City of Oakland is Attempting to CLOSE Eli’s Mile High Club

Despite passing inspection by Fire Marshals and the Health Department, and despite operating safely since 1974, City of Oakland officials are shutting down Eli’s Mile High Club’s patio. This move is a death sentence to the iconic music venue, as its patio plays a major role in the venue’s ability to serve food and host patrons.

After months of negotiations with the City and as a result of City officials ‘red-tagging’ the venue due to ‘zoning issues’,  Eli’s owner and operator Matthew Patane told reporters and patrons this month that the club has been forced to downsize employment, reduce hours and relocate show opportunities to other venues.

Not only has Eli’s been a great venue for shows, food, and drink for over 50 years, it’s a stage for artists from all over the Bay Area to perform on. This is a business that supports and promotes local working artists and shuttering it would be a tragedy.

The City of Oakland should be helping its small businesses, not finding new ways to force them to close.

Eli’s is asking for the community to email testimonials and vintage photographs of the back patio space to elismhbar@gmail.com. Anything from the club’s opening in 1974 to the present day is welcome, but photos at least 10 years old are extra helpful in order to show preexisting use.

If anyone has connections with an attorney who could help pro bono please reach out as well!

They are also trying to raise money for legal aid and to pay for their legal fight staff. Here is their Go-Fund-Me Page:

Keep Eli’s Mile High Club Alive in Oakland

After months of negotiating with the city, code enforcement officers red-tagged Eli’s Mile High Club’s patio in November 2024. This came as a surprise since fire marshals and health department officials had previously inspected and had no issue with the space.

Our patio generated a huge source of income and has impacted the many ways we serve our community. This includes hosting benefits for non-profit organizations, market events featuring local artists and business, spotlighting local chefs and future brick and mortar restaurants, local festivals, and private events to name a few.

At this time Eli’s is in danger of closing its doors. We are reaching out to our beloved community for help with supporting this historic venue through recently imposed city restrictions and zoning issues on its ability to “Make Fun Easy” and reopen the Eli’s patio.

Eli’s has been forced to downsize employment, reduce its hours, reallocate income to get through the zoning process, and it has taken its toll.

Please give what you can to help the legacy of Eli’s to continue making Oakland a place of Arts and Culture.

All funds donated are not tax deductible and will be used strictly to get through zoning, permitting, and the restructure of the patio according to the city request.

About Us:

Eli’s Mile High Club was established in 1974 and has been serving the Oakland community with live entertainment, food, drinks and so much more for 50 years.

Please visit www.elismilehighclub.com for upcoming events.

Hope to see you here!