33 Taps, they’re keen to tell everyone, is not your average sports bar. Why? Well, “33 Taps is an L.A.-born, family-owned neighborhood sports bar, serving beers, burgers, and wings since 2016,” they say online. “33 Taps remains a neighborhood favorite because of our variety of local craft beers, homemade food, vegan options, and friendly staff!”
All of which is undeniably true. There are currently four 33 Taps locations – in Culver City, Silver Lake, West Hollywood and DTLA.
“Although we’re most known for being a sports bar, our loyal customers return for our high-quality food menu, fun weekly events, and top-notch service,” they continue. “Everybody is welcome – including your dogs! (Yes, we are pet friendly!) All profits from the sale of our puppy bowls are donated to local animal charities.”
True to their word, 33 Taps is a very warm and welcoming place to walk into. It’s got sports bar vibes, but it also feels very family-friendly. So if you want a venue to watch a ball game, without the fear of flying glasses, this joint is perfect.
The menu is as impressive as the atmosphere. Of course, there’s a lot of classic bar food on there: chicken tenders, nachos and wings. But it’s the little touches that make you realize that there’s more going on here than you might expect.
There are roasted brussels sprouts among the appetizers, cauliflower wings among the wings, and a whole heap of great salads. Are they all super-healthy? Not necessarily, but it least offers more than the old school “fried stuff with cheese” bar fare.
We opted for the Buffalo Chicken Salad: “Boneless buffalo chicken, romaine, tortilla strips, carrots, celery, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, and ranch.”
From top to bottom, this is an impressive salad. The romaine is fresh and crisp, and not without flavor all by itself. The celery and cherry tomatoes add extra crunch and tang, while the pickled onions are deceptively delicious. We would have liked a few more of those tasty little onion strips.
The bacon is well-done and crispy, and the salty meat pairs perfectly with the rich, strong blue cheese. Naturally, the buffalo chicken stands head and shoulders above everything else. Large chunks of chicken breast are breaded to a lovely crisp, and then coated in a deliciously tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. The meat is juicy and tender and, with the final addition of the ranch dressing on the salad, it all blends beautifully.
33 Taps is located at 9739 Culver Blvd., Culver City 90232. Call 310-838-9739 or visit eatdrink33.com.