Concierge.com's insider take:

What's missing from L.A. nightlife? Cozy neighborhood bars where you can chill out with good suds and decent food without having to line up behind a velvet rope. Laurel Tavern is a much-needed sweet spot that falls between divey pub and scenester club; the sheer novelty of the place has drawn more than a few Hollywoodites from over the hill to the Valley. In addition to 16 regional microbrews on draft and a great selection of old-school sodas (Bubble Up, Dad's Root Beer, Mexican Cola), this airy, exposed-brick joint has a well-equipped kitchen that turns out surprisingly good locavore grub—pork belly skewers, chorizo fondue, hand-cut fries cooked in pork fat. The ordering process is a bit chaotic: Shout what you want to a bartender, then try to score a table.

Open Mondays through Fridays 4 pm to 2 am, Saturdays and Sundays 12 pm to 2 am.