Shop & Dine: Around Since 1947, the Valley Inn Makes Old School Cool Again

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get tired of trendy restaurants and all the faux, pretentious airs that go along with them. Molecular gastronomy, deconstructed, overpriced small plates and the like. Sometimes you just need a booth, a darker ambience, and some good old-fashioned comfort food. That is where the Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar comes in—and where I have to say everything old is new again—and quite fun to boot.

This Sherman Oaks (bordering Encino) restaurant has been a fixture since 1947. Generations of families make this their dining spot; couples consider it their secret local getaway where they can cuddle in a booth.

Legions of celebrities and dignitaries have dined here. It was Coach John Wooden’s favorite restaurant. In fact, a lit-up glass case in the entryway filled with memorabilia is a tribute to him. The biggest surprise to me was that Chef Katsu-ya is a frequent diner, and in fact, is involved in special dinners at Valley Inn.

For the last 13 years, Valley Inn has been owned by Sophia and Boris Brodetsky. When describing them, warm and friendly is an understatement. Get to know them and they treat you like family. Need advice? You’ll get it without asking!

It has that Cheers “everybody knows your name” feel, especially in the bar area where the bartender, Larry, has presided for 30 years. The wood bar itself is from the 1880s and was imported from England to San Pedro by ship. Need a good stirred martini? You got it.

They recently did a bit of décor updating while keeping the feel intact. The pink walls in the main dining room are now green, light fixtures have been changed and the booths and chairs have been updated.

The dinner menu consists of steaks and chops, as well as specialties. I am personally a fan of the angus beef steak dinners which come with a choice of soup or salad, mashed potatoes and vegetables ($16.95 to $38.95). There are also a variety of classic sides for $6 each to add to the meal. The 16 to 18 oz prime rib dinner is $31.95. It’s all perfect for sharing.

Specialties include chicken dishes, duck, ribs, seafood, pasta and classic burgers. And of course, they do offer specialties from 1947—country fried chicken or oven roasted chicken. Sauces and soups are all made from scratch and are fresh daily.

Appetizers are fun—the new tuna tartini is an update, as is the kitchen-sink chopped salad. But who can resist classics like a lettuce wedge with bacon, lobster bisque, French onion soup and escargot?

The lunch menu includes spa specials, salads, sandwiches (including the Monte Cristo) and freshly made soup. Price averages range from $8.95 to $13.95.

Valley Inn offers specials that differ weekly. A full three-course lobster dinner was recently $29.95; a full prime rib dinner $24.95; fried chicken $14.95. Other times there is a free bottle wine or desserts. It’s best to get on their email list to find out about the special offers.

Valley Inn is also known for their special themed event dinners, including Russian Night, Japanese Night (with Chef Katsu-ya himself), Cinco de Mayo, Roman Night and Wine Dinners.

Coming up on Thursday is a  four-course Beaujolais Nouveau wine dinner, honoring the yearly arrival of this very special French wine. Start with either steamed mussels with cream in a garlic wine sauce or escargot bourguignon (snails in garlic parsley butter served over puff pastry), followed by salad d'epinards (spinach and romaine garnished with blue cheese, grapes and  candied walnuts drizzled with  champagne vinaigrette); for the entree choose grilled filet mignon in a rich black peppercorn brandy cream sauce, roasted duck with orange demi-glaze sauce or salmon sauteed with Belgium endive, shallots, white wine and lemon butter. Enjoy almond coated brie drizzled with raspberry sauce for dessert. It's $45.95 a person, including wine.

Something has to be said for a restaurant that’s been around for nearly 65 years. Check it out.

Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar, 4557 Sherman Oaks Ave., Sherman Oaks, Call for reservations: 818-784-1163. Open for lunch, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for dinner seven days a week. www.valleyinndining.com

About this column: Like to shop? Like to dine? So does Karen Young, and she's going to share the best of the San Fernando Valley for this column. A longtime local resident, creator of the online lifestyle magazine MyDailyFind.com and a mom with two teens, you know she knows the best places to go.