The Fat Lady is known as one of Oakland's finest lunch and dinner houses.
We can accommodate private as well as semi-private
banquet rooms. Formerly a brothel, The Fat Lady offers an ambiance that is warm, intimate and unique to the Bay Area.
A Family Tradition
"There is a uniqueness to the Fat Lady as it is a family owned business in the day of chains and franchised restaurants. Not only is it family owned and operated, but our customers become family. In fact, those of us who know and love us call the Fat Lady their second home!"
--Patricia Rossi
The Fat Lady Bar and Restaurant first opened its doors on May 14, 1970. It was the creation of Louis and Patricia Shaterian, who, along with their three daughters, Patricia, Karen, and Cori, started this family tradition. The current owners are Jerry and Patricia Rossi. The third generation, Lisa, Nicole, and Stephen are now taking their places in this family tradition.
Here's Our Story...The first thing you notice when you walk inside the Fat Lady is the Victorian décor. Eye catching Tiffany lamps, beveled glass doors, bentwood chairs, beautiful stained and leaded glass signs, and the other delightful collectibles work their magic to take you back to another place and time. The result is a relaxing and fun atmosphere
Still there is more than meets the eye...Every piece of memorabilia has a story. If you're sitting at the bar and ask, the bartender might tell you that the back bar originally came from around the horn at the turn of the century and in more recent history from Mike's Pool Hall of San Francisco. The bartender might also point out the exit sign that was purchased from San Francisco's classic Fox Theatre when it was torn down years ago. Other antique signs came from the old breweries.
Why the Fat Lady? People always ask, "How did the Fat Lady get its name?" Well, there are two stories. Fact and legend. Fact has it that when Louis Shaterian owned the original Overland House, a superior court judge told him about a nude painting his son had painted of a pleasingly plump lady. This aroused Lou's curiosity. He was taken to view the painting and upon seeing it, decided it was definitely unique but he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. The judge suggested it should hang in the new restaurant Lou and his wife, Patricia, were about to open and thus became the namesake of the Fat Lady Bar and Restaurant. Now maybe this story is too mundane so we've created a legend. Factual history has it that the Fat Lady building (built in 1884) was once a house of ill repute and who could have been its madame? Our very own Fat Lady, of course! Rumors also say that Jack London slept here. Considering he lived within walking distance, maybe...just maybe he did know the infamous Fat Lady. We'll let you decide. In the meantime, remember.
"It isn't over 'til the Fat Lady sings!"
HOURS Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm Dinner: Monday 5 pm to 9 pm
Tuesday through Thursday, 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday, 5 pm to 10:30 pm Bar: Monday through Friday, 11:30 to Midnight or Later
Saturday 9am to Midnight or Later
Sunday 9am to 4pm
201 WASHINGTON STREET, JACK LONDON SQUARE OAKLAND, CA 510.465.4996
