Toast St. Patrick’s Day at Bergin’s, Cat & Fiddle, Farmers Market

TOM BERGIN’S Public House is open for business.

Tom Bergin’s is back and open for business! With a tent ready to welcome patrons to enjoy an outdoor, socially distant pint in the 8,000-square foot parking lot, the public house at 840 S. Fairfax Ave. is ready just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Protocols are in place per health department guidelines, says David Castagnetti who operates Bergin’s with brother Fran Castagnetti.

Last year, just as St. Patrick’s Day arrived, Bergin’s and other restaurants and bars across the city ended up sitting out one of the most profitable days of the year because of the coronavirus, he said.

Since then, places such as Tom Bergin’s, Cat and Fiddle and Market Tavern at the Farmers Market have had to perform a complicated dance between complete shutdowns, partial closures and cautious re-openings, and back again.

Some local bars, such as Little Bar or Molly Malone’s, have shut down completely, and they are waiting until inside service can begin again.

OUTDOOR SEATING and other protocols have been set up at Bergin’s in preparation of welcoming customers.

However, Bergin’s has combined takeout and delivery with outdoor dining (when an option), to keep the historic pub available to the public.

“We’re not going anywhere. We’re in this for the long haul,” says Castagnetti, who adds that he and his brother Fran see Bergin’s as a vital part of the community. He says he views his brother and himself as “custodians” of the public house, and that it truly is a “public” house where people come to share good times and bad.

While this year may see a more subdued St. Patrick’s Day celebration, with reservations required and only limited space for patrons, Castagnetti says he takes the long view. He prefers to be cautious now so that by next year, or so, patrons can come back to enjoy Tom Bergin’s the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed.

FESTIVE tent in Bergin’s 8,000 square foot parking lot.

Keep up with news about Bergin’s via Instagram, @TomBergins1936. You can view their takeout menu options at tombergins.com.

Cat and Fiddle

Other restaurants and pubs are also offering cautious ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The Cat and Fiddle Pub and Restaurant at 742 N. Highland Ave. is planning on “corned beef and cabbage and Guinness for sure,” says Ashlee Gardner, who helps with the marketing and accounting side of “The Cat.” This is on top of the other British dishes offered at the pub.

While there is a patio for outside dining, it will be by reservation only to ensure social distancing. And customers are required to wear masks when not eating or drinking.

Takeaway, curbside and delivery options are also available.

Visit thecatandfiddle.com.

Farmers Market

CORNED BEEF, potatoes and cabbage will be offered by Magee’s at the Original Farmers Market on St. Patrick’s Day.

At the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., Market Tavern serves contemporary British fare on the patio, and it will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for those who want to raise a pint on St. Patrick’s Day. Wear a mask, and prepare for your temperature to be taken upon entering.

Delivery and takeout options are also available. Visit markettavernla.com.

Magee’s Kitchen will be serving up its traditional corned beef, parsley potato and cabbage special all day long.

If cooking at home, Huntington Meats and Marconda’s have pre-brined corned beef. Pick up fresh cabbage, carrots and potatoes at Rick’s, Farm Boy or Farm Fresh produce markets.

Visit farmersmarketla.com.

Sláinte!

Tags: Cat and Fiddle, Huntington Meats, Little Bar, Magee's Kitchen, Marconda's Meats, Market Tavern, Molly Malone's, Original Farmers Market, Rick's Produce, St. Patrick's Day, Tom Bergin's

Category: Entertainment