Author: Michael Darling
Sometimes, one does not want to go to another crowded Oxy party and see the same old faces. Conveniently, for those of us over 21 and with money to spend on drinks, there are several bars within walking distance that provide a good alternative. But which one is the best? With the help of a team of drinkers, I sought to find out.The first stop on the drinking tour was Marty’s, located at 5137 York Blvd. Marty’s markets itself as a high class bar.
According to bar’s Web site, it seeks to provide “innovative cuisine, fine wine, selective beer, signature cocktails, and a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.” When our drinking party arrived at Marty’s, it became apparent this was not the case. Instead, we were confronted by a dark room with loud music and waitresses wearing low-cut, midriff-baring shirts. As far as the group could tell, there was no food available and only four beers on tap.
At Marty’s, I ordered a Manhattan, and although the the final product was fine, the bartender admitted he wasn’t sure if he made it correctly. When members of the party requested drinks like the Sidecar and Old Fashioned, the bartender only gave them a quizzical look. The inability of a bartender to make the most basic of cocktails does not bode well for a bar’s quality.
Although Marty’s did serve most drinks in slightly chilled Martini glasses, any drink ordered on the rocks came in a plastic cup like you would receive on an airplane. Marty’s also offered a disappointing back patio area which in reality was just a parking lot. It resembled the backyard of a standard Oxy party house, but with a cabana and a few nice tables and stools. This resemblance was quite frustrating, considering we set off on our local bar crawl to escape the often redundant Oxy off-campus party scene.
Overall, the assembled drinkers were disappointed by Marty’s, and especially the bar’s loud music. It was next to impossible to hear one another, and although the DJ played a good selection of music, as Kaitlyn Rosenberg (junior) said, “nobody was dancing.”
The next stop was The York at 5018 York Blvd. Upon arriving, the drinking party could tell that The York had a friendlier vibe than Marty’s. The front of the building was all windows, and on warmer nights they’re often opened to let the evening air in. The windows were a big hit with the group. “I like being able to look onto the street,” said Margaret Leith (senior).
Although the DJ at The York blasted the music, it didn’t seem loud due to the bar’s size and high ceilings. The bar was well stocked with a dozen beers on tap, plus more in bottles. The bartenders knew the Sidecar and Old Fashioned by name, were able to whip these drinks up without any trouble and served them in the appropriate glassware. “The Old Fashioned at The York was the best I ever had,” said Rosenberg. The Manhattan at The York used Maker’s Mark Bourbon and cost ten dollars. By comparison, Marty’s charged the same but used the cheaper Jack Daniel’s. I found the Maker’s Manhattan superior to the one I had earlier in the night. It was better balanced and also smoother.
Interestingly, The York is a gastropub where the food is just as important as the alcoholic delights. The food was a hit among the drinking team. The mixed green salad with fruit was a highlight, as were the hand cut french fries. All in all, the drinking party enjoyed the experience at the bar. “I like the ambiance better than at Marty’s,” said Jamal Fahim (senior).
The final stop on the bar tour was Johnny’s at 5006 York Blvd. The interior of Johnny’s best resembled a salooon. The ceiling had embossed leather paneling and ceiling fans, and the bar itself looked like it could easily be a Wild West watering hole. Best of all, Johnny’s had a fun atmosphere to it. In the back of the space there was a jukebox loaded with songs providing an eclectic playlist that added to the bar’s fun, “anything goes” atmosphere. There was also a pool table and a small smoking patio in the back, but the real hit with the group was the foosball table located near the bar’s entrance. The party quickly grabbed drinks, gathered around the table and played matches at just 50 cents a game.
The drinks at Johnny’s used cheaper liquors than at the other two bars, but they adjusted their prices accordingly. Their house whiskey for Manhattans was Early Times. This last Manhattan cost me seven dollars, though in the past I have gotten the same drink made with the high quality Jameson whiskey for just a dollar more. However, on the whole the group enjoyed the drinks. Alison Enari (senior) said that her Sex on the Beach “tasted like candy.” The Manhattan was alright, but I have had better. Perhaps if it had used a better whiskey I’d have liked it more.
After an evening of research, the drinking party came to a general agreement about what they thought of the bars. Overall, Marty’s was seen as a disappointment. The best drinks and food were found at The York. However, the most fun vibe was found at Johnny’s. Between the cheap drinks, good music and foosball, Johnny’s had a laid back vibe not found at the other two bars.
Oxy parties are often shockingly repetitive or entirely nonexistant, and the trek to off campus homes, dotted with visions of red plastic cups and Campus Safety cars, quickly loses its appeal. Several of Eagle Rock’s unique bars provide a change of pace and offer an opportunity to mingle with locals and Oxy students alike. Though the local bar scene may not be necessarily glamorous, we definitely enjoyed our time at The York and Johnny’s. Perhaps we’ll see you there?
Special thanks to Weekly photographer Ben Chubak and Weekly reporters Tyler Kearn & Chloe Jenkins-Sleczkowski for their help on this article.
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