Madison Bars May Stay Open Later 'Thanksgiving Eve'

Last call will be an hour later at some Madison bars the night before Thanksgiving.

The Borough Council this month approved a resolution allowing bars to stay open till 2 a.m. Thursday instead of the usual 1 a.m. closing time.

It's the third year the borough has extended possible "Thanksgiving Eve" hours.

Some bar owners have said the extra hour helps keep Madison residents in the borough instead of gathering in other nearby towns, and that it's one of their busiest nights of the year. For many friends home for the holiday, Wednesday evening is a time to reunite.

"It's great because kids come home from school, they can stay local, they don't have to drive, they can walk home, and they don't have to be rushed out of Madison to go to other towns," said Gino Iossa, executive chef at Rocco's Tuscany Bar & Grill.

He said people dance and have a good time, and there have not been problems at his restaurant. Two people at the door check IDs. He said he appreciates Madison officials allowing the extra hour.

Prospect Tavern and 54 Main also plan to stay open till 2 a.m.

A manager at 54 Main said last year they do double the business of New Year's Eve the night before Thanksgiving.

John Allocca, one of the owners of Prospect Tavern, said in a statement the tavern wishes everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, and they are looking forward to a great night.

Other Madison restaurants and businesses with bars, including The Gutter at Plaza Lanes, Poor Herbie's and L'Allegria said Tuesday they planned to keep their usual hours.