Gastropubs in Los Angeles

5018 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (map)

Run by two former Edendale Grill bartenders, this neighborhood gastropub in Highland Park defines the genre. Over 10 taps, featuring unique offerings like Woodchuck Pear Cider and expected mainstays like Fat Tire and Guinness, combine with nearly 30 different bottled beers. And since that's a lot to swallow on an empty stomach, their gastro offerings include everything from gourmet small plates of shrimp bruschetta to hearty cheddar burgers and beer battered fish and chips.

316 W Second St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

Arr, Matey! Drinkers walk the plank at this Downtown L.A. watering hole featuring a weekday happy hour from 4pm-7pm. The pirate-themed hipster lounge also serves up some tasty grub from both the land and sea, which diners then eat off old alcohol barrels that double as tables.

6360 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Billed as the first gastropub in Hollywood, this new bohemian hangout, adjacent to Arclight's Cinerama Dome, is very much a vintage throwback addition to the artisan suds and grub movement. The massive space is decorated with a hodgepodge of odds and ends, from a comfy leather couch and chairs to grandma-style lamps and secondhand oil paintings. (And let's not forget that stuffed deer head above the fireplace!) For eats, open wide for gourmet seasonal offerings--soups, salads, thin crust pizzas--and hefty burgers that get washed down nicely with one of the 25 beers on their monthly draft beer rotation.

7383 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

This Melrose restaurant's no-reservations policy doesn't stop beer lovers from rushing the ample bar space while they wait. Frat boys, foodies and hipsters have all found a way to coexist in these English pub-inspired environs that feature exposed brick walls and blown up images of the '93 London Riot. We blame the menu for the universal appeal, however; pub burgers, bangers and mash, and fish and chips platters are smartly upscale and, ahem, even tastier than those you might find across the pond.

6268 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Black-tiled walls reminiscent of a New York subway lead the way at this narrow, Big Apple-style bistro near Sunset + Vine. Patrons score seats in one of two booths up front, around the long bar or at the four-top tables that form a straight line toward the back of the narrow eatery; then order drinks--both bottle and draft beers and wines by the glass--from the chalkboard on the wall. Recommended eats include a deliciously sloppy plate of sirloin sliders (3), steamed mussels, and macaroni au gratin.

9531 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Chef-caterer Ben Ford (yes, Harrison's son) adds a casual New American-style bar and grill to the emerging Culver City restaurant scene with this warm, bustling neighborhood haunt. Among the things you can "fill 'er up" with? Fried clams, crispy flattened chicken, vegetarian polenta cakes, and fish and chips. There's a few beers on tap, but their wine list (a one-sheet of offerings by the glass) draws more attention.

1855 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (map)

This dark downtown tavern serves English pub fare and high-end artisan brews under the soaring ceiling of the Toy Factory Lofts. Grab a pint with your mates and relax amongst the shadows, free pool and patrons enjoying authentic Brit favorites like shepherd's pie and unique shrimp and chips.

1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

The original, accept-no-substitutes L.A. gastropub? Perhaps. Some may say it's their gigantic draft beer selection (over 30 choices) that really packs 'em in. We say it?s the blue cheese burger. If you're a fan of a juicy bite, theirs is probably the most mouthwatering. There's no shame in wearing a bib.

1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Santa Monica's cozy yet chic seasonal kitchen offers farmers' market-inspired dishes and boutique wines from around the world. Here, visitors are treated to chill wine bar setting and light dishes, served beneath a jazzy global soundtrack.

1535 N Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

The gaping void in Hollywood for a great neighborhood seafood restaurant and oyster bar gets filled at this Sunset + Vine favorite. The husband and wife duo that own the restaurant have established winners like A.O.C. and Campanile on their resumes, but standout crabcakes (made from a 100-year-old family recipe) make this a winner in its own right for bar hoppers and post-movie diners.