The Stage: If you would have commanded me to find Monterey Park on a map showing LA suburbs before two weeks ago, I would have failed. Then, I visited Brew Kitchen Bar and everything changed. If you are struggling to figure out the specialty of this local spot, everything you need to know is in the name. This sometimes brewery, sometimes kitchen, sometimes bar is modern, clean, inviting, and charming. As soon as you enter the doors, you are invited to order from the counter, grab a cocktail or beer, and food to tide you over between drinks.

The Food: To start the evening, I ordered the “Apple Pie” cocktail. I have no idea what comprised the contents of this concoction. I do know this; it tasted like apple pie with a sweet mix of sugar, cinnamon, and enough alcohol to bring it all together. For my entrée, I ordered the “Hot Chix Sando.” It was a chicken sandwich on a brioche bun. The buttermilk chicken was fried with a tri-chile blend and featured pickles, slaw, and house aioli. It comes in three versions: mild, medium, and hot. Naturally, being a coward, I ordered the medium. If I were to use five words to describe the food, I would use crunchy, fall-apart, approachable, familiar, classic brewery food.

The Service: The service was on par with most breweries I have visited. They were quick, no-nonsense, and often checked in to see if you needed anything else. While I can always use more witty banter, I have no complaints about the service.

The Price: For two people, our total bill was $85. That price comprised two rounds of drinks and dinner for two. In today’s LA, that price point feels more and more like a steal.

The Takeaway: Brew Kitchen Bar is worth a return trip. The brewery world is getting more crowded in Southern California. Still, I can think of a couple of out of town guests who I will be taking to visit this place. I imagine we will come for the food but stay for the beers.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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