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Henry's Hat bar area ... nice for the minglin'.
From the folks behind the perennial hipster hangout Luna Park comes this new gastropub in the Cahuenga Pass across from Universal Studios, Henry's Hat. The homey bar-resto features a few different sections with homey names like the Den and the Parlor, where you can enjoy both the upscale, chili-spiced bar food dished out by Texas native (and Longhorn) Nick Cobarruvias, as well as the slew of classic board games (Connect Four, anyone?) supplied by the establishment. If you're lucky, you can also play a game on the Wii projected onto a huge screen in the Den, or catch a stand-up comedy act there during half-time on Monday night football.

The bar pours a host of microbrews on tap like the amber Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale, and a light and spicy (and unpronounceable) Weihenstephaner Heffe. The cocktails pack their own punch, though, so go for one of the house specialties like the Seasoned Texan made with tequila, mint, lime, chili powder and ginger juice.

In keeping with the informal atmosphere, you order at the bar, then choose any table that's free. Start off with the chili con queso with tortilla chips, and "Make it Mud" style with salsa, black beans and chorizo. The tangy North Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with horseradish coleslaw and chipotle BBQ sauce makes a good complement to the beer selection, as do the six burgers on the menu, including the Mission 24th Street Burger with a huge Niman Ranch beef patty, bacon, pepperjack cheese, jalapenos, grilled onions and avocado; and the Black and Blue with balsamic onions, sautéed crimini mushrooms, Danish blue cheese and arugula. Don't skimp on sides like fries wrapped in wax paper, grilled corn on the cob with chili butter, and tangy green and yellow wax beans flecked with chili flakes.

Don't over-think it for dessert. Go with the humongous banana split with homemade chocolate fudge sauce ladled generously over ice cream from Milk and a caramelized banana. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best.

Henry's Hat
Address: 3413 Cahuenga Blvd. West
Cross Street: Buddy Holly Dr.
Neighborhood: Studio City
Phone: (323) 512-2500
Hours: Monday-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Sat 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Type: Gastropub
Price: $