Used to go to Open Mike and hear music
now its closed.
So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
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Join Date: May 26, 2006
Last Online 02-06-2021
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Last Online 02-03-2021
I don't know what happened that resulted in the closure of Aubergine, but I am very bummed about it. The Hopmonk is great, but Aubergine was way more non-"commercial" and the venue always felt like a big house party to me. It showcased new as well as established bands and the bartenders always made one feel so comfortable. The Monday nights, "Artists and Models", was a modern-day salon, full of creativity and a fusion of visual and musical art. I am hoping it is just a temporary closure for re-modeling or re-grouping...?? Big love to all who made it so welcoming and joyful.
Gratitude expressed by 6 members:
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Join Date: May 26, 2006
Last Online 02-06-2021
I am also sorry it closed. It had become my favorite place to go during the week when I was bored & looking for a bit of excitement in this town which can be a little sleepy. It had a great community feel, easy friendly vibes. I had some great nights dancing to local bands on a crowded dance floor.
My judgment is that it was poorly managed. Half the time they didn't have any white wine, or had only chardonnay, which puzzled me how a place could operate like that in wine country. Randy the owner would say he'd have his daughter get some, but I'd go back a week later & they'd still be out. I learned to get there early to get a seat if there was a good band... there was very limited seating inside. I had some pretty bizarre meals there - the weirdest being a plate of french fries followed 15 minutes later by a spicy hot link baked in pizza dough. The nachos were a bit industrial strength only edible by starved out cave dwellers. I learned to order the crepes. It always seemed to me that Randy just couldn't be bothered by the little stuff.
Details are really important - they make the difference between success & failure. Unfortunately for me Aubergine never seemed to care about the details, and never embodied any sense of pride or excellence in creating the best with what they had available.
One difference is that at Hopmunk, obviously a different kind of place, the employees do seem to care, and they have a variety of food that is appealing & tasty.
I don't know what happened that resulted in the closure of Aubergine, but I am very bummed about it. The Hopmonk is great, but Aubergine was way more non-"commercial" and the venue always felt like a big house party to me. It showcased new as well as established bands and the bartenders always made one feel so comfortable. The Monday nights, "Artists and Models", was a modern-day salon, full of creativity and a fusion of visual and musical art. I am hoping it is just a temporary closure for re-modeling or re-grouping...?? Big love to all who made it so welcoming and joyful.
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Join Date: Jun 14, 2005
Last Online 01-09-2021
I hope they re-open too. There was some discussion on FB about it too...
I don't know what happened that resulted in the closure of Aubergine, but I am very bummed about it. The Hopmonk is great, but Aubergine was way more non-"commercial" and the venue always felt like a big house party to me. It showcased new as well as established bands and the bartenders always made one feel so comfortable. The Monday nights, "Artists and Models", was a modern-day salon, full of creativity and a fusion of visual and musical art. I am hoping it is just a temporary closure for re-modeling or re-grouping...?? Big love to all who made it so welcoming and joyful.
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Join Date: Apr 9, 2005
Location: Sebastopol, California, United States
Last Online Yesterday
The PD did a recent article on the closure of Aubergine which basically said "f*ck if we know"!
The mystery continues...
The clothing part remains open, but the San Rafael outlet has also closed.
Anybody got an inside scoop?
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Join Date: Jul 26, 2007
Last Online 10-03-2014
Aubergine is moving the clothing portion of the store over to the Barlow Center and the bar will remain closed indefinitely. From Facebook...
"Its with great sadness that we announce the closing of the Aubergine Bar and Café. We’ve had a lot of fun bringing musical entertainment to our stage in Sebastopol, but unfortunately we’re at a point where we need to close to take a timeout to reflect, re-define and re-think what we’re doing in our bar and café. We not sure if we will re-open or not but rest assured if we do, you’ll be contacted.
Thanks again for all the great times.
Todd & Randy"
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From what I've heard (from seemingly reliable sources), the clothing store is remaining at the present location, and, they would love to be able to reopen the bar/cafe if it can be done in way that doesn't cost more than they take in...
Last edited by Barry; 10-10-2013 at 01:51 PM.
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Join Date: Feb 7, 2009
Last Online 02-06-2021
Perhaps it had something to do with the "undercover" operations by the esteemed Sebastopol Police Dept. mentioned here on wacco. A poster was actually hassled and I think DUI'd for moving her car or some such nonsense. I certainly wouldn't put closing the Aubergine bar past the Po-lice.The PD did a recent article on the closure of Aubergine which basically said "f*ck if we know"!
The mystery continues...
The clothing part remains open, but the San Rafael outlet has also closed.
Anybody got an inside scoop?
Real Name: (not displayed to guest users)
Join Date: Aug 6, 2007
Last Online 01-25-2021
As some of you might have heard/read, even Dan Taylor from the Press Democrat couldn't get any specific information!
The PD did a recent article on the closure of Aubergine which basically said "f*ck if we know"!
The mystery continues...
The clothing part remains open, but the San Rafael outlet has also closed.
Anybody got an inside scoop?
Real Name: (not displayed to guest users)
Join Date: Sep 3, 2010
Last Online 07-22-2019
Liquor licenses can b considered quite powerful these days ...Especially if someone wants to buy it for bone crushing figures.. Perhaps a newly designed casino ahhhh! Like they say everyone always has their price.The PD did a recent article on the closure of Aubergine which basically said "f*ck if we know"!
The mystery continues...
The clothing part remains open, but the San Rafael outlet has also closed.
Anybody got an inside scoop?
Real Name: (not displayed to guest users)
Join Date: Jul 20, 2005
Location: Sebastopol
Last Online 03-25-2024
>>>Liquor licenses can b considered quite powerful these days ...Especially if someone wants to buy it for bone crushing figures.. Perhaps a newly designed casino ahhhh! Like they say everyone always has their price.
Well, and it has been known to happen that expenses outrun costs on a business, so the owner closes it. Not saying that's more credible than theories of police plots or casino interests, but it might be vaguely possible.
Cheers--
Conrad
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