In 2024, Daniel Gahr and Shirin Raza breathed new life into a classic Art Deco building at 1900 Telegraph Ave., a short walk from their bar, Bar Shiru, and across from the Fox Theatre. This space, built in 1931, had been quiet for months after the beloved Palmetto restaurant closed.
They introduced Gold Palm, a casual cocktail bar serving “Pakistani party food” inspired by Raza’s roots. Collaborating with a talented chef, they created a fun menu full of masala fries, chili cheese toast, and chicken samosas. They also opened Moonglow, an adjacent late-night cocktail lounge that featured local DJs.
Gahr was excited about the bar’s potential, sharing his vision for revitalizing the neighborhood: “We want to be part of rebuilding Oakland’s nightlife,” he stated before the launch.
Sadly, after just 18 months, Gold Palm is shutting its doors. In an emotional Instagram post, the owners announced, “We created amazing dishes but, unfortunately, the math isn’t adding up.” Gahr mentioned in a video that making the business work had been tough from the start.
Gold Palm’s closing is a hit to Oakland’s nightlife, which has recently seen several establishments close. Just as Gold Palm shared its news, there was some good news for the city: a new group of owners plans to reopen Athletic Club Oakland, a sports bar that shut down in February, while dive bar The Lodge is back after a brief closure. A new queer bar called There/There is also set to open soon, stirring hope for a revival in the scene.
It’s worth noting that Gold Palm’s space won’t remain empty. It will now host private events and gatherings, as mentioned in their Instagram update. Moonglow will stay open, continuing to serve as a hub for underground electronic music. The post alluded to extending Moonglow’s hours and introducing a new food menu, satisfying a commenter’s wish for Gold Palm’s signature milk punch cocktail to remain.
This bittersweet chapter in Oakland’s bar scene highlights both the struggles and resilience of local businesses amid changing dynamics. As communities adapt, the evolution of spaces like Gold Palm reveals the ever-shifting nature of nightlife and dining. For further insights on the challenges facing the restaurant industry, you can check this report from the National Restaurant Association, which explores trends and statistics impacting eateries right now.
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Arts and Entertainment, Food, Oakland
