Johnny's is under new ownership. A year ago, I was here raising a goodbye toast to my friends and…read morethe amazing bar staff. I really had no intention of coming back but decided to give it a chance. Even though I didn't plan it, turns out it was a year to the day of my last visit. The place has been remodeled. It no longer emits the cozy neighborhood dive vibes. Instead, it's a hipster lo-fi bar with a sleek chic décor. As pretty as it is, it doesn't have that warm, welcoming feel. Everything is neat & pristine. There is a DJ booth, and the old jukebox remains. The selection of music pumping through the speakers was enjoyable but the playlist wasn't from the jukebox. A few of the cocktails are on draft. I prefer mine made to order. However, the drink prices were reasonable. I ordered a Hendrick's & Soda. Cañada, the bartender, was friendly and engaging. I sipped my cocktail while reminiscing of all the good times I once had here. I wish they would have changed the name. I would have been more receptive if they had. I'm not sure if I'll return. It's just not the same. I miss the old Johnny's. I miss the old crew. For now, it's 3.5 stars. *Metered street parking or residential.

Came here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night. The place was packed and the vibes were…read moregreat. I would give this place 5 stars except the bar tenders, for some reason were kind of slow. I was standing in front of the bar for what felt like half an hour and had no pineapple juice. Otherwise, really enjoyed the night. Cheers

Nice, chill ambience during a weekday early evening. The decor is dark jungley but the main room…read moregets nice natural light. The cocktails were very unique and decently strong. Grandma's Purse, which features miso-infused Suntory, butterscotch, and 5 spice, was surprisingly savory and not sweet. On the other hand, Wabbit Season, which features carrot, cumin and celery among its ingredients, was surprisingly sweet. Go figure. I enjoyed the novelty of those drinks but I probably would not get them again. I would be interested in trying out some of their other cocktails though.

I love The Arroyo Club! I've been quite a few times and every time, I feel right at home. It's…read moredecorated how I want my future home to look. Dark, forest green everywhere with velvet furniture and greenery hanging down from the ceiling. It's very elegant and chic. My friend and I like to go for their special burger happy hour. We get Impossible burgers and tater tots and just gab for like an hour. Their smash-burgers are so delicious, yum! My husband and I recently tried their grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, too, which we really enjoyed. Very filling. Their cocktail program has some unique flavors, which isn't always my thing. But everything I've had has been outstanding, even their mocktails. I really liked one of the new ones I had recently, which was called something like Grandma's House? I can't remember, but it was spiced and had a star anise as garnish. A bit on the pricier side, but probably because they use premium ingredients and such unique flavors combos. Love the neighborhood bar vibe. It's a welcoming little oasis in the urban jungle of Highland Park.

Wonderful place to grab a drink wit friends. Intimate with great lighting. Wonderful cocktail…read moremenu, would totally come again.

What is it about a bar that you like? I mean you can get cocktails pretty much anywhere. What makes…read morea bar in my opinion is the ambience and the people making and serving your cocktails. Also, I guess it has a lot to do with who goes to that bar. Not as if they were special or anything but their vibe. Only having been to the grant once, I can say that the grant exceeds in all aspects of this. So when you get a chance and you're down for a $17 cocktail slip in sit down and enjoy.

First time here and not disappointed very cool spot and the interior decor is unique and positive…read morevibes! Id definitely come back and grab food from the regular menu and drinks. Service is top-notch. Say hi to Maurice if you drop in! Perfect for a hangout spot with small group, or a complete squad. Music in the background is on point lighting, very relaxing... Have to come and check it out for yourself!

(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

It's Pliny the Younger season and Verdugo Bar came through again! Year after year the team here…read morealways has everything organized and gets through the line quickly and with a smile. Lines were long and the staff moved quickly to get through everyone even with special requests for cocktails. They tapped their first keg of Younger 45 minutes in and didn't skip a beat on moving the line with the next keg. Thank you again Verdugo Bar for an awesome release! Cheers to another year of Pliny the Younger!

I don't think I've read a review where a dive bar is only reviewed for the photo booth! HAHA so…read moreI'll be the first to say that was my only reason for stopping by, I'm on a Photo Booth hunt and found out this place had one. Loveeee that I was able to locate it quick - I got to explore the place a bit and it's definitely a place I'd come back to with friends as well. Seems like it's a place that locals love!

I like to have the choice to sit indoors or outdoors, drinks were good and averagely priced for the…read morearea. I got a glass of wine and felt like the bartender could have given me a LITTLE bit more. Would come again and try the food as I hear it's very good!

Amazing cocktails. I mean top notch. This place is a vibe. Great music. Ambiance. Two patios. Love…read morethe whole thing. Can't wait to go back.

Cool vibes. Although there were lots of people, we were still able to find seats…read more My drink, strawberry something, was delicious. So was my overpriced burger. Street parking if you can find it. Otherwise, there is a parking garage very close by on Union. Will be my daughter there when she comes to visit

I came to this magical little place with my girl friends to celebrate a birthday. Only the three of…read moreus but we wanted a drink to end the night with a vibe. Boy did we win the jackpot! We came in around 6:30. They had just opened but the atmosphere was ready! Dark and moody with candles on the table, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and catch up. Jeremy was our bartender and he was fantastic. Super chill and friendly and made us some amazing drinks based on a few preferences. Our "bartenders choice" drinks were amazing, so much so that our "drink to end the night" turned into two drinks and some appetizers. We ordered taquitos and mozzarella sticks. Overall all three of us ladies loved this place! We definitely plan to be back! Let Jeremy make you a drink - you won't regret it. He makes them custom for you and he definitely knows what he is doing. *they do ask for a password which you can request on their website... but I would do that 24-48 hours before you plan to visit. We didn't have that days password and simply asked the front door.

The vibe of the place is awesome! Beautiful and spacious interior, great for hanging out and…read morecatching up as it wasn't too loud. They had a great food and drink selection, pricey but not outrageous, and it was good quality, so about what you would expect in LA for the price. Small room for karaoke which was cool because it felt like a little private venue that didn't disturb the non-karaoke patrons. I'd definitely come back!

I got the chicken and carnitas tacos - really really good…read more Service was spot on. Place was poppin off and classy. Would definitely recommend dropping by.

I had a genuinely pleasant experience here--both for the palate and visually. I came in for a…read morecompany lunch, and they went the extra mile by printing a special menu just for our team, which really felt like the cherry on top. The space itself strikes a really nice balance: open window areas that let in natural light, paired with a dark wooden interior that gives it a classy yet modern vibe. I could easily see this being a great spot for a date night thanks to the ambiance and the solid variety of food and drinks. I tried the "Anonymous Email" mocktail, and honestly, we couldn't even tell if it was a cocktail or not--it was that well crafted. Definitely a highlight drink if you don't want alcohol early in the day. Food-wise, the whipped feta was a standout and paired perfectly with the fresh, warm za'atar pita. The Brussels sprouts had a great crunch on the outside, though they were a bit too saucy for my taste--but still enjoyable overall. The glazed pork belly was delicious and leaned more Asian than Mediterranean, which added to the restaurant's fusion feel. The chicken schnitzel sandwich was another win: soft, warm bun (likely brioche), crispy chicken, and a flavor profile that starts sweet and savory, then finishes with a subtle spicy kick from the spiced honey. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and would absolutely come back. If you're not into fusion cuisine, this might not be your spot--but if you're open to a Mediterranean-inspired menu with creative twists, great vibes, and well-made drinks, I'd definitely recommend it.

Ambiance is a 20/10 - this place is so so cool inside. It reminds me of a place in the French…read moreQuarter in NOLA. Super stylish, big bar in the center with seating all around. I have only come to sit and eat at the bar, and it seems like most people with tables had reservations so definitely book ahead if that's your jam! The food is tasty, sort of a Mediterranean vibe. The salmon skewers and whipped feta dip are my favorites, I also love their French fries. Is a great spot for a date night - maybe HLP bowl after??

I can't believe I just barely checked out Gold Line. DJ, Producer and founder of Stones Throw…read moreRecords, Peanut Butter Wolf, opened this bar several years ago next to the Stones Throw office to create a space where DJs can pull vinyl from the walls of his vast collection and throw them on the deck for everyone to enjoy. Not only is there a wide variety of music, but they carry an impressive amount of top tier Japanese whisky, bourbon, rye, scotch, gin, mezcal, tequila, vodka, rum and more! They can make just about any cocktail, but they have some great highballs and signature drinks ranging from $14-$20. I tried the Goldliner, Japanese Old Fashioned and Nitro Espresso Martini and they were all delicious and well balanced. The bartenders are all really cool and service was pretty quick. The disco ball in the lounge area, the wall of vinyl and old photos of iconic artists give retro vibes. My friend DJ'd the night I stopped in and played nothing but 45s of classics for 3 hours. Gold Line would be my watering hole if I lived in the area!

Stopped by Gold Line Bar in Highland Park for drinks with some friends and had a fun time overall…read more This place definitely lives up to its reputation as a vinyl-spinning bar -- they had The Black Keys playing on vinyl the night we went, which really added to the atmosphere. The space itself has a really cool, vintage feel with walls of records and dim lighting that makes it feel cozy but lively at the same time. The only downside was how packed it was -- it took a while to get drinks and it was hard to move around at times. That said, the drinks we did get were excellent, well-balanced, and worth the wait. I'd definitely come back, but probably on a less crowded night to really enjoy the music and the vibe.