The Golden Gopher
From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
The Golden Gopher is a restored 1905 dive bar in Downtown Los Angeles at 417 W. 8th Street.[1] It was originally dubbed The Golden Sun Saloon, reopening as the Golden Gopher in 2004.[2][3] Due to its age, its original 1905 liquor license[4] exempts it from abiding by certain present-day ordinances, such as prohibiting the sale or location of alcohol within a certain distance of the establishment's front door,[5] or the prohibition of liquor-to-go.[6] Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was a rumored early owner of the bar. It is currently managed by L.A. entrepreneur Cedd Moses under his 213 Hospitality group[7][8] which, as of 2018, oversees 17 other Los Angeles watering holes and eateries that are either in their original state or are located in historic buildings whose original uses differed from that of a food or drink business.
Philanthropy[edit]
The Golden Gopher and 213 Hospitality are partnered with The Spirited Group as The Spirited Coalition for Change.[9] The coalition aims to raise funds for and awareness of the homelessness crisis in the city. They aim to help "permanently end the cycle of homelessness on Skid Row and Los Angeles, provide special services in particular to the homeless women, children & veterans on Skid Row, and raise awareness of homelessness and Skid Row amongst [their] partners and patrons."[10] One of the coalition's fundraising efforts involves donating a portion of the Golden Gopher's Moscow mule proceeds toward the coalition's activities.
Use as a filming location[edit]
- The Golden Gopher appears in recording artist Taylor Swift's "Delicate" music video.[11][12]
- The opening of Chris Brown's video for his song "Liquor" features the Golden Gopher's neon marquee.[13]
- A scene in Torchwood: Miracle Day shows Captain Jack Harkness drinking there, although the story cites it as a bar in Washington, D.C.
References[edit]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Pouring With Heartwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Siegmund Cuda, Heidi (July 22, 2004). "What a swell party". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Elliot, Farley (March 2, 2017). "Downtown LA's Development Has Been a Decade in the Making". Eater Los Angeles. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Darling, Michael (December 4, 2018). "Celebrate Repeal Day at These Prohibition-Era L.A. Haunts". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- ^ "Quick Summary of Selected Laws for Retail Licensees" (PDF). California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Explorer Publishing (June 2008). Los Angeles Residents' Guide. Explorer Publishing. pp. 347–. ISBN 978-9948-8585-2-2.
- ^ Stuart, Gwynedd (November 2, 2018). "How One of L.A.'s Most Beautiful and Underused Spaces Came Back to Life". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- ^ "Golden Gopher". 213 Hospitality. 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Burbank, Jeffrey (May 31, 2018). "Cedd Moses: The Serial Saloonkeeper With an L.A. Empire". LA Weekly. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ "Fighting To End Homelessness". The Spirited Coalition for Change. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Taylor, Elise (March 12, 2018). "All the Downtown Los Angeles Spots Featured in Taylor Swift's "Delicate" Music Video". Vogue. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Premieres 'Delicate' Video During iHeartRadio Awards (Watch)". Variety. March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ "Chris Brown - Liquor". Chris Brown. September 25, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2020 – via YouTube.