A Gift from the Patio Gods to Highland Park

Hard to believe there was ever a time when you couldn’t find shawarma tacos and Canadian bacon burgers next to a patio fireplace in Highland Park.

But there was.

But now there’s not.

Thanks to 51 Tavern, an all-day York Boulevard establishment where good stuff like mezcal, Middle Eastern tacos and eating outdoors beautifully align, now open in Highland Park. It looks like this.

The forces behind Recess are responsible for this fetching neighborhood hall of drinks and clever bar food. Lots of ways to tackle it. Consider the…

Front patio.
To watch the sidewalks fill during Art Walk while hoisting Torrance coconut porters and Venice IPAs. And to get close to the bands playing here on weekends.

Bar.
Nice bar. Nice bartenders. Nice place to share buttermilk fried cauliflower and shawarma tacos with a date. Overall theme: nice.

Dining room tables.
The LEDs will change around you. Stranger Things may be playing overhead. You’ll be too engrossed in Canadian-bacon-topped sirloin burgers and red wine roasted beets to notice.

Ivy-covered back patio.
Stargazing through strings of overhead lights. By the fireplace. Islay-infused Penicillins and mezcal-sage cocktails scattered amongst your loyal group of friends.

You had a nice little run there, front patio, bar and dining room tables.