Laurel Tavern in Studio City

Typically, I’m not the tavern type. I usually prefer a lighter, more airy alternative to its dark, all-wood dungeon-like surroundings.

Every once in a while, however, I come across an establishment worth trying. Take a look at the website, and it’s evident that Laurel Tavern is a hybrid of metropolitan lifestyle and old fashioned alehouse. Pub food can often be heavy and fried, but this menu adds a gourmet twist to common fare.

LT’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a modest description for the warm Asiago and Gruyere cheese combination that is melted over a green apple relish with toasted curcuma hazelnut bread.

If you fear what this might do to your arteries, try the Burrata and Heirloom Tomato dish. I secretly wanted to switch entrees with my friend who ordered it. Though I was too full to drink, the selection of beer and wine seemed impressively vast. In fact, they practically cram all of the options onto chalkboard menus posted on the brick walls.

Two bits of sound advice for when you go:

1. Add house fries to any dish for $3, as opposed to ordering a separate side for $5. They are pretty much the same size.

2. Try to go a bit early. They do not have waiters, only busboys, so you have to order food at the bar. The poor bartenders are swamped, but they seem to get the orders right.

And if you’re diggin LT, the owners just recently opened another Brit pub, The Black Boar in Eagle Rock which vies for an extra friendly staff. No, seriously… the owner is reported to have said, “no a**holes allowed.”

Sounds like our kind of joint.

Restaurant Info:
Laurel Tavern
11938 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
818-506-0777

-Melissa
BATF’s Guest Blogger