Forman's Whiskey Tavern Awards

Forman's Whiskey Tavern Restaurant Review:

About the décor: Plenty of warm-toned wood, a smattering of taxidermy, vintage art and casual hunting lodge chic set the scene at one of Toluca Lake’s livelier spots. The long bar is crowded on Saturdays, and often at happy hour, but after dark a host of candles brings a bit of rustic romance to the surroundings. Later on DJs pick up the pace and a late night weekend crowd comes for the music too. We like the deer-antler selfie backdrop “Whiskey is my spirit animal!”

Likes: Outstanding burgers; good people watching; delicious whiskey drinks.
Dislikes: Order at the bar only.

Food & Drinks: ACME Hospitality Group also owns the Valley’s Laurel Tavern, so it’s not surprising that chef Roger Hayot turns out a first-rate burger here. In fact, it’s hard to choose from the standout hickory burger, loaded with bacon and onion compote and smoked cheddar, or the signature Tavern burger greened up with arugula, avocado and pickled red onion. For bar bites we recommend bacon Brussels sprouts, fish tacos with papaya slaw, and a wood-grilled artichoke with rémoulade. There’s a fine, long whiskey list, and don't miss the whiskey cocktails; we’re partial to the “Ye Olde Rustic” (Forman’s reserve bourbon, strawberries, ginger, honey, lemon, rhubarb bitters and soda), and “The Far East” made with Kikori, lemon, egg white and shishito pepper. There’s plenty of craft beer on tap, and a few select California wines including Qupe and The Prisoner. For dessert, the boozy milkshake is always a hit.