Neighborhood Guide to Sherman Oaks
It's fairly common for Angelenos to think of the Valley as a place where you don't want to venture. It's just not cool to go to the 818...unless you're talking about Sherman Oaks. (OK Studio City, too, but we're not talking about that right now.)
This fun little city sits where the 405 and the 101 freeways connect, making it accessible from those freeways, as well as Sepulveda Boulevard, Coldwater Canyon and Beverly Glen. Its borders are Mulholland Drive to the south, Burbank Boulevard to the North, Coldwater Canyon to the East and Firmament at the West. The famed Ventura Boulevard is the main artery that runs through Sherman Oaks – and the L.A. River runs through it, as well.
Sherman Oaks is well-known for a couple of things: the fact that it owns "The Galleri – AH! - popularized by the 80s movie "Valley Girl" – and the fact that it was utterly devastated during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. I choose to never forget the former – it is quite amusing – but would prefer to forget the latter. Regardless, Sherman Oaks is a great little city best not forgotten.
Fabs Corner Cucina
4336 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91493
(818) 995-2933
www.fabscornercucina.com
This homey Italian restaurant just South of Ventura Boulevard has great food and wine – and a fantastic staff that makes you feel right at home. And on Friday nights they have a jazz band that really livens up the place and mingles with the crowd. Visitors love the Bruschetta, Mozzarela Marinara and penne in their Bolognese sauce. They have happy hour from 5-9 p.m. daily where select wines are $6 and craft beers are $4.
Robbie Mac's Italian Kitchen
14502 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 906-3000
www.robbiemacpizza.com
Visitors get distracted just thinking about the garlic knots you get at this local pizza joint. Come here for pasta, pizza and salads in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. They also have 6 flat-screen TVs and are usually playing some sporting event or another for us sports-loving parents. (Yes, they serve cold beer in bottles and on tap.) They also host parties, cater and deliver. They are conveniently located at the corner of Ventura and Van Nuys Boulevards. Parking may be tricky but sometimes you can score a spot in their parking lot in the alley out back.
Clay Oven
14611 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 995-1777
www.clayovenla.com
This is hands down one of my kids' favorite places in Sherman Oaks. Patrons love the Olive Naan, and Chicken Coconut Curry, but the menu is comprehensive and also includes vegetarian and vegan dishes. The service is friendly and attentive and it's evident from the staff's interactions with customers that the Clay Oven has longtime loyal customers.
Solley's Deli & Bakery
4578 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818-905-5774
Mwww.jerrysfamousdeli.com
On the pricier scale of breakfast places is Solley's. To be fair, it's not just a breakfast place – they also make some great Mazo Ball soup, deli sandwiches, potato pancakes and much more. But this is a great place to go for a hearty brunch – mimosa included. Their menu of breakfast dish items is absolutely insane – which means everyone in your group will find something they like. It also has a great bakery where you can go in and pick up cookies, cakes, muffins and other baked goods. Solley's is owned by Jerry's Famous Deli – which operates a chain of delis in Southern California and Miami.
The Local Peasant
14058 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 501-0234
www.thelocalpeasant.com
This newish restaurant replaced Cozy's Bar & Grill – a fairly popular place for live music. Hidden behind a bus stop (directly across Ventura from the Ralphs), this gastro-pub attracts a lively crowd of all ages. The menu is creative and the food delicious. Try Mama's Meatballs, Rainbow Heirloom Salad or Short Ribs. While it's casual and family-friendly by day, it attracts a nice adult crowd at night. This is an absolute must try.
Pineapple Hill Saloon
4454 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 789-0679
www.pineapplehillsaloon.com
Tthis Van Nuys Blvd. bar sports bar fits the bill for its eclectic crowd which packs the place – even on Monday nights. It has a decent beer selection and a great bar menu (visitors love their Grilled Cheese sandwich). And you can't go wrong with the bowl of popcorn you get when you sit down. The atmosphere is homey but fun. The jukebox is as diverse as the crowd. And the prices are very reasonable. They offer free wireless but I won't tell you where the power outlets are. That table is mine!
Arclight Cinemas
Sherman Oaks Galleria
15301 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 382-4100
www.shermanoaksgalleria.com
Yep, we're back to the famous "Galleria" of Valley Girl fame. Situated at the corner of Sepulveda and Ventura Boulevards – right where the 405 and 101 freeways meet – it's very accessible. And while it has retail stores (my favorite is DSW), it's more an entertainment complex and office building than a mall. It boasts five full-service restaurants. It also has more casual fare, coffee, ice cream, and more. One of the main attractions is its Arclight Cinemas, with state-of-the-art auditoriums, comfortable (and assigned) seating, and commitment to ensuring a distraction-free environment. There is a full-service restaurant and bar right in the cinema lobby so you can grab a quick bite or drink while waiting for your movie to start.
Sherman Oaks Castle Park
4989 Sepulveda Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 756-9459
www.laparks.org
You could spend much of the day here with the kids – or just a group of friends. Castle Park offers a great miniature golf area with three separate courses – with wholes varying in difficulty. It also offers a full video game arcade (my kid and I race cars) and snack bar. And outside you'll find batting cages where you can perfect your swing… or just swing at the ball. Very good times though I recommend – if going with young children – that you go before 5 p.m. The Galleria is nearby if you want to grab food before or after you play.
Ultrazone
14622 Ventura Blvd Ste 208
Sherman Oaks, California 91403
(818) 789-6620
www.zonehead.com
Laser tag is one of the favorite things to do with your kids. It gets you up and out and playing together – and in a competitive environment. Every 30 minutes or so a new game begins. Depending on the day you might have 25 people in a game – each assigned to one of three teams. The object is to "shoot" other teams and protect your team members and your base. In the end, they calculate everyone's individual and team scores and winners are declared. They also have a video game arcade to pass the time while waiting for the next game. And since it's in the La Reina Fashion Plaza, you can go off to get ice cream at Coldstone Creamery, a coffee at Starbucks or food at Baja Fresh or the Habit before or afterward. You get two hours of free parking with validation.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park
14201 Huston St
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 756-7587
www.laparks.org
This sprawling public park offers all of the outdoor activities you'd want for yourself and your kids. It has running paths, fields for soccer and football, baseball diamond, basketball courts, a swimming pool and more. And for a more "relaxed" afternoon, it offers kids' playgrounds (one of which is newly remodeled), picnic areas and grassy fields where you can lounge in the sun and read a book. Plenty to do here no matter who you are.
Casablanca Day Spa
14202 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 981-3990
www.casablancasalon.com
Casablanca Salon's clientele is fairly diverse, as are its stylists. So no matter your age you'll find a good person for you. The prices are affordable and vary by stylist. You can also get makeup, spa treatments, facials and more there.
Jennifer Vides writes at JenniferVides.com.
