ONLINE EDITION!
PRINT
DIGITAL
EAT, DRINK & PLAY   -   GET OUT OF TOWN
Get Out of Town!
In Burbank, Maybe Everyone Does Know Your Name
July, 2008 - Issue #45
OK, so they don't know my name at Burbank Bar & Grille. But like Cheers, it's a place where you can feel comfortable.

BB&G occupies the top floor of a building overlooking the corner of Olive and San Fernando in Downtown Burbank. So if you're feeling spry, you can climb the stairs, but if you want to enter in a more leisurely fashion, you can take the lift.

We weren't in any hurry on a recent Saturday night, so we ascended the easy way. Upon arriving, we found ourselves in a lively room dominated by the centrally-located bar. Though the place wasn't packed, it was busy, and our prospects for a quiet, out-of-the-way table didn't look good.

But I didn't need to worry. When asked, the host happily led us to an overstuffed booth just around the corner from the bar. Our server, Michael, stopped for our drink order and within moments we were sipping the house merlot and a cold Newcastle from the tap while taking in the comfortable surroundings.

I assume there are windows overlooking the streets below, but they are covered in dark plantation shutters, which block out any outside light. Small, recessed lights shine down from the imprinted tin ceiling panels, creating a cozy, dimly lit setting. The worn brick walls are hung with vintage black and white aerial photographs of Burbank's early days, and juxtaposed with flat screen monitors that display the sporting event du jour. A sizeable stage, complete with show lighting, a disco ball and a dance floor take up one corner of the room. BB&G hosts live music every night, either on the stage or out on the patio.

We took our time perusing the menu. Its offerings of steaks, seafood, pizza, pasta and salads are fairly conventional, but it offers some surprises, too. You'd expect to find a sausage pizza on the menu, but how about Chorizo sausage? It's on the Baja Style pizza that also comes with fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, jalapenos, onions, tri-colored peppers, and marinara sauce that promises an extra kick. The Honey Chicken Brie offers a break from the typical grilled chicken sandwich. They use a honey glaze on a char-grilled chicken breast, top it with brie and serve it on a wheat bun.

April and I were both in a pasta mood. She opted for the Chicken Parmesan, which was lightly breaded and moist, and I went with a modified version of their Pine Nut Pesto Pasta with Chicken. I subbed the usual penne for linguini and skipped the mushrooms. The result was a pleasing blend of sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil topped by a grilled chicken breast.

Michael stopped by periodically to check on us, and he chatted up the surrounding tables, flattering women when asking for ID, and explaining that his friendly Southern accent came from growing up in Tennessee near Dolly Parton's hometown.

I was well on my way to finishing the heaping portion of pasta when I remembered getting a glimpse of the dessert menu earlier. That prompted me to ask Michael for a box, and a rundown of the sweet treats offered.

April was craving apple pie. Assured by Michael that it was made fresh on site with a crumbly top, she placed our order. It arrived warm, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. As good as it was, it was still too big to finish.

Apple pie is, of course, the ultimate comfort food, so it is fitting that it should be the featured dessert item at an eatery where you can truly be comfortable.

Eric Harnish lives in Newhall.

Burbank Bar & Grille
112 N. San Fernando Boulevard in Burbank 818-848-9611

Getting There
Head south on Interstate 5. Exit Verdugo Avenue. Left on Front Street, which becomes Verdugo Avenue. Left on San Fernando Road. Burbank Bar & Grille is on the corner of Olive and San Fernando. Continue to Orange Grove Avenue and turn right to park in structure.
EMAIL SIGNUP
- What is the sum of 8 + 9?
This is a required value
to protect against spam
community events
08
01
16
23
04
13