Berkeley Underground

couln’t find it

I designed 4 flyers for them, and have been waiting to get paid for over 3 months. Not even a reply to any of my emails. Do not do business with these people.

Wednesday night salsa, I will be a returning customer for sure! so much fun and the people are so great. Discount cover charge for berkeley students, and sometimes they have shows with pro dancers. It can get really crowded but nevertheless one of my favorite places to dance in the Bay Area :) updating my review from last time which reviewed the weekend shananigans that happen here. Not a fan of the weekend stuff but the salsa is awesome!

I had an amazing time the first time I came here for sunset arcade ! The lights and music and people were awesome ! Drinks were outrageous in price though !!

I’m pretty shocked to see that this place isn’t AT LEAST 4 stars.
I came here on a Friday night for gLAdiator (03÷13÷15). Ticketfly (where I bought my tickets [$ 12.50+fees] and had to pick them up at will-​call) said we can pick tickets up at 9PM, but it’s weird because on Unilocal it says the venue opens from 10PM — 2AM… A little misleading, but it’s all good.
Got into the venue around 10PM and my friends and I were literally the first people there… Haha the opener for the night was pretty chill. You go down some stairs and you’ll see a bar straight ahead, when you turn right, you’ll find coat check for $ 3, but when you turn left, you’ll see the dance floor and couches along the sides. The bathrooms are to the right and when you walk further, there will be a designated smoking area.
Around midnight, gLAdiator came on and played until 1:45AM, not bad! I really like how this place isn’t that well-​known (yet) so it isn’t that crowded. The crowd is pretty chill and very diverse! I had a good time.
If you’re also wondering about paying at the door, it’s about $ 20, so no biggy and I definitely feel like it’s worth it with the good vibes you’ll get from this place =] PLUS, super awesome that there isn’t a dress code! The security people are also super chill! My friend and I wanted to take a picture with gLAdiator after the show because the stage is literally 1 foot higher than the dance floor and I asked the dude if it’s cool to stay here to take pictures after, and he’s like ‘yeah of course!’ S/​O to the homies out at Berkeley Undeground!
P. S. They posted a deal they had for their «incendio» shot for $ 5… SO WEIRD… It was literally some cinnamon-​y cough syrup? Beware… Or be adventurous and YOLO it.

Came here ³⁄₁₃ to see gLAdiator
* The venue is opened from 10pm-​2am.
* Security swipes your ID to check if it’s legit. We got there early and had no problem getting in.
* No dress code! :)
* Plenty of seating :)
* Good-​sized dance floor
* Lighting was alright
* Bathrooms were clean
* Bars in 3 corners
It gets hot in here because it’s poorly ventilated.

Wednesdays now offer salsa dancing — with live band music as well as from a DJ. I was SO hoping I would like this place more than when it was the Shattuck Downlow, but I did not. Street parking is both free and usually available by the time this venue’s doors open, so that’s a perk. Admission is $ 10 — unless you prepay online and get a (50%) discount (making it only $ 5). There may also be a VIP guest list to get in free — but not on Wednesday nights. The only list the girls in the front even know about was the $ 5 prepay list. They offer mints and Hershey’s chocolate kisses at the entrance where you pay (two girls — after passing two outside bouncers). Even though there is only one entrance and no way to get in without passing four people at the door, they insist upon placing wrist bands on everyone yet do NOT allow you to exit and return. There is a caged alley «patio» in the back (for smokers) — and a coat check (charging $ 3 per item). The bathrooms are NOT clean. The bar is «unremarkable». The dance floor is wooden. Seating around it is limited.
A group beginner bachata lesson starts around 8pm — followed a 30 minutes later by a short break and then a 30-​minute group beginner salsa lesson. DJ music starts after 9pm and the band at least 30 minutes after that. Although the DJ might play one chachacha and/​or two or three bachatas, the music is almost exclusively salsa (and timba from the band). Corey Raynor is a very enthusiastic, patient, and encouraging instructor (and dance venue promoter). The lesson offered is very basic. Most of the people who come seem very new to salsa and partner dancing. A few dancers with more experience and training show up later in the night, but this does not seem like a place for an experienced dancer to come looking for and/​or expecting to find a fun partner — so bring your own if you can.

Berkeley UNDERGROUND is not a good venue right now. They can be, but not this way.
This venue has done the typical out of town owner thing. The common mistake that a lot of «new in town“venue owners have made in the last 30 years. They waited until Kyle and his team promoted the hell out of the show. THEN they took the night from him. And then want to give him 50 bucks or something a night and then take all THAT DOOR MONEY THAT KYLE AND HIS TEAM PROMOTED FOR!
RIGHT?
Not a good way to say hello to the East Bay Music scene. The east bay music scene is a network of family and friends that go back into the 20^th century. Pretty far back, too. Talking a couple few generations, here.
SO…to do this to KOOL KYLE AND HIS CREW is a tactical error. Because what he can do in the long run for your venue is WAY more lucrative than what you are about to see for your selves. The UC Theater is about to re open. The Thalassa pool hall is opening as a night club this winter AND BERKELEY UNDERGROUND WANTS TO SEND THIS MESSAGE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE EAST BAY?
IN BERKELEY OF ALL PLACES!!!
My advice to THE BERKELEY UNDERGROUND is give KYLE back his show and let him turn your nightclub into a premier hotspot. You will make SO much bread that way!
Kool Kyle knows everybody from the bay already… because he is a native son, here.

It’s just what berkeley needed! I guess. A club. Interestingly, I think thallasa is turning in to a club too so we might get some real rivalry going on.

Keep an eye on this place. Huge things coming soon!

We went here after dinner on New Years Eve. Cover was steep ($ 30) but it was a special event – Michael Jackson/​Prince dance party. There was a REALLY good MJ impersonator with full sparkly outfit and incredible dance moves. Everyone was dancing and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Super friendly crowd. It was a blast!
I don’t know what the normal cover is. The drinks weren’t cheap, but weren’t ridiculous either I suppose (about $ 7 – more than I usually like to spend). However, they are STRONG. Coat check is $ 3.
The atmosphere here is great. Large dance floor with fun lighting, big booths to relax in, and two bars. It’s definitely what Berkeley needed because, let’s face it, night life in the area is SERIOUSLY lacking. I hope to return.

VIBES. I made my 2015 return to what was previously The Down Low to check out my friend’s event, Styles Upon Styles: A really dope runway fashion show featuring tons of talented Bay Area couture designers & models, as well as an eclectic + tastemaker-​influenced dance party. The black & white aesthetic gave the atmosphere a clean, inviting feel that was accentuated by the stylish dress of all the attendees, designers, and music selectors.
I loved the blank frames & mirrors on the walls, and the seated sections were very comfortable. We were fortunate enough to have the likes of Ren The Vinyl Archaeologist (True Skool) & DJ Proof (Massive Selector/​Sweater Funk/​Wonder-​Full, I mean, come on!!!) to name a few, so the sound selections were just top-​shelf, all night long! I had lots of fun dancing directly underneath the mirrorball with all my friends, as the lighting is really cool down there, but the sound system seemed a little off; hopefully they fine-​tune the sound in the future. There’s also a smoking section through the Exit area, adorned with string lights (which I’m a sucker for because I’m a big softie deep down inside) so it’s a nice place to catch a breather or gossip about people inside still, hehe.
There’s a bar to the right of the stage (more string lights there, yes I was excited to see that, lol) and there’s a bar section right at the base of the stairs, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spirit to get into the spirit if you feel so inclined! The drinks felt a little pricey, but hey, admission was free, so it balanced itself out. I’d definitely visit again! Go with a group of your best friends & occupy a seated section early so you can relax on the sofas!

Berkeley Underground is hella cool. I’ve been there twice so far. Last night they had a fashion show and afterwards turned into a regular party. The venue is nice. The security aren’t stiff, you can actually have a conversation with them. The bartenders were hella friendly and efficient. I didn’t have to sit and wait to order a drink no more than a minute or two. I was talking to one of the bartenders and he told me about all the different parties they have, so I’ll definitely come back to check it out.

Heard about latin night from kool Kyle, the promoter that has a similar party at Make Out Room in the city, and I was in the east bay so I decided I check it out. The venue is nice and has good size dance floor. The live band was great, defiantly worth the 10 dollar cover but the dj was okay, the bar tenders were all friendly and when I was ordering my drinks the dj/​promoter baylando (think that’s his name) bought us a round!
There was a good crowd for the live band but it died down after the dj started, I was told it was the first night for Latin Night, so I’m sure it will draw a bigger crowd like in SF. If I’m in the east bay on Wednesday night I’ll defiantly come here

I’ve to this place 3 times now (it’s the old down low). They’ve changed the look of the place a good amount, it feels elegant and classy, but not too much where it felt too fancy… I think Sarah T. has it right, «Swanky.»
The first time I came here was back in November, my friends and I just finished watching a movie and noticed it when were were walking by. The security guards told us the place was new and let us in to check it out. It’s took me a second to realize it was the old down low. It was about 11pm, they were playing EDM/​mashups, and sort of dead, maybe only half the club was full, its new so I expect it.
The second time, was for the FAME (Fashion, Art, Music, and Entertainment) party. This party was, for lack of a better word, «dope.» They had local clothing designers, artists, and entertainers showcasing their stuff. They were playing hip hop and the club was packed this time, more ladies than gents, which even as a girl I prefer because having you and your friends being bombarded by hella dudes is no fun.
The last time I went was on Tuesday for their funk party, if you’re a dancer like me, I think you’ll like this one. Tuesday is more like a loungey session than clubby. I met sooo many really cool dancers that night. will definitely be coming back for this one. Super chill.
overall:
Security: They have a machine at the door that scans your ID and takes your picture, the Security guard said,” it’s to make sure the IDs are real and to add people to the ‘do not enter’ list if they need to as well as keep them out to ensure the safety of the other patrons.“
Décor: «Swanky» –Sarah T. It’s a gray and white interior, with 2 bars, a stage, and fancy cow printed (yeah, I said cow) and Victorian looking tufted chairs and raised up VIP/​bottle service section with tables that light up, there’s empty picture frames on the wall that they project pictures and videos into.
Dance floor: Right in the middle of the room facing the DJ on stage, surrounded by a carpeted floor in the lounge areas.
bar: Still the same as before, two bars, one on each side of the room, but only one of the bars has beer on tap. The bartenders are friendly and on some nights there are some really good drink specials. $ 10 for a shot of Jameson and a Miller high life on tuesday nights, for club prices… it’ll take that any day.
Bathroom: simple, clean, and it works. its a bathroom what do you expect? haha umm… but wish it had more light, it was kind of dark. Oh, and TP, as much as i think it’s funny when one stall has to yell out the the other stall for TP… more TP please.
cool new spot, I’ll probably be back.

Came here tonight at 10:30pm (Wednesday) for their new Latin night because I had absolutely nothing to do.
Parking: Pretty easy on a Wednesday night especially since UCB hasn’t started, not sure how it’ll be after school starts.
The Gate Keeper: ID swipe, picture taken, patted down. Am I going on a plane?
Cover: $ 10 after 10pm, $ 15 at 7pm I believe (for the classes)
Coat check: $ 3
Beer: $ 5 for a Stella, $ 10 credit card minimum
Restroom: Meh, where’s the guy pumping my soap and handing me paper towels? JK, men’s restroom was average.
Dance floor: About 400 square feet of hardwood floor, pretty old looking. It was pretty sticky for my dress shoes but it could’ve been just my shoes.
Dancers: There were about only 5 – 10 ladies who knew how to dance in the whole «club». I usually never get rejected but I wasn’t the only one, it seems a lot of the ladies here doesn’t know how to dance or are very picky. I only got to dance with 2 ladies, both in their 40s.
Live band: I got there at 10:30pm, they played 3 salsa, 1 cha cha, and ended with a salsa around 11:45pm. The band was great, would come again based on that.
DJ: After the live band was over, the DJ, «Baylando», took the stage. Man was he bad. This is the #1 reason I am giving this place 1 star. He started with 3 salsa songs, which was reasonable. After that, ELEVEN (11) FREAKING MERENGUE SONGS IN A ROW. Seriously, I sat down and started counting after 5. What kind of DJ would play 11 (maybe 12) of the same type of songs in a row? After that, he played 2 or 3 salsa songs and then played 3 merengue songs in a row, I left being highly disappointed at this DJ. I could DJ better with my freaking phone, sir, you do NOT mix salsa songs, you let them end so people can do dips.
Also, there was a guy behind the DJ saying stuff such as: «put your hands up if you’re having a good time», «DJ Baylando», etc, you get the point. This guy’s job was to stand behind the DJ and say stuff at random times, bro, this isn’t Bachata, you only say stuff during Bachata songs (JK, but seriously…)
And that concludes my rant. I’ll go back once school starts and hopefully it will be more packed with more social people.
And another thing: I believe classes here were used to be taught by a guy named Tomaj, but not anymore? I’m not sure.

I’ve heard so many good things about Berkeley Underground from Jose G that the day my roomie had a night off work, I coaxed, cajoled and convinced her to come out to salsa night with me. And boy were we glad we did.
Berkeley Underground is a new, fantastically run club that is hella swanky. The doorman and lady were SO nice, floors were so clean, and the bartenders were so polite. They offer free water and a multitude of beers with free tequila shots so be sure to keep hydrated! How have we been missing a place like this for so long?!
The salsa event itself is also fantastic. It is hosted by Tomaj, an incredibly approachable and awesome teacher who can make even the newest of dancers feel like rockstars on the dancefloor.
The atmosphere at Berkeley Underground is super casual, not snobby, so experienced and beginner salseros alike will definitely find something to love about this event. I met so many awesome, patient leaders who have loved salsa for years and it was always an inspiration to dance with them. I would definitely avoid dancing bachata though, a lot of creepers take the opportunity to creep on you, and it is sheer torture having to let them do it for all 6 minutes of the bachata song.
All in all I am so glad I came out on a Wednesday night — I had so much fun and danced all night long and met a bunch of really amazing, passionate dancers. Would definitely recommend this venue to all of my dancer friends or anyone who is just interested in getting into the salsa scene.

Here is an honest perspective and if you read on I will give you the low down. First off, the New Years Party tonight was off the hook! I can’t imagine anyone coming here not having the best time ever. There must have been 500 people on the dance floor and everyone was caught up in the emotion of the music, amazing lights and sound system. Tonight was a Michael Jackson, Prince thing, but the entertainment varies every night, so you’ll have to check out their website for what current artist is playing. Also, I don’t drink so, someone else can catch you up with that. As for the negatives.,. The bathrooms function, and that about it. I guess they just couldn’t afford to really renovate them yet, hopefully soon. And BTW– no… it’s not a health violation to not have seat covers.
In my experience, EVERY club have slower nights, ESPECIALLY brand spankin new ones… Everyone knows that any club is empty right at opening (except for big headliners). You can walk in at 9pm and take pictures all day of an empty club, but it’s likely that at midnight the place is groovin, that picture fills up with people really fast. I agree, this place is absolutely stunning… completely renovated with a very cool chandler when entering, then you walk downstairs «underground» and it’s a very sophisticated chill place. The security is tight… very tight. Everyone was really nice. The id scanner is a nice touch! I loved last night, and will return for bottle service next time! Good job.

I’ve been to this club twice and I really enjoyed it. This club has great potential to be one of the best in the Bay, but the promoters aren’t bringing the people. The club has two full bars with awesome bartenders. You literally have to go underground (2 flights of stairs) to get inside the club. Ladies if you’re wearing heels please hold on to the rail because that is a long fall.
The have tables and chairs surrounding the dance floor, so you can easily rest when your feet get tired. The dance floor is a really nice size. Also, it doesn’t get to hot in there. I’m assuming that’s because it’s underground.
Security here is LEGIT! They have a computer setup out front where they scan your ID and take your picture. This gesture real made me feel safe because they have a record of everyone who’s in the building.

This place is crap. I am very pissed I had to pay $ 10 for an empty club. The DJ was mean. The bar tenders were very unaccommodating for my friends 21^st whom I brought to this place to celebrate. The toilets were very dirty and didn’t even have toilet covers. Call the health inspectors I’m pretty sure that is violation of state law. The bouncer was pretty chill tho. Overall terrible experience, highly don’t recommend stay away!