It’s not quite official, but the Blue Palms Brewhouse opened its doors for business last Friday night. Word of a new craft beer bar in the heart of Hollywood has been spreading like wildfire over the last few months, and the rumor mill had been working overtime.
Founders (!) in LA? Proximus (!!) and Russian River on tap? A firkin of Firestone’s Parabola (!!!) for the opening?
The official opening is this Saturday the 16th, so you will have to check it out then, because I can not confirm or deny anything that might have been mentioned. All I know is that owner Brian Lenzo is a huge beer fanatic, and he definitely has some tricks up his sleeve.
Beer geeks were out in full force for the soft opening, and there were plenty of big beers to be had. Hair of the Dog Fred was on tap, probably for the first time in Los Angeles (west of Stuffed Sandwich, that is). Other heavy hitters included St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Ola Dubh 30, which first reared it’s delicious head at Verdugo Bar a few months ago.
photo credit: flickr user lesbal123
Contributing to the opening day excitement, there were several new beers that made their LA debut at Blue Palms. I was excited to see the Black Sour from Craftsman, a new beer that I hadn’t heard of. Mark Jilg and Head Brewer Todd Peterson were in attendance, but I didn’t get a chance to ask them about this new creation. It’s definitely not a puckeringly sour beer, but like all Craftsman beers, it’s worth your money.
From San Diego, there was a keg of Lost Abbey’s Witches Wit, as well as some Vertical Epic 08.08.08. I can’t believe I missed my opportunity to drink that beer on it’s namesake day, but I’m sure there will be plenty of it this weekend at Stone’s 12th anniversary party in San Marcos, so no need to fret.
Well actually, maybe I will do some minor fretting. After a long day of beer tasting in San Diego, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the Blue Palm’s official opening, this Saturday night. I’m sure Brian’s going to be saving some special treats for those of you who know what to ask for…
Blue Palms Brewhouse
6124 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA, 90028
phone: (323) 464-2337
Next to the Henry Fonda Music Box
photo credit: flickr user lesbal123
guess what? i am a beer geek. and this place had my mouth watering when it boasted RUSSIAN RIVER ipa (OMG!!!!) on tap. i counted down the hours and went there sunday at 1:55pm (the site said they opened at 2) and stood around for an hour to no avail. the place just never opened. and i called from my cell but the phone kept ringing. a disgrace.
i decided to walk a few blocks and drown my sorrows in some 1903 at lucky devil’s. ugh, still not the same.
turns out the opening hours on the blue palms’ site were bogus. majorly annoying. of course, i will still return next weekend for the IPA i am craving…i will just be a little more jaded and harder to impress.
That sucks! Let me point you to this thread over on beeradvocate for an explanation.
http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/1471966#1498839
I’m sure if you mention it next time you go in, they will try to make up for it.
thanks dave! i love your site, btw. someone had to do it…
Hey! You have to check out this: http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/1534036
please review the York! I think it’s better than the Blue Palms…
I absolutely loved the Blue Palms! I decided to check it out last week with some friends and it was great! Brian the owner was really friendly and passionate about his place which was refreshing in this town. The beers were incredible! My favorite was Fred. I tried the food too, the wings and rings were by far my favorite. My friends and I walked away with new hang out. Sundays, they have kegs and eggs for all you football fans out there. They open early and serve beer and breakfast to all those deadheart fans out there.
Hey Dave,
BP is awesome. That’s why I’m having my LA book release party there on Sun, 11/2. Check out my website for more info about “Red, White, and Brew: An American Beer Odyssey.” I’m also keeping a blog about my book tour on the road before my LA homecoming. There’ll be great beer specials that night. Hope to see you there.
Cheers,
Brian
Thanks for all the comments.
Britnick- The York is pretty great, but I don’t make it out to Highland Park that often!
ladybird- yeah, Brian is a great guy, and it’s always fun to talk beer with someone who knows his stuff. That Fred’s pretty great on tap, isn’t it?
Brian- Congrats on the book, a friend of mine was telling me about it. Maybe I can make it over there on Sunday.