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    John Sparr Tavern

    4.4 (343 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    John Sparr Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    JOHN SPARR TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - John Sparr Tavern

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    Our first time at John Sparr
    Suzy B.

    We went back to John Sparr because Carlos recommended the Wednesday fish and chips & he was right. I had a great cocktail of the week and my husband had a beer. We shared the fish and chips and jumbo shrimp cocktail, 5 very large jumbo shrimp and delicious cocktail sauce. Thank you Carlos

    Paper planes
    Samantha E.

    Amazing place! Went there after a movie for some drinks and nosh. The place was small and so cozy. It's had that neighborhood bar feel without feeling like a dive bar. We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. He served us and made polite small talk. He was just great AND makes a phenomenal drink! The drinks were on point. I had the paper plane and oh god was it delicious! I'm still thinking about it! My partner in crime also had a paper plane and then switched to a last word. That was fantastic as well. I had a shrimp Louie and my friend had deviled eggs. Both were really good. The shrimps were plump and not overcooked. I'll definitely be coming back!

    Tiki Cocktail menu
    Steve R.

    We went back for the special Mother's Day Brunch menu today and a What a treat! The food quality is amazing. We love the brunch menu and hope they continue to offer these items on the weekends. The potato galette is crispy and delicious. Of course we love the original Patty Melt! Don't miss the cocktails, either. The bartender is an amazing mixologist!

    Fish sandwich - Extremely tasty.
    Jason K.

    British pub in a strange place in Glendale. Even the people sitting at the bar were right out of central casting. Everything you would expect to see and taste. Very nice outdoor patio for larger groups, but the atmosphere inside would be hard to replicate any place else. The attention to detail at this place is amazing. Someone invested a lot of money. Worth the trip.

    Peppercorn/garlic crusted new York.

    Never had a bad experience at this place. You can come for just drinks or dinner with the family. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

    As of 4/15/25
    Sandy P.

    Nice vibe. Similar to what you'd find in LES of NYC, complete with black and white penny rounds/hexes and a plated copper ceiling. And of course, a curated cocktail menu with an accompanying Happy Hour menu. Great Reuben burger sliders! Would get those again. Decent garlic shoestring fries. Guac & chips started to taste a bit bland after awhile. The taquitos were good but came with a spicy aioli that was more of a sauce. A creamy aioli would've really made the difference. Decent pour on the Guinness. They need to take the Polpette and Croquette off the HH menu as it sounds like they just don't make them anymore. Service was a bit spotty. We were there early for HH so most tables were still empty, but booths were already reserved for the dinner crowd. Had to flag down waiter after the initial order (not new for me as an east coaster) and it's understandable as they're still setting up for dinner service. They also joked with my kids a bit so that was fun. Parking was a bit challenging as there is a no dedicated lot. Small lots (8 spots) shared with as many businesses. A decent sized party room in the back (grieve or take 20 patrons) that's well lit with natural light. M & W bathrooms upstairs. Roomy and clean. Lastly, NO contactless payments here yet, though cc's are accepted. A toss-up between coming back here again and trying out other establishments in the area for a better stocked HH menu.

    French Onion Soup
    G D.

    Best French Onion Soup in Town Hands Down! Melty cheese and delicious flavor! The service is great and the vibes are nice and intimate. Can't wait to try more of their menu. Look they have plenty of great options!

    Happy Hour food menu Dec. 2024
    Rebecca D.

    Still a cozy neighborhood spot. We came here at 4:30pm on a Friday in December to enjoy their happy hour. We hadn't been here since 2021, so it was time to return. Food was great, we had the Reuben sliders (the best), the onion rings (crunchy) and the Buffalo wings (tasty). Our favorite were the sliders and we'd like to try the meatballs next time. Service was great, prices fair - we paid @$60 including tip. Nice place to have nearby.

    Burger
    Lauren A.

    As described, a cozy neighborhood spot yet upscale for a group occasion or date. What I imagine a traditional American bar you might walk into in Glendale in the 50's, with Mai tais and steak Diane, or an old fashioned and a patty melt. The menu has all the heavy hitters and we weren't disappointed. Shepherd's pie was the special and I loved it. Service was great, coffee machine wasn't working but could be an off day.

    Carrot cake

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    3 years ago

    Excellent food and service and ambiance ! It fast became my favorite go to place for lunch and dinner!

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    5 years ago

    Amazing food. Great service. Call for a reservation. We love the duck, the filet, the pork chop and the fish. Can't wait to try more.

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    3 years ago

    Great spot!!! Environment hospitality and service all respectable and easy. Great night all the way around!

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Service team always remembers me and my family, make us feel welcome. Love the food! Enjoy visiting with the owner.

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    5 years ago

    Don't judge by the outside. Excellent service, food, cocktails and did I mention the service was excellent? Fun place.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food and cocktails were delicious. Service was awesome and such a nice and welcoming atmosphere!

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Excellent service. Amazing food. Fabulous atmosphere! Upscale and cozy. Hidden gem in our neighborhood. Can't wait to come back!

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    4 years ago

    We brought our pups here and it's just such a cute place! Drinks and food were amazing! Staff also

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    8 years ago

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    Page 5 of 9

    Ask the Community - John Sparr Tavern

    What time is happy hour?

    Tuesday through Friday 4pm to 6pm

    View All 2 Questions

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    The Famous

    The Famous

    4.3
    (672 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Luxury

    --" .." I truly…read moreenjoy the atmosphere here. The lighting is warm and inviting, and there's so much to admire the moment you walk in. One of my favorite details is the décor above the bar itself. Anthony, one of the owners, is incredible . . Ethan, Maurice, and Rene are some of the best staff members you'll meet . They're , , and treat me with genuine kindness, which makes every visit feel welcoming The Famous is a cozy bar located in Glendale that hosts events, from karaoke nights and sporting events (the most recent being the World Cup) to jazz nights. They also do a job supporting actors and those in the film industry, creating a space where the community can come together s: Don't skip the Mango Sticky Rice cocktail... it's my absolute favorite! The Witch's Brew was delicious as well. Their food has been consistently exquisite, always served fresh and hot. If you're visiting Glendale, this is a -. Thank you for your kindness, Anthony. Here's to many more celebrations! 感謝 @FireLordRia

    (Drank 03/28/26 SA @ 6:00pm): How famous was this bar in Glendale?…read more After a late-afternoon film at the nearby AMC The Americana At Brand 18, my friend and I walked around a bit and eventually found ourselves at The Famous Bar. With the seemingly ever-changing landscape along Brand Blvd. in downtown Glendale, this establishment has been around since 2012 (which I believe was the first and only time I came here). Primarily known for its inventive craft cocktails and a killer whiskey selection, it was a nice place to sneak away into before or after your main event... or, maybe this could be the place to spend an entire evening. Would this bar famously make an impression on me to remember to return in the future!? PURCHASE(S) Fremont Brewing Dark Star Double Oatmeal Imperial Stout Beer 8.00% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00 HH; Reg. $9.00): Dark brown color, coffee oatmeal roasty aroma, medium body, chocolate coffee oatmeal roasty toasty flavor, mouthfeel smooth finish, and coffee oatmeal roasty toasty aftertaste. This was a really tasty brew and my favorite of the two! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=ad_C9YTJYF9lVr2FOEQLkg 12" Margherita Pizza ($20.00 HH; Reg. $26.00): A simple pizza with a somewhat thin crust that was kind of cardboardy, the flavor was rather pedestrian with chewy mozzarella although the basil was fragrant and fresh. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=kdkvUttCLmMOAGQ1nyp5tg Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Danish Red Amber Lager Beer 5.50% ABV 16floz Draft ($5.00 HH; Reg. $8.00): Dark amber red color, malty allspice aroma, low body, malty sweet flavor, clean smooth finish, and malty sweet aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=QQjsTWce5Lstcxj5PowrYw Steak Fries ($7.00 HH; Reg. $9.00): This was an impulse buy as something to pair with my second beer. A decent portion-sized snack, each spud stick was hot, steaming, and thick and came with a side of ketchup. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=GVoy0nzxFUL6rHWaxNdG7Q SERVICE We were warmly greeted by a sole young woman behind the bar who handed us a menu and directed us to sit anywhere. After a few minutes of reviewing the menu, we each placed our order at the bar, our drinks were delivered quickly while the food took mere minutes to arrive at the table. We had to approach the bar each time we ordered something, but any empty glasses and plates were collected at the table. Once we closed out our tabs, we were thanked for coming as we headed out into the night. Everything was chill and easy - thank you! PARKING (Varied; FREE this instance): I parked in the nearby original Glendale Galleria parking structure and simply walked over first to The Americana then to this place. Otherwise, there was limited parking along the main drag of Brand Blvd. and other surrounding side streets, the nearby Glendale Galleria II parking structure, The Americana parking structure that offered validation, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A dark cavernous speakeasy-like place with open space, various tables and couches strewn about, and a large long somewhat decorative bar with an impressive whiskey selection displayed behind it. I appreciated the exposed brick walls which gave it that old-time feel with a few framed pictures hung on them. Minimal natural lighting came through the front doors and windows while minimal electric ceiling lights filled in rest. There was at least one projection TV where we watched the Dodgers game while music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=SomLKsk1KVcemeOCHGOZfg ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL It was nice to slip into The Famous Bar for the first time in over a decade, and if I found myself spending time in downtown Glendale again, I'd consider another visit. Sadly, I try to avoid the highly congested area as much as possible. I loved the fact that they had a daily happy hour (4pm-7pm) and late-night SU-TH happy hours (10:30pm-close), so there was always a deal to be found. The drinks were the main reason you came, while the food was just an add-on. The prices were elevated, but you had a good menu selection of libations (nice local craft beer list) to choose from. The customer service was easy, friendly, and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $42.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

    Photos
    Happy Hour Menu!
    Happy Hour Menu!
    The Famous
    The Famous

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    Oak and Vine

    Oak and Vine

    4.4
    (486 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    From the owners to the staff, the service is exceptional. The food is unbelievably unique,…read moreflavorful, and absolutely delicious. The drinks are just as impressive, thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented--from their signature in-house Love Potion to the wide variety of expertly curated cocktails and beverages. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem in Glendale and is a place everyone should experience at least once. The ambiance is warm, inviting, and elegant, making every visit feel special. To top it all off, they offer an incredible selection of desserts that are just as unforgettable as the rest of the menu. Every aspect of the experience is consistently outstanding and leaves you looking forward to your next visit. Their whiskey selections are amazing.

    Came by for a pre-dinner drink prior to eating at Din Tai Fung. It was 5:30 on a Thursday, and we…read morewere the only people there. I thought that they possibly had a happy hour, but either they stopped it, or they didn't advertise it. I think a happy hour would help draw a bit of a crowd and get more people there. They have a good selection of spirits and a handful of beer on tap. Overall, it was a fine visit for a drink, but was not very memorable or anything that would justify 5 stars. I'll probably try out somewhere different next time before heading to dinner. They have outdoor and indoor seating, and the over ambiance is fine. Not too loud and not too quiet. Service was nothing more than asking what you want to drink and then bringing it to you. No recommendations

    Photos
    Oak and Vine
    Hibiscus Margarita
    Hibiscus Margarita
    Bird on a Wire Cocktail

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    The Lucky Tiki

    The Lucky Tiki

    4.4
    (55 reviews)
    6.7 mi

    The Lucky Tiki in Highland Park is the sister location of the original Lucky Tiki in West…read moreHollywood. This spot opened about a year ago, and has a cool speakeasy style entrance at the Highland Park Bowl bowling alley. It is a small space, and I would highly recommend making a reservation on Resy. You have 90 minutes to drink and dine. I parked behind the bowling alley where there is a medium sized pay parking lot. Park in a space, remember your space number painted on the ground, and go to the pay station at the end of the lot. I found the parking machine to be extremely finicky as did other people. After ten minutes of failure, I ended up moving my car to another space, and then it worked. This has nothing to do with the Lucky Tiki, but FYI if you park there. We walked around to the front of the bowling alley, and checked in. Seating options include at the bar, tiki hut booths, and high top tables. The décor inside is a tiki lovers paradise. The room has a high ceiling with many tiki lamps, floats, puffer fish, tiki huts, thatch, ropes, barrels, netting, carvings, a hanging canoe, and a large tiki right in the middle of the space. In addition to the great décor, when you order certain drinks, special effects are triggered. There was also great tiki music playing all evening. We sat at the bar since we always enjoy talking to the bartenders. We actually ran into Skipper Christian in the parking lot on the way in, and he ended up being our main bartender, with Nick and Jo also working behind the bar. We put in a food order right away. The chicken potstickers ($12) came with five tasty bites, and the garlic teriyaki dipping sauce was good. We also had the giant pretzel ($16) which comes with mustard, beer cheese, and ranch sauces. This was excellent, and the perfect filling snack before a bunch of drinks. My first drink was the Siren's Song (Flor de Cana Eco rum, lemon juice, cassis, Oloroso sherry, apricot foam topper, $19). This drink is served in a great mermaid with skull mug and triggers special sound effects and bubbles fill the air. Those bubbles on top of the drink had a great light citrusy apricot flavor, probably the best flavored bubbles I've ever had. The drink itself was very good and balanced with some complexity. She wasn't sure what to order at first, and Christian asked her what flavors she liked. He ended up making a spin on a Tradewinds with some mango and pineapple to go along with the apricot and coconut. It was nicely balanced and not too sweet, even with all that fruit in there. My second drink was the Sun of Suns (Tierra de Acre mezcal, coconut cream, Giffard mango liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, $17). This was coconut and pineapple forward with some good smokiness in the background. Her second drink was the Whatever Floats Your Boat (Ford's gin, lemon juice, velvet falernum, orgeat, passion fruit syrup, guava soda, topped with hazelnut passion fruit foam, $19). It is served in a cool boat mug, and triggers thunder sound effects and lighted mechanical Polynesian tiki characters paddling a canoe over the bar. This was another good balanced drink. It was a little gin forward and the passion fruit popped out, maybe from being both in the drink and the foam top. That creamy hazelnut passion fruit form on top is delicious. I'd happily have a glass of that on its own. We were still a little hungry so we ordered the Hawaiian pizza (marinara, diced pepperoni, red onion, pineapple chunks, hot capicola ham, $16). It was another good tasting, perfectly sized snack, and the crust was light and airy. We were already fifteen minutes over our time limit, but we got the green light to stay longer to order a third drink to share. We ordered the Tiki Diablo (Flor de Cana Eco rum, Worthy Park 109 rum, Alma Tepecha chile liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, mango syrup, guava soda, $24). This drink serves two people, is served in a cool volcano bowl with glowing red lava around it, and comes with a fire show. Unfortunately, right after it was served, the host came over and said we were over our time and had to leave shortly. Christian made up for it by giving us two tall pours to go enjoy in the bowling alley bar area which was fine. We were happy we got some extra time inside. The drink was also very good, balanced with a little complexity. We had a great time. There is so much great décor to look at. The drinks and food were very good, and some of the the drink presentations and special effects were the icing on the cake. All of the bartenders were very friendly and a lot of fun. We purchased up a few zombie glasses to take home as a souvenir. I'd definitely recommend visiting the Lucky Tiki in Highland Park!

    Adorable speakeasy with a fortune teller as a doorbell…read more Drinks 3/5 Painkiller $18 - This drink comes out with a show as they light a part of it on fire. I didn't fancy the flavor and this is a very popular drink so it stinks up the place every time it gets served to someone. Dark Magic $18 - Objectively not a bad drink but too tart for my partner and I didn't prefer the flavor. Service 5/5 Standard service. Our waitress got us some free shots, very kind. :) Ambiance 4/5 I love the vibes, the darkness, the decor. It's just too stinky and smokey whenever they serve the Painkiller.

    Photos
    Tiki hut booth
    Tiki hut booth
    Sailor at the Bar Entrance
    Sailor at the Bar Entrance
    Hard carved and painted Giant Tiki at Lucky Tiki

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    Hard carved and painted Giant Tiki at Lucky Tiki
    Ombra

    Ombra

    3.8
    (259 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    Ombra at Americana is one of my favorite spots right now. Great vibe, good drinks, and just an…read moreoverall nice place to hang out. The service is what really makes it though--Sergio, Michael, and Roger always go the extra mile. They're super attentive, friendly, and make every visit better. Definitely recommend if you want a chill place with great service

    The pasta was good, indeed. However I'll say this, as a generality... Pasta is not expensive. The…read moremeat sauce could be a tad more expensive. So, $27 for an entree of Pasta seemed a bit overpriced expensive given the portions that could have been amplified at nearly minimal cost to the restaurant. I get it 'tho, rent is high and also strategically if you have small entrees then appetizers and other items would be purchased to get the average order size and revenue up as a smart business strategy. So the only comment I have is about the constructive criticism of the portions to the price. As it stands, it feels like what they served was about a $12-15 plate at most in "comps" value to what you might see at peer competitors, 'tho this is gourmet quality. If they doubled the portions served for $27, I wager they're profit margins won't get hurt on the cost of goods (food and portions) but I'm betting the customer care and satisfaction scores will bring back loyal customers with frequency. The service was friendly and atmosphere was nice with the outdoor seating. There's a sister restaurant, across the way with indoor dining.

    Photos
    Ombra
    Build Your Own Gin and Tonic (mocktail behind)
    Build Your Own Gin and Tonic (mocktail behind)
    Latte

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    Latte

    John Sparr Tavern - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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