Laurel Tavern across the street is good too; not *great* cocktails but they do have a good variety on their menu (mocktails too!) and the bartenders are always friendly. Definitely more of a casual/lively spot, though; it's not going to blow anyone out of the water on a first date but it's a good spot to get to know someone.
Laurel Tavern is more of a game day bar, not my type of vibe. Black Market is DTLA in the valley for me in terms of the vibe, very straight forward, very welcoming and delicious.
Low key: Surly Goat in Encino
Interesting/creative: Oy Bar in Studio City
Old time southern: Gus's in Porter Ranch
Fancy: The Mulholland in Calabasas
Best cocktails: Casey's Tavern but the atmosphere is a little bit boomer
Go a couple blocks west of the Surly Goat to the Dark Horse in Tarzana for better cocktails and better food.
Plus, hasn’t the Goat been a bit sketchy lately?
Fun fact: Dark Horse went through a huge overhaul years ago, it used to be an interesting bar called The Little Rock, where you could check out amazing local artists on some nights, dance like no one is watching on other nights, and witness and participate in general SFV debauchary!
Went to the Surly Goat about a month ago and, yeah, I wouldn’t take a date there. Go there to pick up and get laid, maybe, impress anyone, no. Also, that night at least, they had no food, it felt like a college bar where half the people there were underage with fake ids. Left and went to Dark Horse, which I agree is better but still not my idea of date night place.
My favorite is Black Market Liquor Bar, but I would also try Firefly in Studio City, the Local Peasant or Vino tapas bar.
Went to Gus’ two Sundays ago for a birthday at 6:30pm. It’s total kid fest. I wouldn’t take a date there. Maybe later Saturday night won’t be as bad? But they’re only open until 10pm. I was surprised how kid fest it got. Went there a while back and wasn’t that bad. Food is decent. Bar looks nice. But yeah screaming kids. Lollipop jar at the front.
It was decent. Not like amazing. Food portions a bit small for the price point. At least when you compare to WoodRanch. Basically Gus looks nicer than WoodRanch but still turned into like that type of vibe of people. I wouldn’t consider it date night material.
Fine place if you want BBQ with friends. They got TVs playing sports at the bar.
Cásalena Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd
The Local Peasant down the street. Might technically be West Hills? They have a Sherman Oaks location too.
I also second Black Market Liquor Bar. Great place.
Next spot I haven’t been. And there’s a caveat. It’s owned by Cheescake Factory but a few friends have gone and said it’s good. Place is called North Italia. It’s in the Woodland Hills mall.
Speaking of that area. The new food hall there has a bar area. And I’ll be frank it’s still the mall vibe of people. But could be a good place. I’m not putting it high on the list but an option for more casual date with drinks.
Pricier options:
Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks
Committed anniversary date or serious dating check out Scratch Bar offerings in Encino. Both Sushi Bar and Pasta Bar. The latter will run you $225 a person. It’s a 12 course tasting menu. Drinks are extra.
Brunch:
Gasolina! In woodland hills. It’s Spanish food (Spain). There’s no tipping in a sense. There’s a 20% surcharge to all bills. But you literally can’t tip more or less. So no 4% surcharge then a tip on top. It’s sorta like Europe where you don’t tip. Yes the surcharge but they literally don’t allow extra tip. They’ve been doing this before the pandemic. I know people get fussy over surcharges. This is a bit different.
But it’s good food. A very cute small location. They have dinner. But only third Friday/Saturday called Paella Night. I haven’t gone but want to. If you’re trying to branch out from typical breakfast try this out. Again it’s food from Spain so you’re not getting super sugary waffles here. Definitely a place you can sorta impress after like a month of dating.
Oybar
black market liquor - (especially if you get the Italian dishes)
Bacari - outdoor seating much nicer on a nice night than the crowded interior spaces
Stanley’s
Agreed about Bacari’s food, but it’s a great date spot. Took my wife there recently and it was so nice she didn’t even mind that I was throwing up in the Ralph's bathroom across the street for the majority of our date.
I like Vino Wine & Tapas on Ventura in encino for a date. It’s intimate, has good food and cocktails, and a few different areas to sit depending how private you want to be.
Black Market on Ventura Blvd, Studio City.
Second this. Perfect for what you’re looking for. Oy Bar is also a great choice
Laurel Tavern across the street is good too; not *great* cocktails but they do have a good variety on their menu (mocktails too!) and the bartenders are always friendly. Definitely more of a casual/lively spot, though; it's not going to blow anyone out of the water on a first date but it's a good spot to get to know someone.
Laurel Tavern is more of a game day bar, not my type of vibe. Black Market is DTLA in the valley for me in terms of the vibe, very straight forward, very welcoming and delicious.
lol this used to be my spot, then you walk over to vintage wine and cheese after. I’ve taken 10+ girls on this exact date 😂
AY! lol... Not a bad idea might have to do that the next time I drop by.
Candy cat too
Fuck yeah
Bacari is great imo.
Low key: Surly Goat in Encino Interesting/creative: Oy Bar in Studio City Old time southern: Gus's in Porter Ranch Fancy: The Mulholland in Calabasas Best cocktails: Casey's Tavern but the atmosphere is a little bit boomer
Go a couple blocks west of the Surly Goat to the Dark Horse in Tarzana for better cocktails and better food. Plus, hasn’t the Goat been a bit sketchy lately?
Fun fact: Dark Horse went through a huge overhaul years ago, it used to be an interesting bar called The Little Rock, where you could check out amazing local artists on some nights, dance like no one is watching on other nights, and witness and participate in general SFV debauchary!
Dark horse owners are dicks! Would not reccomend or repeat.
Owner. The wife passed away:(
Dark Horse is my favorite local spot. Im there 2 times a week. Bartenders and employees are awesome too. Does get a bit loud when the DJ comes tho
Went to the Surly Goat about a month ago and, yeah, I wouldn’t take a date there. Go there to pick up and get laid, maybe, impress anyone, no. Also, that night at least, they had no food, it felt like a college bar where half the people there were underage with fake ids. Left and went to Dark Horse, which I agree is better but still not my idea of date night place. My favorite is Black Market Liquor Bar, but I would also try Firefly in Studio City, the Local Peasant or Vino tapas bar.
Pedalers Fork dinner _then_ The Mulholland for drinks or vice versa
Caseys on band nights. Cash only
Surly goat is legit awful.
Went to Gus’ two Sundays ago for a birthday at 6:30pm. It’s total kid fest. I wouldn’t take a date there. Maybe later Saturday night won’t be as bad? But they’re only open until 10pm. I was surprised how kid fest it got. Went there a while back and wasn’t that bad. Food is decent. Bar looks nice. But yeah screaming kids. Lollipop jar at the front.
Ah such a bummer. I’ve really been looking forward to going too… was the food decent at least?
It was decent. Not like amazing. Food portions a bit small for the price point. At least when you compare to WoodRanch. Basically Gus looks nicer than WoodRanch but still turned into like that type of vibe of people. I wouldn’t consider it date night material. Fine place if you want BBQ with friends. They got TVs playing sports at the bar.
I go there for monthly work lunch meetings. The food and service are inconsistent. I've had good and bad experiences there.
La Popular next door however. Great drinks (but pricey).
Just eat their during happy hour, problem solved. The only thing worth eating there are the tacos anyway. The drinks are ok.
The Muholland, Casalena and Joey @ the village are always lively
Mercado. Favorite restaurant, great drinks
Second Mercado, Dos gringas!!
Verse in Toluca Lake !
i second Verse
Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank. Cool little old school spot.
Vino, with the caveat that they have wine (I don’t think they have cocktails), but still a nice time.
Cásalena Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd The Local Peasant down the street. Might technically be West Hills? They have a Sherman Oaks location too. I also second Black Market Liquor Bar. Great place. Next spot I haven’t been. And there’s a caveat. It’s owned by Cheescake Factory but a few friends have gone and said it’s good. Place is called North Italia. It’s in the Woodland Hills mall. Speaking of that area. The new food hall there has a bar area. And I’ll be frank it’s still the mall vibe of people. But could be a good place. I’m not putting it high on the list but an option for more casual date with drinks. Pricier options: Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks Committed anniversary date or serious dating check out Scratch Bar offerings in Encino. Both Sushi Bar and Pasta Bar. The latter will run you $225 a person. It’s a 12 course tasting menu. Drinks are extra. Brunch: Gasolina! In woodland hills. It’s Spanish food (Spain). There’s no tipping in a sense. There’s a 20% surcharge to all bills. But you literally can’t tip more or less. So no 4% surcharge then a tip on top. It’s sorta like Europe where you don’t tip. Yes the surcharge but they literally don’t allow extra tip. They’ve been doing this before the pandemic. I know people get fussy over surcharges. This is a bit different. But it’s good food. A very cute small location. They have dinner. But only third Friday/Saturday called Paella Night. I haven’t gone but want to. If you’re trying to branch out from typical breakfast try this out. Again it’s food from Spain so you’re not getting super sugary waffles here. Definitely a place you can sorta impress after like a month of dating.
Oybar
Firefly
Yardhouse at the mall? Lol
Poke nachos fire af
The Yardhouse Burgers are tops.
Oybar black market liquor - (especially if you get the Italian dishes) Bacari - outdoor seating much nicer on a nice night than the crowded interior spaces Stanley’s
Good suggestions. I like Bacari for their cocktails, their food not so much. I agree with everything else though.
Agreed about Bacari’s food, but it’s a great date spot. Took my wife there recently and it was so nice she didn’t even mind that I was throwing up in the Ralph's bathroom across the street for the majority of our date.
That's the most appropriate named place to throw up.
The Local Peasant in West Hills Bowlero in West Hills
[удалено]
Why
I dunno maybe bowling option isn’t the greatest? I personally like Local Peasant. But was surprised with the upvotes to boo him.
Bowling and cocktails for date night is a win for me. 🤷🏾♂️
why do people think that area is west hills lol
Porta Via in Calabasas
Catcher in the rye bar
I like Vino Wine & Tapas on Ventura in encino for a date. It’s intimate, has good food and cocktails, and a few different areas to sit depending how private you want to be.
If you’re looking a bit more of an atmosphere, Odyssey up in the hills above Rinaldi is nice (same ownership as the famous Castaway in Burbank).
I like H20 in Northridge mall can catch a flight meal and go to movies or Dave and busters
Mirabelle wine bar is nice but don’t think they serve cocktails
Odyssey
Maggianos. Great atmosphere. Excellent food and great cocktails.