The Cat and Fiddle is Hollywood's idea of getting very British indeed. This is a place for people who still want to be out in the social scene, without all the pretention, over-priced drinks, miniature food, dressing up in mini-dresses, and standing in a long line at the door for an hour. Here, there's a table waiting for you and a warm chair to take in the scene.

The Cat and Fiddle building has been in existence for over 80 years, previously used for studio films in the 1920s and then a popular French restaurant that catered to the stars of the 40s and 50s (i.e. Ava Gardner, Katherine Hephurn, and Humphrey Bogart), the architecture of the property holds onto priceless Hollywood history. Open since 1985, the current Cat and the Fiddle location still acts as a refuge to many LA drifters, has its famous followers (Rod Stewart, Woody Harrelson, and Morrisey are regulars), and serves a mean pint of Guinness.

Guinness is a given...and when you're hungry and craving comfort food, there's nothing like a big ole' sausage roll, fresh fish & chips, or a nice, flaky crusted English pie (try chicken & mushroom or steak & kidney pie) to put you in relax-mode. The best of the best:the Shepherd's Pie is a tasty concoction of ground lamb and beef with whipped potatoes on top. If English fare is not what your palette is craving, there's plenty of American standards to pick off of (sandwiches, burgers, steak, lamb chops, omelettes all day, and pasta).

The main draw of the Cat and Fiddle is it's surroundings: a beautifully large outside patio (a smoker's paradise) surrounded by the walls of this classic, old building, the large Grecian fountain is flowing, Christmas lights are glowing...you can't beat it. There are also multiple rooms inside, including a sport's room (the Casablanca Room), to take your pick from. Once this place goes after-hours, every room gets filled. Also, there's plenty of opportunity for live music on the patio, and every Sunday there's a Live Jazz band that plays. Once 11PM rolls around this place does get busy, and the bodyguards/doormen, in quilts, will watch you closely. I wish they'd just do a jig and join along with the festivities of the evening since they're all dressed up.

Husband and wife team Kim and Paula Gardner opened Cat and Fiddle in the 80s, because at that time there were no English Pubs to speak of...nowhere to find bangers and mash in the great city of Los Angeles! These days, it's the couple's three daughters that run the pub and restaurant and makes sure it stays a Hollywood staple.

THE DETAILS:The Cat and Fiddle
6530 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.468.3800
11:30AM - 2AM Daily
Happy Hour Mon-Fri at the Bar 4-7PM
Kitchen open from:
11:30AM - 11:30PM Sunday-Thursday
11:30AM - Midnight Friday and Saturday
Valet Parking $5.00

Story by Erin Landsberg.

MORE OF ERIN LANDSBERG'S EATING OUT? TRY ANIMAL...