LAist: The LAist Irish Coffee Drink-off

Elise Thompson

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:21:36 -0800

I spent my 21st birthday at Yee Mee Loo's. I miss that place.

db

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:52:45 -0800

Westlafadeaway, Bergin's changed significantly when Tom Bergin sold it to T.K. Vodrey et al. I haven't been in at least 10 years and have no idea how it is now. Elise, yea! I was a rug rat at the Formosa and later at Bergin's. On Sundays Sis and I spent many hours at Yee Mee Loo, looking at the bar's woodwork while waiting for a table. Good times.

westlafadeaway

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:29:56 -0800

I will preface my comment by admitting my wife and I may have just had a BAD bartender when we went to 'Bergins and my experience may have been unfortunate in an otherwise decent establishment... HOWEVER, my wife is both Irish & a long time bartender and we went to enjoy one of these self-proclaimed world-famous Irish Coffees. Well, lets just say we were not impressed when the bartender tried to serve her an already-made coffee that another patron had returned. He even admitted it was returned but promised "nobody drank out of it" to which she replied "oh so it's a comp then?" and when he still demanded full price she laughed at him and said "I'd like a new one please", knowing that she would NEVER EVER EVER break that bartending rule without SOME kind of discount (500% markup remember). Well he made a new drink and served it with a sarcastic comment so after the "one" we set off for a classier joint (a dive bar that treated us great, new drinks and all). All being said I am not disagreeing with Ms Thompson's review of the coffee itself. The best I've had in LA, yes. But I felt 'Bergins deserved to have it's corners rubbed off a bit after the experience we had. That and "Irish Spring Rolls" stuffed with corned beef and cabbage is enough to make and Irishman CRINGE. "Tacos o' Erin" anyone?

Elise Thompson

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:18:53 -0800

You grew up in a pub too? No wonder we get along! I thought I was the only child twisted by playing in sawdust surrounded by drunks as a child.

db

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:03:05 -0800

I practically grew up at Bergin's and I think even the old man credited the Buena Vista as the Home of the Irish Coffee.

Caroline on Crack

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:01:31 -0800

Love this post! Thanks for doing the research. Next time I'd be more than happy to offer my own taste-testing services.