Line 51 Brewing Company, the Jack London Square taproom known for its restored vintage AC Transit bus and family-friendly vibe, is getting ready to call last call. The brewery has set its final day of service for July 19, 2026, which happens to be the date of the FIFA World Cup final, turning a big day for soccer into a bittersweet one for Oakland beer fans.
The closure notice went up on the brewery’s homepage with a simple message: “Thank you Oakland! Our last day of service will be July 19th, 2026!”, according to Line 51's website. The message sits at the top of the site and also reminds guests to double-check hours before dropping by for a farewell pint.
Owners Keep Reasons Close to the Vest
Local station KRON4 reported the upcoming shutdown on June 16 and noted that the brewery has not given a specific reason for closing. The station cited the brewery’s social post that read, “it has been an amazing ride providing beer for the town since 2013,” a line that hits especially hard for regulars. KRON4 also pointed out the taproom’s signature feature: a restored vintage AC Transit bus parked inside the Castro Street space that helped make the spot instantly recognizable.
How Line 51 Landed in Oakland’s Beer Lineup
Line 51 grew from small-batch beginnings into a Jack London Square staple, regularly hosting game watch parties, family nights, and pop-up events that pulled in neighbors and visiting beer fans alike. An Oakland brewery guide highlighted Line 51’s neighborhood roots and its nod to AC Transit’s 51 line, a detail that helped cement its identity as a local original. Since word of the closure surfaced, longtime patrons have been trading stories and photos online, revisiting first visits, favorite pours, and kid-friendly afternoons by the bus.
Final Weeks On Castro Street
Regulars are already organizing their goodbyes, both in person and on social media. A Reddit thread on r/oakland has filled up with tributes, memories, and plans for one more round before the lights go out. For now, Line 51 is still pouring at 303 Castro Street and plans to keep serving through July 19. Hours and last-call updates are being posted on the brewery’s Square page, so fans plotting a final visit can time their sendoff accordingly.
