To the north of Glendale is Montrose, a prototypical small town vibe type of place. And I have heard from a few people about a new craft spot on the main drag of Honolulu Avenue, so I took my sis-in-law for Happy Hour drinks to scope Basin 141 out.
The space is medium sized and dimly lit with a really nice bar set up. Dead center is a back lit tap list with one row detailing the rotating taps and right below it a row for what kegs are on tap. Which I think is a great way to get people to come back. Why more places don’t utilize this simple trick is beyond me.
I also like that part of their list is non-rotating. Or as they call it, “Resident” taps. Again, if I was running a bar, I would have this as well. Minus the Coors Light of course.
There are bottles as well but I want to focus on the make-up of the list. It has a good variety of styles and breweries. It has a majority of local offerings and the prices are good. Those are three strong points in their favor even with wasting a tap on watered down corn lager. Of course this is a snapshot. Last week, the list may have been too IPA heavy or too dark for the heat of an LA summer but to find a place that will cover so many bases is really nice.
It can get a little loud and I wish there was more booth seating but the service was knowledgeable and helpful and the decor (minus a TV or two) was classy. A grown up type of bar. And one that I will check out again because it would be perfect for an after dinner drink. Have ribs at Zekes and get a beer after or hit Pepe’s for Mexican and head over for a night cap.