Much to the delight of Angelenos living in Sherman Oaks, throughout the rest of the San Fernando Valley, into Los Angeles and beyond, the convivial Mexican watering hole that is Anejo Cantina & Grill has it all.
Luscious guacamole made table side and the greatest bacon-wrapped shrimp you have ever tasted. A rocking nighttime bar scene. Live music Thursday through Sunday nights.
Check, check and check!
Mariachi bands liven up the nightlife at Anejo Cantina & Grill — Photo courtesy of Anejo Cantina & Grill
Flamenco or mariachi bands get the diverse crowd moving and the scene swirling, as this popular nightlife scene unfolds on those long weekends.
Meanwhile, Happy Hour happens every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with margaritas going for $3; sangria, wine and beer for $4; and plenty of appetizers are offered at reasonable prices to soak up all those spirits.
Big sports events shown on multiple TVs make the bar the place to be, especially during the Lakers and Clippers NBA season, as well as the seasons of the Dodgers and Kings. College sports played by UCLA and USC also draw a crowd, no matter what time of day they are on. And being a Latino-flavored restaurant, Anejo Cantina (of course) shows World Cup and other soccer matches, as well.
Specialty cocktails are part of Anejo Cantina & Grill's appeal — Photo courtesy of Anejo Cantina & Grill
Supporting your team whether they win or lose is easy when you're sipping the cantina's specialty cocktails featuring house-infused tequilas and vodkas; be sure to try the rockin' Pineapple Jalapeño Martini that bursts with spicy goodness, and take a taste of their signature Flaming Cucumber Martini, too.
There's plenty of classic Mexican fare, as well. We recommend sampling the crispy Mexico City Flautas, the spiced-up Shrimp Ceviche and another bacon-wrapped delight, jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, for starters.
If you're still hungry, remember that the main courses and house specialties are huge plates of food, so perhaps share the main course, too, eating house-made Tamales or the Carne Asada. But don't miss the Chili Verde, which is simply splendid: pork smothered in a tangy green tomatillo sauce.
Go all out decadent and finish up with the Deep Fried Ice Cream and the Nutella Cheese Cake for dessert.
One of Anejo Cantina & Grill's luscious food offerings — Photo courtesy of Anejo Cantina & Grill
There are plenty of places to spread out at Anejo Cantina & Grill. With 11,000 square feet at this second-floor party outpost on busy Ventura Boulevard (located very close to the 405 freeway for easy access), everyone easily finds a special area to call their own.
The outdoor patio is particularly inviting, with fire pits surrounded by comfortable couches, designed for drinking and socializing. There are spots to dance, too, and quieter places perfect for romantic conversations over a glass of bubbly or a Mexican coffee.
So whatever nightlife experience you might be looking for on a given evening, Anejo Cantina & Grill may just be your ticket to having a fun time in the San Fernando Valley.
One of the many lounge areas at Anejo Cantina & Grill — Photo courtesy of Anejo Cantina & Grill