Allston Favorite Common Ground Has Closed

An Allston bar closed its doors unexpectedly this weekend, ending a near-quarter-century run.

Last call at Common Ground Bar and Grill, a favorite spot for college students and locals, came at 2 a.m. Monday morning. General Manager Ryan Piercy told The Boston Globe the Harvard Avenue bar's owners decided to sell.

Fans and patrons learned the news from a post on Common Ground's Facebook page, which was soon flooded with comments sharing memories and well-wishes. The bar was also known for the nights it regularly dedicated to trivia and '90s dance parties.

The closure marks the end of a difficult period in the bar's history. In November, the facade outside Common Ground collapsed, severely injuring an aspiring concert pianist. Sonya Bandouil had a finger amputated and needed extensive surgery to repair her right hand. She also suffered spinal injuries.

Bandouil later sued Common Ground, along with the building's owner and property manager, alleging they were negligent in allowing the facade to decay to the point of collapse.

In February, long-time owner Bob O'Guin Jr. died, leaving the business to his family.