(photo by James Pappas)

Family, friends and employees gathered on Monday at the legendary Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood to pay tribute to longtime bartender Ruben Rueda (seated, center), who is celebrating 50 years of working at the restaurant. Rueda was joined by a large group including Musso & Frank Grill general manager Mark Echeverria (kneeling, right) and former Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge (kneeling, left) at an informal ceremony for Rueda that also included a mariachi performance. Longtime Musso & Frank Grill patron and Rueda’s personal friend James Pappas said the bartender started in 1967 and has served many notable guests over the years such as Steve McQueen, Charles Bukowski, Orson Welles, Rock Hudson and members of The Rolling Stones.

“We are like family,” Pappas said. “He is a wonderful guy, a devoted family man an all-around good guy.”

The Musso & Frank Grill is located at 6667 Hollywood Blvd. For information, visit mussoandfrank.com.