Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern Awards

Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: These days, many restaurants seem to dedicate as much space to the bar as to the dining room. Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern is no exception, which is appropriate, given its extensive list of whiskies (some rare). However, even if you just come for a handcrafted cocktail, you'll probably end up indulging in some bites. The décor is so funky and playful as to invite a long stay amid the joyful ambience. Part of the building's exterior resembles a large camera --- an architectural remnant of a former tenant --- whose lens now houses a double-sided aquarium that's visible both inside and from the street. In the bar, a black and white sketch extending from the ceiling to part of the walls will keep your eyes occupied. The dining area is delimited by two Greek columns and features a tall tree in the middle of the room, as well as a golden chandelier, disparate furniture, rock star posters and a life-sized alligator looming over patrons seated near the wood-burning pizza oven.

Food & Drinks: Such whimsical décor calls for a bill of fare that's just as eclectic. Spare Tire encompasses the LA food scene on the gastropub menu, which ranges from snacks (pork belly lollipops, lamb meatballs) to vegetarian dishes (grilled asparagus, farro salad) to burgers and crispy pizzas (try the one topped with hanger steak, chimichurri, fresno chiles, pickled red onions and cilantro) to steaks. Desserts might include chocolate mousse.