One of Oakland’s beloved sports bars is making its comeback after a three-month closure, reopening at 59 Grand Ave, under new ownership, according to a liquor license filing with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
With a refreshed name that proudly puts the city front and center, the new Oakland Athletic Club was acquired by a group of six owners incorporated as OIAST, LLC, including restaurateur Chris Pastena.
Oakland Athletic Club, affectionately known by locals as OAC, first opened in 2018 and quickly became a popular gathering spot for sports fans in Oakland. Over the years, the bar endured a series of challenges, including pandemic-related uncertainty and the scenario related to the departure of several professional sports teams from the city. At one point, the former ownership group even launched a crowdfunding campaign to help keep the beloved neighborhood pub operating through difficult times.
Unfortunately, the bar’s last night was announced on its Instagram account by the previous owner, Miles Pallise, at the beginning of 2026.
With the Soccer World Cup approaching, fans are hopeful the bar will reopen in time to once again serve as a lively gathering place for watching the tournament’s biggest spots matches.
