(Drank 03/28/26 SA @ 6:00pm): How famous was this bar in Glendale?…read more
After a late-afternoon film at the nearby AMC The Americana At Brand 18, my friend and I walked around a bit and eventually found ourselves at The Famous Bar. With the seemingly ever-changing landscape along Brand Blvd. in downtown Glendale, this establishment has been around since 2012 (which I believe was the first and only time I came here). Primarily known for its inventive craft cocktails and a killer whiskey selection, it was a nice place to sneak away into before or after your main event... or, maybe this could be the place to spend an entire evening. Would this bar famously make an impression on me to remember to return in the future!?
PURCHASE(S)
Fremont Brewing Dark Star Double Oatmeal Imperial Stout Beer 8.00% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH; Reg. $9.00): Dark brown color, coffee oatmeal roasty aroma, medium body, chocolate coffee oatmeal roasty toasty flavor, mouthfeel smooth finish, and coffee oatmeal roasty toasty aftertaste. This was a really tasty brew and my favorite of the two! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=ad_C9YTJYF9lVr2FOEQLkg
12" Margherita Pizza ($20.00 HH; Reg. $26.00): A simple pizza with a somewhat thin crust that was kind of cardboardy, the flavor was rather pedestrian with chewy mozzarella although the basil was fragrant and fresh. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=kdkvUttCLmMOAGQ1nyp5tg
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Danish Red Amber Lager Beer 5.50% ABV 16floz Draft ($5.00 HH; Reg. $8.00): Dark amber red color, malty allspice aroma, low body, malty sweet flavor, clean smooth finish, and malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=QQjsTWce5Lstcxj5PowrYw
Steak Fries ($7.00 HH; Reg. $9.00): This was an impulse buy as something to pair with my second beer. A decent portion-sized snack, each spud stick was hot, steaming, and thick and came with a side of ketchup. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=GVoy0nzxFUL6rHWaxNdG7Q
SERVICE
We were warmly greeted by a sole young woman behind the bar who handed us a menu and directed us to sit anywhere. After a few minutes of reviewing the menu, we each placed our order at the bar, our drinks were delivered quickly while the food took mere minutes to arrive at the table. We had to approach the bar each time we ordered something, but any empty glasses and plates were collected at the table. Once we closed out our tabs, we were thanked for coming as we headed out into the night. Everything was chill and easy - thank you!
PARKING
(Varied; FREE this instance): I parked in the nearby original Glendale Galleria parking structure and simply walked over first to The Americana then to this place. Otherwise, there was limited parking along the main drag of Brand Blvd. and other surrounding side streets, the nearby Glendale Galleria II parking structure, The Americana parking structure that offered validation, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A dark cavernous speakeasy-like place with open space, various tables and couches strewn about, and a large long somewhat decorative bar with an impressive whiskey selection displayed behind it. I appreciated the exposed brick walls which gave it that old-time feel with a few framed pictures hung on them. Minimal natural lighting came through the front doors and windows while minimal electric ceiling lights filled in rest. There was at least one projection TV where we watched the Dodgers game while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=SomLKsk1KVcemeOCHGOZfg
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
It was nice to slip into The Famous Bar for the first time in over a decade, and if I found myself spending time in downtown Glendale again, I'd consider another visit. Sadly, I try to avoid the highly congested area as much as possible. I loved the fact that they had a daily happy hour (4pm-7pm) and late-night SU-TH happy hours (10:30pm-close), so there was always a deal to be found. The drinks were the main reason you came, while the food was just an add-on. The prices were elevated, but you had a good menu selection of libations (nice local craft beer list) to choose from. The customer service was easy, friendly, and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $42.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS