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Laurel Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Laurel Tavern
8.1
Classic American tavern with elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and a lively bar scene popular with entertainment industry locals. The burger program stands out with custom blends and creative toppings, while the full bar serves serious cocktails beyond typical sports bar offerings. Dimly lit, wood-heavy interior creates an upscale neighborhood hangout vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Laurel Burger, Mac and Cheese, Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Upscale tavern atmosphere with serious burger program and craft cocktails
Who should go: Industry locals and burger enthusiasts seeking elevated pub vibes
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays or weekend dinner with reservation
What to order: Laurel burger medium-rare, truffle mac, craft cocktail
Insider tip: Bar seating offers best people-watching and fastest service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, competitive after 6pm. Arrive 10 mins early or use nearby lot on Ventura ($8-10)
Dress code: Casual-smart, jeans welcome but step it up from gym wear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - you can hear your date, louder near bar
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation after 7pm, reserve ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, bar seating always available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, pasta options available
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 modified salads, ask server for accommodations
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available, several naturally GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - dimly lit, conversation-friendly booths, upscale enough to impress without being stuffy. Reserve a table away from the bar area for better ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually work. Weekend dinners get packed - reserve or expect 45+ min wait. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and moves faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up. No kids menu, bar-centric vibe, noise level not ideal for young children. If bringing kids, go early (before 6pm) and sit away from bar.
Good for watching sports? Yes - multiple TVs at the bar, but this isn't a rowdy sports bar. Great for catching a game with good food, not ideal for large playoff watch parties.
How's the happy hour? Strong option - discounted craft cocktails and bar bites weekdays 4-7pm. Bar fills up with industry crowd, arrive by 5pm for seats.
Best For
Better for: Choose Laurel Tavern when you want elevated pub food and craft cocktails over typical sports bar fare, or when the entertainment industry crowd-watching appeals. The burger program specifically outshines generic gastropubs in the area.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner (too lively), need extensive vegan options, are bringing young kids, or want a rowdy sports bar atmosphere. Also skip if parking stress ruins your mood - it's competitive here.
Laurel Tavern
8.0
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Rustic neighborhood gastropub with reclaimed 1920s warehouse flooring and Edison bulbs draws after-work crowds for craft beers and upscale tavern fare. The Laurel Burger with honey mustard has become a Valley institution, complemented by 16 American microbrews on tap.
Must-Try Dishes:
Laurel Burger, Grilled Artichoke, Chorizo Sliders
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood gem atmosphere with dynamic craft beer selection and reasonable pricing
Who should go: Casual business lunches and after-work gatherings
When to visit: Weekday 3-6pm Happy Hour for $6 beer specials
What to order: Laurel Burger, grilled artichoke, Brussels sprouts
Insider tip: The walnut butcher-block bar offers prime seats for solo diners
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Laurel Canyon and side streets, typically easy to find during lunch, tighter after 5pm. Small lot behind building fits 8-10 cars.
Dress code: Casual to business casual - jeans and button-downs are the norm, ties optional for lunch meetings
Noise level: Moderate buzz - conversation-friendly during lunch, livelier during happy hour but still manageable for business discussions
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait Friday/Saturday 7-9pm without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait 11:30am-2pm, peak rush 12:15-12:45pm may have 10-15 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 solid options including grilled artichoke, veggie burger, Brussels sprouts, and customizable salads
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options (salads without cheese, grilled vegetables), staff accommodating for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available for burgers, several naturally GF options like grilled artichoke and salads, kitchen aware of cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off, solid food gives you something to talk about, noise level allows conversation. Skip if you want quiet romance or want to impress with upscale ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch almost always yes, just walk in. Dinner weekdays you're fine, weekends arrive before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm. Bar seating is first-come with no wait and full menu access.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids 8+ - burgers and fries appeal to younger palates, casual vibe means no worry about noise. Not ideal for toddlers due to bar-centric layout and lack of high chairs. Best before 7pm when crowd shifts to adult happy hour.
Good spot for watching the game? Solid choice - multiple TVs throughout, sports usually on, but not a dedicated sports bar so atmosphere stays conversational. Better for casual viewing than championship game watch parties.
How's the service for business lunches? Efficient and professional during lunch - staff understands the business crowd needs timely service. Most meals wrapped in 45-60 minutes if needed. Separate checks handled smoothly.
Best For
Better for: Laurel Tavern wins on value-for-quality ratio and neighborhood comfort - you're getting gastropub-level food at tavern prices without pretension. Better beer selection than typical business lunch spots, more approachable than formal restaurants, and the burger is legitimately exceptional.
Skip if: You need quiet business conversation (too lively during peak), want cocktail-forward menu (beer-centric), need validated parking for clients, or want Instagram-worthy plating. For those needs, try Granville or Firefly nearby.
Laurel Tavern
8.4
Rustic neighborhood gastropub with industrial warehouse flooring and Edison bulbs where fresh-cut fries and pork-fat steak fries anchor an upscale tavern menu. The 16 American microbrews on tap and lively local crowd create a consistent gathering spot that balances craft beer culture with elevated bar food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Laurel Burger with LT Fries, Pork Belly Skewers, Steak Fries Cooked in Pork Fat
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: One of the Valley's most dependable gastropubs with legendary burgers and microbrews
Who should go: Studio City locals seeking craft beer and quality bar food
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or weekend evening gatherings
What to order: Laurel Burger, pork-fat steak fries, pork belly skewers
Insider tip: Order at the bar during peak hours to avoid table service delays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy to find spots on Laurel Canyon or side streets, free after meters end at 6pm
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts are standard, very neighborhood-friendly vibe
Noise level: Lively to loud - expect sports bar energy, conversation possible but you'll need to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for tables during prime time (7-9pm), bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, seats readily available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including veggie burger, salads, and sides beyond just fries
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, but menu skews heavily meat-focused
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available for burgers, several naturally GF options, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd or 3rd dates - the noise level and sports bar energy make deep conversation challenging, but the relaxed vibe takes pressure off and outdoor patio offers quieter seating
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays, but arrive before 7pm on weekends or plan to wait 30+ minutes. Bar seating is first-come and usually your fastest option
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) during early dinner hours - casual atmosphere and burger-focused menu work well, but late nights skew adult crowd with bar energy
How's the happy hour? Excellent value - daily 4-7pm with discounted appetizers and beer specials, gets packed with industry folks so arrive early for bar seats
Can I watch the game here? Absolutely - multiple TVs throughout including large screens, locals treat this as their sports bar headquarters without the chain restaurant feel
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality gastropub experience without pretension - Laurel Tavern beats fancier Studio City spots when you want elevated bar food, great beer selection, and neighborhood regulars energy. The fries truly are exceptional and the burger rivals spots charging $8 more.
Skip if: You need quiet conversation, want adventurous cuisine beyond American tavern fare, or prefer cocktails over craft beer - this is unapologetically a beer-focused gastropub that leans loud and casual
Laurel Tavern
7.8
Industrial-chic gastropub combines 16 craft beer taps with elevated tavern fare, featuring the signature Laurel Burger topped with honey mustard and cheddar. Reclaimed warehouse flooring and Edison bulbs create neighborhood gathering space that draws consistent after-work crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Laurel Burger, Bacon Blue Cheese Burger, Chorizo Sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Daily happy hour 3-6pm offers $5 beers and $8 cocktails
Who should go: After-work crowds seeking craft beer selection with solid food
When to visit: Weekday afternoons 3-6pm for happy hour deals and lighter crowds
What to order: Laurel Burger with peppered steak fries and microbrews
Insider tip: Order at bar during peak hours for faster service than table wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Laurel Canyon and side streets, but fills up by 5pm weekdays. Small lot behind building with 8 spaces - arrive early or use rideshare during peak hours
Dress code: Casual neighborhood vibe - jeans and tees are standard. No need to dress up unless coming from work
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can hear tablemates but expect sports game volume from bar area during games
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait for tables 7-9pm Fridays/Saturdays, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk right in before 1pm, may wait 5-10 min during lunch rush 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, several salads, and truffle mac & cheese. About 5-6 solid options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie burger (no bun/cheese) and side salads. Call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Burgers available bunless, GF buns available upon request. Kitchen is not dedicated GF so cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date when you want relaxed vibes over romance. Noise level and sports bar energy make intimate conversation challenging. Try weekday early evening (5-6pm) for quieter atmosphere
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for lunch and early dinner (before 6pm weekdays). Weekends 7-9pm expect 30-45 min wait, but bar seating is first-come with full menu. Show up right at 3pm for happy hour prime seating
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 7pm - casual atmosphere, burgers and fries appeal to kids, but gets louder with evening bar crowd. No kids menu but portions are shareable. High chairs available
Good for groups? Excellent for 4-8 people - can push tables together, shareable appetizers, and diverse menu handles different tastes. Call ahead for parties over 6 to ensure seating
How's the happy hour compared to other spots nearby? Best value in Studio City - $5 beers beat most competitors at $7-8, and food specials include $8 sliders. Longer window (3-6pm) than typical 4-6pm elsewhere
Best For
Better for: Choose Laurel Tavern for consistent quality at fair prices, daily happy hour deals, and reliable neighborhood spot you can visit weekly without breaking the bank. Craft beer selection beats chain sports bars, and food quality exceeds typical bar fare
Skip if: Skip if you want romantic ambiance, quiet conversation, or elevated gastropub experience. Choose The Six or Granville instead for date nights. Skip if you need extensive vegan options or guaranteed parking - Studio City has better options for both