After seven years of development, the highly anticipated grand opening of Downtown Fresno bar and restaurant Moses McQueen’s took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Photo by Denine Currie
After seven years of planning, a 110-year-old Little Armenia home has been transformed into Moses McQueen’s — a bar, restaurant and hidden speakeasy.
The bar and restaurant hosted its highly anticipated grand opening Saturday, April 4th, beginning at 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 634 Van Ness Ave. in Downtown Fresno.
Named after two of Fresno’s founders — Moses J. Church and Anthony “McQueen” Easterby — the venue operates out of the Elia Home, a 110-year-old house and the last remaining residence at its corner near Van Ness Avenue and Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Brothers Diego and Miguel Arambula and partner Phillip Kliewer drew inspiration from Austin’s Rainy Street, known for its historic homes converted into bars and restaurants, with a goal of bringing that same Southern hospitality to the Central Valley.
The 110-year-old Elia Home was the last remaining residence at its corner near Van Ness Avenue and Cesar Chavez Boulevard. Photo contributed
The trio purchased the home from the Elia family, added it to the local historic registry, but were stalled by COVID-19 until 2022.
“A big part of the appeal was hanging onto this history,” said Diego. “This, I think, is the only house left in this entire neighborhood.”
After working with architects, lenders and the city, the partners renovated the 2,000-square-foot home while preserving its old-school charm. Inside, the main floor features vibrant wallpaper, vintage light fixtures, a tartan couch and teal booths sourced from Calabasas that fit the space as if custom-made.
Two bars anchor the house — a 1970s-themed bar downstairs and a 1920s-inspired bar upstairs, accessible only through a hidden bookcase passage. Guests upstairs can also explore an elegant library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and original pocket doors.
The former backyard is now an outdoor food courtyard with a raised-deck patio, where guests can dine under established trees and order from Moses McQueen’s own permanently fixed food truck. The venue accommodates up to 180 guests indoors and out.
Moses McQueen’s Bar manager Alexa Leyva crafted the cocktail menu, including the Pink Kitten — a nod to a gentlemen’s club once located at 41 East Belmont Ave. Image contributed
Bar manager Alexa Leyva crafted the cocktail menu, including the Pink Kitten — a nod to a gentlemen’s club once located at 41 East Belmont Ave.
Head Chef Vance Edwards, whose background spans food trucks to country clubs, designed a menu with wide-ranging flavor profiles, including a Caribbean chicken sandwich, jerk chicken wings, vegan jackfruit tacos and a vegan cheesecake slice.
The grand opening featured live music from the Ray Moore Band, a Fresno-based ensemble named after its drummer and vocalist.
“We’re a block away from the Brewery District and we’re excited to be part of that,” Diego said.