Michael Gotovac

I want to tell you about Michael “Mike” Gotovac, the best bartender in the world. Mike was the original bartender at Dan Tana’s, starting in 1968 and he served martinis there for over 50 years before his unexpected passing due to complications from Covid-19 in May 2020.

In 2018, Mike was honored by the City of West Hollywood for his 50 years of service and excellence, and I was fortunate to be part of that monumental achievement and celebration. Today, the bar has officially been named Mike’s Bar, a beautiful tribute by the Tana family.

Mike dedicated his life to be the best and most beloved bartender. He brought so much joy to countless faces throughout the years; it doesn’t matter if you were a movie star or someone who’s just visiting town, he treated everyone with respect and professionalism. I’m grateful to have known him. My time in LA wouldn’t have been the same without him and he made an impact on my life.

Among the regulars, we always joked that for his retirement, he would simply not show up one day without telling anyone, because he never wanted to be the center of attention; but no one was ready for such a tragic and sudden loss. Just a remainder to us all, whenever you’re with somebody, it may be the last time you ever see them, you just never know, so MAKE IT GREAT.

To me, Mike was more than a bartender; he was a friend, a teacher, and an inspiration. I miss him dearly.