When Street, Susan Feniger’s last Hollywood establishment, closed up shop for good I have to admit I was genuinely bummed to see it go; the thought of not being able to have Street’s chicken (ball) n’ waffles dish had me crestfallen – why hadn’t I gone back more before it was too late dammit? Little did I know just a month later, Susan would open a brand spankin’ new tavern on the street she so brilliantly named: Mud Hen Tavern. I don’t exactly know what Mud Hen means or how she came about the name, but I do know it’s fun to say. Coming from one of LA’s most respected culinary innovators, and one of my personal favs at that, Mud Hen Tavern is (as anticipated) the perfect dose of relaxed, delicious warm friendly pie Hollywood was in need of.
The Mud Hen hope of turning the space into a rustic, cozy local tavern where friends can come hang and enjoy a meal has been achieved it spades – said friends can come sit at the bar and enjoy a few beers on tap, a group of after-work Happy Hour go-ers can post up at the communal tables for small bites, and couples or dates can cozy up to an outdoor fire pit and enjoy a quiet meal on the patio. Regardless of what brings you in to Mud Hen Tavern, the one thing I guarantee is that you can expect to enjoy some incredibly well crafted “home cooked” tavern food, with an inventive yet signature Susan Feniger twist.
A few weeks ago I named Mud Hen Tavern’s “Hangover” burger one of the best burgers in town that you might not know about. If you like eggs on anything, but especially burgers, this is the first item for order you need to place. For shits n’ giggles, might I suggest the “Chicken n’ Waffle Croquettes”, I promise you’ve never had a better chicken-donut-croquette lookin’ thing in your life and you probably never will again, so do yourself a favor. At the end of your meal, regardless of how tight your pants may feel, you must seriously consider ordering the donut bites – I’m telling you, if you can contain your self-control while you get repeatedly slapped in the face with the smell of warm confectionaries as every other table around you slowly devours their own order…. well then you’re not human.
I think I can speak for many of us foodies when I say that the space and food is even better than it ever was; I am thrilled to see the quick turnaround from Street, and it’s ben a joy to watch Mud Hen Tavern’s growth and continued success. Mud Hen Tavern is the perfect neighborhood spot where you can experience all the best aspects California and LA dining has to offer: great local beer, a big patio, rustic scenery, and a damn good chef.
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