Author: Eric Gullicksen
The Black Boar has struck a perfect combination of genuine charm, coziness and the sort of light irony that appeals to bar patrons in Eagle Rock, Silver Lake and Los Feliz. After walking through black velvet curtains, the bar is bathed in warm, subdued light.
Rustic wooden floors, tables and benches, a wall of wood paneling filled with portraits of a cocker spaniel and a pheasant envelop the potential drinker. A fireplace dances on one side and well-lit bottles of booze sit glistening behind the bar. It looks like the sort of place ski instructors might relax at after a hard day on the slopes, and the Black Boar definitely has a lodge feeling.
Funky French cartoons play on flat-screens, the special (PBR and a shot for $6) and the DJ in the corner immediately dispel the notion of authentic “lodginess,” however. This is definitely a Los Angeles bar.
There are eight uncommon beers on tap, including “Humboldt Hemp” and “Toasted Coconut Porter.” The latter comes highly recommended and the former is perhaps reserved for adventurous souls. There are 23 types of bottled beers, from 16 dollars Belgians to cheap Pabst. A dizzying variety of whisky presents itself on the wall, as well as all of the standard bottles of vodka, gin, etc. There is a specialty cocktail known as the “Cranky Pickle,” named after and enjoyed by a Mr. Gherkin, the owner of the bar. It consists of citrus vodka, red bull, lime and cranberry juice and tastes much better than it sounds.
As with most bars, your adventure may vary depending on the day you visit. For example, you can go to Johnny’s (on York Boulevard) on a Friday night and have a great time. On the other hand, you can go there on a Sunday or Monday night and enjoy the company of surly bouncers (bouncers get hungover too) and a decidedly rougher crowd.
This review is based on a Thursday night visit to the Black Boar. There were two DJs (who are also there on Monday and Saturday), and the crowd was divided evenly between trendy twentysomethings, Occidental students and older locals. A great eclectic mix of music was playing, mostly from the ’70s, some obscure songs and some familiar classics. The resident DJ, Jimmy, has been jockeying since the ’90s and has played at the Boar for a year now. There is a new guest DJ every week, which ensures some variety. A foosball table and dartboard should satisfy drinkers who get bored with the bar chat.
The Black Boar is a little more laid-back and cozy than The York and trendier than Johnny’s. If you need a break from either, a place to take your date or just have a Cranky Pickle craving, check it out.
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