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Tipsy Cow
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Tipsy Cow
8.3
Vibes:
Pet Friendly Paradise
Happy Hour Hotspots
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Trendy Table Hotspots
An eclectic urban eating house built around grass-fed beef from Sacramento foothills, featuring 32 rotating craft beer taps and inventive alcoholic milkshakes. The dog-friendly outdoor patio accommodates pet owners while serving gourmet burgers, short-rib poutine, and creative takes on American comfort food with notably fresh ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac Daddy Burger, Short Rib Poutine, Blue Crab Dip
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Grass-fed burgers with 32 craft taps and boozy milkshakes in bustling patio setting
Who should go: Burger lovers, craft beer fans, brunch crowds with dogs
When to visit: $3 happy hour daily from 2pm and 9pm late night
What to order: Mac Daddy burger, short rib poutine, bacon blue cheese tots
Insider tip: Small back lot parking, patio has outdoor heaters year-round
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small back lot (limited spots), street parking available but competitive during peak hours
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts welcome, it's a laid-back burger and beer spot
Noise level: Lively buzz - fine for groups, louder during happy hour and weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for patio tables, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, and several starter options like brussels sprouts
Vegan options: Limited - veggie burger can be modified, side salads available
Gluten-free options: Yes - burgers available on lettuce wraps or GF buns, some apps accommodate
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - the lively atmosphere and communal vibe work well when you're past initial nerves. Patio is more intimate than the bustling indoor bar scene.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for bar seating or lunch. Weekend dinners can mean a wait, but the bar area usually has availability. Happy hour times (2pm-9pm) get busy but turn tables quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids (8+) who can handle a bustling, louder environment. High chairs available. Lunch and early dinner are calmer than late-night crowds. Kids menu has burger and chicken options.
How's the outdoor patio with dogs? Dog paradise - water bowls provided, staff is pet-friendly, and outdoor heaters make it comfortable year-round. Plenty of other dogs around, so well-socialized pets do best.
Is happy hour worth it? Absolutely - $3 happy hour is an exceptional deal for craft beer in Sherman Oaks. Runs twice daily (2pm and 9pm) which is unusual and convenient for various schedules.
Best For
Better for: Choose Tipsy Cow for quality grass-fed burgers with an extensive craft beer selection in a dog-friendly environment - it outshines typical sports bars on ingredient quality while maintaining a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. The dual happy hour windows and patio heaters give it year-round appeal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner conversation or need guaranteed quick seating on weekends without a wait. Also skip if you're seeking innovative cuisine beyond elevated comfort food - this is burgers and beer done exceptionally well, not culinary experimentation.
Tipsy Cow
8.1
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Gastropub blending brunch service with craft beer and boozy milkshakes. The grass-fed burger program and champagne-with-juice-beakers brunch special create an upscale-casual vibe that packs the patio on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Drive-Thru Burger, Short Rib Poutine, Deviled Eggs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Gastropub with 32 craft beers on tap and organic grass-fed burgers
Who should go: Craft beer lovers seeking elevated brunch experience
When to visit: Weekends for champagne-and-juice-beaker brunch special
What to order: Drive-Thru Burger, Short Rib Poutine, Champagne with juice beakers
Insider tip: $3 happy hour food and late-night happy hour starting at 9pm
Tipsy Cow
7.8
Craft beer gastropub specializing in grass-fed burgers with creative toppings like mac and cheese or root beer bourbon BBQ sauce. The extensive draft selection and all-day happy hour deals make this a neighborhood hangout for both lunch meetings and weekend gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac Daddy Burger, Tipsy Style Burger, Short Rib Poutine
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Thirty-two rotating craft beers paired with grass-fed beef burgers
Who should go: Craft beer lovers seeking solid food with their pints
When to visit: Daily happy hour starting 2pm, outdoor patio on pleasant evenings
What to order: Any specialty burger, garlic fries, pair with their IPA selection
Insider tip: Street parking is challenging on Ventura - arrive early or use side streets
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Ventura Blvd - challenging during peak hours. Arrive 10-15 min early or try side streets off Ventura. No valet available.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all welcome. This is a laid-back gastropub, not a dress-up spot.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - TVs playing sports, lively bar crowd. Good for groups and casual dates, but not intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical for tables, bar seating usually available immediately
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger available plus salads and appetizers. Not extensive but serviceable.
Vegan options: Limited - veggie burger can be modified (skip cheese/aioli), fries are vegan. Not a strong choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Yes - burgers available on GF buns, many appetizers naturally GF. Ask server about cross-contamination if celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual first dates - relaxed vibe takes pressure off, good food for conversation, and beer selection gives you something to discuss. Skip if you want quiet/romantic - the sports bar energy can get loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) are safe bets for walk-ins. Weekend evenings expect 20-30 min waits, but bar seating is first-come with full menu available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids menu available, casual atmosphere means no one minds if they're a bit noisy. Best during lunch/early dinner before the bar crowd arrives. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Beer selection beats most burger spots in the area - 32 rotating taps is serious. All-day happy hour (starting 2pm) makes it unbeatable for value drinking with solid food. Outdoor patio and dog-friendly policy wins for casual weekend hangouts.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fine dining experience, or extensive non-burger options. If you don't drink beer, you're missing half the appeal. Also skip if you need guaranteed quick seating on weekend nights - the no-reservation policy means unpredictable waits.
Tipsy Cow
8.1
Eclectic gastropub showcasing grass-fed burgers from Sacramento foothills alongside 32 rotating craft beers on tap. The modern-rustic space with exposed beams draws crowds for inventive burger creations, short rib poutine, and alcoholic milkshakes that blur the line between entree and dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac Daddy Burger, Short Rib Poutine, Blue Cheese Tots with Bacon
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sustainable grass-fed beef burgers with creative toppings like mac 'n' cheese and pork belly
Who should go: Burger enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, weekend brunchers
When to visit: Happy hour starting at 2pm for $3 food specials
What to order: Mac Daddy burger, blue crab dip, bacon-wrapped blue cheese tots
Insider tip: Outdoor patio offers refuge from Ventura Boulevard noise
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot behind restaurant with 15-20 spaces, plus metered street parking on Ventura Blvd (often full after 5pm). Nearby public lot on Woodman Ave (~2 blocks)
Dress code: Casual gastropub vibe - jeans and t-shirts perfectly acceptable, even encouraged
Noise level: Lively but conversational - sports TV audio present but not overwhelming, expect 70-75dB during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday 7-9pm without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins accommodated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Beyond burger option, veggie-loaded salads, multiple appetizers (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower bites)
Vegan options: Limited - Beyond burger can be modified (no cheese/mayo), vegetable sides available but most dishes contain dairy
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available for all burgers ($2 upcharge), several salads naturally GF, kitchen aware of cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual first dates - relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off, conversation-friendly noise level, and shareable appetizers provide natural interaction. Skip if you're aiming for romantic ambiance; the sports bar energy and TVs create more of a 'let's grab a beer' vibe than intimate dinner setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) - yes, walk right in. Weekend dinners expect 30-45 min waits, but bar seating with full menu is first-come, first-served and usually has availability. Pro move: arrive during happy hour (starts 2pm) to claim a table before dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for elementary age and up - kids' menu available, casual atmosphere means noise isn't an issue, and burgers/fries appeal to young palates. Not ideal for toddlers/babies due to bar-centric layout and lack of high chairs. Best family time: weekend lunch or early dinner (5-6pm) before sports bar crowd arrives.
How's the service speed? Appetizers typically arrive in 10-12 minutes, burgers in 15-18 minutes during normal hours. Peak weekend dinner can stretch to 25-30 minutes for entrees. Bar service is notably faster if you're just grabbing drinks and small plates.
Do they take large groups? Yes - can accommodate parties of 8-12 with advance notice (48+ hours recommended). Communal tables and patio space work well for groups. They don't split checks more than 4 ways, so plan accordingly.
Best For
Better for: Creative burger toppings and craft beer selection outshine typical sports bars - this is where you come when you want elevated bar food without pretension. The grass-fed beef sourcing and rotating tap list (32 beers) give it gastropub credibility. Superior to chain establishments for quality, better than fine-dining burger spots for value and atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation (go to local wine bar instead), need extensive non-burger options (limited entree variety beyond burgers/sandwiches), prefer craft cocktails over beer (beer-forward bar program), or seeking romantic date atmosphere (too casual/sports-oriented). Also skip if you're avoiding fried food - menu is heavily fried/indulgent.