Dive Bars and Hidden Gems in Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks has a handful of places that don't advertise much and don't need to. Regulars find them, stick around, and tell a friend or two. Here's where the locals actually go.
Mr. Furley's Bar (14649 Ventura Blvd) is a neighborhood pub with a long bar, specialty cocktails, craft beer, and a daily happy hour that keeps the tab reasonable. It's easy to drop into without a plan, which is most of the point. Pineapple Hill Saloon and Grill (4454 Van Nuys Blvd) is dim, old-fashioned, and genuinely unhurried, with a fireplace and straightforward American food that doesn't try too hard. Regulars clearly like it, and they take reservations if you want to make a night of it. The Oaks Tavern (13625 Moorpark St) is a relaxed bar on Moorpark with craft beers on tap, cocktails, and a regular schedule of live performances and live-band karaoke. It's the kind of place you go to actually hang out.
Beyond the bars, a few low-key spots are worth knowing. Deli Mex (14446 Magnolia Blvd) is a no-frills Mexican diner running breakfast and lunch with burritos, tortas, and housemade juices. The prices are low and the ratings are high, which usually tells you something. Jinky's Cafe (14120 Ventura Blvd) has been a reliable breakfast and brunch spot for locals, known for Southwestern-influenced dishes and smoothies, with patio seating and takeout available. The Joint Eatery (13718 Ventura Blvd) is one of the more enthusiastically reviewed coffee shops in the neighborhood, with a loyal following that keeps coming back. Takeout and delivery are both available.
For dessert, two strip-mall spots punch above their weight. Sonny's Amazing Italian Ices and Cremes (15030 Ventura Blvd) makes small-batch ice cream and Italian ices in a rotating variety of flavors, and the people who find it tend to love it. Humphrey Yogart (4520 Van Nuys Blvd) is a long-running fro-yo shop on Van Nuys with a generous toppings setup and a menu that also covers snacks, sandwiches, and salads. Both are inexpensive, low-key, and worth the stop.