Pickwicks Pub is the Local Hotspot in Woodland Hills
Pickwicks first opened its doors to the public in 1974 and it has been a San Fernando Valley landmark ever since. The Pub has changed hands a few times but is now back in the hands of previous ownership that brought it to its peak. Due to a tragic fire in 2005, the pub was unfourtunatley burned to the ground and had to close its door for the first time in 30 years. The land owners and previous pub owners took back the decimated landmark and started the long process of rebuilding. Craig and Lizz Holman, along with their children Robert, Kim, and Chris, spent countless hours doing the physical labor needed to bring this once iconic bar back to its previous glory. Thanks to their efforts, the Pub reopened in March of 2006 just in time for St. Patty’s Day and a great grand opening celebration. I’m happy to say the pub has now been open for over 2 years and continues to thrive, attracting new customers of all ages with its great selection of beer and alcohol, traditional British grub, and ever changing entertainers.
Pickwicks has long been renowned for their British food and I for one will agree with most critics, that they have one of the best fish and chips plates in the greater Los Angeles area. The establishment is listed under nightlife and Pub/Bar on most sites or search engines, but they should also be listed under restaurant as they have a full menu that leaves your mouth watering for more. They have traditional British Grub, such as Bangers and Mash, Scotch Pie and Chips, and of course Beer Battered Fish and Chips. They also have a wide variety of sandwiches and salads, including a seared ahi tuna salad that customers say is better than most sushi restaurants. I for one love the Indian curries, especially the creamy Chicken Tikka. Quite oddly, you can also find traditional Hawaiian Food on some weekends, including such items as Kalua Pork, Huli Huli Chicken, and Ahi Poke. I was inquisitive as to why a British Pub would be serving such items and I was told that the owners son had spent a portion of his military career serving in Hawaii and brought back with him the recipes that the locals had taught him. Regardless of the story though, the food is amazing and makes you feel like you made a quick trip to the islands. Ive heard rumors that the son Robert, will be starting a Hawaiian luau type catering company soon, but that will be another article.
Besides having fabulous food, the pub also has a great selection of beverages to choose from to quench your thirst after a hard days work. They have 14 beers on tap and a full bar along with 8 different bottled beers. A couple of the taps change regularly as do the bottles. They also have seasonal Samuel Adams on tap, and I cant wait for the Winter Lager to come out. The service is impeccable and the staff is always friendly and willing to help you make a decision. Sometimes at night it does get really busy and you may have to wait, but I promise they will get to you as quick as they can. They also have great entertainment on multiple nights, including Trivia Night on Wednesday’s, Bob Cowsill on Fridays, and a great 80′s music guy named Galo on Saturdays. If you’ve never tried trivia night before, I definitely recommend a visit. It is tons of fun, and they offer prizes for winning. How can you beat that?
Pickwicks Pub does have two happy hours which seems to make all the patrons happy. They also serve all their beer and ale in 20oz pint glasses so you actually get more for your money. Their happy hour is Mon-Sun from 11am-7pm and they also have a night happy hour that is Mon-Thurs from 10pm-12am and includes $1 off beer and liquor and $5 appetizer baskets. The night happy hour is alone worth the visit as you can get a great basket of food and a 20oz beer for as low as $9.
You can locate Pickwicks Pub at
21010 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills CA 91364 (818)340-9673
About the Author
Food Mood is a website based review of local restaurants whose owner prides himself on giving complete, honest reviews that are dedicated to the local regular diners like himself.
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