By Patrick Robinson and David Rosen

As the final days for the Alki Tavern wind down, the call went out to Harley riders. This would be the last time you'd see more than two dozen motorcycles lined up along Harbor Ave. SW out in front of the tavern. This was the final Taco Thursday. The Alki Tavern closes for good Sunday, March, 17.

In keeping with tradition, this wasn't ever gourmet food. But at a buck a taco you expected it to be filling not fancy. Owner Gill McLynne posted the notice on the Downtown Harley Davidson event board. The faithful responded and they began assembling early. The sign read "Bikes, Trikes or Dikes Parking only" and an assortment of high powered Harleys showed up. Well more than 30 were lined up with more in the parking lot across the street to give their gratitude to the bar where they were always welcome.

Among those there to pay their respects was George Felhosi, who has been coming to the tavern since 1967. What will he miss? "The camaraderie, the friendship, the area, and the weather and the view. The view is a hundred thousand million dollar view and we park cars and bikes on it and I love it."

Karen Breeden said, "My first time here was 1990. It's just always sad to see a family business go under. I know progress has to march on but it's always sad. March on for condos. There's enough condos down here. This place always had a very festive atmosphere and very tolerant. They were always so good with the people here."

The bar will see two more big events before it's all over. The Last Call Ball is Friday night featuring the Alki All Stars, the reunited CHILD band led by well known West Seattle resident Tim Turner and the famous Jimi Hendrix music of Randy Hansen. Then the last hurrah will be the St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage feed going on all day. When they close the doors Sunday night, that will be it for the Alki Tavern, after 38 years.