EJ MALLOYS: A PUB WITH SOME PRETTY GOOD GRUB

Overview

Very few people will remember Karl’s Little Bavaria, a long forgotten neighborhood pub tucked amid a strip of storefronts along the Broadway Corridor.  It was nothing more than a hole in the wall frequented by locals and college students in search of cheap beer. Just as quick as Karl moved out, EJ Malloy’s moved in.

   Although the corner pub isn’t as much a mainstay in Southern California as it is in, let’s say, Great Britain (or even New England for that matter), EJ Malloy’s embodies the spirit of an aged watering hole and neighborhood gathering spot.

On any given night the bar stools are warmed by devoted patrons, the copper table tops secured to the exposed brick wall erupt in a crescendo of clatter from jangling silverware, and the fire pit is ablaze in the courtyard out back.

EJ’s may not be a place where everyone knows your name, but it’s about as close to a Cheers (or Bull and Finch) as we’ll ever get.

Decor: 

From the stenciled lettering that adorns the solid glass windows facing Broadway to the brass railing accents that cling to the warm wooden bar, EJ Malloy’s has all the trappings of a bona fide pub.

  Beyond the front door is a galley-style restaurant—long and narrow in design with classic subway tiles lining the floor—with the bar running the entire length to the right and copper-topped tables  that can accommodate up to four people.  Larger tables are available in the back, and a handful of televisions broadcast the most popular sporting events. 

To the rear of the restaurant is the ivy-covered courtyard with a tiki-style bar.

On chilly evenings, a fire in lit in the ample pit and those who wish to linger in the night air with a beer in hand tend to congregate in this area. 

The Food: 

The term “pub food” may not excite the palates of self-proclaimed foodies—unless it’s called a gastro pub--but perhaps they haven’t had the pleasure of tasting the fish and chips doused in malt vinegar and pairing it with one of the many draft beers.  Then there are the perfectly grilled steaks, crisp salads, and nice selection of sandwiches.

Oh, and those Hush Puppies –they’re something else.   Saturday and Sundays EJ’s serves breakfast and offers a selection of griddle favorites, egg dishes and other morning fare.

When I started frequenting EJ’s there was no children’s menu, but then my generation has grown up (or at least we’ve gotten older) and so now kids can dine alongside mom and dad, enjoying a grilled cheese or pasta paired with a frothy root beer.  In addition to beer and wine, EJ’s also has a full list of soft drinks and juices.

Service: 

While EJ’s certainly knows how to pour a mean glass of beer, service can be a hit and miss.  On one night it’s flawless, on another it’s slow going.  The one thing that is always consistent and never disappoints is the quality of food.  I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad meal at EJ Malloy’s.  Hmmm…maybe it’s time the cook was promoted to the front of the house.  Naw…I’ll take so-so service over a bad meal any day.  The cook stays put. 

EJ Malloy’s 

Address: 3411 E. Broadway 
Phone: 433-3769 
Website: www.ejmalloyspub.com 
Cost: $$ 
Hours:  Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to midnight. Disabled Access:  Yes 
Parking Info:  Limited Street Parking on Broadway and side streets 
Restaurant Type: Pub Fare  
Restaurant Attributes: Casual, credit cards accepted, full bar, kids menu, indoor/outdoor dining