Tom Bergin's set for soft opening next week

Tom Bergin’s set for soft opening next week

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The bar area at Tom Bergin’s is covered with shamrocks. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Behind the bar at Tom Bergin’s. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Exterior shot of Tom Bergin’s. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Friends chatting at the bar. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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The bar area at Tom Bergin’s. (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

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Former owners Brandon Boudet and Warner Ebbink. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

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The restaurant and bar was known for its Irish coffee. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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Customers at the bar. (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For the Times)

By Jenn Harris

Dec. 28, 2013 10:48 AM PT

Tom Bergin’s, the Irish pub on Fairfax Avenue that shocked many when it closed suddenly in July, is slated to soft open next Saturday, Jan. 4. The pub will open with its full bar and cocktail program, but a selection of bar snacks will be served instead of a full menu.

Owner L.A. actor Derek Schreck was forced to postpone a planned Nov. 30 opening due to delays from the Department of Health and Safety. According to a statement on Facebook, the restaurant has its last permit in hand and is ready to open in time for some NCAA basketball tournament action.

“Cratchit! It’s a Christmas miracle,” reads the Facebook statement. “The spirits didn’t exactly do it all in one night ... or one month for that matter, but it’s now done.”

The restaurant hopes to have its full menu available by the end of January. When The Times spoke with Schreck earlier this year, he said he had wanted to keep the names of his two chefs a secret.

He also detailed the upgrades he planned for the new space, including an upstairs area called the Old Horse Shoe Lounge. There will also be a new craft bar program upstairs with a rotating list of seasonal cocktails. Schreck has also done away with all bottled beer in favor of a complete tap system with 14 varieties.

Want more restaurant news? Follow me on Twitter: @Jenn_Harris_

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