Great club for family . Lots of different options. Wonderful to place to socialize with friends

The Colombo Club holds a significant and bittersweet place in my heart, woven with memories of my grandfather, Raymond Fratangelo, who served as past president and spent years on the board, dedicated to preserving the club's family-oriented spirit. As his granddaughter, I grew up there as his shadow, learning the values he championed, sharing in his commitment, and even pitching in myself. I was down there almost every day doing homework in the board room on men's nights to eventually becoming a server. For our family, the club was more than a building; it was a sanctuary for connection and tradition. After my grandfather passed, the atmosphere at the club grew noticeably colder, almost unrecognizable. One evening, I visited on a family night, feeling the need to be near his presence. I went to his board room, where I used to help organize his files as he spoke to vendors. I remember opening up his drawer and looking lovingly at his business card and his rulers I used to use for geometry. I was suddenly interrupted and informed that no one was allowed in there anymore and then I was accused of stealing - (what was I going to steal invoices? For Christ sake) this was a blunt reminder of how much the club had changed. I expected to be embraced during this time and people were extremely tone deaf. Adding to the heartbreak, I learned that my uncle, Vince Fratangelo, who had become vice president, played a role in widening the rift within our family. Like my grandfather, he is been in a leadership position at the club, yet when my grandparents both passed away, he cut off all contact with all family members. Later, it became clear that he had intentionally created a wedge between me, other family members, and even club members. It's a sad irony that someone so active in a club that once upheld family values would choose to outcast his own and undermine the very relationships my grandfather had treasured. For me, the Colombo Club will always be tied to warm memories of my grandfather's legacy and the values he cherished. But with his passing, those values seem to have been replaced by a colder, more divisive atmosphere. The club, once a symbol of connection and tradition, has lost the warmth that once made it a true home for families like ours. read more

From the first time I was invited it brought me back to my childhood. All the holiday dinners at my great Aunts, with the kids eating in the basement. been a member for 12 yrs now and go once a month. Great time, great people. take 3 different friends every time and they all want to join go back. read more

One beautiful and historic location to DJ at. A lot of options for rooms and perfect for small or even large weddings. I love the multi level style, amazing people to work with at the Columbo club, catering, and food is amazing and authentic. DJ Joe Manifesto of Thump Sound D.J. Services read more

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Wonderful dinner. Great friends and a welcoming atmosphere. Pride in their nationality and culture in all that is Italian.

This place is very special to me. My family has been members for years. My step dad is a member and my mother and I are members of the Women's Auxiliary. I'll start with the bars because they are awesome!! There is one in the cocktail lounge area and a large bar in the ballroom. They make everything to Cosmos to Vodka Tonic's for the ladies or Manhattan's and Cuba Libre's for the guys!! But I prefer Peroni but they also have Moretti if you like that better. Dinners always start with cocktail hour, and then you hear the dinner bell and everyone moves downstairs to the dining area. Dinners are always great at the Colombo Club and you better show up hungry!! There are many events for the family's and the children for Christmas, Easter....etc. Colombo Club does many good things for people. It is also a venue for private parties and events. I had my 30th birthday party here and it was a blast. And my mother had her retirement party here also. They do such a great job!! My favorite event is probably the crab feed! So fun! Looking forward to many more years at The Colombo Club with my family and friends. read more

Colombo Club - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

So many good things to say about the Colombo Club! First off I have been attending crab feeds here for about 8 years, and spaghetti feeds for about 3 years! Yearly traditions that I love. The crab is the best I've ever had it's truly amazing but February this year was very special. My husband and I got married at the club:) they were amazing from beginning to end. Frances the event coordinator is the cutest and sweetest lady. My husbands family knows her and we felt just like family. They helped us set up everything then changes everything around while we were downstairs during dinner to come back up and party. We did the spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and it was delicious as always. You want to feel like family? Have your next event at the Colombo Club:) read more

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This is a nearly one hundred year old private Italian mens club. You know what I'm talkin' about, there. Yeah, that's right, private. So don't even think about it. Unless you know some people, that know some people. If you get invited, you'll be enjoying the four course family style banquet dinner, italian bread rolls, and all you can drink Chianti. Don't forget to bring the Cannoli. Tanks... read more

My dad is a member of this club... and boy am I ever happy that he is! :) It is the oldest Italian Men's Club west of the Mississippi! Truth! I have been his guest a few times here and each time had an amazing experience. Although he rarely brings me because I'm a lady, I occasionally get the invite, and allllways attend the Father/Daughter night each year. Imagine, Old Fellas, and times it by 100. This place is huge! 3 stories, FULL of Italian Men from all over the bay area. I mean seriously, where can you find 500 Italian Men in one room with no women? Here. It's straight out of an old Italian Mafia flick, and I LOVE it. I'm 75% Italian/Sicilian and every time I go I feel like I'm just living my heritage. The night starts with cocktails. $2 cocktails at that! After a few of those, they ring a bell and everyone heads downstairs into an absolutely humongous room filled with long tables. You are welcomed to a small plate of assorted meats and cheeses. Next comes the salad and rolls followed by the main course and after that comes dessert. All served family style of course. During dinner there is a big raffle, birthday announcements and the pledge. All this is followed by another cocktail hour after dinner and dessert. It is a great traditional club that has been around for 90 years and has grown in popularity and will continue to prosper and hold true to old Italian ways. read more

I am a member of the "archaic" Colombo Club, who is to "balk" Eva N? (previous reviewer) It is our Social Club. We have many children's events including, Christmas parties, pinata parties, Father-Daughter and Father-Son Dinners. We have many events with women, including Family Dinners, Bocce Ball Tournaments, Family Picnics and yes a Women's Auxiliary. It is a Club where we enjoy good meals and good friends, we are probably "uncool" because we say the "Pledge of Allegiance" before our meals,honor our servicemen, police and firefighters, and have everyone remove their hats while in the dining room. Google can't find your "utopia" club in Seattle. You need to understand a Club like ours is part of the "diversity" you so wish for, if everything conformed to your narrow view of life we would surely be a culture dying of boredom. Chairman, Board of Directors Colombo Club, Inc. read more

I stumbled across this place while shopping at the Temescal Farmers Market. The Colombo Club opens their doors to help the farmers market avoid the need for a portapotie. Which is awesome for me, as my entire life is spent touring bathrooms. Theirs is nice. It's a really neat spot. There is a very informative photo collection that hi-lights the changes in ownership over the years. The most recent change of hands was apparently due to a win in a bocce tournament- awesome. Makes me wish my sweet Italian grandparents were from Oakland rather than SF. It reminded me of places that I used to go with them for weddings, reunions, bingo, you know- stuff you do with a Nonna and a Nonno. Capito? read more

My dad has been a member of this club for 35 years, I go with him when it is family nights and father-daughter nights, and other events in which they can bring "female" guest. It is a males club. They also have a womens club but from my understanding they just use the place, to have their meetings, but they are like a sub club of the colombo club. Anyways, when i was younger i use to go to the halloween dress up party dinner and the christmas dinner with santa and you got to see santa and get a toy from him. Nice little things they would put on. Every year they buy out a whole section at the Oakland A's vs. Giants game, (my favorite event they put on) They also have a crab feed every year that helps many young Italian-american boys and girls pay for college. It is mostly "older" people that go, (not trying to be mean or anything but you don't see many folks under the age of 30) (Im not saying that if your over 30 your old either, but you see a lot of 50's 60's 70's80's and i meet 90's year old people in there.) They have a dance floor and when you go down to eat downstairs in a large hall. They have two bars, its an older place. The food is not great its not bad either. When you go to eat sometimes its hard to hear to person next to you, italians are loud! To get in you must be Italian, so I think it would be a fun place to try so find some italian friends and ask them to go to the colombo club, so you can see for yourself. read more

Saralina's review pretty much summed up my experience and observation here. My italian buddy, whoms father was a member here, invited my bro in law and I here for a crab feed and for cioppino. I wasn't expecting to see soooo many people in this building. Being non italian, I felt a little out of place and I did catch a couple people staring. No big deal, I could count on my hand how many non-italians were in this building so its only normal for people to look at the token asian walking in! lol It really is a fun family environment, great conversations with the old ladies sitting next to me, and I actually won one of the raffled prizes! WOOHOO!!! I think the highlight of the dinner is getting a klondike bar for dessert. Great way to finish off a nice big meal!! read more

Read Saralina's review below, its spot on and I don't feel like writing it twice. On a level of Italian clubs, its better than the Fratalanza Club. read more

Colombo Club - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

Proud to be a member here at Colombo Club. Great spot, not fancy but a great atmosphere for friends to hang out and get caught up. As of late, the club has even upgraded their food options! See attached. How can you beat two massive lobsters along with wine, salad, bread, and melted butter. Just the best. read more

Colombo Club - Hmm...crab feed vs. massive lobsters? I choose lobster! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been to the Colombo Club twice as a friend of a member. I'm half Italian, so I feel right at home there. The people are definitely on the older side that attend the dinners, but they are all friendly and having fun! There is a cocktail hour with appetizers, dinner, and dancing. It's super LOUD in the banquet hall, as Italian people talk LOUD, LOL. Another reviewer said the cocktails are very good here, but I'll have to beg to differ. We got a cosmo (since it was Yelper recommendation) and an Old Fashioned. Probably the two worst drinks we've ever had. Sorry, the bartenders were sweet, but I think they should learn how to pour a drink, or only serve the basics. The food for dinner is just OK imo. Pasta, prime rib, meatballs, focaccia bread, salami, Cesar salad, Caprese Salad, potatoes, carrots, tiramisu, etc. Really made me miss my mom's pasta and prime rib! My mom could cook! This place is a blast from the past, and definitely get the "Tony and Tina's wedding," vibe. If you want to have fun, meet nice people, keep expectations reasonable on the food, you'll have a nice time! read more

Been going here for 34 years, member since 2014. Great place to hang out with the fellas, or take advantage of family nights & activities.

Wonderful feel of a classic Italian's men's club! Martin Kaufman 100 club held its semiannual dinner here. We were treated to wonderful hospitality, tasty hordeorves and a delicious Italian style pound steak dinner. The soy dough rolls were absolutely the best of ever had! read more

Colombo Club - A tasty start to a sumptuous Italian dinner! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oakland, California

This is about a year and four months late but what the heck! My husband and I had our wedding reception here and it was absolutely fantastic. First of all working with Frances was so fun and she helped us coordinate all of our wedding reception from the decor all the way to the event planning. We had Marc as our wedding DJ recommended by her and he was great. He kept us in the know from start to finish. The food oh my God! If you are familiar with Colombo Club you know you will have an endless amount of food! Downstairs we decided to go with round table instead of the traditional use of rectangular tables at the club and they loved it. I think we definitely started a new trend! The pasta was great and the meat was delicious. Everyone to this day still talks about the food and ambiance. Thank you so much for making my wedding reception so memorable and I couldn't have been more proud to have had it here; especially since it holds a special place in my husbands Italian family. read more

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Love coming here with my Italian family for their big dinner events. Last time I was here our table won 3 or 4 different cured meats and a big bottle of liquor! read more

My Grandfather has been a member of this Italian men's social club for over 30 years, served as the president of the club, my sister was the Italian American Queen, all my cousins have received scholarships from the federation, ect, ect. Ive been going here for my entire life and can say that if you are lucky enough to be Italian American and see the generations of families built here in Oakland, it's simply amazing. The building is old, yet comfortable and the bar is old 50's style which ads a lot of charm for events. Most of all the people who work here are some of the most honest people. As for what the other reviewer said about the witness protection program, bullshit... Havent you ever seen an old Italian man who still takes pride in their country and values? Sorry they probably werent born in a handfed society and have had to work hard their entire lives in order to provide for their familes. Which I guess makes them look a little different and work ridden? I dont know Im giving 5 stars for anyplace that lets me sit down my with grandpa and share stories of old Scalea... read more

I have been fortunate to attend many dinners at this club and the food is always fantastic. The ambiance is great. There's this one chef in particular that has taken the menu to another level, his name is Ben Ratto....what a awesome chef! I read more

Totally bizarrrro. I'm not Italian, but I felt like I was on the set of some old skool Italian flick. Lots of history here. Family-style food. Super nice folks - and boy, do they work hard! read more

My Dad (Gino) is 100% Italian and has been a member here for 40 years. I have been going with him to the club my whole life. The Colombo Club is one of the largest social clubs in America founded by Italian pioneers for the purpose of providing a social center for themselves, their families, and their guests. The Colombo Club is a private club that was founded in Oakland California in 1920. The purposes of the Club are entirely social in scope, dedicated to the moral and physical well being of its members, the promotion of the best interests of the community, and the highest ideals of American citizenship. Food is amazing, and the company / people are even better! Great place to host a wedding / reception / or any type of special event. The club has 950 members with a five year waiting list. Love this place! read more

I've been going to Colombo Club for 27 years. We have 28 guys in our group and it is a great time every time we attend the birthday dinners. Food is excellent, drinks are good, the friendship and camaraderie with with my group is the best. I hope to keep going for at least another 35 years. read more

This place, right across from the Oakland DMV is an Italian social club that rents out the hall for events that need a large dining hall and mediocre food. We're talkin' canned peas...ewww...but it is a real statement about the longevity of the Italian community in RockRidge/Temescal neighborhood. I did have a good dark Italian beer here though, actually two! The old guys who work here look like they all came from a witness protection program..funny! Come for the atmosphere, leave for the food! read more

I attend about a dozen events a year here, and the food is always excellent and the people are fun. Because of the huge number of active volunteers, they are able to provide better food than most similar social or fraternal organizations at an equal or lower price. The bar is limited in selection but good in price. The table wines are mediocre at best, an oddity for an Italian group. The monthly birthday dinners and some holiday lunches are men only, but most dinners and dances and other events are open to all. I'm not Italian, and they limited the number of non-Italian members, so I'm not planning to get on the waiting list, but I'll continue to enjoy plenty of great times as a frequent guest. read more

We recently moved here from the East Coast. We did not know many people, but were fortunate enough to be invited to the Colombo Club for the monthly Birthday dinners. Unbelievable friendly with very good Italian food. Sausage and Peppers night is the best. I say very good because my Dad and Daughter are Chefs on the east coast and I miss their cooking. Then I got very lucky and became a member of the Club .... I am 100% FBI .... Full Blooded Italian. So now I have a larger circle of friends (all Italian!) great food, and great fun! Now I even take the wife on occasion. Thank you Colombo Club for making me feel at home on the west coast. read more

I recently booked a large event at the Colombo Club. Who knew this hidden gem had so much to offer. They have different room sizes available from small to large gatherings and also have a newly remodeled bar area that is perfect for cocktail hour. They have a very large dance floor and stage area that would be great for wedding receptions. Working with the banquet coordinators was an easy and stress free experience from beginning to end. Food was not only delicious, but plentiful as well. No one left hungry. The wait staff was friendly and very professional. Prices are low making this an unbelievable bargain for all that you get. There is limited parking on the street, but there is ample parking across the street at the DMV. If you are looking to book an event I recommend adding the Colombo Club to your list. read more

so the tab was $15 for a Coor's bottle and three jack/cokes. cash only. the size of the drinks are smaller then airplane cocktails i swear. anyway, that was the intro to the night...the long cocktail hour. next up, they cattle call the crowds downstairs to dinner. we lucked out and no one at our table showed up lol, which was weird but then we could spread out a bit. ample pitchers of water and jugs of red wine gallore, the one downside is you only get a dinky like 4oz glass...for water, wine, or coffee. come on! i must've refilled my water glass a dozen times. the one thing i always wish i brought with was a to go container, cuz they food is bomb. the opener: solid house salad, sourdough rolls with butter, and some salami/cheese on your plate before you arrive. skip the meat and cheese, i go straight for that salad... the rolls are generous but a little tough. good way to start the meal. somewhere inbetween salad and pasta they brought out pitchers of coffee...weird. they don't mess around lol. next up is the pasta course...hollow spaghetti noodles with meat sauce and parm. YUM O. god, i took 2nd's and almost 3rd's, it was delish. can you tell im siciliano? this is where i wish id brought some tupperware...typically frowned upon, i could honestly care less bc what're they gonna say, um please dont? whatever! at this point the raffle starts up...sadly we won nada. so for the entree: beef short ribs. holy moley. delish, hot, and perfectly cooked. this place has a banging kitchen. SAVE ROOM FOR THE MEAT!! they used to get Its Its for desserts...alas this time they had those little ice cream cups with the marble fudge...oh hell yeah, hook it up. love those damn things. always a fun family time whenever i come...chin chin! read more

This club is amazing. I have been invited to their crab feeds and they never fail. Drinks are very reasonable and you never leave hungry, it's just a very pleasant atmosphere. read more

Back in the 60's and 70's when i was a child, there was 3 Italian mens clubs. You had to join these clubs to be able to use the facitlty. One took only full blooded Italians, One took half blooded and the third took men of any race if they had an Italian sponsor. The clubs had their meetings and partys at the facilites and would also allow the church to use them for fundraisers. The Colombo Club was the newer of the three buildings, in a better neighborhood and was cleaner and well kept. i have been invited many times and had alot of fun and a wonderful time. Food was usually prepared by te people throwing the party, and it was always top notch. read more

First time was yesterday! Had a blast! Lots of people, TONS of fun and the food was great! Looking forward to going again and bringing my Dad! read more

Another great dinner at the Colombo Club. Roast beast and risotto. And as the norm I ate to much so now I'm suffering. Oh when will I learn. But come on it's risotto? read more

italian mens club. great atmosphere. good food. cheap prices. drinks strong and inexpensive. dont listen to the grieving feminists, they just want some of our delicious cold cuts and all you can eat dinner. there are family nights but not as often as the normal family dinners. overall a wonderful place with wonderful people. if you ever are lucky enough to be invited... GO! sorry ladies, it is a MENS club. you dont see us writing on yelp about how we arent allowed to womens club functions. get over it. read more

Colombo Club is a great family Italian tradition! Lots of memories from grandparents to great-great grandchildren. Our friends love to be invited, the food is so good and plentiful. read more

I have been a guest at the Colombo club for dinner and all I can say is the food is awesome. Great comfort food, awesome friends and in a landmark venue, what more can you ask for. The older Italian gentlemen are a delight to listen to and yes, they are loud, but a wonderful group of individuals with some amazing stories of life. Keep up the fantastic work. read more

whoever wrote that review is a bastard. i work at the colombo club, and it is a whole lot better than that. you must have not gone when lou mascola, my father was president, and doug emeldi cooked. the food is excellent, and so are the events. read more