Weho, Hollywood, Ktown, Downtown - these are the neighborhoods you tend to think of when planning a big night out in LA. But The Valley? Not so much. And though our massive neighbor to the North probably won’t ever be considered a beacon of LA nightlife, to say there’s no reason to get your drink on here would be a mistake. In fact, some of the craziest bars in the city are over the hill - you just have to know where to find them. So split that Uber fare among your friends and go get weird at our favorite places to drink in The Valley.
the spots
1
Idle Hour Bar
4824 Vineland Ave
MAP
Plain and simple, this is the best bar in the Valley right now. After three decades of decay, somebody who knew exactly what they were doing bought this 90-year-old icon and turned it into the blockbuster it so badly needed to be. Great craft beer, a stellar old-school cocktail list, one of our favorite patios in the city (probably because of the giant bulldog), and the kind of laid-back crowd you simply can’t get on the other side of the hills. And who doesn't want to drink in a giant two-story wooden barrel?
Photo: William Bradford
2
Tony's Darts Away
1710 W Magnolia Blvd
MAP
The thing about Tony’s is that at first glance, it doesn’t look or feel much different than any other sports bar scattered about this city. But then you stay there a bit longer, and realize you never want to leave. Why? A great atmosphere, fantastic bar food, a top-notch beer list, and a wait staff that actually gives a sh*t about you. Never change, Tony.
3
Tiki No
4657 Lankershim Blvd
MAP
Let's not forget everyone - this town invented the tiki bar. And that means we've got some of the best places to down flaming rum drinks in the country. While the Valley has one of the granddaddies of them all (we see you Tonga Hut), our move is always Tiki No is North Hollywood. This divey bar might not have history behind it, but it more than makes for it with a great atmosphere, fantastic cocktails, and the kind of rum punch bowls that will have you calling home crying to your mom about how much of an asshole you were in high school.
Photo: Dale Dudeck Photography
4
Tokyo Delve's Sushi Bar
5239 Lankershim Blvd
MAP
Some nights you want to drink wine at home. Some nights you want to throw back some craft beer with friends at a bar. And some nights you want to do restaurant-wide sake bombs and perform full-on YMCA choreography with a girl you saw throw up into her purse earlier. Tokyo Delves is an off-the-charts mess, but if you know what you’re getting yourself into, it can also be the best night you’ve ever had in LA. So leave your caution (and judgement) at the door, and go live your best life.
Photo: Tokyo Delves / Facebook
5
Black Market Liquor Bar
11915 Ventura Blvd
MAP
This is one of those places where the vibe changes drastically depending on the time and day of the week. Midweek drop-in? Expect a more subdued, romantic atmosphere perfect for a first date night cap. Saturday night with a group of friends? Expect it dark, loud, and lively. But with a good beer list, above-average food, and one of the more unique spaces on Ventura (seriously, do hobbits live here?), Black Market always manages to find a way to fit the mood.
Photo: Black Market Liquor Bar / Facebook
6
Oil Can Harry's
11502 Ventura Blvd
MAP
You think you know LA, right? Walk into Oil Can Harry’s on a Friday night and realize you don’t know shit. This nearly 50-year-old cowboy bar is one of the oldest gay-owned-and-operated establishments in LA, and frankly, one of the best ways to spend a night out. You can stand around and pose at all the Weho bars you want - Oil Can Harry’s is for people who want to learn how to line dance and maybe take Jell-o shots with a drag queen singing Donna Summer karaoke.
7
The Federal Bar
5303 Lankershim Blvd
MAP
The Federal is a testament to how far NoHo has come: formerly a place actors lived with other actors in cheap apartments designed for actors, it's now actually a neighborhood you want to hang out in. Located in an old bank building, The Federal certainly has a trendy feel to it, but not in a way that makes you hate it. They have a solid beer list, good food, and everything from live music to trivia to burlesque shows.
Photo: Federal Bar / Facebook
8
Laurel Tavern
11938 Ventura Blvd
MAP
Laurel Tavern isn’t the place you go to get wild on a night out in Studio City. It’s the place where you grab after-work cocktails with coworkers you like, first date drinks when you just want to feel comfortable, or a glass of wine with your roommate before you head home to binge-watch Stranger Things. Do we wish there were less hanging light bulbs around the bar? Sure. But you can’t get everything in life, and Laurel Tavern gives us plenty otherwise.
9
The Surly Goat Encino
17337 Ventura Blvd
MAP
Heads up to all diehard craft beer drinkers in the Valley - you just got one of the better places to drink rare beer in the city. Surly Goat has been a Weho staple since the day it opened, and they’ve now expanded their empire to Encino, where they have all the room in the world. Expect lots of TVs, shuffleboard, pool tables, and of course, an always-amazing beer list. Encino is probably more well-known for its daycare options than nightlife spots, but if you’re in the neighborhood looking for good beer, Surly Goat is option one, two, and three.
10
Sardo's
259 N Pass Ave
MAP
Sardo’s is one of the more iconic karaoke joints in the city, and all because of three words - porn star karaoke. Yes, you read that right. Head to Chateau Marmont to brush elbows with your favorite movie stars, head to Sardo’s on Tuesday night to see your (other kind of) favorite movie stars belt out Heart in a Burbank strip mall. What started in 2003 as an industry mixer event has turned into one the most insane nights of karaoke you’ll witness in your entire life. And in case you’re wondering, clothes do stay on. God bless this town.
11
The Blue Dog Beer Tavern
4524 Saugus Ave
MAP
Sitting essentially underneath the 405 freeway in Sherman Oaks, we love Blue Dog because in a land full of neighborhood drinking holes, Blue Dog feels the most local. This place feels like a little cabin where anything goes and nobody’s here to judge you for it. Not to say it gets too crazy here - it doesn’t. But with a great front patio, solid food, lots of TVs, and one of the best Happy Hour situations around, don’t mind us if we throw more than a few back.
12
The Red Door
10057 Riverside Dr
MAP
You probably know Toluca Lake as that place people walk around on their lunch hours avoiding Panera for the third day in a row. But did you know it’s also home to a really fantastic speakeasy? In the small alleyway behind Paty’s Diner, there’s a tiny red door (get it?) that leads to one of the Valley’s best kept secrets. With dark red booths and silent movies playing on the wall, the vibe at The Red Door is more subdued than rowdy, and that’s exactly why we like it. There is a food menu, but it’s pricey. So eat beforehand, and come ready to drink some excellently-made cocktails.
13
Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Blvd
MAP
BBQ and beer? Don’t fix what’s not broken. The Sherman Oaks neighborhood go-to not only has some of our favorite BBQ in town, they also own a killer beer stock. With 16 rotating taps and a reserve bottle list that goes on for eternity, if you aren’t getting buzzed at Boneyard, it’s your own fault. And when the time comes to get some sustenance in this low-key joint, just make sure you go for the Santa Maria beef ribs.
14
Bar One: a craft beer bar
12518 Burbank Blvd
MAP
Located on a sleepy (even by Valley standards) stretch of Burbank Blvd., Bar One is a dive bar you walk into fully knowing the night could go in any direction. And generally speaking, assume it’ll get rowdy. With a great tap list, and anything from live music to burlesque shows to Loteria (Mexican bingo) happening in the back, you’ll have zero difficulty making new friends. Just make sure to swing by from Happy Hour - $4 sake and FREE PIZZA.