Old Main Pub celebrates 20th anniversary with weekend-long party

Sharla "Shar" Gregrich (front; black shirt) parties with patrons at Old Main Pub.

An iconic downtown Bradenton drinking destination frequented by students, professionals, factory workers, retirees and everyone in between, the Old Main Pub celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend.

The kick-off "Back to the '80s" party starts at 9 p.m. Saturday Aug. 27 and the official celebration begins at noon Sunday, Aug. 28 and continues until close Monday, Aug. 29, with an obligatory break between 2:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. There will be prizes, games and 20 percent off total bar tab.

Chief bartender Sharla "Shar" Gregrich, who has served me countless cocktails, especially during my 2004-06 Bradenton run, sent this message that does a great job of summing up the oldest pub on Old Main Street's rich legacy.

Thanks to the nearby courthouse we have been one of the first stops to share the best and worst of times: marriage, divorce, court cases won, court cases lost, etc.  When we did the remodel we found layers of wallpaper reflecting the trends through the decades and many patrons can recall the shag carpet on the walls of the 1960s and early '70s (when the pub was under its previous ownership).  We've come a long way since then.   We now have two new spacious bathrooms, three new dart boards, two pool tables, a bowling game and 10 televisions equipped with Dish Network.  We have over 100 different vodkas and 15 beers on tap.   We are looking forward to working in conjunction with the Downtown Development on enhancing  and preserving the facade of one of Bradenton's most charming and oldest landmarks.  

313 Old Main St., Bradenton
(941) 748-7795