Settling in after renovating the space, "we ended up choosing our location because we recognized that the Lorin District of Berkeley was a commercially neglected part of that city. We also felt that it had great potential with anchor tenants such as the Tuesday farmers' market, Sweet Adeline's, The Vault Cafe, Biketopia Community Workshop, and Nick's Lounge," said Vu.

"Newer businesses were also in the planning stages such as our next door neighbors, Easy Creole, Alchemy Collective, and Empress Vintage. The combination of a changing business climate in the district, complimented by ease of accessibility by public transpiration (Ashby BART's within 3 blocks), and more importantly, a relatively young, ethnically, culturally and economically diverse population resided in the district. We felt that this was the type of neighborhood that we wanted to be in. It really reflected the type of environment that we grew up with in California."

The nano-brewing takes place in the back space of Hoi Polloi with a 3-barrel system that produces "primarily session classic style American ales. We will also produce a variety of lagers, wheat beers, and season beers. Our selection will expand from our two house beers to four house beers. We also have 12 guest taps (which includes a cider offering) along with wine. We have no immediate or future plans for commercial sales, but we are not ruling it out."

And the origins of their quirky name? It reflects their background and work ethic.

"We felt that the meaning of 'Hoi Polloi' defines who we are and where we come from. We grew up in a working class family. Our values solidly align with that class and always will. We felt emotionally compelled to pay homage to the working masses and the common people who built our country and continue to make this community and this country so great. In an era of widening class divide and decreasing economic and social mobility, we felt that we needed wear our pride on our sleeves, so to speak."

The sleek, minimalist bar is lined with stools that faces a brick wall (with movies projected onto its surface) and additional standing room along a narrow wooden ledge. All beers are $5 and wines are $7/glass. There's also complimentary truffle oil and salt popcorn that's freshly prepared onsite for patrons, and you're encouraged to bring takeout from Easy Creole next door.