Turkey Talk at Brennan's — A One-Bird Protest

In the city where protests are legendary, even wild turkeys want their say.

Especially when it comes to Brennan's, the equally legendary restaurant and sports bar at 700 University Ave., known for its hofbrau-style turkey sandwiches, turkey leg plates and dressing as well as its Irish coffee.

According to one (perhaps apocryphal) report, Brennan's serves up more than four tons of turkey per month.

Intrepid turkey observer Austin Brevin was on the scene this week when a wild turkey cried "Fowl!"

His report:

"In an unexpected, unannounced uprising Feb. 21, a wild turkey who gave his name only as 'Total Tom' staged a one-bird protest of Brennan's Sports Bar and Old Fashioned Hofbrau Restaurant, the University Ave landmark.

"Total Tom distributed his manifesto, vowing to close the turkey-serving eatery before Thanksgiving. Suzi, a world-renowned negotiator, was on the scene but had no success in her argument that the 'turkey' dishes served in Brennan's were domesticated, non-flying mutants, not true yurkeys, therefore none of her business.

"As of this writing, the standoff was ongoing, with Total Tom holding his ground and vowing to continue his informational picket until Brennan's turned vegan.
Suzi called for reinforcements." 

Brennan's opened in 1959 in a cavernous West Berkeley building and moved next door into the old Southern Pacific Railroad building at 700 University Ave. in 2008. It's currently operated by the third generation of the Brennan family. You can read more about Brennan's history on the restaurant's website.

Share your favorite Brennan's memories and favorite foods in the comments section below.