Bridge Tavern

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• According to the Windsor Star, the old Bridge Tavern has deeper financial problems as well. It certainly is an old building. Inside there are vestiges of a one time private home. At least, that is how it appears to me.

  The Auto Body Shop that now surrounds it would seem to have a vested interest in buying up the property should it become available. If that were to happen, Andrew, your next photos of the Tavern may be of the old place coming down. .

• Oh to think of the gallons of beer I have I consumed there. The are many stories that can be told, I can recall one time where I was having a beer there with someone who was obviously a new patron. He asked the waiter if he could get a frosted glass, my first thought, "frosted ? you would be lucky if it was clean let alone frosted". A few moments later the waiter returned with a somewhat froosted looking glass, he stated this is as frosted as your gonna get. I am sure the bar tender simply ran it under cold water and then breathed into it.

• The bridge tavern is the first time I saw one of those "Hot Nuts" vending jars, lit malevolently from above. Stuck in the back corner of the bar.

• The body shop, (on University) I think evolved from the garage on Bridge. when you go in there, they have some old photos of the old garage.

• The closing of the Bridge had more to do with the $100K or so in back taxes owed to the city than to the liquor license violation. "A little bird told me" that the owner simply didn't bother to renew the liquor license when it expired as he knew the bar's days were numbered anyway. They were only operating unlicensed for about two weeks before getting shut down.

  I spent a lot of time there over the years and I'm really going to miss it. I considered it my local pub. As for someone taking over the business and turning it around, I wouldn't hold your breath. Besides the outstanding back taxes owed, the building is in need of some serious renovations and it would take a huge investment to fix things up. I hate to say it, but I think you can add the Bridge to the fabulous ruins of Windsor.

  As for how long the Bridge has been around, a family friend who grew up on Rankin in the late 1910s/early 1920s remembers it operating as a hotel back in those days. So, another irreplaceable piece of Windsor history bites the dust.

• Thanks WFW. From what I understand back taxes (the federal kind) prevented renewal of the Liquor Licence.

• I killed a lot of brain cels there (I know- it explains a lot!)- did not know about its closing though- a west end classic bites the dust?

• Here's a description of the Bridge, then known as Syd's Bridge House, from around 1970 courtesy of Detroit: A Young Guide to the City:

  "Syd's Bridge House is the local hangout for the university crod, students and faculty alike. Here the patrons are their own, only, and best entertainment, and the place is generally packed to capacity by closing time each night. A more raucous, crowded public house could rarely be found. Draught beer is the main fare, and anything else must be ordered specifically. No hard liquor or wines are served. The only food comes by way of a sandwich warmer."

  (The other Windsor watering holes this hipster guide to the Motor City covered were Abar's Island View Tavern, Dominion Tavern, Lee's Imperial House, Riviera Motor Hotel, University of Windsor Cabaret Pub and the Crazy Horse Saloon in the basement of the Viscount Hotel)

• Thanks Jamie, that's a great review...

  I have seen that book on eBay a few times, and always wondered if it was worth picking up a copy.

• Trust me, it's worth it. Very late 60s in its writing and observational style, it's a fascinating portrait of both sides of the border in terms of its sites, drinking establishments, places to eat and social habits.