New contemporary pub to open tomorrow in Studio City

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Following in the footsteps of popular gastropubs like Melrose Avenue’s Village Idiot, Will Shamlian opens up his latest venture, Laurel Tavern, tomorrow in Studio City. Formerly Sapphire, the bar is small yet feels sizable thanks in part to high wooden ceilings and windows that open up onto Ventura Boulevard. Shamlian, who also owns a similar bar in Manhattan (and is behind downtown’s Library Bar and the 4100 Bar in Silverlake), says Laurel Tavern is a ‘contemporary American pub.’ Nothing fancy here, but count on a busy fall at the bar, which boasts exposed brick, wood floors salvaged from a 1920s-era Nebraska warehouse, several microbrews on tap (think Hollywood Blonde or Craftsman IPA) and industrial-chic exposed air ducts. The menu for Laurel is not yet online, but expect gourmet takes on burgers, and distinctly American dishes such as pork belly skewers with a spicy maple glaze.

Laurel Tavern, 11938 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 506-0777.

— Charlie Amter