Uptown’s go-to sports hangout is lacing up for a comeback. The long-running bar at 59 Grand Ave is set to reopen next month under new local ownership, with the revamped Oakland Athletic Club aiming to have the doors open and the TVs blazing in time for the FIFA World Cup kickoff on June 11, after closing earlier this year.
Local buyers step in
A six-person group incorporated as OIAST, LLC, short for “Oakland Is A Sports Town,” has taken over the space, with majority owner Angela Tsay of Oaklandish among the principals and other partners drawn from the local restaurant and bar scene. The new owners say they plan to keep the bar’s sports-first spirit intact while stabilizing the business, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
What’s changing inside
The relaunch comes with a new name and a noticeable interior refresh: plans include a mezzanine VIP room, a private-events space, a lounge dedicated to women’s sports, and a stronger emphasis on food alongside an updated drinks program, as reported by The Press Democrat. The group is targeting a June reopening, aiming to be fully operational by the World Cup opener on June 11.
Food, drinks and game-day plans
On the hospitality side, Chris Pastena, best known for Chop Bar, will lead food operations, while Adi Taylor will run the bar program. Expect local craft beers and shareable plates to anchor the menu, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The venue’s official site also highlights partnerships with local clubs such as Oakland Roots and Oakland Ballers and confirms the 59 Grand Ave address, signaling a clear push to function as a neighborhood gathering spot (The Athletic Club).
Why it matters for Uptown
Owners frame the comeback as part of a broader effort to revive downtown and Uptown’s social life after a string of recent closures, and say they will lean on private events, catering and branded merchandise to diversify revenue, per The Press Democrat. For fans who lost their regular viewing spots in recent months, having a big-screen, community-minded bar back on Grand Avenue is a hopeful sign heading into a packed summer sports calendar.
