headlands on campus

with uc berkeley's recent return to school, a big local spotlight has turned once again onto beloved restaurants and bars around campus, and among the berkeley classics frequently mentioned is one important new addition that just softly opened.

lafayette-based craft brewery headlands brewing has quietly opened the door to their fourth (!) east bay taproom, headlands on campus at 2465 bancroft way, in the former bear's lair, a cal pub with decades of history – meaning strong feelings and nostalgia for return students and especially alumni.

so far we have high hopes for the match – headlands westbrae's respectful takeover of the former westbrae biergarten in 2024 marked a mostly seamless transition for that comfortable, pet-, family- and pint-friendly outdoor living-room space. despite variations for a campus market, headlands on campus is sure to prove just as inviting, with its ideal student gateway location at bancroft near telegraph, easy bar menu (along with headlands and other craft beers, the pub has a full bar and wine), and roomy outdoor patio.

check out the menu of smashburgers, as well as sandwiches, snacks and salads (and don't miss the guest drake's brewing tap of oski's on draft). the beer garden is hosting "sneek peaks" for now with regular hours to come; a grand opening is planned for september.

headlands on campus is at 2465 bancroft way in berkeley.

august 28, 2025