Mario Passarelli doesn’t disparage the comparisons to “Cheers” in his restaurant, Mario’s Italian Sports Bar & Restaurant, 2300 Lathrop Avenue.

At 4:30 p.m. Friday, nearly every single seat at the bar and several tables were filled with patrons, and Passarelli actually does know all of their names.

Jesse Carbajal, who lives in the neighborhood, comes every Friday.

“It’s like family,” he said, mentioning that he does appreciate being greeted by name whenever he walks in.

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Mike Povkovich has been drinking at the bar at least weekly for more than 30 years, long before Passarelli took over the place 14 years ago and renamed it Mario’s nine years ago.

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“Look how much money he spends on Christmas!” Povkovich said, pointing out the decorations inside and outside the restaurant. “This place is just phenomenal. Everyone should come here.”