One of Alabama’s oldest bars closes after nearly 100 years

One of Alabama’s oldest bars closes after nearly 100 years

The lights have apparently gone out at one of Alabama’s oldest bars.

Green Lantern, on Old Tuscaloosa Highway in McCalla, announced on social media that it is closing indefinitely “due to unforeseen circumstances out of our control.”

“We knew it was coming and thought we had more time but that is no longer the case,” a post on the bar’s Facebook page reads.

“We were planning on having a party to say farewell to our loyal customers and for you guys to have a chance to say farewell to this place that has been a part of this community for almost 100 years. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible,” the post continues.

“Our customers have become like family to us and we apologize that this is the way it happened. We are all heartbroken. We love all of you and thank y’all for everything.”

Jerry Walker, a longtime patron, told AL.com in 2013, “It’s a good neighborhood pub for the working man.”

A venue for live music, Green Lantern sometimes served food and was lauded on Yelp for its clean restrooms and friendly atmosphere despite being a “dive” bar.

It was also praised as a gathering place for regulars and locals looking “for a beer on their way home from work,” operator Dick Maben said at the time.