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The Village Idiot Gastropub / Restaurant

The Village Idiot A modern gastropub and popular neighborhood haunt – not to mention one of the biggest Premier League football bars in the city – The Village Idiot draws an outgoing and loyal crowd of young professionals, soccer fans, and... Los Angeles United States 34.0835891 -118.3509362

3.5 20

The Village Idiot - Gastropub | Restaurant in Los Angeles.

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16 User Reviews

User Reviews (16)

Ratings:

Lucas

Adriana

Jonah

Emma

Party Earth Review A modern gastropub and popular neighborhood haunt – not to mention one of the biggest Premier League football bars in the city – The Village Idiot draws an outgoing and loyal crowd of young professionals... ... read full review

Neighborhood:

Melrose
Address:

7383 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Get Directions

Phone:

323-655-3331
Links:
Official Website

Hours:

M–F 11:30am–2am, Sa–Su 9am–2am
Recommended as:
- Day Spot
- Night Spot

First to review Paul F.

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Party Earth The Village Idiot Review

The Scene

A modern gastropub and popular neighborhood haunt – not to mention one of the biggest Premier League football bars in the city – The Village Idiot draws an outgoing and loyal crowd of young professionals, soccer fans, and...

Melrose, Los Angeles –

High ceilings and expansive windows create an airy and inviting atmosphere where after-work groups and artsy hipsters alike gather to mingle over drinks, while exposed brick and shaded chandeliers provide a touch of comfortable warmth perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Rustic tables and raised booths near the front are generally packed with diners and Melrose people-watchers, but those more interested in beer, wine, and cocktails will want to congregate at the sleek and spacious bar, where chatty bartenders stand ready to walk patrons through the extensive selections of drinks and pub food listed on the chalkboards.

Couples looking for a cozy nook can snuggle up on a banquette in the more intimate back area, while a private room can be reserved for special events.

Although the tightly-packed crowd escalates from laid back to boisterous on any given night, the bar is at its rowdiest on weekend days when soccer fans show up in droves for English Premier League games.

Always busy and usually rambunctious, the versatile Village Idiot is a good bet whether patrons are in the market for a guys’ night out, a hopping singles scene, or just a high-spirited evening at the pub.

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Tip from Lucas:

This is one of the few LA bars that show UEFA’s Champions League games, so get yourself a Boddington’s, check out the hidden flat-screen TVs in the walls, and watch Man U. dominate another game. Goooaaaalllll!

Crowd

Casual and sociable young professionals, soccer fans, neighborhood regulars, internationals, and British expats, mid-20s to 40s.
Entertainment / Music

Pandora radio selections vary each night. Flat-screen TVs for sporting events.
Food / Miscellaneous

Menus feature traditional pub fare, modern comfort food, salads, appetizers, and a traditional English breakfast.
Prices

Breakfast entrées $8–$13, appetizers and salads $7–$15, sandwiches $12–$15, entrées $11–$17, sides $5–$7, desserts $6–$7. Beer $3.50–$15, wine $8+, cocktails $6–$15. Valet $5.50.

What to Wear / Dress Code

Nice casual: T-shirts, jeans, designer casual, after-work attire.
Hot Nights / When to Go

Friday and Saturday nights for the biggest crowds.
Close By

The famous Groundlings Theatre down the street (7307 Melrose Avenue) offers both early and late comedy shows.

Tags:: 30s40sAfter WorkArtistsBar FoodBeerBeer LoversBoisterousBreakfastBritish FoodBurgersCasualDesigner JeansDinnerExpatsFish and ChipsFootball FansHipster StyleInternationalJeans and HeelsJeans and T-ShirtLaid backLocalsLunchMid 20sSandwichesSinglesSmart CasualSports FansSteakTVsValet ParkingYoung Professionals

The Village Idiot User Reviews

Stephanie Krause May 7, 2013 3.0 stars If you're meandering down Melrose... I'm reviewing the Village Idiot solely as a bar as opposed to say, a gastropub, since I haven't had the opportunity to sample any of the food here. First of all, I really like this bar. I live on the west side, so I can't say that Melrose/Weho/Mid-city is my "spot." But I've actually used the Village Idiot as a go-to spot for drinks with several male suitors. You could say I bring all my male suitors here. :) You'll find that the Village Idiot is pretty accommodating to most patrons, meaning 9 out of 10 people can probably have an enjoyable time here. They offer a pretty solid beer and wine list, including some unusual choices. I will admit I can be high maintenance when it comes to food, but I'm pretty easy-going when it comes to bars. However, I know that some people are more particular about their watering holes. But with the Idiot here, I really feel like I could bring my pseudo-hipster friends to mingle knowingly amongst themselves... OR I could come here to grab a craft beer with my snooty gastropub friends... OR I could round up my single girl friends to check out the random smattering of men over a few glasses of wine. Which reminds me, THAT is another thing I like about the Village Idiot - there are usually more guys than girls up in here! +1. It does get loud in here, but it's from the chatter of the happy patrons! You never have to worry about the music drowning out your conversation. You can usually snag a table somewhere. Unless you come in during prime bar hours - then you're on your own. Do people come venture out to the Village Idiot exclusively for dinner? I do not know... but I do think it is a solid bar. Approved!

Amberkaur4 Mar 26, 2013 3.0 stars Exquisite ! I'm not a huge fan of burgers, but the village idiot has one of the best burgers ever. I am very pleased by their quick service. If you're visiting this place for the first time and are not sure of what to order , no need to worry..because the waiters are very helpful and have knowledge about almost all their meals so they will be able to assist you. I think this restaurant is one of the best places for a first date. It's got a great vibe to it and its also entertaining. They have a wide variety of pandora music playing each night. If you're a football fan or soccer can then you would like this place because they've always got the games playing. This place attracts lots of sports fans. Check it out!

Valerie Younan Mar 4, 2013 3.0 stars Unique Joint I came here for a birthday brunch with my best friend and loved it! We happened to be there on SuperBowl Sunday, so they were screening the Puppy Bowl, which I watched for my first time there. It was adorable! We had a great waitress who was very nice and social. We ordered a drink that was a bit pricey, so we shared it. The decor of the place was very unique, but it fit my tastes perfectly. Even the name of the place (which I love) is very unique. The place was moderately large, so we didn't have to wait to be seated.

Kate Kalinowski Feb 19, 2013 4.0 stars A first date favorite When asked on a first date and I am given the option of picking the dinner location I will generally pick The Village Idiot 80% of the time. This trendy, but not too trendy bar/restaurant on the corner of Melrose and Martel has somehow managed to blend male and female preferences into one setting so to ensure a pleasant evening to come. As a female I was immediately impressed by the industrial brewery style interior mixed with an old school pub vibe which can be seen in the wall paper and dim intimate lighting. The draped in ivy exterior is quite lovely as well. The menu itself is on the smaller side, but I always find something I like. Each item is good for sharing as well. An added bonus is that the kitchen uses all fresh market ingredients and thus the menu is consistently changing throughout the seasons. One of my favorite of their seasonal items are their homemade doughnuts, which often only appear during the winter. From my experience it’s the extensive beer selection which draws the men in, that and they are known to show European sports games on their TVs day or night. As a beer drinker myself, I was especially impressed by their extensive knowledge of all the different types of “Mixed Suds” that exist. For those who are not familiar with that title, the most basic example is a “Black and Tan” which is Guinness and the pale ale choice of the bar. I normally order a “Poor Man’s Black Velvet” (known at some bars as “Black Velvet” or “Bruised Pear”), which is Guinness and Cider. Parking in the Melrose Martel area can be a bit tricky due to the neighborhood zone parking, so the restaurant offers a valet service which is nice. However, the one downside to this bar is that it tends to get a bit loud, but the stellar menu options and entertaining people watching makes up for the possibility of having to speak in a slightly higher octave tone. I highly recommend this spot, date or not.

Matthew Bravos Feb 12, 2013 1.0 stars So disappointed First off, I love burgers and I was told this place does pretty good one. Its 12 clams (without cheese) and when it comes it looks very small BUT it does have 2 patties. I asked for medium it came well done, it was way over salted and my bun was cold. It came with a handful of fries that were also over salted. I think they enjoy using that salt shaker as a way to make you thirsty so you buy more beer. The beer selection was alright along with the cocktail selection. The atmosphere was chill but very loud had to yell to hold a conversation with my table. I would go again if it was payday and I was just going to drink or if some soccer game was on that I was interested in. I am giving this a 1 star because of the burger but maybe I had it on an off day.

jtzeng Nov 12, 2012 3.0 stars Post Tattoo Meal I would say that the Village Idiot is one of my favorite places to go on Melrose. I've gone to the Village Idiot twice and the food is pretty delicious. The ambiance is great for conversation and it's a good place to just relax after a long day of walking around, shopping, and checking out tattoo/piercing parlours. The first time I went I had the quiche and then a bread pudding for dessert which just topped off the day perfectly. I've also had the sausage sliders which were more on the oily side for me, but also hit the spot pleasantly.

Sizzle Oct 4, 2012 3.0 stars Great spot for a group gathering or a last minute drop in I had my birthday party here, and I loved it! The atmosphere and decor are really low key and classy (love all that glossy wood). They have these large booths in the back that make a nice, slightly secluded area to have a semi-private gathering. We got there early and had to stake out these tables-- I think if you don't do that, making a reservation might require an actual deposit for a party. They have a large selection of drinks. As the birthday girl, I tried a lot of them. Loved the snakebite, although I think that it might be a hangover in a glass. In short though, Village Idiot is a fun, good-looking spot for a small celebration.

Stacy Fung Oct 3, 2012 3.0 stars Great neighborhood bar Very scene-y now and not exactly my cup of tea anymore. But during less crowded times, it's a great neighborhood gastro pub. They actually have really good food there, not typical bar food. They do serve a fancier version of English pub classics like fish & chips, steak & potato pie but they also have a great variation of small plates like pork belly, squid, brussels sprouts, etc. And their burgers are simply delicious. If you're planning on having an intimate dinner here, I'd definitely go on the early side. Once it gets crowded, a) it's hard to find a table, and b) it's SO loud. They have a ton of beer on draft, lots of wine, and special cocktails. And for the soccer fans, they show Premier League games in real time, so be prepared for the day drinking...

bkmathio Sep 26, 2012 3.0 stars BEST burger, but not the best for talking.. Village Idiot has one of the best burgers I've ever eaten in my life, but it's so insanely loud it's hard to carry on a conversation. Sometimes, it's just nice to eat in silence. :) The drinks are pretty good, prices a little high, but honestly - just go get the burger. The decor is very metro meets hipster chic and I've always enjoyed going with groups, because everyone can mingle around the bar and chat. It's not a great date place. A friend and I went and ended up yelling at each other the whole time. Trust me - just get the burger and you'll be happy dreaming about YOUR review to post!

Southe0321 Sep 25, 2012 3.0 stars Decent place to catch a game There are a couple of things that works very strongly in its favor in my opinion: 1) They are the only one ones to solely show a European soccer match when its telecast which is great as I am sick and tired of going to other sports bars where soccer is relegated to one small screen somewhere in the background while football and basketball is given higher importance so this is a breath of fresh air for a soccer fan like me. 2) Its just a hop, skip and jump away from my work place so its perfect for me when I want to grab a quick drink with the added benefit of a nice ambiance. On the downside the food is highly overpriced and is definitely not worth it as there are loads of other options available on Melrose. Even though the ambiance is nice for date it is definitely not the best place in terms of comfort to watch a match as this place is stuck somewhere between trying to be a cool bar at night and a sports bar during the day which really doesn't work. Overall, the fact that they televise Champions League football and the English Premier League works for me so until then I will pay those extra dollars for that beer and suck it up.

png Sep 20, 2012 4.0 stars Top Notch Burger If you are looking for a quiet place to catch up with a friend or to meet on a first date The Village Idiot is not the place to go. Long waits and a very loud bar and dining room area make it hard to suggest this place as a meeting spot. The venue I give 2 stars. BUT if you are looking for one of the best burgers in LA then do what you can to check this place out. Even with the wait and the noise you won't be disappointed in the high quality beef they put in their burgers. I am always on the hunt for a good burger but when I don't feel like making the effort to search I go by The Village Idiot for a consistently good hunk of flesh.

Aaron Pfeffer Sep 12, 2012 2.0 stars Not Always Sure What It Wants to Be Get there at the wrong time for dinner and you're at a shi**y table with a bar patron's ass inches from your food. Then again, eat in another part of the restaurant you can hear who you're with and the revelers at the bar in the distance make the scene almost appealing. Wouldn't classify the food as good ( British Isles ain't exactly known for the grub), but some of the dishes could at least be considered interesting. When a big soccer game is on it's an awesome place to watch, but they could care less about any other sport. Probably a good thing come to think of it.

SamuelTodd14 Sep 7, 2012 1.0 stars The prices just aren't worth it and the food is ok The Village Idiot is average at best. The Village Idiot is just an overpriced Irish pub trying to be more than it is. They went with a sleek high end look on Melrose Avenue which is full of tattoo parlors and pot shops. What exactly were they thinking? Melrose Avenue requires more of a down and dirty Irish pub. The Village Idiot attempts to be higher end and unfortunately pushes the higher prices to try to support it. The food is simply ok and why do I need to pay several more dollars for a beer than I would at the Darkroom or Melgard or the Parlour? Avoid this place if you're on Melrose.

Len Brown Aug 17, 2012 3.0 stars Far from idiotic Melrose Ave. is practically littered all sorts of places to eat, drink and be merry with whomever you choose but The Village Idiot stands out above the rest. Armed with a great British-inspired food and drink selection, ample seating for dining and a dimly lit lounge-like area in the back, this place has been a favorite for many in the West Hollywood/Mid-City area for quite some time. While there is no happy hour (which comes as a surprise to many), they make up for it with their succinct menu and variety of cocktails. During one of my many visits to this precocious pub, I had the fish & chips, which were delectable, and my favorite, Guiness on tap. It doesn't get more GBR than that and they didn't drop the ball on either which was refreshing. Too many times patrons get suckered into places which claim to have an authentic feel only to be left feeling cheated. The Village Idiot not only fulfills that quirky requirement but you'll feel pretty smart by just making a visit. Oh and did I mention they serve breakfast on the weekends at 10am? Brilliant, I must say.

Paul Feinstein Aug 10, 2012 3.0 stars A little bit of London in LA The Village Idiot is a gastropub on Melrose Avenue that combines great British fare with slow poured tap beers and soccer hooliganism. Walking in, you're immediately hit by massive chalkboards with wine lists and food specials and a spacious open area with dark wooden flooring and plush booths. The food menu is a little limited and everything seems like it's $2-$3 more than it should be, but the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable about the offerings. They have a really great brat on the menu. When to go: They don't do happy hour, so don't bother with post work drinks. Go on a weekend night for a great mix of mid to late 20s young single professionals or on Saturday and Sunday mornings for live screenings of English Premier League soccer matches.

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The Village Idiot Gastropub / Restaurant

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Ratings:

Neighborhood:

Address:

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Phone:

Links:

Hours:

Recommended as:

Party Earth The Village Idiot Review

The Scene

Tip from Lucas:

Crowd

Entertainment / Music

Food / Miscellaneous

Prices

What to Wear / Dress Code

Hot Nights / When to Go

Close By

The Village Idiot User Reviews

Similar Venues

Upcoming Events in Los Angeles

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