BY JOCELYN FREID
The burger craze is finally making an official step towards the West Valley with Prohibition Burgers & Beer in Encino. Burgers meet gangster at this themed executive gastropub with a contemporary feel — plenty of open space, low tables, high tables and a bar area with surrounding televisions. If there is a big game, the TVs will be turned to sports, otherwise they will show old black/white movies and CNN and other news channels. Let’s hope when Boardwalk Empire starts next season they will have it available since it takes place during Prohibition.
Sliders Photos: Jocelyn Freid
Although most of the menu consists of beef burgers, there are non-meat and turkey choices as well — and all the main items are named after famous gangsters.Burgers are made from a unique blend of short ribs, brisket and chuck. Try the Al Capone — sautéed mushrooms, garlic and herb feta cheese, mixed greens; the John Dillinger— caramelized onions, applewood bacon, gruyere, white cheddar, mozzarella, mixed greens; the Bugsy Siegel — fresh ground turkey, avocados, swiss cheese, mixed greens and homemade garlic aioli; the Baby Face Nelson — a veggie burger with house made kasha and aportobello patty, red onions, tomatoes, homemade spread and mixed greens. For lighter eaters, there’s a couple of salad choices named for Ana Cumpanas and Bonnie and Clyde.
Sweet Potato Fries
With so many options, it’s difficult to make a choice, so a good way to go is to order dual sliders which provides a choice of two burgers for $9. Appetizers include Pigs in a Blanket, Crispy Mozzarella balls, Mac n’ Cheese, Grilled Cheese trio, Beer Battered Fries and Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon. Hamburgers range from $9-$12 and appetizers are $4-$9 dollars. Pair your meal with a good selection of craft beer on tap and in bottles.
The interior has an open, modern feel.
Prohibition Burgers is a welcome addition to the 818 and definitely a must try for lunch and dinner.
Prohibition Burgers & Beer 17620 Ventura Blvd Encino Ca, 91316 Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. -12 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Jocelyn Freid is a television creative executive who served as co-executive producer of the Lifetime’s Maneater mini-series. She previously worked as VP of Current Programming and Development at studios and network in Los Angeles.
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