When anything has been around for over three quarters of a century, a few ups, some downs, a few more downs, and the occasional up can be expected.
But the regular patrons of Tom Bergin's Tavern, the landmark bar on South Fairfax Avenue, were not expecting the venue's Wednesday, July 3 Facebook announcement: "We are sorry to let everyone know that this Sunday will be Tom Bergin's last day of business. Please join us in our last few days; we'd love to see as many familiar faces as possible."
It's a surprise for many, especially given the fact that owners Warner Ebbink and executive chef Brendan Boudet just shuttered the 1936 bar, famed for its Irish coffee, two years ago for a rethink as well as a menu rehaul.
Fans of historic watering holes are on edge, especially following the closing of Bahooka in Rosemead earlier this year.
There's no word yet on what's to happen with the historic venue, or if another buyer will step in -- people are already suggesting save-the-bar solutions in the tavern's Facebook thread -- but if you are indeed a regular, you might stop by over the holiday weekend to sip a Guinness under the shamrocks.
Our favorite part of Tom Bergin's, and the favorite of many others, surely, is that glorious horseshoe bar. You've heard the story about patrons gathering together and carrying the heavy wooden bar down Wilshire, and then Fairfax, when Tom Bergin's jumped locations several decades back?
Teammanship, indeed. No wonder many say the bar was an inspiration for the television show "Cheers."
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