Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar Restaurant Review:

Chris Simms of the Simms restaurateur family (Simmzy’s, Tin Roof Bistro) created this large tavern as an ode to his favorite vacation town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While the sun may be shining more often in Torrance than Jackson Hole, the restaurant and brewery provides a cozy setting for families, business meetings or watching a game at the wraparound bar. Chicken lettuce cups with peanuts, cilantro and a sweet sesame soy sauce are a lighter starter, while a much richer alternative is the loaded potato hush puppies, filled with bacon, cheddar and onions before being deep-fried and topped with a spicy aïoli. Sandwiches, burgers and pastas are available, but surprisingly elevated preparations of unexpected entrées should be sampled. Tender lamb shank is served with red wine-thyme gravy, and a boneless chicken breast is complemented by a spicy North African harissa sauce and plated on a bed of minted couscous. The warm skillet brownie or homemade apple cobbler are both dense and filling enough after a few bites. There is a rather large selection of wines and specialty cocktails, but the homemade beers are fun to try. Brunch features a hangover burrito and wild huckleberry pancakes.