THE FEDERAL BAR
NOHO GASTROPUB REVAMPS MENU

I’ve made it no secret that I’m a fan of both the North Hollywood Federal Bar and the Long Beach Federal Bar (for both brunch and dinner). Recently, the popular gastropub, with its two impressive locations, both of which were former bank buildings (the Long Beach space in particular is really beautiful), revamped its menu.

During our recent visit to the original North Hollywood location for dinner, we started with the Drunken Mussels, prepared with cilantro, basil, white wine and served with chive sour dough. This is a great starter item.

While previous favorite dishes have included the Spicy Tuna Tartar, as well as the Fried Brussel Spinach Salad, Mini Stuffed Blue Cheese Burgers, Molten Meatballs, Tots, Ox Tail, and IPA Brasied Short Ribs, this time we opted to try all new dishes.

A new menu item that really hits the spot is the Disco Poutine (poutine is the rage these days), a fine mix of fries topped with braised short rib, Gruyere cheese and a sunny side egg. Bar food doesn’t really get any better.

Another great, hearty dish in the Mac-N-Cheese made with vintage cheddar, chorizo and broccoli. Rich and decadent are apt descriptions for this plate.

White The Federal Bar always has a vast and impressive beer selection, including Allagash Curieux, a favorite of mine, I really wanted to give a couple of the new barrel aged cocktails a try. A sure-fire hit is the Boulevardier, a fine mix of Henry McKenna 10-year single barrel bourbon, Nolly Prat sweet vermouth (instead of Campari apparently), and Luxardo bitters. Fans of the Negroni will love this one.

Likewise, the Pama Piquant Infusion, made with your choice of Tanqueray Gin or Don Julio Silver Tequila (we opted for Don Julio), Pama pomegranate liqueur, infused with fresh cucumber and Serrano peppers, served on the rocks, is a stiff and crowd-pleasing cocktail.

If you ever see the Pork Wings on the menu, it was a special dish during our visit, make sure to get it. These are damn tasty wings—and not tiny at all.

If you’re looking for a healthy dish the Quinoa & Kale Salad, made with roasted pear, grilled grape with lemon thyme dressing is a winner. Add salmon for some protein and you have a great, light and healthy dish. The salad with the salmon is a winner!

For hearty bar food, we loved the Butternut Squash Chorizo pizza, prepared with Gruyere, crispy kale and roasted pepitas. It’s hearty yet light but still manages to be rich and decadent, which is always satisfying in a pizza.

If you’re looking for a real hearty dish for you main entrée, the Rotini Carbonara, made with cherry tomato, 63° egg, bacon, parmesan and basil, is a favorite. The bar recommends pairing this dish with 14 Hands Cabernet.

Both Federal Bars always manage to be the ideal setting to relax, enjoy hearty comfort food and good drinks. These are both solid and favorite neighborhood gems that are actually worth visiting for anyone not in the immediate area.

The Federal Bars are located at 5303 Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood, and 102 Pine Ave in Long Beach.

Story by Jose Martinez

Photos Courtesy of Mark Duttweiler