Bar Rescue - Island Lounge (Island Bar & Grill) Update

On this week's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are just outside of Chicago in Blue Island, Illinois to rescue Island Bar & Grill.  Island Bar & Grill is owned by Adam Shorter who has staffed the bar with his family members which is causing friction at the bar.  The bar was opened about four years ago and is supposedly losing $5,000 a month.  While doing recon (without Jon Taffer), it is discovered that the kitchen is dirty and the staff has a lack of professionalism.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to slightly change the name of Island Bar & Grill to Island Lounge.  The bar seems to use the names interchangeably.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Island Lounge since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Paladino's (Theory) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Paladino's in Tarzana, California which appeared on Bar Rescue in March of 2018 has closed.  The bar was renamed to Theory A Vintage Parlor Bar during the Bar Rescue makeover and Paladino's ended up using the names interchangeably.  Paladino's closed at the beginning of July 2018 and their website now says, "PALADINOS IS NOW CLOSED
Decades of great memories shows and friendships. Thank you to one and all. Stay tuned for what the future will bring."

Paladino's also had a couple live Facebook feeds from their final night on their Facebook page and  answered some questions from customers.  They said they did music on weekends under the name Paladino's and used the name Theory during the week.  They also said that the bar was sold and the new owner will be doing upgrades and changing the name, so it is the end of an era.

Paladino's (Theory) has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.  If you are interested in the original update for Paladino's, here it is. 

Blue Frog's Local 22 From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Blue Frog's Local 22 in Chicago, Illinois which appeared on the first season of Bar Rescue has closed.  Last night was their last night in business as the owners plan to retire.  The bar posted the following message on Facebook, "After 8 wonderful and crazy years, we’re retiring. Join us for a week of specials and an opportunity to purchase the amazing memorabilia of the bar! Our last day is Friday, May 11!"

Blue Frog's Local 22 also posted a photo that said, "Come see us before we close. After 30 years of slinging burgers & beers, Mimi is retiring!"

The Yelp reviews of Blue Frog's Local 22 were pretty positive averaging a 4 out of five stars, but it seems like the most recent ones were more negative.

In May of 2015, Blue Frog's Local 22 complained about scaffolding in front of their bar that prevented them from opening their patio and caused them to lose money.  They said they were in danger of closing and filed a lawsuit, which you can read here.  The scaffolding came down around July of 2015 and they remained open until now.

Blue Frog's Local 22 has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Breakwall Bar & Grill (Kilkenny's Irish Pub) Is Closed

Kilkenny's Irish Pub in Redondo Beach, California appeared on season 1 of Bar Rescue in July of 2011. During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer and team renamed the bar to Breakwall Bar & Grill and the bar kept the name. 

Breakwall Bar & Grill didn't last too much longer after the Bar Rescue episode aired as they surrendered their liquor license in January 2012 and closed.   

Owner Allie Speed told the local paper, "Breakwall, like many businesses, closed its doors in early January because it was impossible to keep it open. Sadly, we had no choice. We truly thank our patrons, employees and the Redondo Beach community for their support over the past six years."

In that article there are also tons of comments from locals who blame Carlos for the closure and have some not so nice things to say about him.  

Breakwall Bar & Grill is marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Weber's Rum Bar & Grill (Weber's Place) is Closed

Photo - Facebook

Weber's Place in Reseda, California appeared on Bar Rescue in September of 2012.  During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer and team slightly renamed the bar to Weber's Rum Bar & Grill.  The owners decided to rename the bar to Weber's Sports Bar and Grill after Jon Taffer left.  Weber's also brought back live music after Bar Rescue left..

The reviews for Weber's Sports Bar and Grill were pretty negative after Bar Rescue left and some of the reviews are below:

• "Sigh.....this place has tremendous potential. It has everything it needs to be successful: a stage and sound system for local talent, a large bar, plenty of crowd space, plenty of parking space, and name recognition. Unfortunately, gross mismanagement and downright apathy on behalf of the owners are its demise."
• "Anything upgraded from their episode in Bar Rescue has vanished. It's a dirty little punk dive and not the good kind. The bartenders didn't even know how to make a hurricane."
• "Weber's inability to serve most of their menu and the gross discourtesy shown to the headlining band (and others bands) is the cause for the poor rating."
• "MR. OWNER! Read these reviews about your poor customer service and hire some servers who know what they are doing! If you don't, you'll lose a really great opportunity to make money. These poor customer service reviews are killing you!"
• "I wanted to check out this place after I saw it on Bar Rescue and I can see why it was on there!!!!! We walked in and it had a great look but HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! "

*Reviews from Yelp

Weber's Sports Bar and Grill closed in the middle of 2013, so not too long after they appeared on Bar Rescue. Their Facebook Page is still up, but they obviously have not posted since they closed.  The Bar Rescue Updates Page has Weber's listed as 'Closed'.

Laguna Lounge (Tres Cuartos) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Tres Cuartos in Jersey City, NJ from season 4 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar appeared on Bar Rescue in October 2014 and was originally named Laguna Lounge.  Jon Taffer and Bar Rescue changed the name to Tres Cuartos, but the bar quickly changed their name back to Laguna Lounge.  Laguna Lounge eventually changed the name of the bar to Laguna Shots Bar, which was the name of the bar when it closed.

The bar closed around August 2017 with owner Ivan saying that the bar was closed and he had a new business called Viva La Musica Entertainment Company.  So it looks like Ivan is going to focus more on DJing as DJ El Comandante (Jon Taffer referred to him on the show as El Moron-te).


Tres Cuartos/Laguna Lounge/Laguna Shots Bar is now marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and here is the original update for this episode.

SoYo Craft Bar From Bar Rescue Has Closed

SoYo Craft Bar in Yonkers, New York which appeared on season 4 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was originally named Undisputed, but they were renamed to SoYo Craft Bar by Bar Rescue and the bar kept the name.  According to the local news, the bar was sold in January 2018 and a new Central American restaurant/bar will be opening in the building.

It is kind of surprising SoYo Craft Bar stayed open as long as it did.  There were many police incidents at the bar (65 between July 2015 and April 2016) including a shooting outside of the bar in August 2015.  Also, the bar was listed for sale around July 2016 for a price of $150,000.  So it took over two years for the bar to sell.

Here is the detailed update from the SoYo Craft Bar episode of Bar Rescue and SoYo Craft Bar is now listed as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Update Page.

Speakeasy Bar & Grill (Second Line Co.) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Speakeasy Bar & Grill in Kenner, Louisiana which appeared on season 5 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed at the end of 2017 and a new bar has taken over the location.  The bar opening in its place is named Area 504 and seems to be a Latin themed bar/club.

On December 29th, 2017, owner Amanda posted this message on her Facebook page, "Keith, Barbara, and I would like to thank each and every friend, family member, employee and customer for the wonderful support the last 2 and a half years. It is official, we have made the decision to sell Speakeasy. It has been a long hard road, and collectively we have decided it is what is best. So with that being said, we will be having a big blow out Saturday night! We will be having music from 9pm-1am! Come have some fun with us!"

Speakeasy Bar & Grill also posted the following message on Facebook on January 4th, "We want to thank everyone for their support over the last 2 and half years. We are officially closed, and the new owners will be taking over on Monday!"


Speakeasy Bar & Grill was renamed to Second Line Co. by Bar Rescue, but they did change their name back to Speakeasy Bar & Grill after Bar Rescue left.  Here is the original update for the episode which was most known for owner Amanda twerking in the bar.  Speakeasy Bar & Grill is now marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

Downstairs Bar + Kitchen From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Downstairs Bar + Kitchen in Englewood, Colorado from season 5 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  A few people let me know that the bar was closed, the bar is listed as 'Closed' on Yelp and Google, and the Downstairs Bar Facebook Page stopped posting in July 2017.

It seems that the bar was sold and another bar named The Englewood Tavern opened in the location.  The owner of The Englewood Tavern posted on Facebook that he purchased the bar in early August 2017, so Downstairs Bar + Kitchen closed around the same time.

Downstairs Bar + Kitchen was originally named State Pub until Bar Rescue came and did their makeover.  The bar kept the name given to them by Bar Rescue until they closed.  Downstairs Bar + Kitchen is now listed as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page. Also, here is the original update for the bar when the episode aired.

The Comeback From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Comeback Bar & Grill in Tucker, Georgia from season 3 (1st set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The landlord of the building reached out to me to let me know the bar closed on October 22, 2017.  The Comeback is marked as 'Closed' on Google, the bar website has been taken down, and the phone number no longer works.  A Facebook post by a patron says that the bar was bought out, but other than that there isn't too much information on why the bar closed.  The Comeback Bar & Grill Facebook page stopped posting on October 15th, so they didn't provide a reason for closing.

The Comeback Bar & Grill was originally named Barlow's before Bar Rescue did the makeover in 2013 and they kept the name of the bar.  The Comeback is now marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and this is the 8th bar from season 3 (1st set) of Bar Rescue to close.

Garrison Tavern From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Garrison Tavern (formerly Brickhouse) in Colorado Springs, Colorado from season 5 of Bar Rescue has closed.  Someone who appeared on the show reached out to let me know the bar closed and the bar is also listed as 'closed' on Yelp.  Garrison Tavern closed sometime in late July/early August and their Facebook page has been taken down.

This shouldn't be much of a surprise as the bar was listed for sale about a week after Bar Rescue finished their makeover (and before the show aired).  A new gastropub will be opening in the location and is undergoing extensive renovations.  The new bar is expected to open late 2017/early 2018.

Garrison Tavern is now listed as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.

YNot Sports Pub (Forbidden Pub) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

YNot Sports Pub in Everett, Washington, which was featured on season 5 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was renamed to The Forbidden Pub during the Bar Rescue makeover, but they quickly switched the name back to YNot Sports Pub.

The bar closed in early August 2017, and owner Yvette posted this on Facebook:

"Jon and I are very sad to announce that we have closed our Doors to Ynot. It has been a WONDERFUL 4 YEARS! We are going to miss everyone immensely!! We are looking forward to the new chapter in our lives. We appreciate everyone so much for all your friendships and support!!!!!
We are going to open the doors today at 1pm-8pm and Friday the 4th 1pm-8pm to sell bar memorabilia. Again Thank you for so many great years!!!!!! :)"

According to the local paper, it appears the bar has some outstanding federal tax liens as well.  On the county records website, the latest lien on 6/20/2017 was for $14374.88.

This is the 3rd bar from season 5 of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated.  Here is the original update for YNot Sports Pub (Forbidden Pub) if you are interested.

Underground Wonder Bar (Clear Bar) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Underground Wonder Bar in Chicago, Illinois from season 4 (2nd set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed on September 4th and they knew they were closing for some time because there was a closing countdown on their website.  The bar also had a message on their website stating:

"After nearly 28 years of bringing wonder, joy, and music to the people of Chicago and countless visitors from around the world, Lonie Walker’s Underground Wonder Bar will bid adieu September 3rd, 2017. While this is a heartbreaking development, Underground Wonder Bar will not be denied its last hurrah! UWB will put 110% forth to turn this summer into an unforgettable celebration for the music lovers and music makers.

This summer coincides with the 50th anniversary of the “Summer of Love”, the social phenomenon that occurred in 1967. Underground Wonder Bar will embrace the spirit that existed then … a spirit of love, and the music that it inspires.

Underground Wonder Bar’s story is well-known in the city of Chicago. The original UWB opened in 1989, on Walton Street, providing a cultural stronghold to the Gold Coast for 21 glorious years. Lonie Walker, owner and matriarch, with her community of artists and patrons propelled by the knowledge that “it’s a feeling, not a building” marched onward to open again in a new, much bigger location on Clark Street in 2011. From unexpected jamming with celebrities, to launching the careers of young musicians, to squaring off with Jon Taffer on the reality television show “Bar Rescue,” Lonie Walker has persisted through the decades and against the odds on her crusade of Peace, Love, and Wonder through Music.

Despite the crushing news, the Underground Wonder Bar will continue to feature 2 to 4 musical acts nightly till 4am in its final days plus many showcases of Chicago’s and the world’s best talent showing up! Come say your goodbyes to Chicago’s best rock, soul, funk, jazz, blues, reggae, hip hop, DJs and more, which have made the reputation of the UWB, as revered, unforgettable, and irreplaceable. Performances as always, include Wonder All-Stars Lonie Walker, Lorna Boston, Herb Walker, Smokin’ Joe Thomas, Hurricane Reggae Band and more! The brick and mortar will be no more. While this is a devastating loss, we know that wonder never dies. So in the words of the legendary, Janis Joplin, “Get it While You Can”."

Underground Wonder Bar was renamed to Clear Bar by Bar Rescue, but owner Lonie quickly changed it back despite promising Jon Taffer she wouldn't.  Underground Wonder Bar previously announced they would close in February 2017, but then stated that they would remain open while the building was for sale (Link).

Underground Wonder Bar has been marked as 'Closed' on the Bar Rescue Updates Page and here is the original update for the bar if you are interested.

Aging Room At Cirivello's From Bar Rescue Has Closed

The Aging Room at Cirivello's in Long Beach, California, which appeared on season 4 (5th set) of Bar Rescue has closed.  There isn't much information as to why the bar closed because they aren't too active on social media, but it appears Cirivello's closed in early July 2017.

A July 14th post on Cirivello's Facebook page by a customer says, "It is really a shame this place never could get its shit together. They've lost their liquor license now and it has been closed for several weeks. Given the people involved, I doubt it ever re-opens."  There was also a post by someone else on July 7th wondering why they were closed.

People who were scheduled to perform at the bar confirmed the bar was closed and their shows were cancelled:

• A July 6th show was cancelled (Link)
• A July 10th show was cancelled, and the performer posted on July 7th, "I am very sorry to say that for now Cirivello's is closed until further notice! So obviously no Thursday night blues and very sadly no Monday Night Jam. We will keep you posted and let's hope they open soon! Thank you very much for all your support!!"
• He posted again on July 10th stating, "So to update everyone on the status of Cirivello's. They are closed until further notice. It's anyone's guess as to whether they will reopen or not." 
• A July 20th performance was cancelled (Link)

Also the liquor license for the address of Cirivello's is in the status "Surrendered" (Link).  There is a different name listed on the liquor license and it appears the owners are different from the ones that appeared on Bar Rescue.  Someone who performs at the bar said there are license transfer issues when asked about why they were closed.(Link)

The Aging Room at Cirivello's has been marked as closed on the Bar Rescue Updates Page.  If you are curious, here was the original update for the bar.

Bar Rescue - Casual Tap Update

On tonight's episode of Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Chicago, Illinois to try to rescue Casual Tap.  Casual Tap is owned by Steve Magana who is a full-time fire fighter in Chicago.  The time constraints of working all day and also having a bar are hurting his bar business. He is supposedly losing $4,000 a month and if his bar went under, he would supposedly be $700,000 in debt.  The bar has been closed for three months, but he is hoping Bar Rescue can turn things around.  Steve's daughter also has a 50% chance of having Huntington's disease, which causes progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain and always results in death.

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Jon Taffer decided to keep the name of Casual Tap.  Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Casual Tap since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Stand Up Scottsdale From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Photo - Spike

Stand Up Scottsdale from season of three of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar closed at the end of April 2017 and posted the following on Facebook:

"Hi, all, as many of you know, this is our final weekend!
The hotel has sold and they're closing to redesign. We'll be taking the year off and working towards re-opening in Spring of '18.

In our final weekend, we'd love to celebrate with our Frans the memorable run we've had, as well as, my Birthday and filming of my DVD of my first 10 years in comedy.
All 4 shows are FREE. 

We will be accepting donations after each show if you'd like to help cover the costs of the filming, however, its more important that you are there, so don't let that get in the way.

We will be filming all shows and your attendance is consent.
Thanks for being a part of our history - hope you'll be part of our new beginnings in '18!"

Stand Up Scottsdale moved back to its original location at the beginning of 2016, so they were not operating in the same spot that Jon Taffer renovated.  That is why there is a reference above to the hotel that the club was in.

Owner Howard Hughes was never shy to speak his mind about Bar Rescue and complained about the makeover done by Jon Taffer.  He also appeared on a Back to the Bar special where things got a bit heated with Jon Taffer.   Howard has always responded to comments on this site to explain his side of things and to answer questions/insults from Bar Rescue fans.  We will see if Stand Up Scottsdale opens back up in 2018, but the bar has now been marked as Closed on the Bar Rescue Updates page.

Frankie T's (Freaki Tiki) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Frankie T's Dive Bar (Freaki Tiki), which appeared on Bar Rescue in April 2016 has closed. The bar celebrated its final weekend this past weekend after being in business for over nine years.  Pictured right is the advertisement for the final weekend thanking everybody for the friendships and memories.

Owner Frank shared the advertisement saying,  "Thanks for the memories my friends. What a ride it has been. Time to be married to my wife instead of married to the business. Stop by and say hi this weekend. We'd love to see you."  So it appears he is looking forward to spending time with his family.

This is the first bar from season 4 (fifth set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Update Page has been updated to show Frankie T's as Closed.  Also, here is the original update for Frankie T's if you are interested. 

Oasis Hookah Lounge (Taza Nightclub) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Oasis Hookah Lounge (Taza Nightclub), which appeared on Bar Rescue in April of 2014 has closed. The bar was renamed to Taza Nightclub, but they changed their name back to Oasis Hookah Lounge in 2016.

The bar posted the following message on their Facebook Page after closing on February 5, 2017:

"Omaha, it has been a fun 6 1/2 years. Thank you for all the support over that time, thru all the ups and downs. Thank you to all the staff that has worked here and busted their ass for this place. Thank you to all the DJs that kept the party going every weekend and kept you moving. And finally thank you to you, the loyal Hookah Heads that have been puff, puff, passing it with us since July 16th, 2010.
We will genuinely miss you and we just hope we made a few fun memories for you all.
So goodbye for now and See You in the Smoke!!!!"

Taza/Oasis has had some issues with disturbances at the bar and had to report to Omaha City Council multiple times about their liquor license (more details in original post).  This was part of the reason that the nightclub theme was dropped and they went back to the hookah/lounge theme.  In December 2016, Omaha City Council stripped Oasis Hookah Lounge of their liquor license citing 911 calls over the years. Oasis could have appealed to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, which it appears they did.  I am not sure if Oasis is closing due to a failed appeal or if Jesse decided to close the bar on his own.

Oasis Hookah Lounge has now been marked as Closed on the Bar Rescue Update Page.

Panic Room (Tonic Lounge) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

Photo - Spike

Panic Room in Portland, Oregon which was featured on season 4 of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar was originally called Tonic Lounge, but was renamed to Panic Room by Bar Rescue and Jon Taffer in April of 2015.  In August of 2016, the bar changed their name to The Raven which only lasted a few months as they are now closed.

Williamette Week reported that the bar was closed, but there isn't too much information on why the bar closed.  The website reached out to he booking manager of The Raven who confirmed that the bar has closed by simply responding to an email with, "The Venue is closed."

When the bar changed their name to The Raven in August 2016, the booking manager didn't have positive things to say about Bar Rescue.  He stated, "The sign and name were horrible, the show was absolute staged and edited bullshit, the props were cheap and silly, and all the actual stage and lighting gear was rented or borrowed and we didn’t get to keep. The show did irreparable damage to the venue’s image, and provided no benefits other than a small amount of decent furniture"

The Raven (formerly Panic Room and Tonic Lounge) is the second bar from season 4 (3rd set) of Bar Rescue to close and the Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated to show the bar as closed.

UPDATE - Local bar owners decided to open a bar at this location and named it Tonic Lounge.  They have no affiliation with the owners from Bar Rescue.

5th & Vine (Rhythm & Brews) From Bar Rescue Has Closed

5th & Vine bar in Staten Island, New York, which appeared on season four of Bar Rescue has closed.  The bar posted a video on their Facebook Page on November 13th titled 'The End', which had a slide show of pictures from the past.  Also, owner Erik Lachow's posted this on his Facebook Page on November 12th, "This Saturday night is the last night to party down with the cast of 5th & Vine. Don't miss out on the memories!"

Also, the day after, Erik posted, "I want to thank everyone for coming down last night! It was nuts! I'm very sorry that i didnt get to talk to so many of you cause we were mobbed and working with archaic tools ( no soda guns, everything running out). I apologize to so many people i just waved too. Thank you so much for the love anyway."

5th & Vine was actually shut down by the health department in April of 2016, but quickly reopened after fixing their issues.  In another recent article, owner James said about Bar Rescue, "Short term, it helped slightly."

5th & Vine appeared on Bar Rescue in October of 2014 on season 4 of the show and it is the fifth bar from that season to close.  They also kept the name given to them by Bar Rescue until they closed. The Bar Rescue Updates Page has been updated to show 5th & Vine as closed.