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Laurel Tavern
Category: Restaurants Gastropubs Gastropubs [Edit]
11938 Ventura BlvdStudio City, CA 91604
Neighbourhood: Studio City
(818) 506-0777
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
545 reviews for Laurel Tavern
Review Highlights
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"Also split the pork belly skewers, cant wait to return." In 57 reviews -
"Chorizo Fondue - This was absolutely delicious." In 36 reviews -
"Grilled artichoke (the best artichoke I've ever had." In 27 reviews
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545 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2012
One of my absolute favorite spots on Ventura Blvd or North/valley side of Hollywood. Great burgers, fries and beers. Definitely a noisy, social pub/tavern feel, you order at the bar from the huge chalk board menu on the walls and take a number to your table.
Its consistently packed from Thurs-Sunday, and most evenings after 7/8pm, so don't expect to easily find a seat or spot at the bar after that hour. Weekdays and afternoons its pretty empty but has a consistent flow of customers.
All the bartenders are extremely friendly and social and happy to help you find the perfect drink. The Grilled Artichoke is the best I've found anywhere. Have a big projection screen they'll use for any important sporting events. -
Review from Cynthia A.
Simi Valley, CA
5/18/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place is just too small for the amount of people who love it. Even the front outside area is tiny and can probably only fit 10 people MAX if you were packed pressed up against each others cigarettes.
I like this place and I'll probably go back but it won't be my first choice. I tried their fries and the whole time I was eating them I was trying to decide whether or not they were fresh or frozen. Not the best thing to think about when you're trying to enjoy your drink and company.
I had a red wine that's not even on their online menu. If I saw it I would tell you the name but since it's not on their I can't...go figure... so don't rely on their online menu for updated drinks...you'll have to go in there yourself and look at the boards.
Find a table and take suggestions from other yelpers and try something other than their fries. Seems they just missed on this bar basic. Oh side note...no sweet potato fries... -
Review from Marlon C.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't let the 4 stars fool you, I love this place so far but haven't been there enough to know for sure. I've been here a few times and have always had a good experience. It's close, but not so close that I can walk there so I usually find myself there when I'm doing something in the area during the day like getting my bike worked on at a local bike shop, but I haven't had a bad experience yet.
The service, to start, has always been great for me. The servers have been friendly and are able to answer any question I might have. I really enjoy just coming here for a drink, the bartenders are great and have always taken time to make sure everyone is taken care of. The last time I was there I felt like getting a beer I hadn't tried before and the bartender did exactly what I described, she took her time and found me the perfect beer for right then (which she recommended as it was her favorite).
The food here is really good, just not amazing. I'm not left in awe at what my tastebuds just experienced, but I am happy and satisfied. I've had a couple different burgers of theirs, but I definitely go for the Laurel burger.
All in all, I'm looking forward to going back, having another beer, another burger and a good experience. -
Review from Mark B.
Windermere, FL
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I stopped in for some drinks, they have a great selection of beers. I noticed the food go past me and everything looked great.
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Review from Jamie C.
Las Vegas, NV
5/26/2012
What a find!! Great food, great doorman (Sean)..fantastic ambiance. Only thing, ordering everything at the bar can be a bit slow but so worth the wait!! Love love LT.
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Review from Kevin S.
Santa Clarita, CA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice beer selection. The food is tasty but overpriced. Definitely going back for a brew, but will probably eat somewhere cheaper beforehand.
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Review from Marie R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2012
Horrible!!!
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Review from Lynna L.
N HOLLYWOOD, CA
5/25/2012
I like the atmosphere. On the pricier side, but they make good drinks!
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Review from Travis H.
Pasadena, CA
Making the trek back aftyer two years to kill a couple hours
to avoid the freeway crawl the Tavern is a decent stop.
Parking is a little bit of the trick, I tend to street park in that area
if the TJ's parking man is marking tires. The metor spots are $1 hour, so
very resonable for being in LA.
If you don't get here till 6p expect to be standing and they run one bar tender
till then so they can get a bit slammed. -
Review from Kimberly B.
Alhambra, CA
4/2/2012
This spot is super crowded!!
I came here with my girlfriends on a Tuesday night and it was as busy as if it's the weekend. Somehow we always managed to get seats at the bar. Well, not exactly the gentlemen gave up their seats... awww how sweet!!!
I think I found another favorite drink... the "Atholl Brose" a scot.. it's a mixture of oatmeal brose, whisky, and honey left to ferment. Such a sweet shot, but its sure gonna warm you up instantly. Our bartender Eric, such a sweetheart, definitely loves his job, very informative and even lets you sample some of the drinks :)))
They have an interesting menu written on the wall, that I have to come back and try.
Well enough said, just check it out sometimes. -
Review from Belle P.
Tarzana, CA
5/3/2012
Definitely one of my favorite hang out spots in the Valley. It's always loud and very crowded on Friday evenings, but I always manage to find a table to sit at. They don't take reservations, so it's a first come, first serve policy. The good food, drinks and atmosphere keep me coming back for more!
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Review from john s.
Burbank, CA
4/19/2012 15 Check-ins Here
Been here a few times. Place gets Packed almost every night. mostly hipster douches. Burgers were good the first few times then the seemed to decline in Taste and quality. Maybe the chef changed??
lots of beer and drink options. -
Review from Michael B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/1/2012
If you give LT less than 4 stars you deserve to have your Yelp account suspended.
Food A+
Beer A
Beer Selection A+
Strength and quality of drinks A
Decor/Atmosphere A
First come first serve A- if you get a seat, B- if you don't
Some yelper said "the People" make LT unbearable, I'm sorry I was too busy talking to the people in my party to have a bad experience with anyone else in the bar...I LOVE THE VALLEY OH! (Xiu Xiu)
This place is simple, cool, legit!
(and if you like seeing an A/B list movie/tv star just chilling without stress---you'll really love this place)
LT is truly a hidden gem that I passed up far too many times, but not again, I WILL BE BACK. (parking does kinda suck though) -
Review from Aaron L.
Hollywood, CA
4/19/2012
Love this place. I usually head down there for a Sunday lunch and drinks with a few of my studio city friends. The food is always amazing, especially the Laurel burger, mussels, and the salmon. I like the place at night as well, but it's a lot less crowded in the day time and it's got a nice warm vibe to it.
We also had this really cool brunette chick with tattoos as our server/bartender, who recommended all the right food choices and made us awesome drinks. That being said, I feel that good service is often the deciding factor on these reviews, so she really made a difference.
So, if you're in studio city and you want a good chill restaurant/bar, I'd recommend this spot to you any time. -
Review from Chantelle T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
A cool spot to dine and drink in Studio City. Reminds me a bit of Father's Office.
The drink selection is good and I was happy with the glass of Cab and Merlot I had. I would recommend the bacon blue cheese burger with fries. The bacon was a bit on the sweeter side so it worked well with the blue cheese and hearty burger -- brought a nice balance to everything in the basket.
Parking is really difficult to find and this place gets crowded really quickly so be ready to pay for the $4 valet and get comfy with your neighbors! -
Review from Randy B.
Updated - 2/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
For the people, I continue my quest to find the best burger in Los Angeles/CA/USA/EARTH/SOLAR SYSTEM/GALAXY/UNIVERSE. My mission: to document it, and what an awful assignment it is: in fact, it sucks big rocks, and there's moss and bird poop on them. Here, at Laurel Tavern, they feature 4 choices of burgers among other items, yes, they have other lovely things to eat. But, I can't try the other fun stuff YET.
BURGER & FRIES -- Tonight's selection is the Laurel Burger: white cheddar, caramelized onions, arugula, and a good 1/3 pounds of flesh. The bun perfectly soft, and wow, the meat was juicy, tender, and a fine grind. That's one heck of a burger.
The devil made me order the fries. Cool that they have both string & steak style. I ordered the Steak fries, which are fried in pork-belly fat, then seasoned with salt & pepper. They were voluminous, and way too much for one-person to inhale (ohhhhh the guilt, and God is watching). I took half home, and yes, they reheat well. C'mon, really...fried in pork-belly fat? That's surely evil. They may just be the best fries I've ever had (perhaps a new Yelp list?)!!!
MENU/OTHER/DRINKS --- Lots of interesting food selections, including pork belly skewers, marrow bones, grilled artichokes, steamed mussels, chorizo fondue, bratwurst plate (next!), salads, and um -- burgers. They have an ample selection of premium drafts, and nice wines by the glass, or bottle (giddy up).
AMBIANCE --- On this fine Tuesday evening, it was about 75% full of mostly 30-45 something's. More groups of folks (industry types), versus dates or singles. From my perspective as I was flying solo, it felt a little like being the new kid at a new school, a little awkward and lonely, and everyone else acted as if they were together -- it was kind of cliquey. It's better to go with a buddy or two next time. It's also loud, so don't plan on talking much. Instead, work on your sign language with one another. It's also dark, so you can't read the menu, and you might be kissing the wrong person!
SERVICE --- The hostess gave me a menu at my little table, but forgot to mention that I needed to go to the bar to order drinks and food. Sitting there like a dummy, with sad and hungry eyes, no one could see me anyhow in the dark anyhow. That was about 7 minutes of my life I won't get back...thanks Lady! A fellow customer clued me in, so I headed to the bar.
Eric, saved the night for me. He is uber-cool, hip, and dy-no-mite (JJ Walker anyone?). A great bartender, he was mucho informative about the brews. I made it perfectly clear in seconds that I had no clue about which draft I wanted. He quickly poured 4 small glasses for me to sample. All were good, but I settled for a Belgium Wheat, or white, or something like that. It went great with the B&F.
PARKING --- It's either sucky or lucky, one of the two -- located right there in the heart of restaurant-haven Ventura Blvd. I was lucky, and since I went after 8pm - found a great spot on the street and didn't have the feed the stinkin' parking meter. Otherwise, valet is available.
CONCLUSION --- Belgium beer, burgers, loud, cool peeps, that'll do it. Sign me up, I'm a fan.
BURGER BY BERGER, REVISITED (2/20/2012): Tried the Bacon & Blue Burger with Grass-Fed beef. It was smallish and good, but not great. I still prefer the Laurel Burger (from my previous review). Also, tried the shoe string fries, and well - I prefer the steak fries (yada yada). Plus, I tasted a bit more of the pork-belly fat that it's cooked in...and it was quite greasy. So, thumbs down as compared to my previous visit. Yet still, a good experience alongside the great Belgium beer I ordered.
Also, boo -- no WI-FI.Listed in: Berger knows Burgers, Ahem: Your Attention please!, FUNNY HAHA, Top 25 LA favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/19/2012
For the people, I continue my quest to find the best burger in LosAngeles/CA/USA/EARTH/S… Read more »
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Review from Julian D.
Orem, UT
5/25/2012
the food and drinks are good but avoid this place if you are under 37. a very "cool old guy hang out". had a funny night with a group of friends seeing how much better the staff attended to the older guys hanging out with us.
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Review from Nicole G.
Van Nuys, CA
5/3/2012
If you love food, you'll love this place. Cheap beer, cheap amazing food. My husband and I split the pork belly skewers, bone marrow, and chorizo sliders and were full.
I highly recommend the bone marrow. -
Review from Becky U.
First stop back.. this time not just for the drinks, good company, fun times, but for the food..
RECOMMENDED:
ROAST MARROWBONES
Drink:
Moscow Mule
YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/30/2011
Do i even remember coming here?! LOL as most reviewers speak about the parking, Ellainne V. was just… Read more »
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Review from Michael M.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
4/17/2012
Great food and great service keep me coming back almost every Friday. It's pretty crowded at night, so I recommend this place for a late lunch. Burger + Tangerine Beer + Friendly, cute tattooed bartender = awesome.
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Review from Antonio B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Enjoyed a very HAPPY Hour +, here. Great spot for a late afternoon bite and a great cocktail without any fuss! I'll be back...often...
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Review from Greg S.
San Antonio, TX
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very social setting with long tables. Good for a drink before dinner.
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Review from Sherry V.
4/17/2012
Laurel Tavern is so tiny, but a hidden gem in Studio City. Valet will park your car without a scratch in an alley the size of Harry Potter's closet. No joke. I went here with a coworker and a friend and we tried some of their fries, cheese plate, and a few glasses of wine. Super fun and super chill. We managed to snag some seats by the bar, but my coworker wasn't kidding when she said it could get crowded fast. Some lone wanderer kept coming up behind us and semi-harassing us.. and stealing our nuts from our platter. Besides that, I had a great time.
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Review from Eli G.
Burger #233: Over The Hill Burger
Let's face it, if you don't live in the SFV there isn't much reason to ever go there. But when you're a homeowner and need furniture, Living Spaces has been our go to spot for the past couple years. So when faced with a trek over the hill, I always try to find a some good grub to make it worthwhile. This time, my friend said the burger at Laurel Tavern was good so that's where we went.
Midday on a weekend it wasn't crowded at all, I can only guess that that changes at night.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The wife got some mussels and a beet and burrata salad, meh.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I got the bacon bleu burger, medium-rare. To my joy, the burger also came topped with thin sliced apples, which gave a nice textural contrast to the burger and a good tart flavor that cut through the meat and cheese. The meat had an okay crust to it, the grind was on point, and the meat was cooked to order. But alas, it lacked seasoning. Even with the bacon and the mild bleu cheese, each bite was devoid of the meaty kick that salt could have provided.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Overall, it was okay. Not worth trying again though.Listed in: Burgers Burgers Burgers
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Review from Chris K.
North Hollywood, CA
4/2/2012
Awesome bar that can get crowded on weekends. The atmosphere is chill and the drinks are great!
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Review from Alejandro G.
Thousand Oaks, CA
1/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Cool pub. A bit pricey but the atmosphere makes it worth it. Service is always good.
Try the Chorizo Sliders. -
Review from Sasha Y.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/18/2012
Although it's one of those gastropubs (say it with a lisp), it's not as douchey as the rest of those "we have this exclusive beer that you'll never understand because you're a dummy" places. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Where some fat cystic acne nerd will look down at you because you don't know what kind of wood PBR is aged in. This isn't one of those places.
We came here Saturday evening, had a couple of beers, and ordered the Chorizo Sliders and the Prosciutto & Burrata plate. Admittedly, I misread the menu and thought I was ordering the Prosciutto & Burrito plate, so imagine my surprise when a plate of thinly sliced meat and something that looked like cottage cheese showed up. Did I lose my shit?
Fuck no. I ate that bitch and chased it with an Allagash White. Chorizo Sliders were bomb too.
I know some people have a problem if a place is packed. But I'm happy that a place that has good food and reasonable drinks gets heavy traffic. This is a bar in city. Not a dive in fuck-your-cousinville. -
Review from Anna V.
Glendale, CA
1/13/2012
I seem to be finding these tavern type places more and mroe. They must be more popular now-a-days, but I'm not sure why.
Laurel Tavern is great. Nothing super special or unique about it. Great decor, wood tables, decent crowd, plenty of beer - and it's good. I just don't see the thrill.Listed in: NOW OPEN
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Review from Sashen N.
Los Angeles, CA
4/17/2012
Great little spot to enjoy unique beers and tast pub style eats. They have great burgers, good beers and cool people. It's always crowded so be prepared to stand and wait for a table. There is a great long high table in the middle that you can usually find a spot at. I highly recommend going.
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Review from mischa a.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2012
By far, my favorite place to hangout, get drinks, eat, watch Lakers games and meet new people. Laurel Tavern encompasses everything a gastropub should be.
Come and order a Jameson and ginger ale with the prosciutto plate. It is amazing. -
Review from Daniel H.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
2/25/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Laurel Tavern is a great place to go with a small group. Finding a table can be a pain thus the small group suggestion. I like this place for it's atmosphere, food, and beer. They have a huge selection of beers on tap. Came for dinner and tried the Laurel Burger (based on others reviews) and steak fries. The burger was extremely tasty but on the smaller side. Great mix of flavors and tastes. The quality in the beef definitely comes through. I thought you could really taste the pork-belly that the fries are cooked in. These were some of the best steak fries I've ever had. Very unique and gourmet. I think an order of fries is perfect for sharing, no need to add on fries with every order.
Can't wait to come back again and try some other beers and dishes! -
Review from Joshua F.
North Hollywood, CA
Updated - 2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Can get really crowded, and then quite difficult to find a place to sit. But I've been for lunch, dinner, and late night (both busy and not) and I enjoyed myself every time.
The beer is great! And the food is great! I recommend just the classic burger, really tasty.
If you're interested in the food I would go when they're not busy, but if you're down to party go any time!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2010
This place is honestly really great. If you're a girl come with some guys to protect you...unless… Read more »
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Review from Joe D.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2012
Came in here for a beer. The beer was delicious and prices were low, people seemed friendly. But all the indoor seating in the entire place was uncomfortable. A deal-breaker for me.
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Review from Ginger Z.
Van Nuys, CA
1/18/2012
I probably eat and drink here on an average of once a week. I love this place for the laid back ambience and the top quality food. AND, weight watchers folks listen up, there's something on the menu for you too. Go for the artichoke and the mussels. Both are totally delicious and won't break your 'points' bank that you should be saving for cocktails! Though if you're not watching your waistline you can't go wrong with the smoked salmon on toast and the burrata & prosciutto. Their burgers and fries are also winners.
A tip: if you like a laid back atmo and don't want to jockey for a seat amongst a bunch of tipsy girls with tiny skirts and the guys that chase them . . . come on a weekday, for lunch, or for happy hour. Though I love this place like crazy, I avoid it at all costs on weekend nights because it loses its gastropub caché. -
Review from Renee C.
New York, NY
3/22/2012
after circling ventura blvd for a good 10 minutes looking for the place, then for parking, i finally gave up and paid the $4 for valet. money well spent in my opinion.
so, i venture in, go to hang my scarf, leather jacket, and handbag on the little hook underneath the bar as i'm waiting for my friend to arrive. hmm feels suspiciously sticky. i pull my personal items away and find a big wad of chewed up blue gum mashed onto my michael kors jacket. i threw up in my mouth a little bit before i was able to muster up the strength to get an ice cube from the bartender to rub on it (i saw it on oprah). voila! the gum comes right off with a little scraping. pretty gross.
anyways, sorry for the tangent. laurel tavern is a great, cozy little spot. i went on a sunday evening so it wasn't too crowded or loud. i drank about 4 pints of the alegaster (sp?) white and a cup of the mysterious 90 proof alcohol sitting in the glass dispenser. my throat is still burning. oh and i also had the artichoke (yum!!) and the grilled cheese with pear, which was just alright.
i'll be back laurel tavern!! -
Review from Charity B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2012
OK so I love pork belly and justin bieber, sue me.
I am not even sure how i ended up here, i dont live or hang out in the valley. Would have never guessed that a tavern would have such tasty food. Id recommend staying away during bikini season though, all that taste comes at a fatty price.
Amazing pork belly skewers, chorizo sliders, prosciutto/burrata plate and roasted marrowbones.
Only pain is that they dont take reservations and it can get painfully crowded. You also have to order your food at the bar. -
Review from Ian S.
Hermosa Beach, CA
1/30/2012
I came here for dinner and a drink.
The food was really good. I had a turkey club, and there aren't many ways to mess that up. It was odd that fries were extra, but whatever.
It's a bit chaotic because I didn't notice a waiter. We had to go to the bar to place our food/drink order(s). Seating also can be a little tricky in this place. The vibe is lively, and (at least on this night - was my first and only visit thus far) the cougars were hunting. -
Review from Christopher H.
Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place was absolutely awesome. Since my friends and I were indecisive on what beer to get, the bartender poured 4 cups of beer and titled them A,B,C, and D. He told us to try every one and give him the letter of the one we like best. He actually went out of his way to do this even though the place was packed. The prices here are great compared to other bars and the atmosphere is cool. My friend saw "Taco" from The League here and the girl from Paranormal Activity. I WILL DEFINITELY COME HERE AGAIN!!!!
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Review from A F.
North Hollywood, CA
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great beer and food. Love the mussels and beets & burrata. Yummy!
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Review from Tracey M.
12/22/2011
Had dinner there last night. My husband has been there many times and has always had a great experience. Last night was my first time there and I had to schlep about 45 minutes in the car to get there (a thing no one in their right mind does in LA during rush hour). It was totally worth it. It felt like a great New York pub. I loved the decor, the shared tables -- no menus -- order at the bar and eat -- no waitresses but plenty of bussing going on.
We had the chorizo sliders, the bratworst, an amazing corn salad and the steak fries (which no one makes anymore). I was all really delicous and the atmosphere was great. The people and the overall feel of this bar/restaurant is terrific. I will totally spend another 45 minutes getting there from the west side.
And yes -- like others have said, parking is a pain.
