dialed in. The location and space is amazing. Lots of shade. You barely realize you're near the BART tracks. Plenty of seating. The beer was just ok for my taste. Not great, but definitely it bad at all. We did not try the food but I will next time. The staff was friendly. Overall great experience and I will definitely be back there next time I'm in Berkeley.

This biergarten is great. I liked the old spot -- this new company seems to have made an improvement on the area. Weirdly, the only thing I didn't like was the IPA mustard. Rehash that recipe!

This place has it all: sun drenched terrace, tasty beers and great food. With a kid zone, outdoor screens and dog friendly atmosphere, we love coming with the fam!

My mom and I had nice time at the Headlands Brewing on 6/18. On our walk back home the crowd caught our attention, so we walked over to the front entrance where we were kindly greeted by Adam. Despite it being a private event he insisted we check it out before their official opening. As expected Headlands Brewing did not disappoint. The vibes, food, drinks and customer service was great. 10/10 highly recommend. We're definitely looking forward to going back. Thanks again!

I went for my first time last Thursday around 1pm. I ordered the smashed burger (no onions) and a side of seasoned fries. The burger was delicious. The fries were good but next time I would ask for regular fries. I am not a fan of the seasoning but that is my opinion not a knock on the food at all. I don't remember the beer I had but I asked for the lightest beer and it was so cold and perfect. I almost ordered a second glass. The service was friendly. I read other reviews about children, there were a few kids but they stayed by the kid only zone. Definitely will return for that beer and the burger.

Miguel was super helpful, I'm not a big beer drinker and his suggestions based on my flavor preferences were spot on! Just shows how attentive he is to his work and actually enjoys the interactions with guests while showing the love for the company. You can definitely feel the welcoming vibes from their outdoor space to even being able to bring the kiddos and letting them play in the kids area. I will definitely be bring more friends and family to headlands. Thank you Miguel for such great service!

Good food and dogs welcome , beer good selection, tried shanty Will take family again,

So first off when headland took over the Westbrey bier Garten we thought we had lost a classic and community. Turns out Joey and her team are all in and still the love and laughter behind the bier pumps. I swear blind the smash burger is one of the best I've ever eaten and more than makes up for the pigs in blankets and risolie that it replaces. GO GO GO to headland

Hefw draft beer, good light fresh. Fries, cut thin, fried well, light crunch, good. Pretzel, soft, decent.

Headlands is our go-to restaurant when coming to the Bay Area. Great selection of beers, delicious food and friendly service. The outdoor seating is perfect for families. Try it, you won't be disappointed!

Super nice venue! Love the cute pond and fire pits. Good food, good beer, great service! Super kind staff.

This is a great place to relax and chill, this is a family-friendly place, so you can avoid crowds by coming during the day (school hours) or later at night. Love the environmentally friendly aspect, they have all compostable products and are part of 1% for the planet. Food is really good, staff is friendly and engaging. Beer is reliably delicious. Sad Brazil Cafe is closed permanently, but this is a great new addition to the neighborhood!

The kid to adult ratio is almost 50/50. This is a family spot. So if you're coming to get away, unwind and socialize with your friends with 4 year olds everywhere then this is the perfect spot for you! Beverages offered are great with plenty of options and variety! We only ordered the pretzel and beer cheese and it was good. We asked for some mustard and were charged - eh. I liked that you can scan a code at your seat and they serve you. That was cool. I might come on a weekday next time, order more food and see the vibe then. I'm not against kids (I'm a mother) but this place was almost like romper room with alcohol.

This is one of the most amazing brewery I been to in California Amazing staff with the most amazing characters. The food is super amazing

Beautiful outdoor space with amazing food and drinks. Great staff as well. A favorite of mine!

This place is super cute, all outdoor seating, nice place to grab a drink with friends, or I take a book and read, very relaxing. I like the pretzels too. The staff are always very helpful.

5 Stars!!! Been meaning to write this for a while now, but I attended a couple of events at Headlands over summer, and had wonderful experiences both times! Specifically, I want to give a huge shoutout to Adrianna, who seemed to be leading the events. She was super friendly, knowledgeable, and provided excellent expertise on the company's core values, history, and brand as a whole. Absolutely loved their IPA options, and the food was to die for! Great portions, reasonably priced, and delicious! Will be visiting again soon. Thanks, Adrianna!!!

A hidden local gem nestled in the outskirts of Berkeley, California just before Albany, next to the raised BART tracks, and surrounded by a whole lot of greens mostly from the nursery next door - the #WestbraeBiergarten, a local neighborhood hangout that's been closed awhile now has finally been reincarnated a few days ago as the #HeadlandsBrewing to the delight of a whole lot of beer-worshipping folks, present company included! (even with my gout and all). The food menu is only at about 75% strong with mostly burgers and salads right now, but I got a reply email from their CEO Austin Sharp who said they will be adding more in upcoming weeks/months. A 16oz craft beer is only $9 (I had the "Golden Gate WC IPA"), while a freshly ground single patty Smash Burger with cheese is only $11.50, just a little more than a fast food chain processed burger. Atmosphere and people are casual, relaxed, and friendly, and not necessarily in that order! The staff is both friendly and pleasant. There were some not-too-loud recorded music playing on this Friday afternoon, and I've been told live music is on their things-to-do list too. .....cheers! https://gallery.wingsdomain.com

This is an amazing place- terrific setting that is family and pet friendly, fantastic food (oh those baskets of fries!) with tasty specials too, and the brews are superb. The service is excellent. A big shout out to Minerva who is one of the nicest service workers you will ever meet. This restaurant is a terrific addition to Gilman St.

I love this place! I was sad when the Brazil Cafe closed, but Headlands has really brought back everything I loved about the old place, and updated it more. The drink menu is huge, the food is awesome, the Trailblazer salad has been my favorite, and I'm excited to try out their new Taco Thursdays. The manager Joey is so nice and helpful, I'm really glad that Headlands was able to bring her back as well as many other employees. It's made this place feel like old times but with a new twist

Yo My server Miguel really went above and beyond during service. His beer suggestion was outstanding! As I am a huge fan of light beers, his suggestion of the party wave lager really hit home with the refreshing taste and crispness that my wife and I enjoyed. Now boy could I tell you, Miguel's suggestion for the Michoacano sandwich was definitely a good call. It was so juicy and hefty for a Sando! We ate it up too quickly. Thankfully we got the churros! And it came with a caramel dipping sauce! That sh** was so fu**ing delicious. I could only suggest getting these items! And especially be helped by such a suave individual like, Miguel!!!

Excellent service, friendly stuff , food is great, beers are excellent for all type of palates, everything in a very nice environment.

Very friendly and helpful staff, truly scrumptious and fresh tasting g food (I had the corn chowder soup and avocado/bell pepper melt). Family and dog friendly atmosphere. And delicious Humboldt Cherry cider!

Love this place! Outside, comfy and the wait staff is super friendly. Minerva always takes great care of me and my friends; she always remembers us by name. Food is yummy and great selection of beer and cider. It's become a regular place to go!

A wonderful addition to the Berkeley brew pub scene. We now have a rare combination of the best East Bay brewery at the best East Bay brewpub location. The beers: always amazing. The food: delicious smash burgers highlight a full, excellent brewpub menu. The ambiance: can't be beat. While the courtyard continues to be charming, it now has a sense of welcome and warmth thanks to the Headlands family (both literally, with a dedicated, passionate owner, and figuratively with the talented Headlands team).

Great and friendly staff. The michoacano sandwich is awesome. Beer is serviceable. Love the new improvements to the space!

The food was amazing and the place is really great. The people were incredibly nice and supportive and I recommend anyone who gets the chance to go to Headlands! Super good venue with the fire pit and its nice and warm.

Was very sad to hear of Westbrae Biergarten closing as it's been a neighborhood favorite of mine for years. Was pleased to stop into the new Headlands iteration of the Biergarten and find that not much has changed and if it has it seems to be even better. Great beer selection and great food. Great for parents with young kids who wanna have a beer in the sun while their children play and great for buddies to grab a stein while bar hopping, love the place.

Great family and dog spot. Good beer and food. Tucked in a nice neighborhood. All the locals know about it. Wondering if it will be perused by out of towners. Check it out regardless.