About – Tom Bergin's

Estd. 1936

Our Story

90 years of Irish hospitality, legendary Irish Coffee, and a ceiling covered with the names of those who made our place home.

Our Journey

Through the Years

1936

The Old Horseshoe Tavern Opens

Lawyer Tom Bergin opens The Old Horseshoe Tavern at 6110 Wilshire Boulevard, inspired by his family’s taverns in Boston. His vision: create an authentic Irish pub experience in Los Angeles.

1949

Move to Fairfax Avenue

The tavern relocates to its current home at 840 South Fairfax Avenue, just south of Wilshire. The Tudor Revival building becomes an instant landmark with its distinctive architecture and horseshoe bar.

1950s

House of Irish Coffee

Tom Bergin’s begins perfecting its Irish Coffee recipe, eventually becoming famous citywide. The iconic shamrock-shaped ‘House of Irish Coffee’ sign is installed, still standing today.

1957

The Shamrock Tradition Begins

A regular patron suggests his name be hung on the wall because of how much time he spends at Bergins. Tom Bergin creates an impromptu cardboard shamrock, beginning a tradition that would see thousands of shamrocks cover the ceiling and walls.

2000s

LA Historic-Cultural Monument

Tom Bergin’s is officially designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, recognizing its significance to the city’s cultural heritage and its role in LA history.

Today

A Living Legacy

After nearly 90 years, Tom Bergin’s continues to serve the community. New generations discover our Irish Coffee, add their names to the shamrock ceiling, and carry on the tradition.

The Shamrock Closet Club

A Ceiling Full of Stories

In 1957, a regular patron suggested his name be displayed on the wall. Tom Bergin obliged, creating a simple cardboard shamrock with the guest’s name written on it. Little did anyone know this spontaneous gesture would become one of LA’s most beloved traditions.

Today, thousands of green cardboard shamrocks cover the ceiling and rafters of Tom Bergin’s, each bearing the name of a favored regular. Becoming “shamrock worthy” is an honor — regulars must be nominated by a staff member and voted on by the entire team.

The tradition has created a unique tapestry of LA history. Look up and you’ll see names from every walk of life: construction workers next to celebrities, teachers beside entrepreneurs, all united by their love of this historic tavern.

Want Your Shamrock?

Become a regular, make friends with the staff, and who knows — your name might just end up on our legendary ceiling.

Notable Regulars

Shamrocks of the Famous

From Hollywood legends to presidents, our shamrock ceiling tells the story of nearly a century of distinguished visitors.

Cary Grant

Hollywood Legend

Had his own reserved booth with his personal shamrock hanging above it. A fixture at Bergin’s during his Hollywood years.

Ronald Reagan

40th President

Received his shamrock for frequent visits as a young actor in Hollywood, long before his political career began.

Tommy Lasorda

Dodgers Manager

The legendary Dodgers manager was a regular, bringing the spirit of LA sports to our horseshoe bar.

Kiefer Sutherland

ACTOR

Following in the footsteps of Hollywood’s golden age, modern stars continue the tradition of calling Bergin’s home.

Bill Murray

Comedy Icon

Known for his love of dive bars and authentic experiences, Murray’s shamrock hangs proudly among the collection.

Eric Garcetti

LA Mayor

Co-hosted our legendary St. Patrick’s Day celebration in 2017, continuing the pub’s connection to LA leadership.

Our Signature

The Irish Coffee Legacy

On November 10th 1952 The Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco introduced the Irish Coffee to America. Tom Bergin, realizing the significance and popularity of the drink, begins to serve his own version shortly there after cementing Bergin’s as the “House of Irish Coffee” in Los Angeles. The bright green and white neon sign was hung on Fairfax avenue and still shines there today for everyone to see.

Try Our Irish Coffee

Years of Perfection

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Our Signature

The Irish Coffee Legacy

While San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe is generally credited with introducing Irish Coffee to America in 1952, Tom Bergin’s has been perfecting the craft for nearly as long. Our version has become legendary in Los Angeles.

The recipe is simple but demands precision: strong hot coffee, fine Irish whiskey, a touch of sugar, and a thick layer of fresh cream floated on top. Drink through the cream — never stir.

Our large shamrock-shaped “House of Irish Coffee” sign has been a Fairfax landmark since the early 1950s, beckoning generations of Angelenos in from the cold (well, as cold as LA gets) for a warming cup.

Try Our Irish Coffee

Years of Perfection

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LA Historic-Cultural Monument

A Protected Landmark

Part of LA History

Tom Bergin’s Tudor Revival building at 840 South Fairfax Avenue has been officially designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. This recognition ensures that one of LA’s most beloved institutions will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

840 S. Fairfax Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Open Thu-Mon

Closed: Tue - Wed

(323) 936-7151

Call for reservations

Plan Your Visit

Behind the bar and kitchen

Meet the Managing Partners

As managing partners, Francis and David are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Tom Bergin’s while thoughtfully evolving it for today. Their hands-on approach and commitment to excellence ensure the restaurant remains a place where tradition and community thrive.

Want Your Shamrock?

Become a regular, make friends with the staff, and who knows — your name might just end up on our legendary ceiling.