The East Bay food scene is about to take a hit as Oakland's popular lakeside haunt, Sidebar, is gearing up to shut its doors for good. Known for its prime location across from Lake Merritt and a lively atmosphere that locals have dubbed a dining destination, Sidebar will be serving its final patrons on Saturday, January 27th. The venue, which had become a staple for waterfront dining and drinking, is saying goodbye after being revitalized by its latest owners.
Sidebar's current proprietors, Seth and Jenni Bregman, who took over in 2022 from founders Mark Drazek and Barbara Mulas, announced the impending closure through an Instagram post, detailing their "very difficult decision" to close the establishment. The couple expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the staff and loyal patrons who supported the venue, saying, "Huge thanks to our team of dedicated professionals who invigorated Sidebar with new life and great food and cocktail programs during this last year." Meanwhile, Oakland food aficionados are encouraged to drop by the eatery for one last taste before it transitions into a support role for the nearby Bardo Lounge & Supper Club.
The closure marks the end of an era for a location that has seen three decades of patrons making memories by the lake. Easily recognizable by its strategic lakeside position, Sidebar drew in a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike, and that intangible blend of ambiance and service transformed the establishment into something of an icon within Oakland's gastronomic landscape. Yet, despite the success and adoration, the Bregmans felt that repurposing the space for prep and overflow events connected to their adjacent venture, Bardo, made more business sense moving forward.
This development was also covered by Eater SF, which confirmed the winding down of Sidebar's operations and the Bregmans' future plans for the space. The transition will see Sidebar morph from a public dining locale to a behind-the-scenes player for Bardo, potentially offering an expanded capability for private gatherings and events. In light of the shift, the shuttering of Sidebar comes as a poignant reminder, of the ever-changing nature of the hospitality industry, even for those venues that strike a chord with the community and manage to hang on for decades.
Oakland's dining community will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on the transformation the Bregmans undertake as they fold one business into the arms of another. For now, Sidebar will host guests for the next few weeks, offering a final opportunity to savor the place that many have come to love and frequent over the past 30 years. As January 27th approaches, Sidebar is poised to pour its last round, plate the final entrees, and close the chapter on a significant piece of Oakland's culinary story.
