Throw a stone in any direction in this town and you’ll likely hit a gastropub, where beers and spirits meet gussied-up pub grub. The Morrison joins the brigade with a thoroughly plaid, Scottish-themed watering hole in Atwater Village. Expect a few reliable wine options, a good selection of well-crafted, amber spirit-based quaffs and more than 40 international and local brews, lagers and ales for sipping. To nosh, you’ll find Scottish-fare like venison sausage Scotch egg ($8), oozing golden yoke, meat pies (served Mondays from 6pm until they sell out) and the infamous haggis—the savory pudding of lamb and oatmeal is layered with cheddar, horseradish and pickles for small-bite sliders ($9)—best for sharing.
Vitals
Good for: Groups and locals can stop in for happy hour everyday from 3pm to 7pm, when draft beer and wines by the glass are $5 and bites from Welsh rarebit to Cod & Chips are under $10. Snag the long, communal table for 16 of your best mates for popular weekend brunch on weekends.
The scene: A great neighborhood hangout for locals during weeknights when couples or parties of three to four can sprawl out in comfy leather banquettes or take advantage of the unusually wide bar—there's plenty of room for share plates and drinks without having to rub elbows with your neighbor.
The playlist: Standard classic rock hits run one after the other like a Casey Kasem Top 40 Countdown—Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Billy Joel, the Stones, repeat.
The bartender says: There's no connection to the Griffin bar (and the same griffin logo) down the street. But, they are big fans of their neighbors, so consider it a tip of the old hat.
Drink this: Pay homage to Scotland with a single malt or grab a pint of any of the 40+ beers (mostly ales) on tap. On the cocktail front, the Arnold’s Maid cocktail ($11) is a well-balanced delight of La Pinta pomegranate tequila, fresh OJ and witte beer, while the house Manhattan ($11) is served up in a martini glass with a dash of Veev, an açaí berry spirit, that lends a dark unctuous note to the classic drink.