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Bar Food
Category: Restaurants Gastropubs Gastropubs [Edit]
12217 Wilshire BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 820-3274
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 5 pm - 11 pm
Tue-Thu 5 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
403 reviews for Bar Food
Review Highlights
"The potato puffs will be your new favorite comfort food."
(in 95 reviews)
"Perfectly relaxed setting for happy hour."
(in 193 reviews)
"WIll absolutely be back for the free hot dogs."
(in 39 reviews)
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403 reviews in English
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Review from Kenneth S.
Brentwood, CA
2/9/2012
Great selection of Whisky...nuff said! hah. I'm kidding. But seriously now, great selection of Whisky. And the bartender is knowledgeable about recommending one for your taste.
The edamame in black bean sauce is salty, savory, and delicious. For entree I always go with their Shepherd's pie. It's good. -
Review from Garrett J.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2012
DAMN! I haven't had a restaurant experience like this in a long while. This is not one of those one star reviews you disregard cause the place has a four star average. READ ON. (edit, check out the ratings 'trend' above, enough said)
Started out meeting some buddies here as two of us had Groupons that were about to expire that we forgot about. We sat down and were immediately uncomfortable. This place has the most uncomfortable seating I have ever encountered in a restaurant. Its like the place made the wrong decision in chairs and doesn't have the money to replace them even when they know they are absolutely uncomfortable. You get a lot of this sense at Bar Food. Besides being uncomfortable they are very dirty. Hence my point above. As I write this my back hurts.
We explain to our original server that we have two Groupons about to expire and that instead of cancelling them and asking for a refund we were hoping they'd accommodate them as we were planning on the four of us having dinner and drinking liberally. He was very accommodating and said he'd work it out so we could use both together.
The food overall was average at best. The edamame was very good as were both types of fries but the burgers and chicken sandwich were average. We had to continually call the servers over for more beers (a new server started coming around taking our order and not paying attention).
We asked for the check from the new guy, gave him both Groupons and said we had worked out an arrangement with the previous server (who was walking around tending to other tables). He immediately started with an attitude and said the other server wasn't authorized to do this and that he would only take one (these were two $15 for $30 Groupons). He said the boss wouldn't allow it and I asked to speak to him/her. He wasn't there. I hope he/she reads this and contacts me.
SIDENOTE, he and our original server got in a shouting match and almost came to blows. Seriously, our original guy thought we were getting screwed and shouldn't be treated like that.
If he would have thought about it, he lost four customers and many others by our word of mouth over $15. I'm cancelling my Groupon as we speak. -
Review from Cecilia d.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2012
My coworkers and I had a merry old time here the other night after work. Lots of beer, lots of wine, and lots of Happy Hour specials. The food was delish and all sorts of comforting, from the edamame fried with garlic to the FREE (yes, you read right) hot dog with your first drink. It's a very spacious area with lots of seating, bands like Radio Head playing over the speakers, and a friendly staff with a good sense of humor (I hate humorless bartenders when you're trying to get your Happy Hour on).
Just a great experience when all you're looking forward to after a hard day are a few laughs, a decent glass of beer, and something salty to nosh on. -
Review from Keith B.
Culver City, CA
2/7/2012
Came here with a (Groupon? Living Social? I don't remember), but we'll be back.
Great sort-of 60s vibe in decor (Danish modern, wood, stone). Everyone is 20s-30s (so we stuck out!) Friendly staff. Lots of good beers. Food was really good and reasonably priced. I had the burger (not the best ever -- but it was good meat, which is the important thing) along with the fries and (BIG!) bowl of delicious olives. My better half had mussels and really good potato puffs. He wants to try the fisherman's pie next time.
Just a couple of caveats: it's a little loud, and the tables and chairs are VERY low. Don't know what you can do about the sound, but if the tables and chairs bother you, sit at the bar. -
Review from g m.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2012
I thought this place was over priced but I had the burger and it was delicious, I mean really good! I would not go out of my way to go back because there are a lot of good burger joints with a better selection at better prices, but if I was already in the area and had time to kill I might go back for happy hour.
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Review from Lindsay J.
Santa Monica, CA
1/17/2012
Had a Groupon for this place and note to self: I AM NOT BUYING ANY MORE GROUPONS FOR RESTAURANTS!
I have yet to find a place I would go back to.
Service was great. The place was dead. South down the street: packed. What is this place? A bar? A Restaurant? A lounge? So confused.
The food was Meh, just like the 2 stars says. Overpriced. Got the spicy tuna things and couldn't even chew the rice part, was so chewy.
And beer menu didn't have my fave: Allagash White so they lost points there.
Not a hater, but Good place if you want to meet your friend for one drink and can find a place to park. -
Review from Maria A.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was so excited about this place. Because of its secluded location, also because of it's mysterious decor. It really looked like a hidden gem.
My girlfriends and I decided to give this place a whirl for girl night.
BIG mistake.
It wasn't the worst experience I've ever had, restaurant or bar-wise.
But this place is seriously seriously confused.
It's mainly a whiskey bar, with the general bar services as well.
It has food, dessert, and an extensive list of beers and wine.
My issue is that this place can't figure out whether it's a sports bar, a chic lounge, a dive bar, a tapas restaurant or a diner.
It looks like a chic lounge- so much potential.
There's screens with sports and some very bipolar music playing
It's LOUD, kinda like a typical annoying dive bar atmosphere.
The food is alright, pretty mediocre.
Service is ok- a bit helicopter-ish, inconsistent.
The only saving grace is their potato puffs.
Balls of mashed potato deep fried and dipped in this delicious cheesy sauce.
I'm really upset that I will probably come back just for those.
Definitely not worth a repeat performance. -
Review from Mimi B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/5/2012
An experience about as exciting as its name. Yep.
Food is average in taste, high in price, small in portion. The beer list is pretty unimpressive if you actually enjoy beer. Service is blah. The atmosphere is alright. Maybe I'd take someone here to break up with them. -
Review from Kristin C.
West Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2011
Went here on a first date back in May and fell in Love.
The staff is friendly to say the least. My date cheated and took me somewhere he knew everyone. I was impressed that the people working there know their customers on a personal level.
Their happy hour consists of a variety of tasty items. I never thought edamame could be so good and the potato puffs live up to their reputation (listed below). My man digs the Mac N Cheese and the Free hot dogs with drink order. The beer and whiskey selection is another glory.
7 months later and I am still in Love.Listed in: Eat, Drink & Be Merry
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Review from Lilli I.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2011
Meh. I've been here twice so far. First time tried it with the boy-thing and we were underwhelmed. The potato puffs were good, but I felt like they were lacking. Then I realized it's because I was expecting the goodness of Porto's potato balls...and was disappointed.
The first time we shared the burger, which was good but not the best I've had.
Second time I got the mac & cheese, which was just 'pretty good' in my opinion. I actually ended up getting a stomach ache after I left the restaurant, which I'm not 100% sure was caused by the food, but I don't think I want to take any chances.
The service was pretty whatever, leaning more on the bad side. We had to wave our hands around a few times and sit there alert, trying to flag down someone to get the bill before someone actually looked our way. I realize it was a bit busy, so I guess I can understand.
We also shared the apple tart which...honestly...I don't know what the big fuss is about. My frozen bake-yourself apple turnovers are way better than this flat little apple flake was. I may be a little harsh, but when it comes to dessert, I'm pretty particular. I was expecting something amazing and it came short.
I had a good time catching up with my friend, but the food and service were subpar. -
Review from Danielle F.
Santa Monica, CA
12/15/2011
Bar Food really should not be calling itself a "gastro pub". Gastro pubs are usually pubs with elevated food and a decent wine and beer list. The only thing Bar Food and a gastro pub have in common is the look and feel of the place. That's it. And even then, I would just call it a very large bar with a lot of tables.
First off, the music is too loud and it's hard to have a conversation and eat. The happy hour is pretty good- 3.50 beers but the wine is pretty bad. Right up there with two buck chuck. All the food came out cold and overly fried. The potato balls that everyone is raving about are terrible if you are sober. Wonderful if you've been drinking all night and have no idea what you are eating. It's a mystery what's in those balls. They don't taste like anything. The best thing on the menu was the spicy tuna. Grilled cheese was awful. Tomato soup was like eating campbells out of the can. Cold tin dining. Anyways, they do give you a free hot dog for happy hour and that was the best part of the meal other than the spicy tuna.
Conclusion: best happy hour beer and free hot dog in town. Otherwise just eat somewhere else and come here for a drink. And guys, consider your date if you bring them here. You will both end up smelling like grease when you leave and it may kill your chances of getting any. That is of course unless you've been drinking long enough where you reach the point where the potato balls are tasting mighty good. Then who cares how you smell? -
Review from Harrison G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/29/2011
Bookmarked this place a while ago because I read about an extended happy hour they had when they opened. Sadly, the happy hour no longer goes all night but the place is still worth a visit.
It's pretty big (like a smaller version of Smithhouse) and has a good selection of beers and large selection of whiskeys - it is a whiskey bar after all. The atmosphere is laid back, especially compared to other bars found farther east on Wilshire. It can be a quiet place to grab a drink with a date or a place to celebrate with a large group of friends.
I don't remember liking the burger too much (wasn't bad, just wasn't so good) but the potato puff appetizer is delicious, as is the mac and cheese.
I just wish they could come up with a better name than Bar Food. -
Review from Ching T.
Whittier, CA
I had the intention of coming here with fellow Yelper Daniel L since he's been craving bread pudding and I had heard that Bar Food boasted a really well done bread pudding. So many moons ago, Daniel L gifted me with a Yelp Deal for us to use on a future visit. Unfortunately, we never made it before his eventual move out of the LA area.
I didn't want the Yelp Deal to go to waste, so I came with a friend of mine right before it expired. Thanks Daniel!! The menu is pages and pages of whiskey, beer and wine and just one page of, well, bar food. These weren't just your regular salty finger bar food though, but rather nice offerings of a gastropub with delicate tastes.
THE ORDER:
- Potato Puffs 5 Stars
- Mussels in Garlic White Wine Sauce 4 Stars
- Caramel Bread Pudding 3.5 Stars
THE YUMMY:
POTATO PUFFS http://www.yelp.com/us... with aoili sauce were unreal. So golden crispy on the outside without being overly crunchy, but so so SO soft on the inside. The potatoes were whipped to such a fine softness on the inside that it delights the inside of your mouth with it's light feathery creaminess. Almost like air! Loved that they were so hot and NEVER got greasy.
MUSSELS in GARLIC WHITE WINE SAUCE http://www.yelp.com/us... were pretty delicious. The amount of mussels included were very generous and I think I counted almost a dozen and a half. The lightly toasted brioche bread was a nice touch. I only wish there was more garlic in that white wine sauce since I'm a garlic freak! But it was still yummy folks.
CARAMEL BREAD PUDDING http://www.yelp.com/us... has a somewhat firm but custard like consistency that tastes delicious on it's own due to it's subtle Caramel flavor. The scoop of house made vanilla ice cream though is too icy in texture. Could have been great if they used a creamier artisan ice cream. Pretty presentation even though I'm not a fan of caramel.
THE OVERALL:
Great asual gastropub with a dimmed masculine decor that would make a great man cave escape on the Westside for a more grown up experience. I think I prefer Bar Food to Western Tavern http://www.yelp.com/bi... by the Westside Pavillion for it's more casual vibe. Service was attentive, friendly and prompt without being overbearing. Those potato puffs are a MUST!Listed in: West Side, Bars & Lounges
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Review from Bridget P.
Santa Monica, CA
11/28/2011
I hadn't been here since they first, first opened, and came back with a friend last week. I was surprised that this place still has that un-Googleable, un-Yelpable name. Why? Wasn't there a contest in which customers could suggest new names? I guess the name DOES combine two of the things I like best in life.
It wasn't crowded on a Wednesday night, and it was easy to find meters outside. I like the way you can sit at the bar if you want to make new friends or to be seen, or sit at one of the quieter tables on the perimiter if you want to catch up with someone. Music selection was great too.
We didn't get any good, but just a few beers and wines. The beer selection is amazing. Not much hard liquor besides whiskey, but plenty of everything else. We were amused by the water placed on our table..... a recycled wine bottle stripped of the label and filled with water, topped by two plastic party cups that looked like they'd been rinsed out.
Okay place, although nothing to make it really stand out. I'll have to go back for the food (and free hot dogs!) -
Review from Spencer V.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011
Might be fine for drinks, but the food is AWFUL. Don't waste your money here. Also, service was completely absurd - the wait staff added nothing, were too anxious to take our plates and nobody knew anything about the menu.
They did have some cool artwork on the walls... -
Review from jennie l.
Los Angeles, CA
11/10/2011
so, I have a groupon problem... so what?
But hot dayammmm. potato pufffffffsssss.... imagine KFC mashed potatoes (and u are soooo lying if u say u don't like KFC mashed potatoes) deep fried into crispy lava hot fire balls.... mmmm and right when we thought it couldn't get any better...
Mac and cheese of the gods... i bet Zeus himself would give up his left nut for a chance at a bowl of this shizzzz.... all I remember is bacon and bacon... I think there was cheese, I don't remember.... BACON!!! oh wait I think there was artichoke or fancy pantsy.... mmmm and right when we thought it couldn't get any better....
spicy tuna thingies! spicy tuna on fried rice squares... fried I said! no need for more explanation on that
on top of all this, they had really great house beers. pale ale drinkers unite! -
Review from Ivy W.
Los Angeles, CA
I had a Yelp voucher for $20 worth of food and drinks for $10, so I invited my friend out with me to try this place. We visited on a Wednesday night and other than 3 or 4 parties, we were the only people there.
The place is large and I like the layout of the bar, and I was digging the ambience and decor. Totally casual, but maybe a bit too casual since our server didn't even look like he worked there and even said "fuckin'" a couple of times while talking to us. I didn't have a problem with that, just caught me off guard a little.
I was super hungry so I ordered anything and everything that sounded even a little bit yummy: the Spicy Tuna, Potato Puffs, Bar Burger, Mac 'N Cheese, Sweet Frites, and Bread Pudding. As for alcohol, I ordered a Blue Moon, so nothing to brag about there. However, their beer selection was quite extensive.
SPICY TUNA, $9
Super Americanized (it had chili...) and super spicy. Good, but nothing to write home about.
POTATO PUFFS, $4
These were delicious. It came with a curry sauce to dip in. Orgasm in my mouth. Repeatedly throughout the night.
BAR BURGER, $9
I don't remember much about it, but it wasn't bad.
MAC 'N CHEESE, $8.50
There were scallions and bacon, so it made it much much much more tasty than it would've been without. Wasn't cheesy enough imo.
SWEET FRITES, $6
Basically sweet potato fries that came with a spicy mayo dipping sauce. Almost as good as the potato puffs. Almost.
BREAD PUDDING, $7
I wanted dessert, to try something new, and since I'd never heard of bread pudding before (was pretty confused on what it was too), I got this. It was interesting... squishy and bread-like, but not really? The vanilla ice cream made it much more yummy though.
Considering this place is super far from me and I only really liked two plates on the menu, I don't think I would come back, unless I'm in the area and in the mood to hang out in a really chill, kinda hipster, bar. If I was a local, I would definitely come back for their happy hour though -- $3.50 beer options? Crazy. -
Review from Jerome O.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/14/2011
Hans no longer at Bar Food... But he is back at Hatfield's! Yeehaa!
BarFood is still an interesting gastropub, but will it manage to cope with the growing competition on the LA scene?
Moderate wine selection made me review one star, but if you love beer, then add it back! :-)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/17/2009
How to be surprised by the simplest things? Go to Bar*Food.
Don't be fooled by the simple items on… Read more »
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Review from Jeffrey B.
Santa Monica, CA
11/22/2011
Due to reviews here, I just had to get the potato puffs, and they were delicious. I'd definitely get them again. Crunchy on the outside, and nice and fluffy on the inside. If I remember correctly, it came with a curry mayo, which was great.
I got the shepherd's pie, and holy crap was that hot, but that was my own stupid fault. Once my tongue recovered to some extent, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The portion size was perfect for me. I was perfectly full, but not overly so. It came with a small salad, I think just arugula and maybe honey mustard. It was an okay addition, but I didn't think it really added anything to the dish, or at least not much.
The service was great, but a little odd for me. We were there somewhat late, so it was just us and the bartender in the restaurant. He never really asked if we wanted anything else or a check, and just refilled our drinks. I can't complain, but I just found it odd. I understand that he didn't want to bother or rush us, but still, it was strange. -
Review from Alicia K.
Los Angeles, CA
10/27/2011
I had the full intention of making this my new neighborhood bar when I moved to the area this summer. Unfortunately, the only staff people who are pleasant to be around is Mauricio and the blond girl, forgot her name.
The beer selection is alright, I like the downtown brown. Not enough to keep me coming back, especially when, as a regular, I feel less than welcomed. My friends I have taken there were shocked by the rudeness of one bartender in particular.
Mauricio, please find another bar to work at, we will bring you a ton of business. -
Review from Emily B.
Santa Monica, CA
10/13/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Great food and cheap beer during happy hour--I really think this is one of the best happy hours in all of LA because the caliber of food is just outstanding for the price.
The potato puffs will knock you over dead with how good they are.
The mixed greens have an amazing vinaigrette that I just love.
The burger, while could do with a few tweaks, was actually compared to a Father's Office burger by my friend.
The house pale ale is a great beer.
BUT...you must try the spicy tuna. If I were ever featured on "Best Thing I Ever Ate: Happy Hour Foods", this would be at the very top of my list (with the potato puffs running close second). The tuna comes piled on three little (fried?) bars of rice. The (siriacha?) sauce is incredible and I even make sure to eat the greenery that comes on top of it too.
While a little empty at some times (it just means you get your pick of seats at happy hour), the vibe is great--relaxed yet ever so slightly slightly trendy and truly focused on the quality of the food and drink. -
Review from Ariana F.
Santa Monica, CA
Updated - 10/22/2011
This makes me so sad! Bar Food is one of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood. Whenever people ask me where they should go for dinner and drinks I always tell them Bar Food. But now, I'm not so sure.
Last night was abysmal. My house Amber beer, which I always get there, tasted like it had soap in it and was undrinkable. My burger, which is my favorite burger of all time besides Father's Office, was mushy and had a lot of fatty deposits in it, as did my friend's who got the same thing.
The potato puffs and the fries we shared were awesome, but it didn't offset the poor quality in other areas.
The service, which admittedly is never great there, was even worse last night. Not once did our waitress or anyone else ask us how our meal was going, even though it should have been clear I wasn't happy since I ordered fries after my burger was inedible and left my beer untouched and off to the side. And I also ordered a glass of wine after my beer fiasco and I had to remind her 15 minutes later to get it because she had forgotten. It was not crowded in there, usually doesn't get packed until after 8 and we got there around 5:30.
I didn't speak up because I'm super passive in settings like this (I should work on this haha). But I'm just utterly sad because this is one of my favorite restaurants ever. I mean, I'll definitely be going back but not for a while because last night broke my heart :(1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2011
Just moved to the neighborhood and I love this place! Been hitting up Cabo and Q's a lot these last… Read more »
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Review from Cliff M.
Culver City, CA
11/11/2011
Excellent happy hour menu. $4 house beers. the best deep-fried mashed potatoes (who are the competitors, btw?). $6 burgers (with bacon jam!?!), and...
...free hotdogs with every drink.
that's free, like in no charge... -
Review from Lorraine P.
Los Angeles, CA
With a happy hour EVERY DAY from 5-7pm, this laidback neighborhood bar/ gastropub has got me singing its praises! That's right, even on God's Day (which I now also refer to as Beer Day).
Benefits of happy hour: Free hot dog with the purchase of a drink. One more time for the folks in back. FREEEE HOT DOG! Plus, they offer great drink specials and tasty bar food at a glorious price. Tried and true menu items include the burger ($6) generous portion, tasty flavor, juicy and meaty patty on a no frills bun; Potato Puffs ($2) fried balls of pillowy potato and airy dough; Edamame ($4) with a BBqish seasoning that was a winner with my hubs; French fries ($3). Boo to the fact that they don't have ranch dressing... That should be one of the ten commandments for any place that serves fried food: Thou Shalt Serveth Ranch.
There's plenty of tables, cushy booths and bar seats with a view of the TV. And it doesn't seem like it gets very crowded, although the space is large enough to handle it. It's sleek, yet comfy and the (women's) bathrooms are pristine. Parking can be easily found on the metered streets. Hallelujah for Bar Food!Listed in: Westsiiiiide!
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Review from Jake W.
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for drinks and my table got some appetizers. The only hard liquors they have are whiskies, so be prepared to drink beer or wine if you like something else. Luckily, I'm a bourbon guy, so this was okay with me. I really wanted to get the Pappy Van Winkle (it's tough to find a place that actually serves it), but they were out. If not for this, I would have given Bar Food five stars.
They also had Bullett bourbon, which is what I normally drink (the Pappy can get a bit expensive), so I was happy with that. The overall whisky selection was quite good. They also have a good beer selection. It's not a beer bar (so don't expect 50 choices), but what they have is good.
I got the escargot, which was delicious. I'd never had it before and just wanted to try and was delighted. There were about 10 of them in a garlic sauce in a puff pastry. The escargot themselves were cooked well (it had the texture of steak, but a little less tough) and was in a garlic sauce.
My friends ordered calamari and french fries, which were both good. The fries came with a Guiness ketchup, which just tasted like regular ketchup to us. Also, a friend ordered the cheese plate, which came out about 10 minutes after everything else, which was weird, because it was the only thing we ordered that didn't need to be cooked. -
Review from Michelle L.
Los Angeles, CA
$4 house beer on tap (and it's good too!) and a nice bar environment = thumbs up for Bar food.
We usually come here to wait out the line for Hara's across the street and it usually serves it's purpose well.
If you're hungry, try the potato balls. Although these potato puffs aren't as good as the ones from gregoire's in berkeley, CA, they definitely do hit the spot. (And they give you a decent amount, I believe 8 puffs).
Definitely want to come back here sometime for the free hot dogs during happy hour! -
Review from Keito K.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2011
To me Bar Food is as good as gastropubs can get. I tried a lot of different gastros in Los Angeles, but I like this one. Trust ...I tried a lot.
Once you get passed all the hell that is Olympic blvd you will find this place. There is some street parking all around the place, I usually park just north of the restaurant. I come here for all occasions-happy hour, starting the night, and casual meetings. The first thing you notice is the selection of music. I am always impressed by the choices. One time in 2010, I heard the XX - Introduction. I thought wow, very cool. The art on the wall is familiar with some Bob Marley. I like the fact that the tvs are small it keeps the attention on the food and music. But I still come here for casual game watching but only to have it in the background.
The food is excellent. I recommend the cheeseburger, frites, spicy tuna sushi, and calamaries. The hot dog for hh is a plus but don't get all excited, just pay a few bucks for something else. Pick up the house blond, thats usually good. Pretty cheap at 3.5 bucks. For a good time you will spend 25-35.
This place including the workers have all good vibes and will chat with you. I think the place is good for 2-5 people groups. You won't catch any of the crap the workers pull at bru haus down the street. I could tell the place emphasizes on bringing the A game to the table. -
Review from Mylinh M.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2011
Totally uninspired beer list. For a place that claims to be a gastropub, the offerings of Blue Moon, Fat Tire, Guiness, Stone Pale Ale, and Lagunitas Pils, isn't going to impress anyone, unless this person never drinks beer or walks down the beer aisle of their local Ralphs supermarket. Sure, these aren't bad beers and the list is more extensive than say, your local Applebees, but it's not really going to do the job when I'm craving something new and exciting.
The food is also meh. The burger is nowhere near the quality of Father's Office. It's so bland. I think I'd rather eat a McDonalds burger, at least I'd get some artificial flavor. But surprisingly I did like the mussels and I like that there are more unique options such as Guiness stew, Shepherds pie, and Steak and Kidney pie than some other gastropubs in the area.
The best part about Bar Food is the ambiance. It's a great place to meet friends and sit back and relax. It's never too crowded or too loud. It's too bad, I really want to love this place but I wouldn't suggest it to the true beer lover. -
Review from Kelvin C.
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have some pretty good brews here like Lagunitas IPA, FIrestone DBA, Stone, and a couple of others. They advertise their burgers as having "bacon jam" which really got my attention. Unfortunately, the burger was only average ... crappy bun and overcooked patty. Can't forget to mention that it was overpriced, but I guess that's standard for the area. The potato balls were pretty money though. Super garlicky and fried pretty well. The sweet potato fries, shoe string fries, and shepard's pie were nothing to write home about.
Seems like this is more of a whiskey bar, which I'm not really into. The last time I had whiskey I ran into my friends, 3 wise men and 4 horsemen. Sadly, that has traumatized me and my whiskey taste buds.
I'd come again for a beer if I was in the area, but I probably won't be having any of their Bar Food. -
Review from Seiji N.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
whoa free hot dog during happy hour?! sign me up! 5-7pm is happy hour and i highly suggest you check out this place. It was pretty empty when I went around 6, so it's a good place to sit and chat. Not the typical bar happy hour scene.
I tried their potato balls and, though they do not match up to the level or Porto's potato balls, they are pretty good for their price. A little too much on the batter-y side but I'll over look that for the $2 price tag.
The staff was very nice and attentive to our needs. Though parking is somewhat hard to find (street parking only), I def want to come back to try their mac and cheese.Listed in: Night Life
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Review from Roland C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/7/2011
It's true. The parking sucks. The food is not amazing. It's really a scotch bar with good beer chasers.
But if you look at the weak sauce reviews you'll see that the people who weren't impressed were people who can't spell "whiskey", complained about them not having more hard booze selections, and generally whined about it not being some awesome place with free champagne, sushi fresh from the fish tank, tons of hot chicks on staff who give out their real numbers, and other assorted nonsense that Westside hipsters diss about a place.
Take a breath and think of a gastropub that blends tasty snack foods with good beer, better scotches, and an ambiance that suits a classy lounge. If that's what you're looking for then this place has nothing to gripe about. Their selection of scotches are above average and the prices reasonable. They serve it well in tumblers but don't get a crispy undie if you ask to have it in a shooter (I like sipping in shooters because I tend to drink too much if I go the tumbler route). The staff know their stuff and are good with service. They don't give off attitude and they don't try and impress.
I don't know about you, dear reader, but when I get my Oban on, I'm not looking to pick up anything other than a mellow buzz and enjoy that aged cask ride to Highland bliss. They have a good bar. The place is just really decent all around and even if they don't carry your favorite scotch (like Glenhaven 19yr), you can find something to satisfy your palette there. It's a good place to chill and relax with friends and eat some fatty foods that a nice ale can chase down. Their food is decent but it's not gourmet. It's a pub not a Michelin guide selection. So go with real expectations and you'll enjoy it. -
Review from Shane P.
Santa Monica, CA
12/1/2011
I finally made it the other night for the first time and absolutely loved it. Great atmosphere and a great happy hour. I haven't tried anything other than Happy Hour, but by first experience was so good that I definitely plan to. Bonus - it's just a few blocks from where I live!
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Review from Cris M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Unimpressed. Had high expectations from friend's reviews and word of mouth, and was sadly disappointed. Was a not busy Friday at around 8pm, and it took 15 minutes for us to get two beers and when we asked about our food 40 minutes into our stay there, the "oh shit" face appeared on our waiter who rushed to the kitchen only to slunk back to our table to say it had never been put it.
Why 3 stars still? Because the selection of beer / whiskey is decent and I don't want to burn a place on one off waiter/experience. And to his credit, he said he'd put the food in on his tab and rush it, but we politely declined and went to R+D Kitchen a few miles away and were much happier. -
Review from Christine Y.
Brentwood, CA
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I know a lot of people really enjoy coming here, but after 3-4 visits I have yet to have the great experience that seems possible yet just out of my grasp.
On my last visit, a 9pm drink after dinner with a friend on a weeknight, we sat down at the mostly empty bar and ordered 2 beers. The bartender pours them and sets them down on coasters in front of us. So far so good. Upon picking up the glass, we realize that, despite a mostly empty venue and plenty of glassware, she had poured our beers into glasses still HOT from the dishwasher. Our delicious frosty beers were warm within 3 minutes.
It's the little things that earn stars from me, and that kind of carelessness with a draft beer just won't cut it. I'd much rather walk 2 blocks away and have more beer options at BRU HAUS. -
Review from Jose A.
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool place for the whisky drinker. Unfortunately I am not much of a whisky drinker anymore. Went in with some friends last week and was surprised to find out that they only have beer/wine and whiskey.
So being that none of us were whisky drinkers, we all ordered beers. They do have some nice beer on tap, but I stuck with the house brew. It was half the price of all the other beers and was pretty good to boot. One gripe was that i ordered a blonde and they brought me an amber beer. Not that big of a deal and I drank it anyway, but I would have much preferred the blonde.
We also ordered some snacks for the table. We got an order of fries which were good. We also got the cheese platter which consisted of brie, blue and i think manchego. Also on the platter were a few grapes and raisins. Everyone at the table loved the cheese platter. For a sweet treat we got the fudge brownie which was delectable. Ribbons of fudge ran through the brownie and when we tasted it, our eyes rolled back into our head in a sign of ecstasy.
All in all pretty cool place. Didnt like that they dont have any liquor besides whiskey and for that reason alone i probably wont be back anytime soon. -
Review from Brandon M.
Moraga, CA
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here late on a weeknight during one of my few trips to LA this summer. I loved everything about the vibe of this place--the music was old school hip-hop, it had some awesome paintings on the wall, and the dimly-lit seating made for a perfect night cap for winding down after a long day.
I was in the mood for some Irish whiskey, but I wasn't very knowledgeable about their extensive collection. The bartender was patient and informative, helping me choose a Redbreast that ended up being smoother than a baby's ass, and suggested a nice dark beer for my dark-beer loving girlfriend. While we enjoyed our drinks the owner came out and introduced himself, even chatted us up about his potential plans to open up a place in San Francisco, which I assured him I would be a regular at. I wish I had tried the food, and next time I'm in the area I'll be back for some. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Rosemead, CA
http://nerdswithfood.w...
Great Happy Hour prices. The honey blonde and the amber is very good. The link above is a food blog for this restaurant. -
Review from Lindsey M.
Covina, CA
8/25/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I adore Bar Food. It's one of those places that I will go out of my way to patronize, because everything is just so good. It's a unpretentious pub that has a good selection of beers and an expanding menu of food. The owner, Jason, is always unfailingly friendly and usually comes over to the table to say hello, whether you're new to the place or a regular. And the Irish accent doesn't hurt, either!
My must-have is the mac and cheese--I don't know what magic they use in the kitchen, but it's seriously the best mac and cheese out there. (And I am an avowed pasta-lover; I rarely let an opportunity to eat mac and cheese pass me by.) The cheese sauce is flavorful, the pasta perfectly cooked, the bits of bacon a great addition (not overwhelming), the crust crispy, and the little slivers of green onion (I think? Chives, maybe?) add the right amount of brightness. It's the perfect size...seriously, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.
The sweet potato fries are a favorite, and friends of mine swear by the Thai bangers and mash and the spicy tuna. Bar Food has expanded their menu to include UK pub standards like shepherd's pie and steak and kidney pie, so I'm looking forward to go back and try all their new offerings. (After the mac and cheese, of course!)
Their selection of whiskeys is unparalleled. I want to try them all.
The only downside is the service can be kind of slow/spotty at times, but I'm normally not bothered by it because I want to spend a leisurely time there. (I only notice it when I want more beer and more food, naturally.) -
Review from Nancy C.
Elizabeth, NJ
8/23/2011
Tuna tartar and wweet potato fries were pretty good.
Great ambiance. Perfectly relaxed setting for happy hour. -
Review from Jace K.
CA
8/2/2011
My friend and I came for Happy Hour after reading all the great reviews on Yelp. Unfortunately, we can't say much to recommend it besides the grilled cheese and tomato soup. That dish- was quite good.
We got there on a busy Friday night, found parking with relative ease and were seated quickly. The service was friendly and the chef came out to talk to us for quite a bit. This actually made my friend nervous, because he was wondering who would be supervising our food preparation.
Because we came here during Happy Hour, we decided to try quite a few items:
A) calamari - standard
B) potato puffs - interesting, but not rave worthy- more worthwhile if you like a light curry flavor
C) the free hot dog - well, it was good for a free hot dog
D) bar burger - the bacon jam isn't really made of bacon, it's interesting, but not enough to make up for the rest of the lackluster burger
E) the mac and cheese - my friend didn't think it was cheesy enough - i didn't try it
F) the spicy tuna - this was quite good, but nothing unique to this restaurant
Jason, the chef, seemed quite taken aback that my favorite was the grilled cheese and tomato soup- but I think that was pretty yummy. I'd go back for the ambiance and something to nom on, but not specifically for dinner.
Perhaps we just didn't get the right dishes.
