Thalassa Space Grows Up with Craft Beer, Live Music

Berkeley's nightlife scene continues to evolve (and possibly mature), with the reconfiguration of the former Thalassa space as a music venue and craft beer garden. After the popular pool hall's lease ran out last fall, landlord Greg Hoff chose not to renew, with plans to open a nightclub concept. (It has since re-opened a few blocks away, as Berkeley Public.)

As a result, the 12,000 square-foot space, will transform from a pool hall into a full bar and full-service restaurant, with a large stage for live music and an outdoor beer garden with separate entrances for the restaurant and music venue. Berkeleyside reports that Alex Popov of Liquid Entertainment (the company in charge of the live venue) wants to create a "flexible space" for bands, DJs and special events, similar to setup at The Chapel in San Francisco.

Already a familiar figure in the Berkeley nightlife scene, Popov is also behind popular Cal student hangouts Smart Alec's and Pappy's Grill, where he admits that "many people have their first drink." And though the new concept's liquor license allows an all-ages crowd, Popov expects to attract an older crowd, with a more diverse drink list and calendar of events. In addition to live music, he and partners Stephanie Popov and Chris and Greg Hoff hope to include a wide array of events like comedy shows and book readings, in partnership with neighboring Pegasus Books. While construction has already begun, the venue likely won't be ready til the end of 2015. We'll keep you posted as details become available. 2367 Shattuck Avenue (between Channing and Durant)