-thumb-110x110-455795.jpg)
Build Your Own BBQ for Under 10 Bucks!
Zenyatta Makes "Her"Story
Pixies 'Doolittle' @ The Palladium 11/4/09
Stadium to the Sea: LA Marathon Releases 2010 Course Map
The Bravery @ the Wiltern 11/05/09
There is a serious water (-ing hole) shortage in Northeast LA. Despite their hipster enclave status, I’m always surprised that there aren’t more places to drink in thriving cultural hotspots like Eagle Rock and Highland Park. The recently opened York on York attempts to correct the problem.
The “neighborhood gastropub” is located about halfway between Figueroa and Eagle Rock Blvd. in the increasingly popular small stretch of York that also includes Johnny’s, Marty’s, and Highland Park Billiards. Last Saturday night, the bar was so crowded, people were lined up three deep to order a drink.
A quick once-over of the décor seems to verify that the owners intend this to be a more upscale establishment than The Wild Hare - the bar that used to inhabit the same spot. High, high ceilings, hanging exposed light-bulbs, and dark brick walls will have some people screaming about gentrification, but you probably won’t be able to hear them over the din of dressed-up locals shouting their drink orders.
more review and photos after the jump
Despite the hectic atmosphere, the bartenders are surprisingly attentive. The Martini’s are nice and strong. The beer selection is inspired. For a reasonable price, you can order Craftsman Lager and Kronenberg 1664 on tap, or giant bottles of Delerium Tremens and Hobgoblin dark English ale. Giant chalkboard menus tell us that we can dine on Gem Lettuce with Beets, Fried Goat Cheese, Herbs and Radish, or, if we’re hungrier, a Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwich with Mustard Aioli, Gruyere, Ham, and Pickle.
Huge open windows border the length of the entrance, and make it so you can sit facing the street and feel like you’re outdoors; a nice touch, especially on a hot summer night. Outside, the sidewalk is buzzing with activity. Tamale vendors feed the parade of locals, and musicians busk for change.
For my money, I imagine the bar would be a great stop earlier in the evening, or on a weekday, when it isn’t so crowded. One thing’s for sure, it confirms that there is a serious dearth of drinking establishments in this neck of the woods. York on York isn’t going to solve the problem, but it will put a classy dent in it.
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
Wow, I surely miss the Wild Hare.
I love that you used the verb "busk". You rock!
we popped in last tuesday night on way back from LAX for late night nosh. not that crowded. slid up to the bar and grabbed a stool..... and waited, and waited, and waited some more.....
finally got a servers attention and tried to order a cheesburger. guy says "I think we stopped making them" and he heads back to the kitchen. we make executive decision to relocate to Marty's for Kobe beef burger instead and when we track down dude to tell him we are leaving, he gets indignant and says the kitchen has already started to make it. oh well.
so off to Martys where Seco takes good care of us with prompt service and no attitude ... and one damn fine burger ($9) with extended happy hour on tuesday nights.
Look, I am not knocking the York. Looks like a nice spot with good beers but the service was truly lacking that particular night while Marty's was A+. Since it was our first trip to both places all I can say is Marty's 1, York 0.
had a similar experience as the guy above. Went mid week and was basically ignored for about 10 minutes at the bar. wasn't too crowded...oh well. I agree with the review that the north east is in need of some good bars, and they did a great job with the remodel, let's hope they pick up the service a bit, because marty's is always good.
I liked the Wild Hare much better, it was less pretentious and comfortable. Johnnies, two doors to the west is a much better spot. Martys two blocks to the east is even worst than York. Overall I find these new bars discusting. You can also add Little Cave (on Fig) and The Chalet (on Colorado) to the list of cheesy, over-decorated, over-priced yuppy bars.
You can find me at Mr.T's Bowl before 9.
-the rev dak
Various friends and I have gotten unnecessary attitude from the fathead bouncers at Little Cave. I don't know what makes them think their shitty bar is so cool. They think they're in Hollywood or something. Totally overrated. I'd much rather go to Mr T's or Footsie's.
Wild Hare was a good place to go when they first opened but I think the place got sold right away to some sketchy lady and things went downhill from there.