Tom Bergin's Restaurant

05/10/08

Great Service and Friendly Atmosphere

by celticowboy

A Fine pub. Engaging Bartenders and smooth Guinness. The pub grub is superb, not costly and served promptly. Need more real Irish Tunes in the Juke -- recommend Gaelic Storm, Clancy Bro's, Christy Moore, The Wolftones...

• Pros: Valet Parking is great
• Cons: Not enough Trad Irish on the Jukebox

03/18/08

Where frat boys toast the happy hour crew while regulars swig whiskey at the bar.

by Contributor

The Scene
With walls plastered over in years' worth of paper-shamrock tradition, this dark pub is after-work casual and perfect for tossing back pints and watching the game (local sports reign). Not much has changed since the famous Bergin namesake passed ownership to Vodrey in 1973: Bergin's still banks on its authentic homemade Irish menu, a friendly whiskey-primed staff, and a crew of old-time regulars who have been accruing Guinness tabs since the place first opened more than 50 years ago.

The Draw
How Fairfax attracts the frat crowd is a mystery, but pack the house they do, along with the weekday khaki-and-tie crowd. A corner seat at the old horseshoe bar always features a whiskey-swigging regular, and the more elegant dining room attracts the old-timers and the first dates--nothing says lovin' like Irish beef stew simmering in Guinness.

03/18/08

Rude bartender

by kpk1179

I live within walking distance of Bergins and unfortunately I will NEVER go in this pub again. The bartender who I believe was named Jeffery was incredibly rude. I was with 2 out of town guest (male and female) and when my male guest asked for the drink that he had ordered approx. 10 minutes prior the bartender became irate. He began yelling and told my guest that he didnt order a drink. It got to the point where the other bartender had to restrain the irate bartender. I was shocked and extremely disappointed because prior to this incident I was telling my guest that it was a good pub. I would not recommend this pub and they lost my business forever.

• Pros: Close to my house
• Cons: RUDE BARTENDER

07/02/07

Great Irish Pub

by leschnei

I really like this place. For years, I have wanted to go here (because it looks so interesting from the outside) and I wasn't disappointed. The atmosphere was fun and casual, full of people from all age groups. It had a community aura about it. The food was good. I would have liked it if they had had a couple more beers on tap but they had the important ones (Smithwick's and Guinness).

• Pros: valet parking, good food, great atmosphere

05/02/07

A proper pub; plenty to drink, great food and friendly staff

by jdiggity2

I love Tom Bergin's. Tasty food served up quickly in a dark, yet cozy, pub atmosphere. Cardboard, hand painted shamrocks of loyal customers have been stapled into the walls and ceilings for years. Valet parking available, but worth a loop around the neighborhood for a free spot. Gotta try the Irish coffee, and unlike so many stupid, could-care-less bartenders in Los Angeles, the folks at Bergin's pour their Guinness properly.

• Pros: Great staff, great food, valet parking available
• Cons: If you want a good Irish pub, there are no cons

09/04/06

My favorite Irish Bar

by nervous

The horseshoe bar, the beer spilled as its served, the decent corned beef add to the value here, but the reason I go is because it feels like a real Irish bar. Come often enough and theyll put your name up.

04/03/06

A fun place... but be wary of service.

by julycarla

Tom Bergin's is a great place to hang out, with it's unique atmosphere and tasty food. Despite it's long-lasting reputation, the service leaves something to be desired, whether the place is empty or full. It's too bad, it really puts a damper on what could potentially be a great restaurant.

• Pros: Tasty Food, Great Ambiance, Old-time feel
• Cons: Poor customer service

10/26/05

Freakin' Awesome

by kidandy

My favorite bar in LA. Great crowd. Great drinks. Great food. It can get crowded and crazy, or it can be quiet and mellow. I like both here. Never tried being here on St. Patty's day, but if I did tred out into the public on that day, this would be the place. I think they should serve Carlsberg, and I would declare it my home.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Drinks

05/20/04

Don't let old reviews deter you...

by ldytrjn

I go on a fairly regular basis and I've never had a problem with any of the staff -- Bartenders or Wait -- even when the place is packed. Unpretentious crowd, good drinks and tasty food. Finding a seat may be difficult sometimes when it's super-crowded but it's rarely an issue, especially for those who like to work the room.

• Pros: Good Food, Real Irish Beer, Friendly Staff

03/24/03

Fun place to drink, OLD TIME SERVICE

by sukram

Didn't see the frat boys here, but I did see rude service.

Strolled in here at 1am on the weekend, looking to finish the night strong. Lots of charm inside with a long bar, and what looked like cozy booths and tables. It was not very full. We walked up to the bar, and the bartend did not like us from the start - apparently we were sitting in a bar seat already occupied by someone else (who was not there). After that he ignored us and refused to serve us, which was strange as his side of the bar was empty anyways. His partner was more than helpful, and set us up with some stiff drinks.

If only both bartenders were like the latter....

If grumpy, old-timer bars where you hope you are liked are for you, then this is your place.

• Pros: Good atmosphere, Stiff drinks, Good way to end night
• Cons:  rude, rude, rude