Once called “the coliseum of Oakland blues,” and then falling nearly silent for decades, the Continental Club gets a new life and a grand re-opening just when the community needs music and laughter most.
We feature comedy, live music, and dancing. Make sure to stop by for a craft cocktail or special dish from our kitchen menu while enjoying a comfortable and upscale atmosphere.
Freshness and creativity are our favorite ingredients. Our menu is varied and the service is unmatched. If you’re looking for a superb culinary or nightlife experience, call us today to make a reservation!
History Continued...
The Continental Club was opened in 1945 by Ross “Chris” Christy, as Christy’s Grill. They began staying open late, with the venue known as Rumboogie (referenced in some sources as the Rhumboogie). Christy’s brother Curtis Christy bought into the ownership, and the two purchased the adjacent apartment building and created the Continental Club, opening on October 31, 1961.
Near the legendary 7th Street “Harlem of the West,” the Continental Club hosted music artists including Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Otis Redding, Ike and Tina Turner, Johnny Lee Hooker, Patti LaBelle, Fats Domino, and the Booby Blue Band. It also hosted comics including Richard Pryor, Luenell, Dick Gregory, and Paul Mooney.
For a number of years, it was used as a rental space. From 2010-2014, comedian Pharaoh managed the club for Curtis Christy in an attempt to bring it back as a comedy club & music venue. In 2013 it enjoyed a brief life as a venue for death metal band concerts.
Keeping the original elegance and intimate feeling, the club has recently enjoyed a loving refurbishment, and upgraded the technical aspects of the stage, lighting, and sound to state- of-the-art systems.
In 2022, the Continental Club explodes back onto the Oakland scene with the capacity to host large acts from all over the country while also providing a much needed home for local culture, live music, and comedy. Like all of us still here, it too has survived the pandemic and became stronger in spite of it.
