Park the diet. Sit wherever you feel comfy. Check out the chalkboard in the back, that's your menu. Saddle up to the bar and place your order. It's Laurel Tavern, your new Gastropub in the Valley which welcomes you back with every visit. Brought to you by the owner of the Library Bar, it's a hip and lively pub where every patron seems to be enjoying themselves exchanging conversation with their neighbor and munching on some delish foodie food.

With exposed brick walls, blue metal chairs, dim lighting, large windows that open to the boulevard and a butcher block table smack in the middle of the room, you will spend a moment admiring its cool and casual setting.

All beers are on tap and chosen by LA's beer sommelier, The Beer Chick. The wine selection is nice and the menu stays within $12. Burrata salad, grilled artichoke, pork belly skewers, chorizo fondue are noteworthy. 1/3 pound burgers are their thing (loved the Laurel Burger, caramelized onions, gruyere and arugula) and are served in a paper lined round cake pan with fries.

Tip: Because this place is such a hit, we STRONGLY recommend making this an afternoon date or thinking about a Mon - Wed night visit as it gets loud when packed.