Sometimes in Hollywood it seems impossible to find a cool, relaxing and fun bar to hang out with your friends. A place where it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing Seven jeans or Levi’s and an hour of hair and makeup is not required.



Enter the Cat and Fiddle. With its large, dimly lit patio and enormous indoor seating it is not usually difficult to find a place for you and your friends to kick back. Just don’t wait too late to show up if you want a seat on the patio, after around 10:30 p.m., it’s standing room only.



But, the packed yet airy patio is highly conducive to meeting new people. The patio swells with a young, hip crowd until the wee hours of the night. Some patrons even bring their pups out to chill with them in the open air, and what’s a better conversation starter/pick-up line than, "What a cute dog! Can I pet him?"



The patio is in the form of a courtyard and has scattered steel tables, each kissed with a votive candle. A sprinkling of stringed white Christmas lights lace the trees and fences providing a nice and relaxing atmosphere. The heavy trees shade it nicely during the day should you feel like grabbing a pint with your lunch.



Inside the Cat and Fiddle is a loud and dark British pub with plenty of wood tables and cozy leather booths. The long bar provides a great place to catch-up on your favorite sports and they even have an LCD screen for optimal viewing.



If you’re feeling playful, try your hand at one of the many dartboards hanging on the walls in the back. And while you run back and forth from your table to the dart boards make sure you have plenty of pub chips with vinegar to keep you in the English mood.



Dining at the Cat and Fiddle is as indulgent and tasty as any British pub. I know the number one recommendation at a pub is the fish and chips, but trust me, the Cat and Fiddle has amazing fish and chips. Whether you go with the requisite cod or the savory sole, these fish and chips are the best you’ll find in Hollywood. Aside from that, the sausage roll makes for a great (and cheap) appetizer and the vegetarian shepherd’s pie is mouthwatering.



Stop by the Cat and Fiddle on any Sunday night from 7-11 p.m., and you’ll find free live jazz performances on the patio. You never know who may stop by to play a tune here.

The Cat and Fiddle is one of the best places in Hollywood to enjoy a casual and laid-back evening or afternoon with friends, meet new people, or just indulge in some good old-fashioned pub food.



Valet parking is $4 or street parking is available. For more information, call (323) 468-3800 or visit www.thecatandfiddle.com.