Alameda County has the region’s highest concentration of African immigrants, so it follows that Oakland’s diverse food and drink scene includes havens where patrons can sample the continent’s music and cuisine.
In recent years, the closures of Oasis Restaurant near Lake Merritt and Old Oakland’s AIR Lounge created a void in the city’s African and Caribbean nightlife. Both establishments packed in large crowds, drawn to their vibrant dance floors and authentic food.
To step into that gap, business partners Mekdem Sebhatu and Dagmawi Eyassu opened Au Lounge And Bar in 2014 at the corner of Webster and Broadway. Sebhatu and Eyassu, both originally from East Africa, named their club after the symbol for gold on the Periodic Table.
Many people associate Africa with conflict and poverty, but Eyassu said music, art and dance are threads that tie immigrants together. “African culture is exciting, it's easy to like, easy to dance, the energy is beautiful, that's the easy part,” he said. Au Lounge replaced Cafe Randevu, a club/lounge that held the spot from 2010 to 2013.
Besides the music (and cocktail menu), visual arts are an important component of Au Lounge; with 15-foot-high ceilings, walls feature works created by local artists which are rotated on a monthly basis. Later this year, Au Lounge will offer a menu featuring an assortment of African cuisine, said Sebhatu.
“Au has its own class in Oakland,” said Sebhatu. “You really can’t compare it with anything else out here; the atmosphere reminds many people of back home.” Although it’s impossible to recreate “the true feeling of being in Africa,” Au Lounge extends “that family and familiar feeling” to Oakland’s immigrant community, he said.
“Au is as close as it gets, and Mondial Afrique on Fridays manages to bring that,” Sebhatu added, referring to the popular Afrobeat/Caribbean dance party that kicks off each weekend.
Au Lounge is closed for corporate reservations on Monday and Tuesday and is open Wednesday - Sunday from 5pm to 2am. To reserve a table or request bottle service, call 510-893-1411.
