During its 84 years on Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood’s Idle Hour Café has lived multiple lives. The last standing specimen of a style that once proliferated across LA, the cylindrical structure has been a bar, a flamenco venue and, later, a home to its reclusive owner. Now, after an extensive three-year renovation, the newly re-opened Idle Hour has returned to its intended form: a gigantic whiskey barrel, courtesy of the masterminds at Pouring with Heart, who purchased the spot in 2011.
From the street, there’s no mistaking that you’ve found the right place, but there’s more brewing inside. Step through the door and you’ll find yourself literally at the bottom of the barrel, with long, bowed planks of wood curving upward towards the circular ceiling. The interior is a celebration of wood that would make Ron Swanson proud, with low, warm lighting that accentuates the natural amber hue of the surrounding lumber. The food pays similar homage to Americana with throwback national dishes like deviled eggs and sloppy joes, while each drink on the menu is a tribute to this country’s proud cocktail heritage. For Sunday brunch, Idle Hour also serves a dirt-cheap $16 bottomless mimosa deal alongside a full food menu of decadent dishes like cheesecake-stuffed French toast, cinnamon rolls and whole-grain pancakes topped with fresh fruit, cream cheese frosting and powdered sugar. If you’re more into savory, you can opt for the breakfast burrito, burger, shakshuka or always-trust avocado toast.