Hollywood can sometimes be overrated when you’re looking for a good nightlife in California. Whether you are a local or not, here are some of the best bars you can check out in the city of Sherman Oaks instead.
The Oaks Tavern
The Oaks Tavern offers a cozy atmosphere for a chill night with friends or a date. Whether you want to belt out an Adele song or a throwback from the ’80s, they have karaoke nights, live bands, shuffle board, a pool table, and free popcorn all night. The Oaks Tavern offers a wide range of beer. Try the Fruli, a Belgian beer with a sweet strawberry twist in it.
The new bar and arcade in town – The One Up offers free arcade games of Mario, Street Fighter, Pac-Man, and other classics from the ’80s and ’90s. They also have a good selection of menu items, including corn dog pops, the bacon brie burger, and Cap’n Crunch fried chicken and waffles. Whether it’s a night of drinks, food, or games, The One Up is an ideal spot.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Grill offers happy hour all day and all night at the bar area. Food quality without compromising your budget, their menu consists of two-dollar beers and a variety of five-dollar (or less) appetizers. A good spot for food and beer with friends, this restaurant/bar offers some of the best Asian fusion cuisines. Served are dishes such as fish tuna tacos and their signature miso chili chicken wings and fried bacon chips.
The Stir has Russian Karaoke Night, Sunday Day Club, or Fame Wednesday to keep people entertained. While The Stir pricier than the rest, there is a live DJ playing. Thanks to their upscale interior and promotion, you might just see a celebrity or model on a random night.
Bar, Gastropub, American, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, $$$
Whether it is because of its proximity to Woodman Avenue or inspired by its interior, The Woodman has a lot to offer. This woodybar consists of tree-trunk stools, a flat-screen TV, and a cozy patio that faces the streets of Ventura Blvd. They also have a wide selection of local ales from Ruination IPA, Bloom Apple Cider, and Black House.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
Popular for their unlimited mimosas during brunch, On the Thirty is also a good spot for a night out. They are also known for their signature pizza, with a twist of truffles and an egg on top. They also have a good selection of craft beer from ciders and porters to stouts. On The Thirty plays house and trance music – a perfect treat after a long day of work.
While many bars in this area have a snazzy vibe to them, this bar can still compete. They offer karaoke night, a live DJ, a pool table, a shuffle board, and darts. They also have a jukebox that plays throwback music – oldies but still goodies. They cater to a diverse age group of customers, from millennials to a more mature crowd. The Barrel Sports Bar is a cool dive bar that everyone must try.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
This upscale, rustic-themed bistro serves slow-cooked barbecue, craft beer, wine, and signature cocktails. Inspired by the South, their menu consists of Louisiana seafood boil, double hickory-smoked bacon sticks, and Nashville-style hot chicken. They may have a peculiar way of naming their cocktails, such as Coffin Varnish, Sympathy for the Devil, and Bitter Grove, but the quality of the taste hits the right spot. The Boneyard Bistro is a good spot for meat- and cocktail-lovers.
Located near the intersection of Sepulveda and Ventura Blvd., Public School is right off the 405 freeway. Inspired by its own name, Public School 818 is a gastropub with a school-like interior. With food ingredients selected and bought from the local farmers’ market, they offer the best quality food from burgers to steaks and crispy ahi tuna tacos. Recess time, aka Happy Hour, offers beer and appetizers for a cheap price.
Located in Sherman Oaks’ neighboring city of Studio City, Page 71 is a hip-hop bar wherein you can let loose and dance the whole night away. Even though it’s not in Sherman Oaks, it is a gem you should check out if you’re in the area. Unlike most clubs in Hollywood, Page 71 has no cover charge for ladies all night, and men get in free before midnight.
