Bergin’s straight-up, more on tap for St. Patrick’s Day

| March 1, 2018 | 0 Comments

CHRONICLE staff and columnists enjoy lunch at Bergin’s in 2016.

We were able to catch up with Derek Schreck of Tom Bergin’s House of Irish Coffee to see how the change from restaurant pub to straight-up bar was coming along, and to see what kind of celebrations the landmark establishment at 840 S. Fairfax Ave. would be having for St. Patrick’s Day, Sat., March 17.

The shortened regular hours at Bergin’s are now Thursday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to midnight, with a movie night on Saturdays. Schreck says they choose a theme, such as ’90s movies or Mel Brooks, and play them back-to-back with the sound on for the evening.

“It’s a lot of fun! Kind of an indoor Hollywood Forever Cemetery thing,” said Schreck, referring to the summer line- up at the nearby cemetery.

On St. Patrick’s Day, however, it will be a full-on Irish-fest. Partying will begin in the parking lot (ride sharing is suggested). There will be a Guinness tap truck, and the kitchen will be open temporarily to provide bangers and mash and corned beef and cabbage to the masses to accompany the beer and whisky.

Schreck said the bar will also have its hair-of-the-dog event on Sun., March 18, starting at 4 p.m., for those who don’t want to let go of the “craic” and want to celebrate just a little bit longer.

323-936-7151

tombergins.com

In search of the “craic” on

St. Patrick’s Day

I recently learned the term “craic” (crack), which is Irish slang for that particular sense of celebration produced by the confluence of drink, romance and music, and can also mean “what’s happening” at any specific time or place.

Following are some local venues where the “craic” may be found in abundance come St. Patrick’s Day.

Molly Malone’s Pub and Snug, 575 S. Fairfax Ave., will start their celebration at the crack of 1 p.m. with Irish pub rock by Ken O’Malley, moving to Howlin’ Wake at 3:30 p.m. and Talkback Reggae at 6 p.m., with more to come after. No green beer.

323-935-1577

mollymalonesla.com

Little Bar Lounge, 757 S. La Brea Ave., will be offering $5 happy hour prices all day for draft beer, well drinks and wines. They will open at 3 p.m.

“People like to swing by when they are in between Bergin’s and Molly Malone’s because they don’t have to wait in any lines,” said Angelo Vacco, of Little Bar.

323-746-8553

littlebarlounge.com

The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., will celebrate the “wearin’ of the green” from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with traditional Irish food and activities for kids during the day. Magee’s Kitchen will serve up corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. Lilt’n’Tang, which blends traditional Celtic and contemporary music, will be one of the bands performing from 6 to 9 p.m.

323-933-9211

farmersmarketla.com

NEW HOME on Highland Ave. for The Cat and Fiddle.

The Cat and Fiddle Restaurant and Pub is newly ensconced at 742 N. Highland Ave., much closer and an easy bus ride or ride share. Valet parking is available in back.

The pub will have Guinness drink specials from 3 to 6 p.m., the traditional corned beef and cabbage and a burlesque show and jazz trio, among other things.

“Love being in the neighborhood,” said Ashlee Gardner, partner at the Cat and Fiddle.

323-468-3800

thecatandfiddle.com

 

Finally, Pig ‘n Whistle, 6714 Hollywood Blvd., will be holding a two-day event Fri., March 16 and Sat., March 17. DJs will start spinning music at 3 p.m. and the historic restaurant and bar will be having a beer fest as part of “Our Night Life,” a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl that weekend.

323-463-0000

pignwhistlehollywood.com

Now that you know the “craic,” you know what to do.

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Category: Entertainment

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