And then, theres the madcap world of Specialty Cocktails, which range in exoticism from sounds tasty to say what? On the more rational edge is the Bloody Maria, made with assorted peppers and tequila, a fine drink for those of us with a taste for the spicy side of the street. Merrill Shindler is a LosAngeles-based freelance dining critic. The clam chowder is insanely good, and the locals that are regulars? You're in the right place. Its not for nothing that CNN seemingly begins every hour with the words Breaking News! And a cocktail selection from back in the day. Plain and simple, this is the best bar in the Valley right now. For a restaurant with the logo of a smiling deaths head, the place doesnt lie down on the job. YEARS. Unlike any public school Ive ever been to, more than half the menu is dedicated to beer and half of those are on draft. Arnie Mortons The Steak House is a classic steakhouse, a destination restaurant where you go to eat Jurassic-sized hunks of beef, and all the dishes that go with meat and more meat livin that carnivore life large! Its slightly spicy, properly crisp, and easily our favorite version in town. So, a drink really will be called for. The star of the show, however, will always be the patatas bravas. 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Amazing sausages, great beers, and a super-nice staff mean if you're bitching, you haven't been. Its the place where you grab after-work cocktails with coworkers you like, first date drinks when you just want to feel comfortable, or a glass of wine with your roommate before you head home to binge-watch Stranger Things. Theyre both excellent, so just order one of each, and make the most of your meal. The road Roadside is on the side of is Ventura Boulevard though its easy to drive by the high fence that surrounds the space and not notice it, as you wonder where the well-concealed freeway on-ramps could possibly be. Now let's look at the 15 best things to do in San Fernando Valley, California. Theres also a whole section of ceviches and yes, I know they come from Peru, but its good to have them anyway. The beer list includes 137 Hawking Wheat Ale from Guadalajara, and Border Psycho La Perversa IPA from Tijuana. So eat beforehand, and come ready to drink some excellently-made cocktails. 12 Essential French Bistros and Brasseries in Los Angeles, 17 Date-Worthy LA Restaurants That Are Actually Open on Monday Nights. What we learn in Imbibe! is that the cocktail has been around for as long as we have. Sure, a meal at Shin sushi can top out well above $200, but if youre in the market for a once-a-year omakase experience, you wont find fresher, more unique fish than at this Encino institution. As a food and (occasionally) drink writer, Im also fascinated with the cocktails that have come and gone, from one decade to another. Free shipping for many products! If you dont live in the Valley, the journey out here can be a little far, but wed commit to that drive any day, just for a cup of bulalo soup with beef shank, potatoes, and cabbage. While you can come here and get everything from mole enchiladas to breakfast burritos, your main focus needs to be the tamales. Despite a name that sounds like an overpriced drip coffee spot on Abbot Kinney, Coffee For Breakfast is a tiny cafe in North Hollywood that serves traditional Venezuelan breakfast and lunch from 8am-3pm. With bright orange walls, fluorescent lighting, and white-tiled floors, eating here feels a bit like youve stepped into a janitors closet, but one that happens to serve some of the highest-grade sushi in town. Simmzys is a beach-themed bar/restaurant and an ideal spot for an after-work drink and some food. Like so many of us, I suffer from a terminal case of FOMO Fear of Missing Out. In other words: The Bar Greatest Hits. Laurel Tavern isnt the place you go to get wild on a night out in Studio City. The only thing that could possibly go wrong with your Don Adrian order is that you like your torta too much and forget to try the other two dozen options on the menu. The Garnacha Nativa from the Care Winery in Spain. And in these hard times, with gas approaching $5 a gallon (and sometimes passing that line in the sand! The dear old Cosmopolitan is there too remember that? Know why? I recently read a book called Imbibe! by cocktail and spirits writer David Wondrich, a polymath with many advanced degrees in many disciplines, an insatiable curiosity and, far as I can tell, the liver of an ox. Now, a couple years later, he has one of the most beloved bars in that part of town -- deservedly, since the dude knows his booze better than just about anyone, but especially those other mixologists. This is primarily a to-go operation, and though you can certainly order there, we recommend calling in your order at (818) 993-7064 before you head over. This wagyu beef specialist has made a name for itself with locations across the LA basin, but its the sunny, patio-friendly Studio City outlet thats really been turning heads lately. The atmosphere is fun, but low-key, the bar food is way better than it needs to be, and the wait staff will talk to you like youve been hanging out there for years. The dishes used are by Heath Ceramics, the menu proudly tells us so. The Best Restaurants In The San Fernando Valley, 12265 Ventura Blvd, Unit 102, Los Angeles, 8879 Laurel Canyon Blvd Unit A, Sun Valley. Indeed, meander through any of the many many! 1. The staff is like a family - as you become a regular they." more Outdoor seating Delivery Takeout Start Order 2. On weekends, there can be a bit of a wait to get it. Theyre not especially obscure, with a fair number of the craft names weve come to know well, with brief annotation included, for those who may want to know what the heck it is theyre drinking. EMC Seafood & Raw Bar (Woodland Hills) If youre here to bend an elbow, theres much elbow bending to be done. The smaller A course offers 12 pieces of sushi plus appetizers, soup, and dessert for $95. Theres Mexican Coke and Mexican Sprite, both made with real sugar a big deal these days. .css-gdccrc{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-condensed);font-weight:700;font-size:1rem;line-height:0.9;letter-spacing:0.08em;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-left:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-right:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-0);text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 20rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:0.9;}}@media screen and (min-width: 23.4375rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:0.9;}}@media screen and (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:1;}}Brant Cox.css-1a7ccww{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-body);font-weight:400;margin:var(--chakra-space-0);padding:var(--chakra-space-0);font-size:0.6875rem;letter-spacing:0.1em;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-1a7ccww{font-size:0.75rem;letter-spacing:0.12em;}}July 28, 2016. Easy to do with an overflowing tropical drink in front of you the Mai Tai, the Navy Grog, the Blue Hawaiian, the Scorpion, the Tonga Punch and speaking of Don the Beachcomber, at the Tonga Hut, the 1934 Beachcomber recipe for the Zombie. Which brings us to the modern day, when mixology isnt just something that bartenders (a noble and honorable breed) practice. Firefly (click here for address and info)Studio CityThis lounge-y barstaurant infuses its own booze (jalapeo/pineapple tequila FTW! ), There also are pizzas, including a Frito Pie equivalent. Getting to Gos Mart is probably a journey no matter where youre coming from, but trust us when we say this sushi bar next to a dance studio in Canoga Park is always worth driving the few extra miles. The Sherman sounds so old, like a place that was in the Valley long before the freeway was considered a possibility. Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar. Skinny's Lounge (click here for address and info)North HollywoodThis oddly shaped performance venue regularly hosts burlesque nights and up-and-coming indie-rock bands, plus they make fine (foyne?) 15 Great LA Chili Dogs For Those Comfort Food Needs. Cafe de Olla is a neighborhood Mexican spot on Victory Blvd. As a rule, that drink of choice will be a beer, which is really all I want or need. to the days before the American Revolution, when strong spirits were mixed with ice and exotic waters and fruits and other strong spirits. Find the best Bars near you on Yelp - see all Bars open now.Explore other popular Nightlife near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 million reviews and opinions from Yelpers. Valley Wing Pit Sports Bar & Grill Bars Sports Bars Bar & Grills (2) 6.1 View Menu But if you want to sit on the outside patio, a wait is almost guaranteed. If you want to sit at the bar, or the lounge tables adjacent to the bar, things get busy, especially on weekends, and when there are big games to be watched on the big screens. Its $145, with an optional $55 cocktail and sake pairing wed highly recommend. From the worn menu board to the broad array of meats and general sandwich selections, this is the kind of timeless and delicious spot that the Valley really excels at. Yes, its name sounds like somewhere youd eat after riding Big Thunder Mountain, but Boneyard Bistro is one of the most consistent BBQ restaurants in LA. I dont really need a drink, I rarely do. Eclairs, New York-style cheesecake, and the best cannolis youll find in LA - if you arent walking out at Cavarettas with at least two boxes full of sweets under your arm, youve done it wrong. This Woodland Hills classic oozes charm. Most days, your check will go well above $200, so Gos certainly isnt your once-a-week sushi stop, but if youre looking to experience one of LAs great omakases, this spot is worth every penny. Friday would seem to be good day to offer specials as well. But then, Im also obsessed with the writings of P.G. Long known for its sprawl and density (and marquee billing in the cinematic masterpieces of the '80s), the Valley is home to entertainment industry bigwigs, celebrities, and thousands of everyday Angelenos.The restaurant scene is as diverse as its inhabitants, with classic Mexican joints, some of . Not as far as I can tell that would involve bacon and maple syrup. 20790 W. Nordhoff St., Chatsworth, 818-626-9399; 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-616-9852; 5780 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, 818-347-1400; www.saladfarmrestaurants.com. A post shared by Matthew Kang (@mattatouille) on Apr 13, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT, 19 Essential Meat Dishes to Try in Los Angeles, The 38 Essential Los Angeles Restaurants, Summer 2017. Who could have ever guessed that the Michelin Guide would find Pasta Bar tucked away in its Encino strip mall home? Spanish serrano ham right next to French onion soups, clams in white wine sauce and tuna tartare. Added 9/2019: Tadich Grill, Li Po Cocktail Lounge, Verjus, The Beehive, The Page, Tonga Room, Maggie McGarry's, The Ramp, Moongate Lounge, Charmaine's, Madrone Art Bar, Cold Drinks Bar, Southern Pacific Brewing Co. If its your first time, the $100 sushi omakase ($75 at lunch) is a must, and comes with 10 premium cuts of fish, a few signature appetizers, a handroll, and dessert. And in this case, the bag absorbs the grease. We offer private party open-air patio dining. I like the twist that cucumber gives to the Spicy Cucumber Margarita, a gin ingredient used in a tequila drink. Along with ceviche, theres an unexpectedly large assortment of seafood dishes, though Im not at all sure that either salmon or mahi mahi were known to the Mayans. There are numerous margaritas, made with both tequila, and mezcal which is essential tequila but without very good manners; where tequila raves, mezcal rants. Xen was pushing for industry professionals and celebrities. Roadside is for the rest of us Roadside rocks, Roadside rolls. Casa Vega has more than stood the test of time. You probably know Toluca Lake as that place people walk around on their lunch hours avoiding Panera for the third day in a row. Theres a line for the counter where you order your food. Its also a great place for vegans and vegetarians. And though our massive neighbor to the North probably wont ever be considered a beacon of LA nightlife, to say theres no reason to get your drink on here would be a mistake. Awesome. Driving into the mini-mall at the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Donna Avenue in Tarzana, you may wonder if youve come to the wrong address. The music is loud, friends schmooze and schmingle everywhere, happy is the dominant motif. Star Garden (click here for address and info)North HollywoodIt wouldn't be quite right to do a best-bars-in-the-Valley list without including at least one strip club. Black Market Liquor Bar (click here for address and info)Studio CityA perennial favorite, thanks to amazing wings, ridiculously good drinks, and the kind of industry-but-not-in-the-horrible-way scene that'll make you say, "Not all of these girls can be PAs, can they????". These 5 places serve the best cocktails in the San Fernando Valley - Daily News High School Sports Lakers Clippers LA Sparks Dodgers Angels College Sports UCLA Sports USC Sports Rams. Walking into Tarzana Armenian Deli is like walking out of LA and into that local sandwich shop you mightve ate at three times a week in the summer as a kid. But if Im in a situation where a mixed drink is called for, I do have my druthers when it comes to cocktails I like clean and simple. Get the artichoke hummus, eggplant moussaka, and at least two orders of the Moroccan chicken. Thomas O. said "Best burger and fries I've had in years! newsletter, 22446 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, 21150 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, 8801 Reseda Blvd Suite A, Northridge, CA 91324, 11146 Balboa Blvd, Granada Hills, CA 91344, A post shared by Matthew Kang (@mattatouille), 16101 Ventura Blvd #255, Encino, CA 91436, 14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, 13705 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, 13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, A post shared by Jennifer Yu (@misspiggieeats), 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, 4220 Coldwater Canyon Ave Suite 421, Studio City, CA 91604, 7214 Whitsett Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605, 12417 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607, 15 Wonderfully Unfussy Breakfast Joints in Los Angeles, 18 Old-School Red Sauce Italian Restaurants in Los Angeles, The 21 Essential Palm Springs Restaurants. All that land . The San Fernando Valley (sometimes called The Valley) is a region of Los Angeles County in Southern California, nestled to the northwest of the Los Angeles Basin. And this place is only, like, a few miles from there. San Fernando Valley Hotels Check out these popular cities in San Fernando Valley Glendale 91 hotels Burbank 35 hotels Sherman Oaks 17 hotels Van Nuys 18 hotels North Hollywood 23 hotels Studio City 3 hotels Garnsey 6 hotels Tarzana 4 hotels Sun Valley 2 hotels Sunland 1 hotel Winnetka 1 hotel North Hills 7 hotels The outlandishly good black pastrami reuben is reason enough to make the drive. Here Egyptian pop-ups compete for space with old-school burger stands and cool-kid breakfast spots, with millions of nearby diners ready to pounce on not just the next big thing, but the best old school spots like Casa Vega. Other cities in the Valley include . W., Studio City/Hollywood; 323-512-2500, www.cocinasycalaveras.com. And as youd expect, theres a wine list with a lot of Big Reds. Despite their success - and its massive factory looming off Van Nuys Blvd. Encino is probably more well-known for its daycare options than nightlife spots, but if youre in the neighborhood looking for good beer, Surly Goat is option one, two, and three. Your order should include any of the cachapas, which are traditional corn-based pancakes stuffed with combinations of meat and cheese, a few beef empanadas, and a cinnamon cafe con leche. There are, for instance, egg rolls, described as Vietnamese style, filled with either pork or tofu. The wide breadth of Sri Lankan food is on full display at Apey Kade in Tarzana. Since opening in 2016, Mister Jiu's has been one of San Francisco's most interesting restaurants. And -- oh yeah -- a great beer selection. Matsumoto is a true whiz when it comes to classic sushi. 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