Beloved Bartender And Dan Tana’s Curmudgeon Mike Gotovac Dies At 76

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) — Patrons of the popular West Hollywood hot spot Dan Tana’s are mourning the loss of its longtime bartender Mike Gotovac.

Gotovac, 76, was known as the restaurant’s resident curmudgeon and was famous for telling diners, “shut up and drink stupid!”

The beloved bartender reportedly survived coronavirus and was in recovery, only to succumb to a stroke on Thursday.

Tributes poured in for the cantankerous bartender on social media.

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Today we lost the greatest bartender, but better human being. Came here with no money from Croatia, found #dantanas and worked there for 54 years. #covid19 won this round, but to quote Michael: “Shut up and drink stupid!” You will be missed. #legend #theeagles

A post shared by Derek Maddalena (@the_dbomb_la) on May 14, 2020 at 6:33pm PDT

I can’t seem to grasp this. I can’t imagine not seeing Mike’s face at the bar, hearing his cantankerous sense humor, or watching him in his element behind the bar. They broke the mold with Mikey There will never be another like him. Dan Tana’s will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/lpvu0RsLid

— Vintage Los Angeles (@alisonmartino) May 15, 2020

I used to play soccer against him in the SIXTIES! We played on opposing teams in the first division of the GREATER LOS ANGELES SOCCER LEAGUE! Barely spoke to each other until a few years later I saw Mike behind my old friend DAN TANA’s bar! For 50 years I we always shook hands..

— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) May 15, 2020

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Mike Gotovac. Legend. When I didn't have any money I would go to Dan Tana's for my birthday and put it on a credit card. I did this for many years. When you have a reservation you have to wait at the bar until your table is ready. Every year I saw Mike at the bar. I think he was also taking bets…who knows. He was entertaining, gave out drinks and worked at Dan Tana's for 50 years! He had Covid 19. He was recovering but today the news is he passed. I really enjoyed seeing him when I visited. He wouldn't remember me but everyone remembers him. Hollywood legend. #dantanas #hollywood #mikegotovac

A post shared by Michael Madison (@themichaelmadison) on May 14, 2020 at 9:29pm PDT

Bartender Michael Gotovac at Dan Tana's has passed away. 52 years of bartending & one helluva guy. We are so sad about this. He was just a very special person! RIP Mike – we will miss you… https://t.co/YBJ0AENwBI via @YouTube

— Lori & Julia (@LoriJulia) May 15, 2020

For all of us that have gone to #DanTana’s for years and have loved our bartender #MikeGotovac. Today we lost him to the #Coronavirus. RIP Mike I know you will be mixing mean drinks in Heaven. Dana Tana’s and most things will never be the same. https://t.co/hjATJI6xNp

— Candu Management (@CanduManagement) May 15, 2020

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Just learned that THE BEST BARKEEP Los Angeles has EVER seen has passed. We will miss you Mike!!! I’ll always remember the conversations on the bench. RIP. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.visitwesthollywood.com/stories/qa-with-michael-gotovac-of-dan-tanas/%3famp. #mikegotovac #dantanas

A post shared by Jeff Shea (@jeffshea_) on May 14, 2020 at 6:36pm PDT

I won’t get sappy because Mikey wouldn’t want that. Over the last 5 or so years, Michael Gotovac, Dan Tana’s legend, made me feel right at home. The young guy in a group that’s been their forever. I’ll miss ya Mike. Now, to quote him, I’ll “Shut up Aaron. Ya messed the pic up” pic.twitter.com/09TuL0JSuR

— Aaron Wolf (@TheAaronWolf) May 15, 2020

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Lost a dear friend today. Legendary bartender and a hell of a good man. He made LA feel like home and was like a father to me. He will be missed. I know him and Harry Dean are having a drink and a smoke together now. #dantanas #rip

A post shared by Isaac Medeiros (@kidcinema95) on May 14, 2020 at 8:31pm PDT

According to a Facebook post from Dan Tana’s, Gotovac was born in Croatia and left communist Yugoslavia to make his way to Germany, eventually landing with the tight-knit Croatian-American community in Los Angeles. He began working at Dan Tana’s in 1968 and was known for his passion for soccer and Croatian freedom.

Dan Tana’s says Gotovac’s family will hold a private service for him, but that the West Hollywood icon left instructions for a party and that details will be released at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Gotovac’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Gotovac leaves behind a wife, two sisters, three sons and three granddaughters.