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    El Criollo Bar & Grill

    4.0 (347 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

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    EL CRIOLLO BAR & GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Casual
    Happy hour specials

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    Pescado Sudado
    David P.

    Amazing lunch today! The Pescado Sudado was wonderful. Great happy hour drinks from opening time!

    Rabo Encendido
    Alejandra G.

    La comida esta, deliciosa! The food here is sooooo delicious! Great service, very friendly, family owned business. The lady who cooks there is amazing, the food tastes like authentic homemade cuban food. I feel the same way I felt as a kid when my mom or grandma would cook homemade Honduran food, except its Cuban, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. My husband and his sister are Cuban and they brought me here to celebrate my getting a new job I wanted, I like the set up inside, very spacious and a nice bar area. The mojito was so tasty and good too! Also the bread, omg the bread, it was fresh and soft and just so yummy. I highly recommend this place! Gracias a la cocinera por la comida, me encanto! I'm absolutely elated

    Vegetariano Frito plate at El Criollo Bar and Grill
    Rocky B.

    Absolutely loved El Criollo! We went on Saturday just as it opened and were greeted by this older woman who I believe might have been one of the owners. Her energy made me feel like I was visiting one of my Tia's. Okay so for food I ordered the Vegetariano Frito which was white rice, beans, yucca and plátano. I also ordered a Mojito. First off..I have not had a Mojito that good in years! So good I ordered a second. My entree was delicious...I mean everything on that place was yummy. The beans were perfectly seasoned. The fried yucca and plantains were crispy but not super greasy. Writing this makes me want to go back right now. It's not a Vegan restaurant but they have Vegan and Vegetarian options so it's a great place that will have something for everyone. Ambiance was nice. I guess they have dancing at night? Might have to come back for that to get my cha cha on. The restaurant is located in a strip mall so it's easy parking.

    Pechuga de Pollo Empanizada
    Daniel L.

    I'm born and raised in Miami, grew up eating a LOT of homemade Cuban food from several families. This restaurant immediately took me back to those authentic meals I grew up with. The service was excellent and the owners did so much to make sure we were taken care of. Best Cuban food in LA hands down.

    Rita H.

    I ordered to go because I was running late for another appointment but the proprietor is the sweetest. The bar has a nice variety and the food looks fresh and delicious. It's in a small space in a strip mall,so it's a little hidden. I love that they bring out tostadas (toasted French bread) and whipped butter. Reminded me of Miami.

    Ropa Vieja
    Angelina S.

    Delicious!! Amazing staff fantastic service and the best flavor! 10/10 La comida fue una delicia el servicio más amigable me sentí como en casa!

    Fricase Pollo and Pollo Criollo with the most amazing Plantains!
    Trina E.

    It was my turn to pick dinner for date night and I picked this place. We both wanted chicken and something not fried or unhealthy and to be honest, I am tired of salads! I had the Fricase de Pollo and bf had the Pollo Criollo. Both plates were delicious and the portions so generous and we needed to go boxes! The chicken on both plates was juicy and very flavorful. This was very good comfort food and we plan on going back soon. Did not have any alcoholic beverages but perhaps some day we will have to try. I almost forgot, the plantains were delicious!!! Our server Alberto was very nice and the service was good. This is not fast food. We will definitely go back here and enjoy another very good Cuban meal. :-)

    Ropa Vieja Old Clothes
    Dilenia A.

    So happy to have found this little gem close to home! Goodbye Porto's, hello to this hidden gem in a strip mall, 10 minutes from home! Have to go and try their Ropa Vieja (traditional Cuban meal) and Moro yum and their croquetas as an appetizer, omg, too good to pass up! And the prices are spot on! Such a cute "momandpop" home restaurant with the traditional food with their cafe con leche, THE BEST!!! Found my home away from home restaurant, can't wait to go back and try the rest of the meals! I'm going to be such a regular there!!!

    2 Pieces Empanadas, pretty petite but really yummy!

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    3 months ago

    I had a delightful lunch here. The ropa vieja was so yummy. Prices are good. If you're craving Cuban food, this spot is perfect.

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    9 months ago

    The best empanadas and cortadito ever. The sauce that comes with the empanadas are amazing

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    9 months ago

    Great food authentic Cuban food reminds me when I was growing up definitely recommended it

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    1 year ago

    Excellent food; excellent handmade margaritas; great latin music at a reasonable listening level.

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    Page 1 of 9

    El Criollo Bar & Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Criollo Bar & Grill

    Is this the criollo that used to be in Van Nuys?

    Same owners, but this is a full bar place

    What days do they have a live band, do they still have it?

    Thank You...very much appreciated..!!!! , are used to go to the original one I believe which was at the intersection of Van Nuys Blvd...but I haven't been to this new spot in Burbank since they've been there, hopefully the food is still just as… 

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    Inkwell Tavern - Roasted Brie Wheel

    Inkwell Tavern

    4.8(326 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Food were not great Service were not great and not helpful…read moreAmbiance were not beautiful and not have a public restroom for the guests

    We found this place last minute to watch the final FIFA World Cup game when we were turned around…read morefrom another spot. Thank god we got turned away because this place is a hidden gem. They do have parking behind the building which seems to fill pretty quickly if they're busy, but it's easy to find parking around the neighborhood. I am not usually in the tavern scene so I was surprised that we had to order and pay at the bar, but it wasn't a big issue. My friend and I split the kale caesar salad and the macaroni and cheese. For the table, I ordered the waffle fries after being informed by the kind waitress that that was the better choice over the pretzel (which she also said was amazing). Since the place was filling up for the final, the kitchen was a bit slow, but we barely noticed with how attentive the staff were in getting us drinks and refills. When it came to food, we were pleasantly surprised with this place and is honestly the reason I'm writing this review. The first things we got were the Beef Tallow Waffle Fries, Caesar Salad, and mac and cheese. Obviously the fries were much better, however the salad was also divine but just swimming in dressing. Back to the fries, we all were mindblown with how tavern fries could be this good and had so many flavors. Even the skinny queens in our group kept snacking on them which tells you how good these were. Mac and cheese came and it was standard and creamy but not necessarily something I'd return for. The surprising thing on top of the fries that majority of us loved was the Vegan Tomato Scampi with shrimp. It was fire and had me questioning if it was even Vegan. Would definitely return here if I find my way back to SoCal from the Bay. Great unassuming place with great food and vibes. Their bathroom as well is super clean and nice! Love this place!

    Photos
    Inkwell Tavern - Interior

    Interior

    Inkwell Tavern - Peruvian Steak Stir Fry

    Peruvian Steak Stir Fry

    Inkwell Tavern - My Whodunnit Mocktail - lime, ginger, spicy agave, and soda - spicy and refreshing!

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    My Whodunnit Mocktail - lime, ginger, spicy agave, and soda - spicy and refreshing!

    Magnolia Corner - Cobb Salad with grilled chicken - excellent

    Magnolia Corner

    4.4(147 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    We've gotten takeout from here a few times - I'm a sucker for Cobb salads - but this time we…read moredecided to come in and eat there. For a Sunday, it was pretty mellow, which I love. Our waitress was nice and attentive at the right time. We got a Cobb salad and a chicken plate. Their chicken quality is soooo good. The Cobb salad has all the right amount of toppings and they mix in the dressing, much appreciated! Every bite has the dressing on it. I sub for blue cheese dressing, and it has a hint of mint that is perfect to balance out the heaviness of the egg, bacon and cheese crumbles. I also add crispy chicken. The chicken plate with hummus and pita is also really good. It's a thin slice of chicken, cooked just right. Their fries are crispy and flavorful. Their portions are big, so it's good to share. They have a ni outdoor patio too. Music they were playing was a good mix and not too loud. Enough to be able to hear it, but still have a conversation. Overall, recommend this place for lunch!

    It has a Western curb appeal with saloon doors that greet you from the sidewalk…read more Interior reminds you of a standard bar with a cozy outside space with cafe lights, TV and games in the back. We didn't grab food but we did grab a few cocktails for a Friday after work adventure. The drinks had fun play on words for names and were charming in their own way. A good local, neighbor friendly bar not too far from the studio tours if you are looking to get off the beaten path.

    Photos
    Magnolia Corner - Bar

    Bar

    Magnolia Corner - Flatbread - so good!

    Flatbread - so good!

    Magnolia Corner - I Got A Feeling (left), Drunk on You (m), Bottoms Up (right)

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    I Got A Feeling (left), Drunk on You (m), Bottoms Up (right)

    GuildHall - Sweet Potato Tater Tots (super spicy sauce) IG: @ammysalamii

    GuildHall

    4.6(335 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Ya'll, this here is a gem! You go in and there's none of that pretentious bs. Don't got to worry…read moreabout others judging you. Everyone is literally there to have a good time, doing their own thing. Like I want to say, this is a safe place (?) I don't think I've ever used those words to describe a bar before! There's an entire wall of board games for you to choose from. We played about 3 or 4 games? And each one had all the pieces, amazingly! This just goes to show you that the people that visit this establishment respect and care for the games, which is a reflection on the clientele itself. And of course, you're welcome to bring your own game as well. We got there a bit after opening so we were able to get one of the multi seater tables. When we left at 3PM, the place was packed! The bar seats were all taken and the outside seating was pretty filled too. So be sure to get here early if you're looking for a table. Got an order of the chicken tenders and sweet potato tots. The chicken tenders was alright. But the sweet potato tots were delicious! We also ordered drinks. The food didn't take long and the staff was friendly. Parking is strictly street parking. So don't go parking at the KFC lot next door. Honestly, this place is great! Check it out if you're looking for a spot to chill and hang out! Good people and good vibes all around!

    Came here for silent book night, we had the whole back to ourselves. Coming in the bar, I loved it!…read moreIt's such a nerd palace. Plenty of board games to choose from, many people playing card trading card games. I ordered the Final Zestination (clever word play) I love that their drinks have a play on words. I love vodka and lemon together, this was so yummy! I also ordered garlic fries I would rate this a 8/10 The drinks come up as you order and the bartender was quick but efficient . The only downside is parking, there isn't a parking lot. We parked on the neighborhood street. Overall I will come back! I recently got into MTG so I need to be back to play that!

    Photos
    GuildHall - Game Shelf

    Game Shelf

    GuildHall - Smash burger with house chips and side of burger sauce (seriously the best food item here) IG: @ammysalamii

    Smash burger with house chips and side of burger sauce (seriously the best food item here) IG: @ammysalamii

    GuildHall - Animal Crossing themed collab IG: @ammysalamii

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    Animal Crossing themed collab IG: @ammysalamii

    The Rendition Room - Left: Magic Carpet Rye Right: Marilyn

    The Rendition Room

    4.7(684 reviews)
    4.0 miStudio City
    $$

    We've been coming to The Rendition Room for years, whether for work events or date nights, and…read morebecoming members nearly three years ago was one of the easiest decisions we've made. It's become so much more than just one of our favorite bars and every visit reminds us why we keep coming back. The biggest reason, though, is the people. Hospitality is something that's hard to fake, and the team here does it effortlessly. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted like an old friend. Over the years, the staff has created an environment that feels welcoming, comfortable, and genuinely personal, and that's something that's become increasingly rare. Matt, Sabrina, and the entire team are all such gems. Scott also deserves special recognition. He's a huge part of what makes The Rendition Room such a special place. Whether he's introducing a new cocktail, sharing the story behind a spirit, or simply taking the time to check in, his passion and care for every guest shine through. It's people like Scott who transform a great bar into a place you truly feel connected to. On our most recent visit, we tried the new Decade & Debauchery cocktail, celebrating The Rendition Room's 10 year anniversary, and it's phenomenal. Balanced, and beautifully executed. In a city full of great bars, they have managed to create something much harder to find, a sense of community. After all these years, it still feels just as special as the first time we walked in.

    The food was excellent the best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever had the mushroom risotto was very…read morecreamy and if you like mushrooms it's the way to go. The Ambiance was very authentic quite enough to have a conversation. Scott are barkeep was very attentive funny awesome to talk with. he made one hell of a drink. Scott's Service was excellent and there was great crafted alcohol.

    Photos
    The Rendition Room - The Room 1

    The Room 1

    The Rendition Room - The beautiful bar. A work of art

    The beautiful bar. A work of art

    The Rendition Room - The bar

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    The bar

    Kalaveras

    Kalaveras

    3.9(430 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    My boyfriend and I came here to watch a World Cup match and were some of the first customers…read moreinside! We were immediately struck by how cool the decor is! Employees were super friendly and we were excited that they were showing the telemundo World Cup coverage. The menu was great. We split the carnitas plate and got Long Island iced tea. The brought out complimentary chips and salsa as well. The salsa was so good! The carnitas plate was awesome. It came with rice and beans and plantains. It was perfect for us to split. If we were still hungry, we already had planned on ordering à la carte tacos, but the plate was perfect. We were pleased. The menu was great, food was good, drink was good, and we had a nice time! I'll definitely come back!

    WARNING: Not all Kalavera's are the same! I've been to many locations from silver lake, Santa…read moreMonica, marina, puente hills, and this location is the worst by far. Completely different menu. Food was beyond sub par you can make the food at home and would taste better! Save your money. Everything we had from two orders of "taquitos", "esquite", quesadillas and a blood orange mojito. The only thing with a bit of flavor was the esquite, but again to pay for roasted corn on the cob with just mayo and cheese? For $13 ? NEVER AGAIN. I have a problem with the way they name their items which is a bit misleading. For example, they have an item called taquitos, meaning you would expect a rolled fried taquitos. What came was tacos dorados so why is it named taquitos? They DID write on the menu that it's fried tacos..but again why are they not just calling it TACOS DORADOS? Same with esquite typically esquites are corn off the cob but this was on the COBB and yes it was described on the menu as on the Cobb but again why not call it ELOTE instead of esquite. Clearly this is semantics but just frustrating. If you want authentic Mexican food there is a Don Cuco's around the block that is WAY better than this place. They are at a different tier than this Kalavera's location. If you're a drinker perhaps that would make the food taste better...so disappointed and a waste of money!

    Photos
    Kalaveras - Inside of the restaurant

    Inside of the restaurant

    Kalaveras
    Kalaveras - This is what I believe is called "the flight". It is a Margarita sampler.

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    This is what I believe is called "the flight". It is a Margarita sampler.

    El Criollo Bar & Grill - cuban - Updated September 2026

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