Westside Tavern (Los Angeles - West Los Angeles)

I give this place a solid 4 stars – not a 3.5, not a 4.5, but a 4.  I
rarely find a place that I feel is completely deserving of a rating
based on just 5  options.  Most places are "tweeners" – not a 2 or 3,
but a 2.5, not a 3 or 4, but a 3.5, etc.  Westside Tavern is a 4.

Pros:  Food – I had the CHEESEBURGER and it’s really good.  Mine
           came cooked to my liking.  The Burger had a good char on it
           and it was juicy.  I would like to see some bacon added to it
           though.  The only negative comment I have, is that it needed
           more seasoning.  I also tasted the GRILLED CHICKEN &
           AVOCADO CLUB.  As simple a sandwich as this is, it was
           really good with the crusty bread it was made with.  I wanna
           say the bread was slathered with butter and slightly pressed to
           give it the extra flavor and crunchiness but I can’t be sure.  All I
           know is, that’s the texture and flavor profile I got from biting into
           it.  The only appetizer I have tried is the Lightly FRIED GREEN
           BEANS.  They are plentiful for sharing and probably enough to
           fill one person.  They are served with a Lemon Aioli.  I can have
           this dish while throwing back a few beers and not even think
           once to myself that I’m eating Green Beans.  

           Cocktails & Beer – I only had 2 but both were good.  As per our
           server’s recommendation, I went with a cocktail not yet on the
           cocktail menu.  Described to us as being similar to their White
           Peach Basil Gimlet, this concoction was a BLOOD ORANGE
           SAGE GIMLET.  Very good cocktail with a light frothiness.  The
           other one I tried was pretty decent and CAN be found on the
           menu.  While not spectacular, the GRAPEFRUIT RICKEY was
           good.  As far as Beer goes, I only tried  the HEAVENLY HEFFE
           and it was refreshing as always.  Their Beer Selection is good
           and almost exclusively local or in-state.

            Service – We were waited on primarily by Ray.  Nice fellow and
            better service yet.  That goes for the entire staff, actually.  

            Parking –  Abundant FREE PARKING underground.  I wouldn’t
            bother trying to find parking in the first level.  As a matter of
            fact, you’ll find parking faster on the lowest levels and close to
            the escalators to boot!  I really hope this tidbit doesn’t come
            back to bite me in the @*#  when I return and try to find parking
            in the lower levels.

            Ambiance –  Really nice looking inside.  Dim lighting but not
            so dark that you need to hold the candle on the table, up to the
            menu or illuminate the menu by using your cellphone
            (ahem….The Yardhouse).  They have a bunch of booths and
            good spacing between the rest of the tables so you have
            privacy o’plenty.  

Cons:  Price – While the food is really good, I’d have to say that some
            of  the dishes are also a couple of bucks OVERPRICED.  $16  
            for a Sandwich??  C’mon.
             
             Chips – I went with the chips rather than the fries when I
             ordered my Hamburger.  I found them very lackluster – just
             bland.
             

Will I return?  Yes.  Great place for drinks and a bite to eat before or after a flick.

 Grapefruit Rickey (Left) -Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Lime, Grapefruit Juices & Club Soda.  Blood Orange Sage Gimlet (Right) – Pressed Sage, Blood Orange Juice, Dry Gin, Lime Juice & Pasteurized Egg White.

Lightly Fried Blue Lake Green Beans w/ Lemon Aioli.

 

Fresh Ground Cheeseburger – Tillamook Cheddar, Caramelized Onions & Rocket on Egg Bun.

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Club – Bacon, Tomato & Roasted Garlic Aioli on Sourdough.