John Sparr Tavern

3437 Ocean View Blvd, Glendale
(818) 957-7488

Recent Reviews

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If you are looking for the right atmosphere for your deco desires, you have found it. Jazzy tunes, great drinks, top-notch food.

Metz Dzaz

Hidden gem

Chris Dodson

Great cocktails and food. Such a gem, everything was thought about during the design process to make it a seamlessly curated experience. It looks small but feels big inside. Even when it's full it's never too loud. The wait staff are attentive and personable. Give it a chance, you won't regret it.

Spencer Beavers

I love absolutely John Sparr Tavern . Truly . Every time we come here the food is great , the cocktails solid , and the service impeccable. Everyone here is always so welcoming, whether it’s just my wife and I, a dinner with friends or a night out with the in-laws, it’s always great . Every dish we have ordered has been wonderful, from the starters to the mains, you can’t go wrong !

Marco Hernandez

It is a quaint place with great cocktails and very good food and the services impeccable

Todd Ratcliff

Food was excellent. Service was fantastic. Just a really good all-around experience. It wasn't cheap, but it felt like it was worth it. Entrees were around $50, cocktails were around $14. Dinner for two was around $200, after tip. We had pre-dinner cocktails, no wine with dinner, and an after dinner Cognac (no dessert).

Would definitely go back. And recommend to our friends.

Peter Dills

"Dining with Dills" Radio Review – John Sparr Tavern, Montrose

Good evening, food lovers! Let me take you on a little culinary adventure to a spot that absolutely wowed me: the John Sparr Tavern in Montrose. Now, I didn’t plan on doing a review this week, but sometimes the best discoveries happen when you least expect them. This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a delightful experience waiting to unfold.

Picture this: I grab a seat at the bar, and who’s there to welcome me? Clyde. Not just your average bartender, mind you. Clyde has the charisma of a host, the skill of a top-notch mixologist, and aspirations to be the George Lucas of directing. With cocktails like his, I’d say he’s already got the creativity part nailed.

But let’s dive into the food, shall we? I started with the deviled eggs—a dish that can go from ordinary to extraordinary depending on the chef. And let me tell you, these were next-level good. Creamy, flavorful, and the perfect way to start the evening. Then came their interpretation of a Chinese chicken salad. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and a dressing so good it might just be magic. It’s the kind of salad that makes you rethink what salads can be.

Now, let’s talk about the vibe. The John Sparr Tavern feels like a home away from home. It’s warm, inviting, and has just the right balance of sophistication and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after work or celebrate something special, this spot fits the bill.

I’ll admit, I’m moving away from week-to-week restaurant reviews. Let’s just say my wallet and my waistline have voiced their opinions. But I’d be remiss not to tell you about this place. The John Sparr Tavern isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. The kind of spot you’ll want to visit again and again, and trust me—I’ll be back.

So, if you’re in Montrose or just looking for an excuse to explore, make your way to the John Sparr Tavern. Tell Clyde I sent you, and who knows—you might even find yourself in one of his future blockbusters.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Edward Lay

Second time here for an Annual Holiday Dinner. It has all the positives of a neighborhood family restaurant. Staff is friendly and attentive. Food is outstanding here, particularly the steaks. I recommend the New York Strip or Ribeye. Cocktails also great. We found parking very easily.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: New York Steak, Shrimp Cocktail

Anthony J. Naylor

Flawless service and perfect food. The Chef really knows how to make food sing! Can’t wait to return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: New York Steak

David Greenberg

Great little spot in Montrose. You walk in and are transported to a different time and place. The music is usually well aligned with the aesthetic. Cocktails are good, Guinness pour is decent and the food is kitsch and fulfilling. We love the beef stew on Tuesday nights. Everything could do with a little less salt. Staff is always lovely.

Kid-friendliness: Don’t take your kids.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Josh Cohen

Excellent New York steak encrusted in peppercorns. Tender and full of flavor.
Scampi appetizer mouthwatering and the thinly sliced toast it came with just perfect. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: New York Steak

Milo Sanchez

This has been the most complete dining experience I've had in a long time. The food, cocktails, atmosphere, and service were absolutely perfect!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: New York Steak

Tim Drummond

Francisco took amazing care of us. We were celebrating a birthday and he made us feel like a friends of the owners. We were welcome and Francisco recommended amazing food and drinks for us. We loved the New York Peppercorn steak! Cooked to perfection! Better than high end steak houses in Pasadena! The drinks were strong and delicious. Can’t wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Heather Weir

Love the Tavern! Great atmosphere and service, pro old school cocktails and delicious food. Highly recommend the Patty Melt and the Reuben. Warm welcoming efficient service too. We sat in one of the cozy red leather booths under the cool tin ceiling but the patio looks like a great place to sit too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Reuben Sandwich with Fries

Deborah Albin

The waiters were very sweet and attentive. They checked on us often and brought our food quickly. I ordered the fish and chips which were fairly typical. The steak salad looked a bit more interesting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

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