Thalassa

So glad this place closed!!! They sucked big time after what they did to me. Here is what happened to me, kind of like that messed up gym in Walnut Creek.
The group was here one night during the Holidays, and this is A BIG PLACE. so…I am in the back of this place, I arrive early for the event. I talk to some people, YES IT IS TRUE THAT I AM A FRIENDLY PERSON. So. I’m talking to these people, and I notice one of the guys and gals from this group of four people walks away. They later come back. The chick, and the jerk told some BS about me to some butthead that works there.
THIS IS A BIG
.I AM WALKING AROUND LOOKING FOR THE GROUP. then some jackass that works here approaches me and says is a very unpleasant tone
” Can I help you?” I tell the jackass that I’m waiting for a group. Buttheads response was
«You’ve been waiting for a group for a LONG TIME???» «If you don’t get something to drink I’m going to have to ask you to leave?»
What kind of BS is this? Is there some kind of rule against waiting here? If a stupid chick, and a jerk talk to a jackass that works here, apparently there is.
BTW-​as far as I know the jackass can not do this, only if your a butthead. so…I stayed… I can wait you jackass… then later on I see this chick, and guess what?
THIS STUPID CHICK IS ON TOP OF THE POOL TABLE, DO NOT DO THIS.
SO.anyhow, I’m a nice guy, I should have reported the stupid chick and asked when she and her jerk said to the jackass. I’M SO GLAD THIS PLACE CLOSED, AGAIN YOU NEVER EVER DO THIS. WHY? AH.HELLO. Unilocal.FOOLS.

Pretty cool spot to play pool in. Downstairs is a bar littered with aquariums and friendly bartenders and upstairs was more pool-​focused. There were tables and chairs and the servers floated on up with drinks in tow with a quickness. The crowd is mostly Cal students but there was no obnoxious frat-​bro-​sef atmosphere, even when we ventured to the outdoor patio and engaged in a rambunctious game of beer pong with total strangers.
The noise level can sometimes be ridic on a Friday night (pretty much the only time I’ve ever gone, actually), so much so that ordering a drink may involve climbing over the counter and practically screaming into the face of a sweet bartender just to get your drank on. But isn’t that a sign of a poppington spot anyway? I digress.
Aside from smiling staff, good drinks and reasonable restaurants within walking distance (I’m not sure if Thalassa has food but I’ve never tried anything), I enjoy the fact that I’ve never had to wait too long for a pool table. In this age of instant gratification, «Read» receipts and direct deposit, who the hell wants to squad up with their gyals, get to the pool hall and hear that it will be a 45 minute wait – even if every ounce of logic would indicate that maybe you aren’t the only group trying to get down on a Friday night?

I liked coming here except for the one bathroom, especially for women there is always a long wait.
The outside pool area was quite entertaining with intense games.
Best tip don’t open a tab instead pay as you go you would be stuck trying to get one of the 3 bartenders attention to close your tab.
Sorry it took me so long to write a review and I am saddened to see this place closed as I had some really good times here with memorable.
NOTE: I hope the new place has more than one bathroom :)
Dos mil ocho– dos mil quince

This review is long time overdue, but I have to give kudos to one the best bars in Berkeley, especially since it’s closing and the whole Shattuck is taking what appears to be a turn for the worst.
Don’t expect the fanciest cocktails, but it’s great for a usually non-​douche atmosphere, and an awesome daytime crowd. The wi-​fi is strong, and there’s a pool table on the outside patio for chain smokers with a competitive pool streak.
Quintessential Berkeley weirdos and Cal kids for the shit-​show Thursday-​Saturday nights, but there’s is no where else that draws the young-​ish and drunk quite like this.

Hands down favorite bar in Berkeley within reasonable distance if you don’t have a car.
I am terribly saddened that this place will be closing down on September 27^th, or at least that is what I have heard, after being in the Berkeley area for over 15 years. Fingers crossed that they open an alternative location.
With that being said, Thalassa is definitely one of the nicer and classier bars in Berkeley. The ocean-​themed décor, ranging from fish nets hanging from the ceiling or the fancy designs on the cups, gives a nice ambience. For the most part, the bartenders are pretty friendly and helpful. The drinks are pretty standard in terms of price or taste. However, I do like to point out that they do have a nice selection of beers.
But the best part of Thalassa is probably not the drinks… but the fact that it also has a monstrous pool hall. With over 25+ tables, it is relatively easy to get a table, barring you come early or not during peak hours. If you want to get a table, I would recommend reserving one as soon as you come in and then get drinks and chill at a nearby table. They give you a pager so you will be notified when a table is available.
All in all, Thalassa I will be sad to see you go.

WHY ARE YOU CLOSING???
Where else is the entire Cal community supposed to wander to on thursday after triple rock closes it’s patio and after finishing 2 monkey heads while playing 7 – 11 doubles???
Where am I going to go to watch all my friends play pool, while I stand stand there with a pool rod in my right hand, occasionally sharpening it, pretending I am the all mighty pool player I dream of being, when really when I shoot the ball somehow gets chipped off the table.
There is no other bar that makes you feel like your scuba diving with little mermaid under the sea, and this is what makes it so great.
Excellent priced drinks, and oh man, the music just always makes you want to get jiggy with it. The switch of music from more casual, hanging out music to deep club music around 9:30/ 10 pm is the best…
AND THE DART BOARD! I JUST DISCOVERED THE DART BOARD! Thalassa’s best kept secret. perfecto…
I am also a big fan of the little plastic monkeys and mermaids they put on some drinks.
NOT COOL FOR CLOSING. MINUS ONE STAR. BUT PLUS ONE STAR BECASUE THis BAR Is the Best

Shoot some stick while you can, because Thalassa’s doors are closing soon, forever!
I started coming here in 2000, to shoot pool with my estranged brother when we were still talking. We’d come here every Monday to play for happy hour prices. He would get so pissed when I would beat him and his fey-​two-​fingered-​pool-​glove. We had a prototypical older/​younger sibling relationship and really bonded on a different level at Thalassa. We played here every other Monday for about a year until he went off the deep end and disappeared from society. True story.
I’ve also spent nights here with friends, just enjoying some pinball, Galaga or, or course, the bar. Hell, I think I even had a few dates here way back in the day.
I always though that Thalassa had a lively atmosphere, whether it was in the billiards hall or the bar. I’m shocked that this is the end. Aren’t legends supposed to be forever? I probably won’t get another opportunity to stop by before then, but thanks Thalassa, it’s been fun!

I really wish that there was a place like this when I went to school. This place was pretty freaking bomb. My friend who went to Berkeley said this place was closing in a month, so I was pretty surprised because they seemed to be doing so well. There were a lot of people when we came here. The drinks here were cheap, and the music was really good. I don’t think I hated a single song. Because of this, I really wish they had a dance floor! Plus, they have a ton of pool tables here, which is great for any college environment. Though I will say for $ 15/​hr, it is pretty expensive. My friends and I had to wait a few hours for a table, which was pretty ridiculous. Though we did come on a Friday night.
One bad thing about this place is that the women’s restroom only had one stall. You would think that with so many people they would have at least two… But I still really like this place! Can’t believe it’s closing :(

Fun bar with pool tables and a friendly staff. I came here on a Thursday night and they seemed pretty busy. We waited about 30 min for a pool table.
The prices are decent. $ 10/​hour for a pool table and $ 5 for beers on tap.
The bartender gave me a pint on the house because she made me wait a long time for my beer (she had to open a new keg).
I’m not local but I can imagine this is a very popular bar amongst Berkeley students!

I came here with my friends because we were looking for a place to hang out before going out.
Upon entering, I realized just how huge this pool hall was! They have so many tables, couches, chairs, and sofas for people to chill. The seating arrangements gave the whole pool hall a very lived in fun atmosphere.
They have a pretty extensive selection of beers on tap, and a wide variety of cocktails to try.
The drinks are decently priced at $ 5 — $ 6
The pool area was pretty crowded when we went (on a Friday night) so there was a 20 = 30 min. wait, and we didn’t end up playing.
This is a great pool hall /​bar to come and hang out with friends.
I would definitely come here again !

I never thought a pool hall would be trendy, but then I went to Thalassa.
You don’t have many hustlers around here. What you do have is a full bar, loud bass, and a great atmosphere. They’ve got a happy hour for tables before 8, which is probably for the best — there was a wait for tables right as we left. Come early and have a good time.

You may have peered through the giant windows on Shattuck/​Durant and seen people drinking and playing pool inside. It doesn’t look too pretty from out there, but once you go in (the entrance is on Shattuck), Thalassa is surprisingly one of the nicest bars near Berkeley campus. There’s no dance floor, but they have a giant room in the back with tons of pool tables, a small hangout area by the bar, and lots of comfy couches/​seating (they’ll be all filled up on weekends unless you get there early). It’s subtly ocean-​themed, with mini-​aquariums built into the wall behind the bar. So cute!
I LOVE BARS THAT GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO DO. As long as you’re not looking for somewhere to dance (although the music is almost overbearingly loud at times), Thalassa is the place for you. The pool tables cost $ 5/​hr before 8pm and $ 10−12/hr after depending on what day it is, but they do prorate it if you don’t spend the whole hour! However, the tables do get filled up pretty quickly especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Other fun things to check out are:
— the pinball machines (I’ve never played, but their presence adds a touch of happy nostalgia)
— the free shuffleboard table (so entertaining to watch the expressions on people’s faces when their weight lands in the right spot)
— and the patio outside. I’m not too much of a bar person myself, and taking a drink outside is my perfect getaway from the crowd next to the bar.
The drinks here are great, with a good selection of beers too if that’s yo’ thang. Thalassa has a drink of the day that’s usually $ 6! Last time I went, they had this amazing Sweet Tart drink (vodka + midori +sweet and sour + 7-​up) that made my taste buds cry with happy childhood memories. They do give you a free drink on your birthday, and depending on your bartender they’re most likely just going to give you a blowjob shot.
**TIP** They require a $ 10 minimum for cards, so bring cash or be ready to pay together with your friends!
The absolute worst part about Thalassa is the whole bathroom situation. Ugh, their bathrooms are terrible. There’s only one stall in the ladies room… If your bladder is insistent, then be ready to tackle the unhappy drunken line (and the frequently-​clogged toilet). Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend Thalassa if for any first-​timers, or friends visiting from out of town. It’s not the best place for a date, but if you’re with a group of friends, this bar is perfect!

Favorite bar in downtown Berkeley!
1) It’s not gross and full of fratty college kids (see «Kips»)
2) plays good music
3) has reasonably priced drinks — $ 5-​$ 10 which is great considering that the drinks are not watered down
4) has a huge room full of pool tables so you can do something other than sit at a booth or around a crowded bar
5) has multiple big booths for you and your friends to relax in – these are my favorite so you’re not standing around awkwardly in big crowds or in a dance floor but you can really enjoy the company of the people you’re with.
If you’re lucky, it won’t be too crowded and you can hear your friend. If not, be prepared to enjoy the craziness around you (albeit, more tamed than other bars). Thursday-​Saturday you’ll likely wait quite a bit to get your drink at the bar, so be prepared for that because there really is no order and it’s always chaotic.
Besides that, there’s not much else to say – Thalassa does it better than most bars in Berkeley and I love coming here!

Came here with a bunch of friends from school just to hang out, let loose a bit, and just not give a fuck about school…
Finding parking here sucks though… we must have gone around like eight times before we found a parking spot across the street.
Cover is $ 10, and don’t forget your ID either… Duhhh
Great hang out spot, especially if you’re good with just drinking and playing pool… there’s lots of pool tables to go around on the second floor… so yeah…
Good drinks and good vibes all around. Bartenders are great.
They don’t serve food here though, not even nuts lol… but you are more than welcome to bring food from the outside if you like.
Fun times overall. Wouldn’t mind coming back here.

Plenty of space, Part shuffleboard party house, part Bar,
part seedy Night club, and Billards Pool hall? Oh My gosh???
Did you just say POOL HALL JUNKIES!!!
Okay, Okay, I am a LITTLE confused here. but it’s a great place to people watch and on an active week night once you have had too many beers at Jupiters.
You can try to challenge me at a game of Pool.
If you lose I get to take your car, sports coat, and current Girlfriend.
Billards are charged by the hour, but the first game is on me…
I know you are laughing but, I Am really good at the game.
All you know how to do is whack balls and play with your stick.
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to «Rack City»!

One of the better bars and hang out spots near the Berkeley campus located in the Downtown Berkeley area. It’s definitely fun coming here to hang out with your friends during the night, as they are open until pretty late everyday.
This is a drinks only bar, so if you’re hungry, there are no food options that are available, but not to worry because there are other places in the area that might be open.
Pros: The servers that work here are all generally pretty happy and professional. Your order will be made quickly, and they try their best to move through the crowd (and it can be pretty crowded, especially on the weekend). They are also quick at cleaning up your empty drinks, which is nice because it gives the place a cleaner, less dirty feel. My favorite part about this place though is all the pool tables that they have for you to play. There is a fee to use them, but usually split among a few people, it doesn’t add up to too much. It’s a fun thing to do when you’re surrounded by good company.
Cons: The hard part about coming here is that it can get pretty crowded. In the main floor area, there is not a lot of room for seating, so on crowded nights, you may just have to stand up for a bit so it’s harder to talk and chill this way. Although fun, the wait for the pool tables can sometimes exceed an hour, so I recommend coming a bit on the earlier side (closer to 10 pm) if that’s something you want to do. The last time I came here, I realized that the music was a bit too loud for my liking, so it was hard to converse with other people, but that may have just been a one time thing.
Overall, this is a pretty cool place to hang out. I would definitely recommend it to others, and would definitely be coming back myself.

One of the most popular go-​to spots for Cal students looking to grab a few drinks and play a couple rounds of pool on a weekend or weekday to ring in a friend’s bday. The bartenders are usually very friendly and post up different specialty drinks every week which are worth a try. They also have a good beer selection ranging in price from $ 4 – 6. The place itself is pretty big with around 4 pool tables on the lower level and ~15 or so on the main level. There’s even one outside with some arcade games on the side. If you’re not into pool as much, you can grab a drink and play some shuffleboard or a game of darts.
On the downside, it’s pretty dark and loud inside, so its kind of hard to have a conversation if you’re sitting in the booths or high tables right by the bar. Also, come early if you want to get a pool table on the weekends, cause the wait can be preeetty darn long for one. My friends and I once came at around 10pm on a Saturday and were told that the wait would be 45min, so we grabbed a drink and waited around, but ended up leaving after almost an hour and a half since it didn’t seem like we were gonna get a table anytime soon. Prices for the table are also only $ 5/​hr before 8pm, and $ 10−12/hr after 8pm, so that’s something to keep in mind.

What’s better than dranks and pool, combined? Answer: drunk pool!
As you may have guessed from Facebook evidence, this is a classic place for birthday celebrations. You feel so special when they ring a bell while presenting you a free birthday drink. Also, it’s at a rather convenient location (within walking distance at least, unlike Albatross), has long hours on all days of the week, and it’s good for groups because it’s so big with a lot of booths and pool tables.
The ambiance is truly unique – everything from the palm-​shaped fans to the plastic mermaids perched on your collins glass to the blue bubbles behind the bar to the pufferfish lamps all create a unique tiki theme. The closest you’ll get to an escapade in the tropics while at Berkeley.
Service is hit or miss. Some of the bartenders are really friendly, but others seem like the people who college students and favor normal people.
The one thing I really dislike is how terribly WEAK their drinks are. They’re generally good in terms of taste, but it burns a hole in your wallet if you were planning to get drunk. Not only are they somewhat pricey ($ 10 AMF) (no happy hour booo), but incredibly skimpy in terms of alcohol (downing an AMF has the same effect as a sprite). I would go for their specialty drinks rather than ordering generics.
Drinks advice:
(++) Dark and stormy: Not ominous at all. Gingery, spicy, liked by everyone.
(++) Irish spring: whiskey-​based, not fruity but tasty.
(+) Sex on the beach: yes it’s a girl drink, but they make it well.
(+) Tokyo tea: less well known sister of the AMF. Not strong, but complex and interesting.
(-) Strawberry letter: way too fruity and gin is meh.
(-) Buttery nipple: really sweet, considering it’s caramel schnapps and Bailey’s.
(-) Tequila sunrise: IMO tequila tastes best in shots. For cocktails, I prefer their gingery tequila one but I forgot what it’s called.
(-) Cuba libre: one of the cheapest drinks on the menu, but tastes like cola gone bad.
( – ) Mai tai: bleh… all you taste is rum.
( — ) AMF: weaksauce! And it’s in a tiny glass almost entirely filled with ice.
And keep in mind they serve absolutely no food, so eat before you come and expect to get the drunchies when you get home.
Just like when you’re having too much at a party, the night can easily slip away into a quick blur of colorful (but overpriced) drinks, tipsy stumbling around in the dark, and memorable half-​memories :)

Came here on Friday with a few friends. got here before all the tables were taken! Yay!
I ordered a Dark and stormy. basically rum and ginger beer? and lime? and fresh squeezed ginger juice. It was amazeballs. lol. I love love love love love it. For 8 bucks, not a bad price at all. I love the ginger juice, it was nice and spicyyyyyyy.
I’ll definitely come back here more just for the drink! and maybe some pool too. I wish they had happy hour drinks… or maybe they do, and I just dont know about it… lolol…
=]

Recently, I made a lofty promise to myself. I would try my hardest not to go out just «for drinks.» Instead, I would seek out drinking opportunities with some active, social element involved. Basically, I would find excuses to drink vs. drinking as an activity in itself.
This is about as noble as my resolutions get. I’m pretty proud.
Bowling is a great drinking opportunity. Trivia night is another. And now, Thalassa is hot on my radar as another way to downplay the drinking with something far more stimulating: whacking balls with sticks.
Thalassa is pretty epic, and — lucky you — much more than just a pool hall. There’s a swank bar area in front, another loungey area in the middle (would be great for a group or party), and then the grand pool room. I didn’t count the number of pool tables, but I’d guesstimate about 20ish. Gone are the days of writing your name on a chalkboard waiting to play winner.
I *think* pool prices are charged by the hour, great for splitting between a group. Between 5−6pm, I didn’t notice a ton of teeny-​boppers like other reviews mentioned… maybe they start to lurk after dark?
Thalassa is most definitely going on the top of my ‘excuses to drink’ list (after detox season is over)!