-
- English
- Français
- Log In
- Sign Up for Yelp
John F.'s Profile
Beer Havens
See All Lists
1. Congregation Ale House
A little historical background for future readers, Congregation Ale House had its soft opening right around the time of the Great Wind Storm of '11. As a result of our power being out for a second evening, I thought it would be a good idea to see if…More »
2. Old Towne Pub
Bizarre location. Fascinating little place. I'm not sure how they maintain business being only accessible by a door in a little used alley, but the decent beers, decent bands, small cover charge, and damn unique setting help. On St. Paddy's they got…More »
3. The Crest Sports Bar and Grill
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 320-9347
Categories:
Bars,
American (Traditional)
Neighbourhood: Torrance
It's authentic. All of the typical real privately owned local bar things are here, the juke box, the promo neon signs, a smattering of plaques of guys who warmed the vinyl stools for years and succumbed to cirrhosis or gout, pool cue lockers, mid…More »
4. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Escondido, CA 92029
(760) 471-4999
You know, I'm hard pressed to remember the food, but I think it was passable. The menu was kind of short and one of the people with us didn't get anything he liked.
Come here and get some simple appetizer that can't be done wrong and just "eat" beer.…More »
5. Cambie Bar & Grill
Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3
Canada
(604) 684-6466
Categories:
Pubs,
Dive Bars,
Music Venues
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
The Cambie manages to keep the dive bar atmosphere and character in an increasingly upscale area. It's a decent selection of beers with loud music, brick walls thick with paint and a grit and grime atmosphere. It's all good of course, sometimes it's…More »
6. Lucky Baldwin's
I swear I write reviews and they disappear. How is it possible that I haven't reviewed Lucky Baldwin's already?
The problem I have with Southern California is the dearth of good beer in restaurants and bars. My educated suspicion is that the rebirth…More »
7. The York
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 255-9675
Categories:
Breakfast & Brunch,
Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: Highland Park
The chalkboard menu should be over the bar so you can read it while you order. Beer selection was OK, they really should offer printed out beer menus if they want to consider themselves a true gastropub. Getting food and drink and table are difficult…More »
8. Eagle Rock Brewery
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 257-7866
We had bad luck when we visited as the food truck had some trouble and left before we arrived. Our plan for dinner and some beers hit a big snag and we could only run through the brewery's sampler flight then had to leave to get some food elsewhere.…More »
9. Naja's Place
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 376-9951
It's all about the beer here! Had a classic moment when my friend and I decided to try a special bottle beer and the guy behind us in line who was getting a Bud gawker incredulously and asked, "you just paid 21 dollars for a beer?" Some people just…More »
10. 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 618-1321
Categories:
Gastropubs,
Tapas/Small Plates
Neighbourhood: Torrance
Pretty impressive that a place of this quality should find itself in downtown Torrance, which seems to slowly be shaking off the aging community and embracing the young urban professional. The decor is warm and woody, the service is attractive and…More »
11. Kings Row Gastropub
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-3010
Categories:
Gastropubs,
American (New),
Burgers
Neighbourhood: Pasadena
I don't have much to comment on in terms of the food aspect of this place that bills itself as a gastropub. We ordered the fish and chips. The fish was very good, the breading was interesting, smooth and darkly fried, but not at all crisp; soft like…More »
12. Brazenhead
A very cozy, warm and friendly feeling pub. This isn't an old pub, but the decor and layout feel authentic. When it is busy, a secondary bar opens downstairs. Very good selection of quality Scotch whisky, decent beer selection, and your normal bar…More »
13. Foremost Liquor Market
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(323) 255-4363
Category:
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighbourhood: Highland Park
It's old on the outside, old on the inside. I love it. The maintained, but not redone character is a draw for me. This place also has been used for commercials, so you know it has character. I have always had good service here. Selection for liquor,…More »
14. Wurstküche
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 687-4444
Categories:
Hot Dogs,
German,
Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: Downtown
I had heard about this place for quite a while and had not had the opportunity to try it out until last weekend. From what I had visualized from reports from friends and reviews, I didn't expect Wurstkuche to be such an easygoing experience. At…More »
15. 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 282-2038
Categories:
Pubs,
American (New)
Neighbourhood: Alhambra
Fries were better this time. The sliders are excellent- delicious. We also tried the portobello sandwich. I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms, but my wife thought it was excellent, so I'll take her word for it.
Pliny was not available on tap, but we had…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/21/2009
I still don't regard Alhambra as a destination with restaurants and entertainment, but there are… Read more »
16. Brix 42 - CLOSED
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 405-9114
Categories:
Burgers,
Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: Pasadena
Well, this wasn't a big surprise to hear that Brix was closing...this street is not very good for businesses. The times we had been in had never been particularly busy. Our gripes were not enough TV's, too limited beer selection to be a real…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/19/2009
My wife and I walked to old town Pasadena with a coupon for Brix 42 after having passed the… Read more »
Recently updated lists from John F.
Time Machines (7)You into nostalgia trips? Like the way things used to be? For everyone that shed a tear when Dupar's remodeled at "The Grove" or when Disneyland got fat with all the California Kingdom crap, these are pockets of honest tradition...few and far between. |
Japanese (11)Description: It's Japanese food! |
Chinese food (26)LA has some great Chinese restaurants, San Gabriel Valley in particular. With my Western stomach and my wife's native Chinese food knowledge, we've hit quite a few. |
Visiting Pasadena? (16)Here's some of our favorite places to eat downtown Pasadena. |
"Any cozy bar with my wife on the stool next to me and a good ale gets 5 stars."
- 8 Friends
- 113 Reviews
- 5 Review Updates
- 3 Firsts
- 4 Fans
- 5 Lists
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
109 Useful, 26 Funny, and 29 Cool
South Pasadena, CA
Yelping SinceAugust 2009
Find Me InSo Cal
My HometownOregon
When I'm Not Yelping...moving CV's, birailing
Why You Should Read My ReviewsWo shi yi ge bai ren. Wo de tai tai shi yi ge jong guo ren
My Second Favourite Website My First ConcertThe Cure
My Favourite Movie2001: A Space Odyssey
My Last Meal On EarthBeer and Steak.
Current CrushVirgil's Cola