Oakland’s Ruby Room Closing After 24 Years

We hate seeing such a great place close its doors, truly. In an Instagram statement on December 7th “Oakland’s living room”, Ruby Room, announced that they will be closing their doors by the end of the year – 24 years after they originally opened.

In a joint statement, owners said “Thank you for 24 great years, Oakland. It is with a heavy heart – but one filled with appreciation and gratitude – that we will be closing the Ruby Room. Our last day will be December 31st.”

We can’t express to you, our patrons, our staff, how much you have meant to us. We hope you cherish the great memories as much as we do. Someone once described The Ruby as “Oakland’s Living Room.” That day we knew we had created a true community space. Something special. Something of connection, of love, of fun. It was a great run. You – our patrons, staff, our friends – are everything. Without you we’re just an empty box. So come by for a last drink or three before we turn the lights out (not that can tell it’s so damn dark in there!)

Cheers, Alfredo, Tim, Trevor”

While the bar has been known as a few different names over the 2+ decades since it opened (The Court Lounge and Chico Chimes), it’s always been a place where people could cozy up to the bar and feel at home. Some folks on Reddit in more recent months have said that the crowd has shifted over the years keeping them away from the dive bar but the long-standing bar will be forever beloved missed by many. There have been songs written about Ruby Room, even!

Ruby Room Oakland

Ruby Room has has a rich history as a motorcycle club and the lore behind this place will go down in Oakland history. In a 2021 SFGate article they talk about Ruby Room helps make Oakland Oakland, “despite their criticism and ongoing run-ins with the city, East Bay outsiders — artists, boxers and bikers — each say that the Rats’ clubhouse, along with its president and founder’s other venue, the grimy and beloved Ruby Room, helped make Oakland Oakland.”

Goodbye Party is on December 15th

Celebrate & Say Goodbye to Ruby Room December 15th

Raise a glass together Dec 15th 8pm- 2am (132 14th Street, Oakland) for an evening of music and community.
DJs playing:
De Alma
Lonald J Bandz
Discn0girl
Spam
Honeybear
Redflag
Paydayl0an

In the meantime, give Ruby Room some love and share your favorite memories on their Instagram: @rubyroom.oak

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