The Red Lion Tavern on Glendale Boulevard in Silverlake is an old-fashioned beer garden that looks as if it were plucked straight out of Fantasyland. The waitresses are all dressed up in lederhosen-type dresses that leave very little to the imagination. But with only German imports on tap and fat-laden cuisine, this place isn’t the normal neighborhood bar.

The Red Lion Tavern oozes charm from the walls. The dÇcor of the dark wood and various beer steins is both charming and pleasant, quite the opposite from the service.

It is well known amongst all the regulars (and anyone who has just stopped by for a drink), that the service here is bad. You’ll get your drinks quick enough and they are reasonably priced ($7.50 for a 1.5 liter). But, don’t expect any bubbly conversation from the bartenders or the waitresses – they are abrupt and down to business. A trendy micro-brewery this is not. The food is traditionally German, as is the hefeweizen on tap. Expect things like various “wursts” (as in bratwurst) and all items come with a steamy side of sauerkraut. But different is good and so is the pot roast here.

You don’t have to be a self-hating masochist to want to spend an evening at the Red Lion Tavern. The backyard outdoor “garden” is what makes folks thirsty for more. It’s spacious, smoker friendly and usually features a wide cross-section of folks. The Red Lion Tavern is located at 2366 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 662-5337.