Restaurants & Bars
Beloved Central MA Bar To Close After 11 Years
Owners say they'll retire after more than a decade, with a final celebration planned in December.
AUBURN, MA — A longtime Auburn bar will close its doors later this year as its owners retire after more than a decade in business.
Halligan's Bar announced that its final day of business will be Dec. 12, ending an 11-year run at 889 Southbridge St. The owners said the decision was an emotional one but that they are looking forward to retirement, traveling and "enjoying our next chapter," in a message shared with customers on social media.
"It has been an extremely emotional and difficult decision, but Paul, Gus & I have decided that Sat. Dec. 12, 2026 will be Halligan's last day," the owners wrote. "For 11 years you have all been the absolute light of our life.
The owners said the business has become much more than a neighborhood bar over the past decade, and they thanked employees, customers, family members, musicians and supporters for helping create lasting memories.
"There are no words big enough to express how much love & gratitude we hold for each and every single one of you," the post said.
Halligan's opened under the current ownership in November 2015, when Steve Bertel and Paul Brosnihan took over the business. On its website, the bar describes itself as a place "where friends gather, fun is had and great memories are made," adding that customers "come in as a customer and leave as a friend."
Before closing, Halligan's plans to spend the next five months celebrating with patrons. The owners announced a final farewell party beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring live music from multiple bands, food and what they described as "a day full of love & light."
"Our book isn't finished," the owners wrote. "We are just starting a new chapter and excited for what that may bring."
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