Oy Bar

From the outside, the matte black facade on Moorpark Street looks like any other unassuming neighborhood dive bar, wedged into a shopping center next to an auto service shop. But inside, Oy Bar operates with a different logic. The room is low-lit and vintage, with a long bar serving as its center of gravity. As a nod to its past life as the Oyster House, which first opened on this spot in 1972, the original sign still hangs on the wall. The menu is a creative and constantly changing mix of Jewish and cross-cultural Los Angeles flavors. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a Wagyu Pastrami Quesadilla alongside Spicy Noodz, or a Smoked Salmon Yaki Onigiri next to Matzo Ball Ramen. The Oy Burger, served on a "holla" bun, is a fixture, as are the Crispy Potatoes. This is elevated bar food, born from the pop-ups chef Jeff Strauss used to run in this very kitchen before he took the space over. The cocktail program is just as inventive, with spirit-forward drinks that play with unexpected ingredients. The Lightworks, for instance, uses reposado tequila with dill pickle brine, while The Doctor’s Away pairs bourbon with a crisp apple chip. The whole space is small and cozy, which means it gets busy. While the bar sometimes bills itself as walk-in only, reservations are available through Resy and are the best way to secure a spot. Arriving right at opening is the move for anyone without one. Be prepared for a 90-minute time limit on your table during peak hours, and know that the bar is strictly 21 and over.