The Temple Bar

After a Massive Dip in Summer Sales, Berkeley’s Bartavelle Cafe Is Closing | Eater SF

"After three decades of operation, I read that sports bar Blackthorn has permanently closed following a legal battle with landlord McGrath Enterprises that began in October 2023; the landlord alleged the bar occupied the space illegally without a lease, while co-owners David Zimmerman and Chris LaMotte said they were being forced out to make way for a new bar from Martina McGrath. A San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled for the landlord and ordered the owners to pay more than $200,000 in legal fees and damages, and the owners say they’re unlikely to relocate given that burden. Meanwhile, a liquor license application from Martina McGrath is pending for a McGrath-owned sports bar expected to open around Halloween at 834 Irving Street." - Brenna Houck