Back in April 2014, we reported that the San Pablo Avenue Bar “The Wolfhound” was targeting opening later that year. After some delays, the WWII era, subway-tiled bar that once served drinks as “The Streamline Lounge” is finally set to open its doors, just in time for the Spring Golden Gate Neighborhood’s Second Saturday events. Proprietors Peadar Kelleher, Chris Southgate and Keith Mulligan are ready to unveil the results of their hard labor to the public. After patiently awaiting word from The State of California Board of Equalization for the last several weeks (apparently someone was on vacation!), the Wolfhound’s license is now active and they will open to the public on Saturday April 4th (and a soft-opening a few days prior). As seems to be the case with opening new establishments, permitting, zoning and approval of their liquor license took longer than expected.

The 968 square foot space had to be pretty much gutted to conform to modern standards. The interior, as promised, is an eclectic mix of era-appropriate reclaimed pieces. Proprietor Peadar Kelleher combed Craigslist, local flea markets and other reclaimed sources to bring his eclectic, but somehow cohesive decor together. Antiques, Chandeliers, Flocked Damask Wallpaper, even the benches that align the walls are actual church pews. Peadar even nabbed an original bar booth from Candlestick Park that is in the process of being demolished. Photos of historically significant Irish & French figures (and some other arbitrary ones) line the walls to honor the trio’s heritage. They’ll preserve some wall space to feature the talents local artists. The Bar Back itself is 100 years old solid oak and originated from a Chicago Barber Shop. The jukebox will feature an eclectic mix of classics and modern tunes.

Beer selection and specialty cocktails were still being ironed out at the time of this interview, but don’t expect anything too pretentious for this “Upscale Dive Bar”. The Wolfhound will feature a full bar with twelve taps and a curated selection of bottles. Eight of the taps will feature beer staples such as Guinness, Trumer Pils, Anchor & Sierra Nevada and four will be rotating local microbrews. Chris is working on a classic cocktail menu as well as some efficient specialty drinks with house-made fruit juices. The Bar has no kitchen and will partner with neighboring Cassave Taqueria which is just a block down San Pablo. They’ll also reach out to the local food truck community for support. They still hope to employ periodic live jazz and have plans for a weekly pub quiz.

An undated photo of the purported owners of the Streamline Lounge and a 1955 City of Oakland Building permit are a few treasures that have been preserved.

It’s another piece of the puzzle for the up and coming strip of San Pablo Avenue that includes the forthcoming Center for Community Life, renovated Golden Gate Branch Library & revelation of a second Noodle Theory opening just a few blocks up San Pablo Avenue. We may look back one day and point to the Wolfhound as the starting point of the revitalization of the glory days of bartending on this strip of San Pablo Avenue.

Feature Image: Barkeeper Chris Southgate with his Wolfhound/Airdale mix “Rufus”.

[googlemap width=”620″ height=”480″ src=”https://maps.google.com/maps?q=5516+San+Pablo+Ave,+Oakland,+CA+94608&hl=en&ll=37.838564,-122.282209&spn=0.010312,0.014194&sll=37.83864,-122.281491&sspn=0.010312,0.014194&hnear=5516+San+Pablo+Ave,+Oakland,+California+94608&t=m&z=17″]

---

Was this story informative to you?

Please consider making a recurring contribution at any level you feel comfortable with to help sustain local news for the Emeryville community.

Chip In to Support Local News!

You have Successfully Subscribed!