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OyBar
Master Critic Review
OyBar
8.6
Chef Jeff Strauss transforms a historic dive bar into Studio City's buzziest cocktail destination with Jewish-Japanese fusion bar food. Walk-in-only spot serving wagyu pastrami quesadillas, matzo ball ramen, and a cult-favorite burger with hoisin ketchup and cilantro that landed on LA's best burger lists.
Must-Try Dishes:
OyBar Burger with Hoisin Ketchup, Wagyu Pastrami Quesadilla, Smoked Salmon Yaki Onigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Self-taught TV writer turned chef creating deeply personal Jewish-LA fusion in a vintage dive bar setting
Who should go: Adventurous eaters craving inventive cocktails and culturally layered bar food
When to visit: Weeknights 6pm to beat the line, no reservations
What to order: The burger, pastrami quesadilla, and any craft cocktail
Insider tip: Arrive before 6pm on weekends or expect a wait - they don't take reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm, arrive early or use rideshare
Dress code: Casual-cool - jeans and a nice top work perfectly for the dive bar vibe
Noise level: Lively but conversational - buzzy bar energy without shouting
Weekend wait: 45-75 min peak hours (7-9pm) - no reservations accepted
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - closed for lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - a few vegetable-forward small plates, but menu leans heavily meat/seafood
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead, not the ideal choice
Gluten-free options: Some options available - ask server about modifications, but many signature items use bread/wrappers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate booths, creative cocktails as conversation starters, and shareable plates create natural interaction. The buzz adds energy without being overwhelming. Just arrive before 6:30pm to avoid awkward standing waits.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-in only actually - they don't take reservations. Weeknights before 6pm you'll get seated quickly. Weekend prime time (7-9pm) expect 45+ min waits. Put your name in, grab a cocktail at the bar, and embrace the scene.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - this is a cocktail-focused bar with late-night energy. No kids menu, dim lighting, and tight seating. Better for 21+ crowds or save it for date night.
What's the price range for dinner for two? $80-120 for two with cocktails - small plates run $14-22, cocktails $14-16, and you'll want 3-4 plates plus drinks to share
Do they have a full bar? Yes - craft cocktails are a major draw here, with inventive Asian-influenced drinks that match the fusion food menu. Beer and wine also available.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous fusion flavors and craft cocktails in an unpretentious setting - beats generic American gastropubs on creativity and beats high-concept fusion spots on approachability and price point
Skip if: You need reservations, want traditional American comfort food, have dietary restrictions (vegan/vegetarian), or prefer quiet conversation over energetic bar scenes