Library Bar alums Will Shamlian and Mark Leddy’s new Studio City Gastropub is a bright shining star along Ventura Blvd. It’s front glass frosted windows open up to the street, beckoning local residents in for a beer and some grub. Inside, it’s rustic and slightly industrial, with exposed brick walls, wood details, and antiqued tin panels that cover the walls.
Owners Mark and Will know what it takes for a successful bar. They’ve got the Library Bar, 4100, Daddy’s, and The Chalet already on their stacked resume. It’s the perfect place for people to shed the day while they enjoy a burger and a beer with their friends.
And if it’s a beer what the doctor has ordered, Laurel Tavern has it with 16 of them on tap. I settled on a glass of Anderson Valley Boont Amber after the bartender poured me a couple of samples. It’s dark, not overwhelmingly hoppy, and only a little sweet. Other beers include Craftsman, Lost Coast, Telegraph White Ale, Green Flash IPA, Stone Arrogant Bastard, and North Coast that never go above $6 a pint. They also have a small selection of red and white wine, along with old time bottled sodas like Bubble Up, Dad’s Cream Soda, Orange Crème and Dr Pepper.
The beer is paired with a solid menu of burgers and small bites. Their burgers ($10) are served on fresh baked bread from Breadbar and made with custom (special for the Tavern) ground short rib. They come with grilled onions and Gruyere or get it with cheddar and a smoky hickory sauce. The crispy steak fries ($6) are full of succulent swine flavor, as they are fried in pork fat. More pig? No problem, the pork belly skewers ($6) are decedent, fatty little pieces of pork meat, salty and rich, crystallized with a slight sweetness on the outside. Other menu items include roast marrowbones, burrata with tomatoes, chorizo fondue, mini croquets, and a grilled artichoke with walnut pesto.
Laurel Tavern opens early for those of you looking for a great after work spot to meet up. You can easily get out of there, stuffed and slightly buzzed for just under $25 bucks. Cheers to that. Just be aware that they stop serving at 11pm. Here’s to hoping they extend those food hours soon.
7. November 2008 at 10:56 am
Thanks for showing me a new place to try out in the Valley Matt.