Beloved 70-Year-Old San Ramon Restaurant Closing

SAN RAMON, CA — Christmas will be bittersweet this year in San Ramon. After 70 years of prime rib, beer, and local gossip shared on barstools, the Brass Door will be closing Christmas Eve.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that The Brass Door will be closing, with our final day of operation on December 24th, 2025. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure or renew a lease for our location, and we must bring this chapter to a close at the end of that day,” the owners wrote in a social media post.

“The Brass Door has been more than a business—it has been a gathering place for friends, families, celebrations, and countless memories. We are profoundly grateful for every person who walked through our doors and helped create the warm, welcoming community that defined us.”

The owners also said that they hope to one day “reopen in a new home and welcome you back to a new chapter of this beloved establishment.”

What is now the Brass Door began in 1946, when Howard “Short” Schlesinger opened the 8/5 Club, based on his favorite odds at the track, according to the restaurant’s website. The restaurant was just six stools, a row of nickel slot machines, and served beer and fried chicken to local ranchers and cattlemen at a time when San Ramon’s population was just 100 people.

In 1955, Shorty’s son Mick teamed up with local dairyman Dick Basso to run the restaurant, which they renamed The Brass Door. Over the years, the restaurant grew to accommodate up to 200 guests, and became known for its prime rib dish and as a local meeting place for business and social events.

Numerous commenters noted the decades of memories contained in the restaurant.

“My friends & I have made this a monthly stop for over 30 years for lunch or dinner. We’ve celebrated holidays, birthdays, anniversaries & (sadly) more than 1 passing. I’ll miss the Belvedere martini’s, the prime rib & the friendly atmosphere,” wrote one commenter.

“I will miss this place! We went here for years! When we were kids, there was a waitress that taught us to tie a knot with the cherry stems! No hands! Many birthday parties, retirement parties and family get togethers. This was the first date with my husband! The frog legs were the best! And of course, the Prime Rib! We are going to have to try to go one more time!” wrote another.

“Boy if the Bar Stools could only talk!” observed another.

The Brass Door is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit brassdoor.com or call 925-837-2501 for more information.