 The Federal Bar Restaurant Review: This stylish gastropub is one of NoHo’s most appealing spots, nestled in the arts district in an historic 1926 former Federal Bank building. The unpretentious crowd is an organic mix of hip neighborhood locals and relaxed industry types sans Hollywood attitude. Rocking fans join later for the upstairs live music scene (the bar is part of the Knitting Factory group). Prohibition era décor of stamped copper ceilings, Deco fixtures and an inviting wood bar wraps around the restaurant’s two ambient dining rooms. Small plates include tender barbecued pork belly skewers, plump sangría mussels in a tropical broth, and meaty cayenne hot wings. For mains, consider a savory IPA-braised short rib topped with melted leeks on a satin bed of whipped parsnips. Our destination dish here is the lamb meatloaf, offering a synchronicity of flavors playing off Moroccan tomato jam, mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. Grand Marnier and pecan bread pudding or a spicy chocolate milkshake nicely ends a meal. The bar features two dozen American craft beers on tap, ranging from California’s Napa Smith to upstate New York's Ommegang; the wine list follows a similar local bent with boutique California wines. In keeping with the history of the place, there’s also a well-crafted cocktail list.
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The Federal Bar Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013
| Top 10 LA Gastropub Restaurants
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
