It’s not altogether unbelievable that Bernice’s Tavern will celebrate its 50th anniversary in May. After all, the heart-of-Bridgeport watering hole is a tangle of just the kind of dusty tchotchkes, vintage instruments, random framed photos, and other artifacts that betray a bar’s age.
John died about 16 years ago at the age of 85, leaving Bernice and Steve to carry on the family business. “He pretty much did outlive all his regulars,” Steve says. “When he passed away, we had a few years of nothing in here. No business—nobody. We slowly built it back up with stuff like open mikes.” Steve’s bingo night, dubbed “Stingo,” has become a Wednesday-night tradition, and the place also hosts karaoke and the occasional show by performers such as country singer Kent Rose and bluesmen Jake LaBotz and Rockin’ Johnny. The biggest blowout of the year is the Halloween ball, featuring the local surf band 13 Tikis. Last year Steve smeared his face with red makeup to go as Satan while Bernice donned cowgirl duds.
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