Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland Is in Danger of Closing, Owner Says

The historic North Oakland nightclub Eli’s Mile High Club is in danger of closing, its owner has announced.

On Wednesday, during a small community meeting at the club, Eli’s owner and operator Matthew Patane told the audience that Eli’s was in immediate need of financial and legal assistance, primarily due to the City of Oakland closing its large back patio.

“The city became aware of some zoning issues about two and a half years ago,” Patane said to the crowd. “Our patio was never on their radar, or they never really knew it existed.”

After months of negotiating with the city, Patane said, code enforcement officers slapped the patio with a red tag in November 2024, despite the fact that fire marshals and health department officials had previously inspected and had no issue with the space.

As a result, Patane said the club has been forced to downsize employment, reduce hours and relocate show opportunities to other venues.

“My concerns are for my staff, they’re losing their jobs,” Patane said. “My concern is for the 50 years of history this place has given to the East Bay.”

Oakland code enforcement officials did not respond to inquiries from KQED regarding the patio closure.

Currently, the club is hoping to raise funds and get help from the community to make up for lost revenue and put money toward legal assistance.

“We are reaching out for any pro bono legal aid, whether it be property, business or entertainment law, zoning or planning — anybody that has experience or is willing to help,” said Patane.

The club is also asking for the community to email testimonials and vintage photographs of the back patio space. 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.

In the meantime, Eli’s is downscaling their business model to make ends meet.

“I’m hoping that…we can keep the doors open long enough to just get through this,” Patane said. “We’re in total compliance with this process,” he added, “We would just like it to happen a little faster than our bank account can afford.”

Jessie Leigh Smith, a musician and associate publisher at San Francisco Magazine, has been attending Eli’s Monday Blues Nights regularly since 2018, and said it would be a huge loss to the Bay Area music scene if the club were to close for good. She first discovered Eli’s through her harmonica mentor, who told her to attend every week as if her life depended on it.

“It was one of those things where you go by yourself every week but as soon as you get there, you’re not alone,” Smith said. “You’re there with a whole group of really warm, welcoming people, you really feel that sense of community.”

Smith also noted the diversity of its patrons, from Berkeley undergrads to blues legends in their 80s. “It’s like an intergenerational melting pot, age just kind of fades away when you’re there,” she said. “It’s a special place.”

Patane said he’s made contact with Oakland councilmember Carroll Fife’s office, and is hoping for an opportunity to discuss the club’s situation at a public meeting with the city of Oakland.

“I feel really blessed to be part of this community, hearing stories from patrons that have been coming here for decades to people who’ve just discovered it,” Patane said, his voice breaking a bit. “I just want to keep the doors open.”

Eli’s Mile High Club is currently soliciting donations via GoFundMe.