Best Bars In Sherman Oaks
(credit: Will Taylor)
Once a family-heavy neighborhood mainly filled with average takeout joints, novelty shops and various dry cleaning institutions, Sherman Oaks has turned into a main (and happening) San Fernando Valley hub—and has the bars to prove it. As soon as one gastropub popped up (and fared well) just a few years ago, others followed and the elevated comfort fare and artisanal cocktails really started to flow.
(credit: Moretti Photo)
Murph's
14649 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 986-9999
www.murphsla.com
The most recent addition to Sherman Oaks' trendy strip of bars, Murph's has become a quick favorite. Owned by Richard DiSisto, Ventura Boulevard's bar-developing king, the quaint service station-style watering hole is known for its Americana dishes and unique cocktails. Try washing down items like pig ear fries, deviled eggs and a charcuterie board with Murph's Vanilla Coke (Madagascar Vanilla, Flor de Caña and Mexican Coke), another creative cocktail pick, or one of the many beers on tap.
(credit: acuna-hansen)
Tunnel Bar
14633 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 528-3434
www.tunnelbarla.com
Located just a parking lot away from its sister establishment, Murph's, Tunnel Bar is tucked behind Richard DiSisto's new-ish oyster haven, Tipple and Brine. The posh interior fashioned after the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel in New York City draws a crowd looking to schmooze and sip handcrafted creations like an Alabama Slammer and a Sister Ray (rye, rum, sherry, and Velvet Falernum). Open Thursday through Saturday night only, the lounge will definitely make you feel as if you're in a rock 'n' roll hideaway for a ... after all Iggy Pop's portrait is on the wall.
(credit: Kim Silva Melo)
Local Peasant
4058 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 501-0234
www.thelocalpeasants.com
A watering hole for 20-somethings and young local parents, this true gastropub serves up some fine cocktails and comfort dishes. On weekends, the L-shaped bar is about three deep and patrons are usually sipping wine, beer or Old-Fashioneds, and chowing down on fried olives, a giant salted pretzel and the Bourbon-laced chocolate-chunk bread pudding. If you're more of a daytime person, the place's boozy Saturday and Sunday brunch is quite popular.
(credit: Casa Vega)
Casa Vega
13301 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-4868
www.casavega.com
This oldie-but-goodie restaurant/bar might stand out from the rest, but it never lets down a margarita lover. Nightly regulars swarm the intimate, loud bar area for chips, a pristine "Cadillac" or a Mojito, and a chat with one of the veteran bartenders. Dinner might be ordered right there or taken to go, but otherwise, bar snacks include a famous lobster quesadilla, classic taquitos or a cup of the Albondigas soup.
(credit: Will Taylor )
Tipsy Cow
15005 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 986-8472
www.tipsycowla.com
As one of the newer spots in the neighborhood, this country-style spot dishes out prime patties and enticing happy hour offerings from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition to an aptly named Shroomin' burger, savory snacks including bourbon fried pickles and blue cheese tater tots are served. As for the hard stuff: oversized milkshakes are made "tipsy" on request and other creations like the Aviation, which is concocted with gin, Maraschino, Crème de Violete and lemon, are available. Want more? An entire chalkboard wall of draft-beer names awaits.
Article by Valerie Friedrich.
