We love eating at J. Sparr. The old vibe rings clear and true starting with the exotic cocktails back from the day when Tiki was cast as a romantic land of island breezes, grass thatched roofs, and whispering waves. A step back in time would be complete if they'd only play some big band and crooner tunes. But it's the food and drink we focus on. A solid tavern menu from lunch, through happy hour and on to dinner. Reservations may be helpful on a weekend night. The 1956 Mai Tai sure beats the ones you get on a flight from LAX to Kona. Strong drink makes for good stories. Parking is along the street - good luck finding a spot nearby. read more

See all

Kitchen consistently serves up GREAT food. This is truly a gem in the area, with TOP level cocktails. Not too large but a respectable number of taps, and a nice selection of beers. Service is the best in the area. Friendly, respectful, quick... can't say enough great things about the staff. It feels like you're on the Cheers set, if Cheers served great food. Dimly lit, and decorated like an old time tavern - wonderful experience everytime. read more

John Sparr Tavern is a fantastic drinking establishment that happens to serve some great food. That's my flippant assessment, but it's one of those places that you want to keep to yourself. However that's just not fair now, is it? I love the interior. Dark, but there's one window in the front. Comfy booths. It's got the Boston bar feel. I don't know if that's a compliment for everyone, but I mean it in the best way. Established and substantial. Service is good. Clyde, the only bartender I've encountered is a pretty cool cat. Go visit him and see what I mean. The drink menu is impressive with old school tiki bar drinks highlighted. However, that Sparr Cocktail (a manhattan) rings my chimes too. I've had both lunch and dinner. Some stand outs: the crab cakes, the roast beef dip, and the sand dabs at dinner were all very satisfying. I just remembered the cobbler of pears poached in red wine! So good! I also had a filet one night and it was cooked perfectly. Check out John Sparr. You won't regret it unless you get a ticket for not curbing your tires! read more

We went back to John Sparr because Carlos recommended the Wednesday fish and chips & he was right. I had a great cocktail of the week and my husband had a beer. We shared the fish and chips and jumbo shrimp cocktail, 5 very large jumbo shrimp and delicious cocktail sauce. Thank you Carlos read more

See all

A local place for the local folk. I hear the food is great. I can only comment on the old school decor and 50s vibe at the bar. There's a tv and it's small but it would be a nice hidden gem to watch the games if it can be kept a local secret if the other pubs nearby are full. Time will tell once FIFA kicks in! Service was great and I could see many dining and drinking were definitely regulars. read more

Went on weeknight to this spot. Clyde was working but the game was on, so interaction was a bit more limited than what I'd read about. He was still attentive and there when you needed him. The server stole the whole damn show- so soft spoken, witty, and pleasant!! Loved it. We had the crab stuffed dabs, and the daily special - linguini (?) with clams. Both dishes were tasty and worth it. We also started the meal with the shrimp cocktail that was well worth it, too- the shrimp were effing huge. I had the sharp cocktail which was a perfectly stiff drink that evolved as the ice melted into just the right balance. The dining room is medium sized with bar seating and an outside option as well. Overall a solid choice- only recommendation is to have at least two non alcoholic beers available so that patrons have a choice. read more

I was bringing a surprise guest for a friend's gathering. I called ahead. The host could not have been more understanding and said he would give us a booth for four but leave two menus. Perfect! Parking was easy at a lot 1/4 block down the street. The ambience is comfort tavern with booths and tables set with cloth napkins. Service was friendly and helpful. And my friends were wonderfully surprised! We ordered cocktails, wine and dinner. I enjoyed their cauliflower steak and was bemused the waiter wanted to ensure I knew it was not meat. "Oh I'm looking forward to a good cauliflower steak!" It was delicious. We so enjoyed ourselves that I think our next gathering will be at the John Sparr. read more

Amazing place! Went there after a movie for some drinks and nosh. The place was small and so cozy. It's had that neighborhood bar feel without feeling like a dive bar. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. He served us and made polite small talk. He was just great AND makes a phenomenal drink! The drinks were on point. I had the paper plane and oh god was it delicious! I'm still thinking about it! My partner in crime also had a paper plane and then switched to a last word. That was fantastic as well. I had a shrimp Louie and my friend had deviled eggs. Both were really good. The shrimps were plump and not overcooked. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

John Sparr Tavern - Paper planes - American Near Me - Glendale, California

We went back for the special Mother's Day Brunch menu today and a What a treat! The food quality is amazing. We love the brunch menu and hope they continue to offer these items on the weekends. The potato galette is crispy and delicious. Of course we love the original Patty Melt! Don't miss the cocktails, either. The bartender is an amazing mixologist! read more

See all

Best martini in town; friendly, funny, helpful staff, and the food was great. Crab-stuffed sand dabs are everything they're cracked up to be, French onion soup was a hit; in fact, everyone in our party of five was extremely satisfied. And it was quiet enough that we could actually talk to each other. The place filled up with patrons but didn't feel full. The space and the building it's in are rustic, unassuming and inviting. Parking is a breeze. I consider this place a real find. We will be returning as quickly and often as possible. read more

What a great little bar/restaurant. We came in just after 3 p.m. no one here it was so quiet and nice had the place to ourselves nice music and friendly staff and food was very good. I definitely will bring my HOG guys up from Marina del Rey here to eat and relax. read more

British pub in a strange place in Glendale. Even the people sitting at the bar were right out of central casting. Everything you would expect to see and taste. Very nice outdoor patio for larger groups, but the atmosphere inside would be hard to replicate any place else. The attention to detail at this place is amazing. Someone invested a lot of money. Worth the trip. read more

See all

Never had a bad experience at this place. You can come for just drinks or dinner with the family. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. read more

John Sparr Tavern - Peppercorn/garlic crusted new York. - American Near Me - Glendale, California

The most beautiful little tavern! The service was excellent and the food and drinks were delicious.

Nice vibe. Similar to what you'd find in LES of NYC, complete with black and white penny rounds/hexes and a plated copper ceiling. And of course, a curated cocktail menu with an accompanying Happy Hour menu. Great Reuben burger sliders! Would get those again. Decent garlic shoestring fries. Guac & chips started to taste a bit bland after awhile. The taquitos were good but came with a spicy aioli that was more of a sauce. A creamy aioli would've really made the difference. Decent pour on the Guinness. They need to take the Polpette and Croquette off the HH menu as it sounds like they just don't make them anymore. Service was a bit spotty. We were there early for HH so most tables were still empty, but booths were already reserved for the dinner crowd. Had to flag down waiter after the initial order (not new for me as an east coaster) and it's understandable as they're still setting up for dinner service. They also joked with my kids a bit so that was fun. Parking was a bit challenging as there is a no dedicated lot. Small lots (8 spots) shared with as many businesses. A decent sized party room in the back (grieve or take 20 patrons) that's well lit with natural light. M & W bathrooms upstairs. Roomy and clean. Lastly, NO contactless payments here yet, though cc's are accepted. A toss-up between coming back here again and trying out other establishments in the area for a better stocked HH menu. read more

John Sparr Tavern - As of 4/15/25 - American Near Me - Glendale, California

Wow what a hidden gem in our hometown! I'm disappointed in myself for not coming to try this place sooner. First off, you walk inside and you're stepping back in time with jazz music and the decor. Second, if you know a thing or two about TRUE classic cocktails and have an appreciation for them.. then this is the place for you. Third, they have happy hour Tuesday-Friday from 3:30-5:30 with a decent selection. The deviled eggs are SO good, wings were crispy, they have that good dill ranch too! We had the French dip and Reuben sandwiches and all were so delicious. The staff is friendly and efficient, staying on top of everything and paying attention to detail. More people in this town need to be talking about the John Sparr Tavern! We will definitely be back :) read more

Best French Onion Soup in Town Hands Down! Melty cheese and delicious flavor! The service is great and the vibes are nice and intimate. Can't wait to try more of their menu. Look they have plenty of great options! read more

John Sparr Tavern - French Onion Soup - American Near Me - Glendale, California

See all

Loved John Sparr - super cute, small pub with great food, drinks and service. Had nice happy hour specials, and we split a corned beef sandwich. Great place! read more

Still a cozy neighborhood spot. We came here at 4:30pm on a Friday in December to enjoy their happy hour. We hadn't been here since 2021, so it was time to return. Food was great, we had the Reuben sliders (the best), the onion rings (crunchy) and the Buffalo wings (tasty). Our favorite were the sliders and we'd like to try the meatballs next time. Service was great, prices fair - we paid @$60 including tip. Nice place to have nearby. read more

See all

We are huge fans of this hidden gem. The service and staff are wonderful, it's a great local spot. The ambiance is old town, dark and cosy. We love the food here. Kids have chicken tenders or cheeseburgers every time with fries. We are huge fans of the deviled eggs here! Sooo good! I am a huge fan of the Wedge Salad, Tavern Burger, French Onion Soup and fries. Drinks are very well balanced, not too sweet and very friendly bar tenders. read more

As described, a cozy neighborhood spot yet upscale for a group occasion or date. What I imagine a traditional American bar you might walk into in Glendale in the 50's, with Mai tais and steak Diane, or an old fashioned and a patty melt. The menu has all the heavy hitters and we weren't disappointed. Shepherd's pie was the special and I loved it. Service was great, coffee machine wasn't working but could be an off day. read more

John Sparr Tavern - Burger - American Near Me - Glendale, California

We don't go to John Sparr Tavern all the time. Rather, we go there for celebrations or for a special treat. The staff have been there for years and really know their stuff. You can really tell when a business has a good thing going when they have good people who stick around for a long time. The cocktails are top notch. The specials are always amazing. And the cognac and peppercorn sauce is addictive! I also like the easygoing, speakeasy vibe of the place. It's refined without being stuffy. read more

See all

Wow what a disappointing lunch. I love this restaurant and have never had a bad meal until today. Ordered the Ruben sandwich. Usually delicious. Today, the chef forgot the cheese, hardly any coleslaw, meat was chunks instead of thin slices as it usually is. Bottom rye bread slice was soggy. What happened to the beloved Ruben??? I don't know if they have somebody new in the kitchen or it was just an off lunch, but it was nothing like it usually is or expected and it's not inexpensive. When we told the waiter that there was no cheese in the sandwich, he said there was a change of staff and he forgot to put the cheese in. That's no excuse . I want this restaurant to succeed because it's a neighborhood staple, but if they're serving food like that, I don't know how it's going to succeed. I hope it was just an off day. No apologies. Just an offer to give us a slice of cheese to put in the sandwich. I'm laughing.!! read more

The 1940's era brought to life! Atmosphere! Excellent service! Location! Jumbo shrimp cocktail. Had to practice self control with the warm rolls and real butter. Rigatoni with grilled chicken is absolutely delicious! Generous portions. And something often overlooked but much appreciated these days: you can hear yourself talk. Can't wait to go back! read more

John Sparr Tavern - American Near Me - Glendale, California

Very disappointed on the food during an Easter Monday visit as a party of six. We booked a table for 5pm and were squeezed into a booth with extension table. Service was good and place has feel of an old tavern. The problem was the food... I had the Polpette and enjoyed the flavor but they were cool in the middle, which is not good for meatballs. My wife had salmon for entree and it was almost raw in the middle. My burger was well cooked but under-seasoned. The party did not enjoy the salted caramel ice cream either. Overall it was a poor choice venue. I did enjoy the Old Speckled Hen on draft. read more

The best food and drinks in Montrose hands down. This place actually has delicious food and I never leave disappointed. I appreciate the fact that they use real fresh ingredients. You can taste it and see it. This is one of my fave date night spots when we're keeping it local. read more

John Sparr Tavern - Shrimp cocktail and crab cakes! Made with REAL crab! - American Near Me - Glendale, California

5 stars for the enchanting old-school atmosphere of this cozy establishment. 5 stars for beautifully made cocktails by skilled bartenders. 5 stars for friendly service and knowledgeable servers. The sole reason I'm deducting a star is for the total lack of non-meat dinner options. I made an exception and had a salmon caesar salad that was very delicious, but I so wish they'd throw a vegetarian a proverbial bone. It certainly won't stop me from coming back for a classy drink, but it would make it a hell of a lot easier for me to stick around after I've finished it. read more

Outstanding Old School service - professionals I had a Vesper cocktail- James Bond moment Solid selection of wine by the glass I shared the shrimp scampi appetizer with my lovely wife. I thought we got four shrimps in visit last year. Small portion but very tasty The pork prime rib aka a large pork chop was juicy and well seasoned My lovely wife had some pork and a chicken Caesar We shared the homemade bread pudding for superb finale to a fun night read more

Great food and ambiance, would definitely recommend to come back here! The drinks are delicious too!

Went here because we found the place off Yelp and wanted reservations to have a dinner destination before going to descanso gardens. Ordered their brisket and it was way too salty. My son ordered their vegetarian dish that was cauliflower and mashed potatoes. Disappointing. So many other options so next time we will look elsewhere. read more

John Sparr Tavern - Meh - American Near Me - Glendale, California

This place is fantastic and will become a part of the regular rotation. It's very 1950s with the interior and exterior. You feel like you've stepped back in time when you walk inside. The workers are very friendly as well. Sparr sports an excellent menu with food to match. The bar is quite lovely as well. We opted for the weekly fish and chips and skirt steak special. The fish was fresh and freshly fried. The slaw and fries were perfect. The skirt steak, potatoes, and cream corn were great. Even the peppercorn sauce was delicious, and typically I'm not too fond of that sauce. Lastly, the prices are fair. We got the aforementioned, two cocktails, and the bill came in just under $100.00. read more

John Sparr Tavern - Skirt Steak - American Near Me - Glendale, California

See all

Finally had a chance to come here and try it out and I must say it was amazing. The food the ambiance the drinks your name it. We forgot to take pictures of the food but we had the onion rings, deviled eggs, and the turkey rueben with coleslaw. The best part was Pablo he is such a genuine soul he's attentive knowledgeable and friendly We cannot wait to come back for Dinner Ask for Pablo read more

See all

Great cocktails, vibes, prices, and service. My new go-to place with my coworkers when we are needing a drink haha

First time here with my wife... Heard of this place and now finally tried... needless to say. We WILL be back continuously. I had no expectations but everything is 10/10!. Also make sure you say hello to thee Great Bartender PABLO!!!!..... The Deviled eggs Deliciously amazing! Turkey Ruben sandwich was phenomenal on rye bread OMG amazing and Shareable!!!!, yummy thick slices of Fresh Turkey mmmm!. Thee drinks are superb as well i had gotten the zombie 1934 And my wife had gotten the mai tai 1956 the best mai tai around glendale by far!. read more

See all

We've been to Happy Hour before and liked it so we decided to go to dinner this time with friends. Sadly, our experience was underwhelming. Cocktails were good but the food is not on par with reviews we've read here. Our main courses arrived lukewarm, we had to ask for it to be microwaved/reheated. We ordered the stuffed sand dabs and were disappointed. Granted they were busy that night but this place has been open so long that it shouldn't matter. We will stick with cocktails and Happy Hour menu. It's a pass for us. read more

Very cool classy casual intimate bar/bistro in an older, out-of-the-way little neighborhood. We went on a slow weekday afternoon so was easy to get street parking and to grab one of the few cozy, comfortable booths. Great craft cocktail menu, was surprised to see Tiki drinks on the list, got a Zombie 1950, tasted just right, strong and good. The dining menu has lots of options, all freshly prepared, high-quality and delicious. Professional servers did not disappoint. read more

Quiet Tavern in Glendale in a quaint neighborhood. Excellent food with appropriately priced menu options. Full Bar as well. read more

John Sparr Tavern - MENU - American Near Me - Glendale, California

Fantastic food and cost of foid was not overpriced. I loved what i ate there. The waiters were very courteous and took good care of us

My brother & his wife treated me to lovely dinner here. The crab cakes were delish but what I really appreciate is the staff, who were attentive without hovering and just so nice! We sat on the patio, which I can highly recommend! A great date night spot. read more

A great little local tavern. Happy hour first with drinks and sliders . Then on to dinner . French onion soup. Sand dabs stuffed with crab. Au gratin potatoes and cream spinach. Everything was great. Give them a visit. read more

See all