If you’ve ever thought Toluca Lake could do with more stuffed pheasants, you’re in luck. With the arrival of Forman’s, the neighborhood now has a watering hole with all the charms of a rustic tavern and the taxidermic delights of a country hunting lodge. In a refreshing departure from the exposed-brick minimalism endemic in some of its past ventures, ACME Hospitality chose a strong theme and fully committed to it, creating an atmosphere that appeals as much to the senses as any of the food and drink offerings. As soon as you enter, you’re hit with the comforting aroma of wood smoke—a pleasant by-product of the kitchen, not the ornate faux fireplace. The rest of the space is accented with equally homey touches: antlers, antique prints and artifacts punctuate the interior, which mixes bare beams with deep sage panels, sturdy butcher block tables and plaid upholstery. In addition to an assortment of small-batch whiskeys, behind the bar you’ll find a portrait of General Charles Forman, the man who gave Toluca Lake its name and to whom the bar’s own name pays tribute. One can only imagine what the general would think of the place, but for the modern inhabitants of this sleepy hamlet, Forman’s is a welcome addition to the old frontier.
Vitals
Good for: A low-key catch-up with friends from the neighborhood or happy hour with co-workers. Forman’s proximity to Disney, ABC and Warner Brothers HQ will likely make it a popular spot for industry desk jockeys in need of a drink. Executive chef Nick Coe’s smoke-centric menu makes it worth staying for dinner, too. We recommend the rainbow trout ($13), the crispy chicken sandwich ($13), the smoked citrus and beet salad ($10) and the perfectly-charred Brussels sprouts ($7).
The scene: A generationally diverse set of drinkers and diners, from youngish office workers and boorish bros to middle aged couples on date night. One thing certainly not working in Forman’s favor, however, is its acoustics; when it’s busy, it's loud. If you had a quiet drink in mind, either arrive early or down a couple drinks and embrace your outside voice—you’re going to need it.
Drink this: While Forman himself would’ve probably sprung for whiskey neat, the obligatory Old Fashioned ($12) bearing his name is a worthy compromise, subtly reinterpreted with Old Forester bourbon, Averna, Benedictine and cherry bitters. Our favorite drink of the bunch, however, was the Sage Goldrush ($11), a blend of rye, apple brandy, and rum infused with fresh sage, buckwheat honey and lemon. The Cucumber Swizzle ($12) is a refreshing combination of El Silencio mezcal, yellow chartreuse, cucumber juice, ginger syrup and lime, while the Moscato Lemon Drop ($12) offers a light and refined take on a drink you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see on the menu.
Our tip: Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities. We’re not naming names, but during our visit we spotted a certain boss from a certain office-based TV comedy series, along with a Disney child star who was all grown-up.