Located in Canoga Park, CA on Sherman Way and Topanga, Casey’s Tavern has been providing jazz and drinks for over 40 years. Owned by Lee and Jean Casey, the tavern developed into a neighborhood landmark providing classic jazz and good times with a hometown neighborhood vibe.
Lee and Jean Casey opened their doors in 1981. They wanted patrons to feel safe enough to take their mothers and grandmothers to a bar but also captivate them with the sounds of classic jazz. One such class can-not go unhindered without having to apply a set of rules which is framed behind the bar for all to see. The rules seem reasonable enough, but the one rule many customers seem to break more than others is the “no swearing or foul language” rule. “I try my best not to cuss but I forget when I have a drink or two. The bartender lets you slide once in a while but too many warnings will get you the boot.”-Josh Hammond, patron.
The jazz itself consisted of a pianist, a drummer and two guitarists, one of whom plays the upright bass. All play in unison projecting notes of old school jazz that transports the listener to a time of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Depending on the night, you can catch dixie land jazz on Sundays or classic jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If jazz is what gets your rock off, you can guarantee Casey’s will satisfy that need along with a wide variety of beers and spirits.
At the front of the bar, you can find a picture of a sweet smiling old man, the face of owner Lee Casey. Lee left this world in 2004 but before he died, he gave his wife Jean enough money to keep their beloved tavern open. When the pandemic hit, that money started dwindling. Fortunately, with the help of Canoga Park locals, Jean Casey was able to save a piece of San Fernando Valley history and kept the blue notes coming from a lowly tavern called Casey’s. So come in, pull up a bar stool, and raise a glass to that picture of Lee Casey smiling down upon you.