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Overview
We have some exciting news for the Oakland community. If you’ve spent any time in Uptown, you likely remember Luka’s Taproom—a place that was more than just a bar since its opening in 2004. Luka’s was known for its vibrant atmosphere, outstanding food, and its deep ties to the local art scene. It was more than a place to grab a drink; it was a community hub that played a significant role in the cultural revival of Uptown Oakland.
When Luka’s closed its doors in 2022, it left a noticeable void in the neighborhood. The closure marked the end of an era for many, but we at Urbana are excited to announce that we’re stepping into this iconic space. Our goal is to continue Luka’s legacy while bringing a fresh, modern approach that aligns with the evolving culture of Oakland. You can read more about the history of Luka’s Taproom on LocalWiki.
The Legacy of Luka’s Taproom
Luka’s Taproom was not just another bar; it was a cornerstone of Uptown Oakland’s resurgence. Founded by Rick Mitchell in 2004, Luka’s quickly became a go-to destination for locals in search of great food, craft beer, and a welcoming environment. It was a place where patrons felt they belonged, and it became known for its late-night dance parties, rotating art exhibits, and its strong commitment to the Oakland community.
At a time when Uptown Oakland was still finding its identity, Luka’s played a crucial role in bringing energy and life back to the area. The walls of Luka’s displayed works from local artists, and the venue regularly hosted live performances, from jazz to DJ sets that kept the dance floor busy well into the night.
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Luka’s tried to keep the community spirit alive. They pivoted to takeout, hosted virtual events, and even used their kitchen to prepare meals for those in need. However, a rent dispute ultimately forced Luka’s to close in 2022, ending an 18-year run that had a lasting impact on Uptown Oakland. Learn more about the role Luka’s played in the community here.
We understand the deep connection that people have with Luka’s, and we’re committed to preserving its history as we move forward. While Luka’s Taproom has closed, its spirit remains, and we at Urbana are dedicated to honoring that legacy while introducing a fresh, exciting chapter to the space at 2221 Broadway.
Urbana’s Vision: A Fresh Start with Oakland Roots
When we at Urbana decided to step into the space once occupied by Luka’s, we recognized the significance of the location and the responsibility that came with it. Our aim is not just to open another cannabis dispensary but to build on the foundation that Luka’s laid, creating a space that feels like home to the community.
Our new location at 2221 Broadway will be more than just a retail space for cannabis. We are designing a venue that blends the industrial charm of Luka’s with modern, inviting elements. The goal is to create a space where the rich history of the location meets the vibrant, evolving culture of today’s Oakland.
At Urbana, we believe a dispensary should offer more than just products—it should offer an experience. This is why our new location will feature a consumption lounge that serves as the heart of our community space. The lounge isn’t just a place to enjoy your cannabis products; it’s a venue where the community can gather, relax, and engage in a variety of activities.
Our consumption lounge will also be the central hub for all of our events. In the spirit of Luka’s, which was known for its lively community gatherings, we plan to host a full calendar of events that will keep the space dynamic and engaging. From live music performances and DJ sets to educational workshops and community meet-ups, there will always be something happening at Urbana. We’re excited to create a space where culture, cannabis, and community intersect.
What to Expect at Urbana
When you visit Urbana, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed space that pays homage to the industrial charm of Luka’s while incorporating sleek, modern design elements. Exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and local art will create an atmosphere that is both inviting and inspiring.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by our knowledgeable and friendly staff, ready to assist you with navigating our extensive menu. Whether you have something specific in mind or are exploring your options, our team is here to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. Our curated selection of premium cannabis products caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
A highlight of Urbana’s new space is our consumption lounge. Unlike a typical retail experience, our lounge offers a place to stay and enjoy your purchase in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you’re meeting friends, attending one of our many events, or simply looking for a quiet spot to relax, the lounge is designed to be a community space where you can unwind and connect with others.
In addition to being a place to enjoy cannabis, our lounge will host a variety of events that will keep it lively and engaging. We’re committed to offering a robust calendar of activities that bring the community together—whether through live music, cannabis education workshops, or other cultural events. Our goal is to keep the spirit of Uptown alive by providing a space where people can connect, learn, and enjoy themselves.
The Evolution of Cannabis Culture in Oakland
To fully appreciate Urbana’s role in the continuation of Luka’s legacy, it’s essential to understand the broader context of cannabis culture in Oakland. This city has long been a leader in the cannabis movement, with a history rooted in social justice and community activism.
Oakland was among the first cities in the U.S. to embrace cannabis reform. In the 1990s, the city became a focal point for medical cannabis, with organizations like the Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative playing a pivotal role. This early advocacy laid the groundwork for Oakland’s progressive stance on cannabis policy.
Today, Oakland remains at the forefront of the cannabis industry. The city’s equity program, which supports those disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, serves as a model for other municipalities. This program creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to enter the cannabis industry, ensuring that the benefits of legalization are accessible to all members of the community. You can explore more about Oakland’s cannabis culture and its equity initiatives on Visit Oakland.
At Urbana, we’re proud to be part of this legacy. We believe cannabis can be a powerful force for positive change in the community, and we’re committed to using our platform to support social equity and community engagement. By stepping into the space that Luka’s Taproom once occupied, we’re not just opening a dispensary; we’re continuing a tradition of community building and cultural enrichment.
Why Community Matters
Luka’s Taproom was beloved in part because of its deep commitment to the Oakland community. Luka’s wasn’t just a bar; it was a place where people came together, whether through art, music, or simply the shared experience of good food and drink. It was a space that fostered a sense of belonging and connectedness.
At Urbana, we share this commitment to community. We believe that a dispensary should be more than just a place to buy cannabis—it should be a place where people can connect, learn, and grow together. That’s why we’re focused on creating a space that is welcoming and inclusive, where everyone feels like they belong.
We’re also dedicated to supporting local artists and entrepreneurs. Just as Luka’s featured local art on its walls, we’ll showcase works from Oakland artists in our space. We believe art is a powerful tool
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to bring people together, and we’re excited to provide a platform for local artists to share their work with the community.
Like Luka’s, which was known for its lively community events, we’ll be hosting a variety of events at Urbana. From live music to educational workshops, we want to create a space where people can come together and celebrate what makes Oakland special.
Looking Ahead: Urbana’s Role in the Future of Uptown Oakland
As we look to the future, we’re excited about the role that Urbana will play in the ongoing evolution of Uptown Oakland. This neighborhood has seen significant changes over the years, and we’re proud to contribute to its continued growth and vibrancy. By stepping into Luka’s Taproom, we’re not just opening a new business—we’re becoming part of the fabric of Uptown Oakland.
Our consumption lounge is a central part of our vision for the future. It’s more than just a place to consume cannabis; it’s a venue where the community can come together to connect, learn, and enjoy. Whether through art, music, education, or simply the shared experience of cannabis, our lounge will be a place where meaningful connections are made.
We’re also excited to continue supporting the local community through our events and initiatives. Whether it’s partnering with local artists, supporting social equity programs, or simply creating a space where everyone feels welcome, we’re committed to making a positive impact on Oakland.
As we prepare to open our doors, we invite you to join us in this new chapter for 2221 Broadway. Whether you’re visiting to explore our curated selection of cannabis products, attend one of our community events, or simply relax in our lounge, we look forward to welcoming you to Urbana.
FAQ
- What happened to Luka’s Taproom?
Luka’s Taproom, a beloved Oakland institution, closed in 2022 due to a rent dispute. We at Urbana are honored to step into the space and continue its legacy. Learn more about the history of Luka’s here. - Will Urbana keep any elements of Luka’s original vibe?
Yes, we are committed to maintaining the community-focused spirit of Luka’s by featuring local art and hosting events that bring people together. - What kind of products can I find at Urbana?
We offer a wide selection of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and more. Our consumption lounge provides a space to enjoy your purchases on-site. - When is Urbana opening?
We’re working hard to get everything ready and will announce our opening date soon. Keep an eye on our website for updates. - What events will Urbana host?
Urbana plans to host a variety of community-focused events, including live music performances, educational workshops, and meet-ups, all centered in our consumption lounge. Explore more about the local cannabis culture here.
