In a previous life, the Hermosillo brewpub in East Hollywood was a divey Mexican escort club. That changed in 2012 when Ross Stephenson and his pals bought the joint out and flipped it on its head. They spruced up the decor, invited food trucks in, took the wine and beer offerings as seriously as a funeral, and eventually joined forces with Highland Park Brewery to set up a beerhouse in what was once the, ahem, VIP rooms. Daring in-house drafts, including a dark Belgian-style strong ale infused with local figs and a session beer spiked with coffee, followed.

Although the food menu is solid, you’d be nuts not to grab a slice at Town Pizza just down the street. The signature pies—including one made with roast pork, mole, sweet corn, cilantro, and pickled red onion—are the ultimate drunk food.

The Hermosillo, 5125 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA; 323-739-6459.
Town Pizza, 5101 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA; 323-344-8696.