Holiday Cocktail Lounge closed it’s doors for the last time on Saturday night (early Sunday morning). Original owner Stefan Lutak died in 2009 and everyone knew it was only a matter of time before the building was sold. Stefan’s sons George and Roman had differing opinions on the future of the bar, but neither one of them wanted to run the place.

Since Holiday was where I spent much of my time during the mid 80’s to early 90’s and since it was where I met my husband of 23 years, we couldn’t let it disappear without one last drink.

We weren’t the only ones who felt that way. The place was packed as people lined up outside. Multiple generations of Holiday patrons came back to toast the 47 year old bar that spurred numerous relationships. Seven of us from the old days grabbed a booth in the corner. We ran into several other people from back in the day. It was indeed like a reunion.

Roman Lutak was there all night, looking sad and relieved at the same time. The only thing missing was former bouncer Walter.

Holiday was set to remain open until 4am and we intended to stay until they locked the doors, like we had done so many nights before. Unfortunately, a rowdy bunch of folks were getting aggressive with each other and they chased everyone out by 3am.

In our seven years of being there most nights of the week, we had never seen a fight break out. Roman said the same thing as we were leaving.

It should not have ended that way.

A toast to The Holiday in any case. Even though we grew up and moved on, it was always a comfort to know you were there. You will be missed.

1987/2012. Same booth.