The Gurka's Original story started in Philadelphia during the 1960's.

Tom Gurka Sr. was a young delivery boy for his father's beer distributorship, servicing some of the finest bars and nightclubs Philly had to offer. As he lugged keg after keg through the best watering holes around, he always admired the detail and craftsmanship that created the focal point of each establishment; the bar.

In 1973 Tom and Mary Gurka were married and purchased a small twin home in the suburbs outside Philadelphia. Tom Jr. would be born in 1974, and the garage would become the "original" Gurka's Original Bar Room. Tom Sr. created an eight foot straight bar with hanging stem glasses from above, and a fifty five gallon fish tank built flush into the wall behind the bar. He served cold draft beer to his friends as they cheered the "Broad Street Bullies" to back to back Stanley cups in 1974 and 1975. The Gurka family spent the next four years enjoying many holidays, birthdays, and game nights in that first room.

In 1979 Tom and Mary built a new home, and now they had more room to entertain. The second of many bars was again hand built by Tom Sr., and now bumper pool, pinball, and a slot machine were added. Over the next 25 years, that house produced countless laughs and memories, and the family was always together.

In 1993 Tom Jr. began playing college hockey at SUNY Oswego, and met Saratoga natives Josh Pemrick and Josh Miller. The three would live together through school, and 166 Bridge St. would become one of the best after hour spots in Oswego. Tom Jr. and Josh Miller put a mixer and giant speakers into the family room, while laser shows and strobe lights completed "Club 166". Tom Jr. would even meet his future wife Jodie at a 166 party.