Ale Steamed Mussels with Chewy sourdough garlic mops
Don’t let the name fool you. It may be called the Village Idiot, but this pub in the heart of West Hollywood’s Melrose shopping district is a great dining value and serves some tasty comfort food dishes. Don’t expect world class Michelin cuisine or service, but do expect a boisterous, happening bar scene with a casual, unpretentious L.A. crowd accompanied with casual, tasty bar food. It can get extremely crowded and did I mention….LOUD!, so if you are not quite in the mood for a packed shoulder to shoulder gastro pub scene, I would recommend dropping in for lunch, or an early weeknight dinner.
Rock Shrimp and Scallion Fritters
The Village Idiot does NOT take reservations and parking can be tricky, so definitely valet park ($5.50) and expect a minimum 20 minute wait for a table while you enjoy a nice selection of guinness, or a glass of wine at the bar. I highly recommend the Ale Steamed Mussels with Chewy sourdough garlic mops. This dish definitely seems to be the crowd favorite and a fabulous selection to share with friends and pair with your drink of choice. I also enjoyed sharing the Rock Shrimp and Scallion Fritters with ruby red grapefruit relish and creme fraiche. If you are not watching the calories, and enjoy deep fried, extremely spicy, and mounds of cheese, you will like the Fire Roasted Chile Relleno with summer squash, goat cheese, green tomato salsa, and chipotle cream. The food at The Village Idiot can be both comforting and filling, so I highly recommend ordering several dishes for the table and splitting them. With this option, you get the various flavors, a smorgasbord of a meal, and won’t O.D. on any of the heavier dishes.
The Village Idiot
7383 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323 – 655-3331
Mika- so glad you wrote this up- the mussels are to die for! Can’t wait to go again, yummy food and a great atmosphere:)
Don’t expect world class Michelin cuisine or service, but do expect a boisterous, happening bar scene with a casual, unpretentious L.A. crowd and good-tasting bar food. It can get extremely crowded and did I mention….LOUD!, so if you are not quite in the mood for a packed shoulder to shoulder gastro pub scene, I would recommend dropping in for lunch, or an early weeknight dinner.
What a yummy looking place. Wish they had one of these in Portland.
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Sandy – you will just have to come visit L.A. – the Ale Steamed Mussels are wonderful