Missouri Lounge Makes a Remarkable Comeback: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing a Bright Future!

Cheers to New Beginnings: The Beloved Missouri Lounge Reopens After Four-Year Hiatus!

After a long, four-year wait, the iconic Missouri Lounge in Berkeley is finally ready to welcome back its loyal patrons and new faces alike! Colin Guthrie, the chief technical officer and DJ manager, has been fielding questions from curious locals ever since the bar closed its doors in March 2020. Now, with a much-anticipated soft opening set for Thursday, August 29 at 5 p.m., the excitement is palpable.

What’s New at the Missouri Lounge?

The revamped Missouri Lounge boasts a fresh look while maintaining the charm that made it a neighborhood favorite. Here’s what you can expect:

• Inviting Outdoor Space: The courtyard features picnic tables, benches, and a tented roof, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink outdoors.
• Creative Mosaics: Beautiful mosaics crafted from repurposed wood from the renovation adorn various spots, adding to the lounge’s unique aesthetic.
• Expanded Bar Area: Inside, the bar has received a new coat of paint, a refreshed wooden counter, and additional restrooms for your convenience.
• Beer on Tap: With a dozen beers on tap and room for food trucks, the patio promises to be a lively gathering place.

Challenges of Reopening

The journey to reopening wasn’t without its hurdles. Initially, the bar planned to reopen within a few months, but unforeseen challenges delayed the process. Owner Ali Eslami opted to keep the lounge closed longer to ensure that all renovations were completed to perfection. From supply chain delays to winter storms impacting construction, the timeline stretched significantly.

A Community Cornerstone

The Missouri Lounge has been a staple of Berkeley’s nightlife since at least 1953, originally named after the USS Missouri, where former owner Argentina “Argie” Shepherd served during World War II. Under Eslami’s ownership since 2005, the bar has maintained its unique, no-frills charm while incorporating modern updates. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome—quirky music lovers, young and old, have come to view it as a second home.

More Than Just Drinks

As Nora Burger, a co-manager who has been with the lounge for 13 years, puts it, the Missouri Lounge is not just a bar; it’s a community hub. Here’s what’s in store:

• Nightly DJ Events: Get ready to groove with live music every night.
• Open Mic Wednesdays: Showcase your talent or enjoy local performers.
• Dog-Friendly Atmosphere: The lounge hosts the famous annual Rescued Dog Pageant, combining fun and charity.

With reopening hours set from 4 p.m. to midnight, the Missouri Lounge is prepared to reclaim its spot as a beloved Berkeley institution. As Guthrie aptly puts it, “It’s a place where old friends can reconnect, and new ones can be made.”

What do you think?

• Will the renovations enhance the lounge’s appeal, or do you think it was best left untouched?
• How has the pandemic changed your perception of local bars and community spaces?
• Do you believe dog-friendly establishments are becoming essential in social settings?
• What role do you think bars like the Missouri Lounge play in community building?