George Costanza Bar: ‘It Does Exist!’

A George Costanza bar does exist, and if you are a true fan of the sitcom, you know why that headline is significant.

The classic TV sitcom, which is somehow still as relevant and popular today as it was when signing off the air close to two decades ago, continues to show its impact internationally.

Entertainment Weekly reports that a location in Melbourne, Australia, has embraced one of the series’ most awkward and hilarious characters by basing its entire existence off the character.

The news went viral by way of none other than George Costanza himself, Jason Alexander, who played the short, stocky, slow-witted bald man that became a cultural icon.

Alexander tweeted over the holidays that he “may not have an Emmy, but I got me a bar in Melbourne, Australia.”

In addition to those words, the actor pointed to the Sydney Morning Herald piece that originally broke the news.

So what is it that makes this a George Costanza bar? Well, SMH reports that the establishment, actually called George’s Bar, “will feature autographed items, Seinfeld paste ups and a toastie and cocktail menu tailored around jokes from the iconic series.”

Additionally, the site reports comments from co-owner and operator Dave Barrett, who told Fairfax Media the idea came out of his love for Seinfeld.

“We came up with the name George’s and worked backwards, concept theme-ing it. George Costanza suits a bar in a lot of ways. The humor around George works,” Barrett said. “So at the moment we’ve got our toasties menu which has items like The Art Vandalay, The Costanza and The Mom and Pop. We’re still finalizing the cocktail menu but it will be similar.”

Barrett continued, “When you walk in, the two front doors have two George’s quotes — ‘It’s not a lie if you believe it’ and ‘Everyone must like me, I must be liked.’ There’s a whole bunch of autographed photos I’ve bought that are all in transit, that will all get added to as well.”

https://youtu.be/M7Arnq_moPY

It isn’t clear whether the Seinfeld brass — namely Jerry and Larry David — will have the same great attitude that Alexander does, but given that they have endured Kenny Kramer’s entrepreneurship all these years, the George Costanza bar — which should have been called “The Jerk Store,” let’s face it — is likely to continue unabated.

As for those of you thinking, “Why a George Costanza bar,” it actually makes perfect sense.

The series was named Seinfeld, and while Jerry had some funny moments throughout, most agree that it was his supporting cast — particularly Kramer and George — that helped take the show to legendary heights.

“Georgie” is relatable in all the worst ways of human nature.

He wears his insecurities on his sleeve, he thinks he’s having a heart attack after watching “Coronary Country,” he always seems to be on the butt end of life’s jokes, and even though he has a good heart, he’s not above doing horribly self-serving things.

The character, based on series co-creator David, embodies the worst parts that exist in everyone. While some choose to show things like character and bravery and selflessness, thus suppressing their inner George, most can still relate because they have all those urges locked away inside of them.

And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Alexander executes the role with such intensity and authenticity.

But a George Costanza bar — is it a good idea?

For answers, let’s turn this over to you, readers? If a Seinfeld character were to be immortalized in such a way, should it be George, Cosmo Kramer, Elaine Benes, or Jerry himself? Sound off in the comments section below.

[Image via Seinfeld, “The Race” screen grab]