Sure, there’s Palomino and Napa Valley Grille, but just up the street is a new kid on the block–bringing a more casual and very lively scene to the Village. It’s Glendon Bar and Kitchen, housed in a 1930s-era building with arching high ceilings, exposed brick, a copper bar—and crystal chandeliers.
Long-time Angelenos may remember the spot as the old Moustache Café, but back in the day, way, way back, it was a neighborhood grocery store.
Some eighty years later, one thing hasn’t changed. The focus is still on food. In addition to lunch, dinner and an early and late happy hour, the kitchen is now cooking up a new tapas menu, with some of our favorites being black bean hummus, fried asparagus and the Glendon’s savory calamari. Also on the small stuff menu: delicious baked brie on fig toast, caprese “tar tar” (looks like tuna tartare, but vegetarian–and delicious–through and through), Korean pork belly tacos and whiskey barbecue meatballs. An eclectic wines-by-the-glass list, broken down into categories called First Date, Second Date and Third Date–Lucky You, pairs perfectly with the small plates, and features labels including Piper Sonoma, Vitiano, Evil (try their Cabernet Sauvignon), Louis Jadot, Hook & Ladder, Napa Cellars and 7 Deadly Zins. Yes, that’s just by the glass. The full wine list offers an even wider, more diverse selection.
With its full-service menus for lunch and dinner, where none of the entrees exceeds $26, the Glendon’s bar scene rivals its culinary offerings. Meaning, you can just pop in for drinks without having to plan for a sit-down meal. The bar itself is gorgeous, pure copper, and the bar staff highly attentive. On Saturday nights, live jazz fills the room from the upstairs mezzanine. At other times, the upstairs perch is a chill place to lounge and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
1071 Glendon Ave., Westwood (310) 208-2023 www.theglendonla.com
