Looking for a place to relax, quaff a delicious drink or cold brew, and eat something simple but beautifully made? Then bend an elbow at the Elbow Room.
There are flat screen TVs, sports, an open front room, a view into the kitchen, and a patio in back. The bar is white marble, and reminiscent of a bar top you’d see at a Paris cafe, or an iconic hangout in New York City that’s been around for years. That’s no accident: the bar has purposely gone for a look that’s more east coast than west: a local’s spot that even calls itself #TheNewLocals.
Hash tag all you want: it’s a fun, friendly spot with attentive bartenders and a chef who knows his way around a pizza.
We enjoyed an entire afternoon trying drinks such as the Frose – essentially an adult slurpee with rose wine and finely crushed ice, or what the menu terms “God’s gift to your mouth.” We were indulging on a hot day in Hollywood, and have to agree the tag line is pretty accurate.
My partner tried the Tropic Thunder, mescal, pineapple honey, simple syrup and basil oil. Sweet without being cloying and strong without being overpowering: it was a hit, too.
The Big Texan made with bourbon, grapefuit juice and simple syrup was my choice, a lovely mix that had just the right citrus edge.
Spice lovers will absolutely enjoy the Angry Ginger, japapeno-infused vodka exudes hot, but is tempered well with strawberries, agave and ginger beer. For those in search of a lighter drink, the Aperol Spritz might be the key, aperol, club soda, and an orange twist.
Bartender Justin Paul couldn’t have done better: great choices to taste, fast and friendly service, and clearly a great fan of other guests, too.
Beer-lovers can find choices on draft and in bottles and cans.
So what did we eat with our drinks? — do note that the reverse could apply; while the look of Elbow Room is comfortable bar with food, it could easily be described as a gastropub with exceptional drinks.
Possibly my favorite item on the menu were the Veggie Balls. Quinoa “meatballs” with goat cheese in a perfectly balanced marinara. We could’ve definitely consumed more than one bowl of these “bites.”
The Argula salad was a terrific mix of arugula, pine nuts, diced tomato, and a lemon vinaigrette topped with shaved Romano. Prosciutto is a standard part of the dish that we opted out of, either way its a wonderful mix of flavors and freshness.
The Lee-siana Shrimp – named for Elbow Room co-owner Lee Walker – is succulent shrimp sautted in Lousiana Lemon Rosemary Butter. Not entirely sure where the Lousiana monnicker comes from, but origin is beside the point – it’s great.
Elbow Room may be best known for their pizza – we had the perfectly crisp thin crust cheese – but there are plenty of other pies to choose from, whether it’s the OG cheesy pepperoni or the Caicio Pepe, a wonderfully gooey mix of ricotta, Bechamel, mozzarella cheese, black pepper, topped with romano cheese. There is a gluten-free cheese pizza, too.
Best of all, you can order pizzas whole or by the slice, the latter being a great option if you’re stopping in for a quick drink and snack after work or catching a film.
While we were delighted with our choices, you don’t have to follow our lead. Try garlic fries, paninis – a.k.a. “Sandies” such as the A Train made with marinated chicken, red onion, feta, arugula, sundried tomatoes, pesto spread and aioli – which looked appealing on another diner’s table; or go for the rich truffle mac n’ cheese, roasted shishito peppers, a selection of flatbreads, or smoked mozzarella.
And if you have any room left, go for the Peanut Butter Pie a desert that morphs a must-be-shared combination of peanut butter cups, crushed peanuts, and peanut butter on an oreo crust.
And if you’re looking for an excuse to stop on by, a generous happy hour happens 7 days a week with specials like $4 select beers, $7 well drinks, and $8 specialty cocktails, or winning combos like an $8 Peroni with a slice, or a $10 Mule or Aperol Spritz with a slice.
In short, if you’re a Hollywood local – or you just want to feel like one – get your elbows ready.
1634 Cahuenga Blvd.
(323) 645-7119
Dine in/take out/delivery options
- Genie Davis; photos: Jack Burke, supplemental evening shots provided by Elbow Room
