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Torrance Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Torrance Tavern
8.0
Torrance Tavern is a busy sports bar where burgers, wings, and big salads share space with a strong draft list and cocktail program. Locals pile in for games, happy hour, and hearty bar food that’s upgraded just enough to feel like a step above the usual pub grub.
Must-Try Dishes:
Western Burger, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chili Verde Bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: High-energy sports bar with upgraded burgers, bowls, and plenty of screens.
Who should go: Game-day groups and coworkers chasing drinks plus hearty food.
When to visit: Evenings during major games or weekday happy hour.
What to order: Western Burger, pulled pork sandwich, chili verde bowl.
Insider tip: Grab a high-top near the bar for the best TV sightlines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking with adjacent businesses; usually available but fills up quickly during major games. Overflow street parking along Hawthorne can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly; jerseys, jeans, and athleisure are common.
Noise level: Loud during games with constant TV commentary, but manageable during off-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during big games; shorter on non-event nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless overlapping with a large nearby office crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options including salads, veggie wraps, and customizable appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 salads or sides that can be modified; not a dedicated vegan spot.
Gluten-free options: Some salads and protein plates can be prepared gluten-free; burgers can be served without buns upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both want a relaxed, sports-centric vibe; it’s lively, loud, and casual, better for low-pressure meetups than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's primarily walk-in based. Arrive 20–30 minutes before major games to secure good seating near screens.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evenings, yes—high chairs and kid-appropriate items are available. The atmosphere becomes louder and more bar-centric at night, which may not suit younger children.
Best For
Better for: Game-day energy, fast service, and upgraded bar food compared to typical pubs in the area.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, refined cocktails, or a date-night environment where conversation is the priority.
Torrance Tavern
8.4
Torrance Tavern is a lively South Torrance sports bar where hulking burgers share the menu with wings, bowls, and a strong tap list. With hundreds of recent reviews praising the Western-style burgers and game-day energy, it functions as both a neighborhood hangout and one of the area’s go-to spots when you want a burger with a proper bar backdrop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Western Burger, Tavern Basic Burger, 90505 Burger
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-energy sports bar turning out big, messy burgers alongside a serious beer list.
Who should go: Groups wanting burgers, beers, and wall-to-wall game screens.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or prime-time games for full buzz.
What to order: Western Burger, 90505 Burger, wings to share.
Insider tip: Grab bar or high-top seating for the best view of multiple TVs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza parking lot with plentiful spaces; it can tighten during peak game nights but typically remains manageable.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly; jerseys, jeans, and laid-back bar attire are all appropriate.
Noise level: Loud during games with constant TV commentary and crowd reactions; conversational on non-event weeknights.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during major games; shorter waits if you’re flexible with bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service moves quickly and most guests sit immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of vegetarian choices including salads, veggie bowls, and customizable sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads can be modified, but the menu leans heavily toward burgers and bar fare.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free modifications available for bowls and salads; burger buns are not consistently gluten-free, so confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, high-energy bar vibe. The crowd noise and TV focus make it better for relaxed hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first-come, first-served. Arrive 20–30 minutes before big games if you want a booth; bar seating remains the fastest option.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during daytime and early evenings. High chairs are available and portions are shareable, but the vibe becomes rowdy during major sporting events.
Best For
Better for: Bigger, bolder burgers and a true sports-bar environment with stronger game-day energy than other South Torrance pubs.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined ambiance, or broad dietary accommodations—this is a loud, burger-forward bar first and foremost.
Torrance Tavern
8.3
Torrance Tavern is a busy neighborhood sports bar where the 90505 Burger and other half-pound builds anchor a late-night menu that runs well past most South Torrance kitchens. With a big tap list, multiple TV screens, and a crowd that lingers for games and karaoke, it’s the most reliable spot in the ZIP when you want a substantial burger and a beer after 10pm.
Must-Try Dishes:
90505 Burger, Western Burger, Tavern Classic Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Sports-bar energy with a dedicated burger section and late kitchen hours.
Who should go: Burger lovers who also want TVs, drinks, and a crowd.
When to visit: Weeknights after 9pm or post-game weekends for burgers and drinks.
What to order: 90505 Burger, Western Burger, garlic fries.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar rail for the quickest refills and hottest burgers out of the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking directly behind the tavern; it fills after 8pm on game nights but nearby street parking on Hawthorne Blvd and side streets is usually manageable.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team gear, and hoodies are all common; no need to dress up unless you're coming from an event.
Noise level: Loud during games and karaoke; conversation is doable in booth sections but expect a lively bar vibe overall.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes after 8pm, especially during major games; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening and late-night destination; early evenings on weekdays typically have no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—veggie burger, salads, and some customizable sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—fries and a few salads with modifications; no dedicated vegan burger patty.
Gluten-free options: A gluten-free bun is usually available; fries share fryers, so cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into sports-bar energy—think casual, loud, and lively rather than intimate. Great for a fun, low-stakes meetup but not ideal for deeper conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive before big games to secure a booth; otherwise expect to start at the bar and move when a table opens up.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings can work for teens and older kids, but late-night crowds and louder bar energy mean it’s not ideal for younger children, especially after 9pm.
Best For
Better for: A substantial late-night burger with drinks and a full sports-bar setup—more TVs, energy, and post-10pm food availability than most South Torrance spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, dedicated vegan options, or a more polished dining room. Choose elsewhere if you’re sensitive to noise or prefer early-evening dining.
Torrance Tavern
8.1
Torrance Tavern is a neighborhood sports bar and grille with wall-to-wall TVs, pub comfort food, and a daily happy hour that cuts prices on drafts and appetizers. It’s the go-to in 90505 for catching games over burgers, wings, and discounted pints late into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Verde Nachos, 90505 Burger, Tavern Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Big-game sports bar energy with substantial happy hour drink discounts.
Who should go: Sports fans wanting TVs, beers, and solid bar food.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4–7pm or late-night postgame.
What to order: Chili Verde Nachos, 90505 Burger, Buffalo or Reaper wings.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar during happy hour for fastest refills and best TV sightlines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared lot with neighboring businesses; usually easy before 7pm but can tighten on game nights.
Dress code: Casual—team jerseys, jeans, and athleisure are all common.
Noise level: Loud during major games; moderate during weekday happy hour with pockets of quieter seating.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during big televised games; otherwise usually seated quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait; bar seats and high-tops generally open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—salads, veggie wraps, fried appetizers, and some meat-free bar bites.
Vegan options: Limited—fries, chips and salsa, and customizable salads depending on dressing.
Gluten-free options: Partial—burgers can be served protein-style; wings and some salads are workable, but no dedicated GF fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if both people want a casual sports-bar vibe; the energy is fun but loud, making it better for low-pressure hangouts than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Torrance Tavern is walk-in friendly. Arrive 15–20 minutes before major games if you want prime TV sightlines.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly—early evenings work fine for families, but noise levels spike during games, and late nights lean more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Watching live sports with a big group, grabbing discounted beers, and ordering hearty bar food during a strong daily happy hour.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, a refined cocktail program, or healthier plates—other South Torrance spots fit those needs better.
Torrance Tavern
8.3
Torrance Tavern is a laid-back neighborhood sports bar where big-screen games, a strong tap list, and a serious wings program anchor one of South Torrance’s most dependable happy hours. Regulars treat it as the go-to spot for post-work wings, late-night bites, and drink specials that run from early evening into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wings (Reaper, Buffalo, BBQ, Korean BBQ), Boneless Wings, Chili Verde Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume sports bar where happy hour wings are a headliner, not an afterthought.
Who should go: Wing lovers who want TVs, beers, and rowdy game-day energy.
When to visit: Weekday 4–7pm or late-night happy hour for best wing deals.
What to order: Classic wings flight, boneless wings, Chili Verde Nachos.
Insider tip: Split traditional and boneless wings with different sauces to sample the full lineup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking behind and around the building; generally easy on weeknights, tighter during big games or weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual; jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are standard — no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during major games with steady bar chatter; manageable for casual conversation during non-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during major sports events; otherwise usually minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: No wait; seating is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — salads, fries, and a few non-meat appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited — fries and a couple of sides; most items contain meat or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — wings without breading and some appetizers can be made gluten-aware, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is casual and you both enjoy sports-bar energy. It’s better for laid-back hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a walk-in basis. Arrive early during big games to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes before 9pm; families come for burgers and wings. Later at night, the bar-forward crowd and noise can be overwhelming for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Watching games with friends, big portions at fair prices, and consistently solid wings during happy hour.
Skip if: You want quieter dining, plant-forward menus, or a spot with polished ambiance.
Torrance Tavern
8.4
Torrance Tavern is a busy neighborhood sports bar where happy hour stretches from after work into late night, and Taco Tuesday street tacos headline alongside wings and nachos. It’s less about pure Mexican focus and more about game-day tacos, pitchers, and a crowd that treats the place as a default gathering spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco Tuesday trio (beef, pork, or chicken street tacos), Chili Verde Nachos, 90505 Burger as a non-taco backup
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-energy sports bar with dedicated Taco Tuesday deals inside a deep happy hour program.
Who should go: Groups wanting TVs, tacos, beer, and rowdy happy hour energy.
When to visit: Tuesday 4–7pm for Taco Tuesday or late-night happy hour after games.
What to order: Taco trio with mixed meats, Chili Verde Nachos, a local draft pint.
Insider tip: Grab a high-top near the bar and order tacos early; Taco Tuesday gets slammed by mid-evening during big games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking is available and usually manageable before 6pm, but fills quickly on Taco Tuesday and game nights. Street parking on nearby residential blocks is the typical overflow option.
Dress code: Casual and sports-bar friendly. Jerseys, hoodies, and relaxed wear are completely normal.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak happy hour; expect elevated crowd noise where conversations require raised voices, especially near the bar and TVs.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on game schedules; Taco Tuesday nights can push waits past 45 minutes.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service crowd impact here; during early evenings on weekdays, seating is usually immediate outside of Tuesdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—cheese nachos, veggie-loaded sides, and customizable tacos with grilled vegetables when available.
Vegan options: Very limited—some chips, salsas, and basic sides qualify, but most taco components are meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-friendly using corn tortillas and careful ordering, though no dedicated gluten-free prep station exists.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, high-energy environment built around sports, tacos, and beers. It’s fun but too loud and rowdy for a romantic or intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in sports bar. Arrive before 6pm on Taco Tuesday or big games to avoid long waits; otherwise expect to hover for a high-top.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes—families do come for casual bites. After 8pm, especially on Taco Tuesday or game nights, the noise and bar crowd make it less ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Game-day tacos, big screens, drink specials, and an atmosphere that encourages groups to hang out for hours.
Skip if: You want authentic Mexican tacos, quieter dining, or dietary accommodations that require dedicated prep practices.
Torrance Tavern
8.5
Torrance Tavern is a busy neighborhood sports bar where burgers, wings, and Taco Tuesday street tacos share space with pitchers and big screens. Earlier in the evening, families use it for casual dinners with plenty of TVs and shareable plates before the bar energy ramps up later at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger, Buffalo Wings, Taco Tuesday Street Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-energy sports bar with kids-friendly early hours and shareable plates.
Who should go: Families wanting TVs, burgers, wings, and casual energy.
When to visit: Early evening before big games or Taco Tuesday rush.
What to order: Tavern Burger, Buffalo wings, Taco Tuesday street tacos.
Insider tip: Go early, grab a large table near a TV, and share appetizers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared lot in the strip center, generally easy before 6pm but can tighten around major games and Taco Tuesday.
Dress code: Casual—jerseys, jeans, and comfortable clothes fit the sports-bar atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate early in the evening, rising to loud during games; conversations are easiest before 7pm.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes before big games; up to 30–40 minutes during major sports events.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait and plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, veggie sides, and customizable bar plates.
Vegan options: Very limited—may require modifying salads or sides; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some wings, salads, and proteins can be made gluten-friendly, but the kitchen does not advertise dedicated prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both like sports bars—early evenings offer quieter tables, but the atmosphere leans casual and energetic rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in friendly. Arrive before major games or before Taco Tuesday peak to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during early hours; families often dine before the bar vibe ramps up. High-top seating is limited, but standard tables work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Great for families who want TVs, casual pub food, and early-evening energy that isn’t overwhelming.
Skip if: You want quieter dining, vegan-friendly menus, or a more polished sit-down restaurant experience.