Best Bars In Studio City
Exploring The Valley can be an under-appreciated part of living in Los Angeles, but its sprawling urban landscape filled with a number of gastro pubs, lounges and hangouts prove its worth. For those who can't stomach the congestion of Tinseltown or a drive up the 405, there are plenty of options on the other side of the hill in Studio City.
The Fox and Hounds
11100 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 763-7837
www.thefoxandhounds.com
Offering Valley dwellers a brief trip to England right on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, The Fox and Hounds keeps with the tradition of pubs you'd find across the Atlantic. In addition to being a great place for soccer fans to congregate and throw back a couple of pints with friends and rivals alike, it's also serve up a generous spread of traditional food and American pub grub, such as the Shepherd's Pie (veggie option offered) and the hard-to-beat Fish and Chips. Their selection of craft beer on draft is impressive, with English favorites such as Fullers Esb and Boddington's pub ale. As one of Studio City's most popular watering holes, locals like to catch the cover bands on the weekend as well, and make use of their outside patio seating.
Page 71 Lounge
11916 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 980-4811
www.page71.net
Those looking for a lively evening of cocktails in upscale digs should opt for Page 71 Lounge, smack dab in the middle of Ventura Blvd. Rivaling some of the same late-night atmosphere you'll find in its neighbors to the south, weekends at Page 71 are filled with some of the area's hottest DJs spinning in the upstairs loft. A standout cocktail is their "Spa Treatment," with effen cucumber vodka, chase elderflower liqueur, sweet n sour, and topped with soda, or live it up properly and make use of their swanky bottle service. Their sophisticated outdoor lounge is a quieter and popular spot to settle in for an intimate conversation.
Laurel Tavern
11938 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 506-0777
www.laureltavern.com
With the proper feel of a neighborhood watering hole, Laurel Tavern channels its inner Cheers in a comfortable space to grab a brew. One main wooden table extends from one side of the tavern to the other, with stools gathered 'round it for a communal experience. In addition to your choice of cocktails and other hard drinks, patrons can choose from their bevy of choice craft beers on tap, such as Ballast Point Sculpin IPA (a San Diegan gem!) and Pasadena standout Craftsman 1903 Prohibition Lager. Those who prefer the sophistication of a cocktail should try the Laurelvardier, made with rye whiskey, vermouth, campari, cynar, and orange bitters. A solid selection of red and white wines rounds out their offerings as well. Laurel Tavern's menu surpasses the typical bar food of its peers, allowing for patrons to soak up their evening with solid grub.
Black Market Liquor Bar
11915 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 446-2533
www.blackmarketliquorbar.com
If you're in the mood for a mature evening of vintage cocktails, then you'll want to pop by Black Market Liquor Bar, which happens to be neighbors to Page 71 and Laurel Tavern. With an interior that has the rustic sophistication of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and plenty of barstools and booth seating, they keep their cocktail program fresh, with mixologists introducing patrons to inventive twists on their favorites drinks. A standout signature item (and not for the faint-of-heart) is their Fade to Black, a stiff mix of 103 proof bourbon, clement canne sirop, and walnut bitters. In addition to cocktails, beer and wine, the food menu carries gastropub staples with a gourmet influence, which makes it convenient for grabbing dinner and drinks here in one fell swoop.
The Village
12345 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 752-9222
www.thevillagestudiocity.com
Tucked away from the hubbub of Ventura Blvd, The Village is a large and comfortable lounge offering tasty libations ranging from whiskey to wine and everything in between. Whatever you fancy, you can be sure that The Village has top-quality options no matter your choice of liquid courage. What's good? Grab a Delirium Tremens and head for their patio, a nice space to retreat from the often-packed dining area inside. Their cocktails find inspiration from the likes of Hunter S. Thompson (appropriately so) and Booker T. Washington, who is the namesake of their Booker and Bacon, a bourbon-focused drink that comes with a crispy strip of, yes, bacon. To eat, try their crispy cauliflower, truffle mac and cheese and custom-order pizzas. There's a little something for everyone to eat here.
