Here are three places for meetings over a cold beer in a casual environment.
1. In July, Essex Public House opened in Hollywood with an indoor/outdoor patio—an enclosed room that gives the sense of being outside. The venue offers 19-foot ceilings and a brick floor, and a red neon outline of the venue’s logo hangs on the back wall. Giant chalkboards display the full beverage menu. The main room features a wrought iron bar, high-topped tables and banquettes, black and white tile floors, and old schoolhouse light fixtures. Six flat-screen televisions behind the bar provide additional entertainment when a game is on. The beer list at Essex includes 20 regional brews on tap, more than 20 bottled varieties, and numerous rare and vintage options. The venue is available for buyout and holds 125 for events.
2. Opened in June, West 4th/Jane is a neighborhood pub in Santa Monica with a large selection of beers, wines, and comfort foods. The native New Yorkers who own the venue took inspiration from that city's Corner Bistro, combining New York style with California beach culture. The interior space emphasizes vibrant colors, rich fabrics, and dark woods. Modern art and antique mirrors decorate the rustic yellow walls. The space features a dark wood bar and an upstairs lounge area with leather couches and an old Pac-Man machine. A menu of more than 100 beers includes artisanal bottles like Unibroue, Hitachino, and Duvel alongside common labels like Budweiser, Heineken, and Schlitz. West 4th/Jane is available for buyout.
3. Last year, Laurel Tavern opened in Studio City with chalkboard menus, plank wood floors, ceiling fans, and Edison lights to create a sense of Old World charm. The drink menu includes 16 California beers on tap, a changing wine list, and a full bar. A food menu includes burgers and small plates. Management will consider full buyouts on a case-by-case basis. The venue's capacity is 100.
