Boston

Last Call at Tom English's!

Stop by this weekend for last call at Tom English’s!

Written by Mike Neff

Stop by Tom English’s on Dot Avenue this week and grab a bucket of beers while you still can!

The beloved dive bar will close its doors this coming weekend after more than 40 years of providing cheap drinks and good times in the Dorchester neighborhood.

A local’s bar, it was frequently filled after 3pm with tradesmen taking a load off after a long day. Over the years, it has sponsored countless baseball, softball, rugby, dart, pool and bowling leagues.

History Lesson

The building which currently houses English’s was formerly Brisboys Bar. It was owned by Jack English in the 70’s and named after his father Thomas English Sr. It was one of many under the ownership of the English family which included locations in West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Mission Hill, Quincy and South Boston. (The South Boston location on Emerson Street still remains open).

A fire forced a remodel in 1978. Regulars frequently recall the horseshoe bar which took up much of the space in the bar. The bar used to have a full service kitchen serving up Irish breakfast and some of the freshest fish & chips available in the area. At one point, it is believed the only draft beer was Milwaukee’s Best!

Tom English III purchased the bar from his uncle Jack in 2003 and years later would undertake renovations to transform the bar to its current state, with a custom designed counter top that was milled in the building, two pool tables and dart boards.

In 2017, English sold the bar and Dorchester Market to Adam Sarbaugh, a developer who has kept the bar as is. Dorchester native Leah Muise has managed the bar for the past year and half, continuing the tradition of providing a source of relief and fun for the Dorchester community.

Stop by this weekend for a “liquid”ation sale as we toast to the history, with hopes for the future of this space!

Mike grew up in South Boston and now lives in St. Ann’s Parish Dorchester. He bartends at both the Dorchester and Southie Tom English’s. He’s made a special “concoction” to celebrate this weekend’s closing!

The post Last call at Tom English’s! appeared first on Caught In Dot.

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