Universal Bar and Grill

373 reviews

4093 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602

www.universalbarandgrill.com

+18188568066

About

Universal Bar and Grill is a Bar & grill located at 4093 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602. It has received 373 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-1AM
Tuesday11AM-1AM
Wednesday11AM-1AM
Thursday11AM-10PM
Friday3PM-12AM
Saturday3PM-12AM
Sunday3PM-12AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Universal Bar and Grill: 4093 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602

  • Universal Bar and Grill has 4.4 stars from 373 reviews

  • Bar & grill

  • "ISSUE: Business Overcharged and DID NOT DISCLOSE their POLICY and PRICE increase to Customers This was my 4th visit to Universal Bar and Grill and I never really had any issues with them until Tuesday in March"

    "It was a great place to hear new bands, nice atmosphere, the decor is nice, friendly staff, sitting room is a bit bleak, food and drink specials were okay"

    "*WARNING* Hope you get to see this before its too late "

    "Date night was a hit at this place"

    "The cheddar grilled cheese was really good"

Reviews

  • Richard Macias

ISSUE: Business Overcharged and DID NOT DISCLOSE their POLICY and PRICE increase to Customers This was my 4th visit to Universal Bar and Grill and I never really had any issues with them until Tuesday in March. My friends kept encouraging me and my wife to come to the Karaoke Night on Tuesdays. I know its customary to order food, drinks or both at a particular establishment if you're participating in Karaoke. The overall establishment was clean, and the bartender was Tessa. I decided to open a tab for food and drinks…I ordered $46 of food plus 2 soft drinks. While we were there the bartender Tessa asked us if we would like additional refills. My wife said yes and when I received the bill, I noticed I was charge for 4 Soft Drinks, when I only actually ordered 2 only. When I questioned my bill, I was told by Tessa that only the 1st refill was FREE and after that I was charged for each additional drink. We were never informed about the Company Policy that we would be ADDITIONAL CHARGE for drinks after the 1st REFILL. Nowhere does this POLICY STATE this in the Restaurant Menu or POSTED noticeably visible in the view of the customers. I would have re-consider the additional refills, if this was disclosed. When I reviewed the menu, it said that Soft Drinks were priced at $3.50, but we were charged $4.00, and this error is not something that I would have necessarily had an issue. But it was brought to my attention when I noticed I was double charged. When we spoke with the manager Miguel a few days later, he came up with the answer and said there was a Karaoke FEE of $0.50 per drink??? What??? The food overall was okay and nothing spectacular, the Nacho Supreme was somewhat small for the price. Nothing special with the Caesar Salads or Burgers. I wouldn't recommend this place for the food! RECOMMEND paying for the food and drinks as you get it and don't leave your credit card on an open tab, this way you can challenge the ticket before being charged. To note, we spoke with another employee, name Jez, she said that the drink refill was mentioned to her.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Monica v (MocaMom)

It was a great place to hear new bands, nice atmosphere, the decor is nice, friendly staff, sitting room is a bit bleak, food and drink specials were okay. I wouldn't get their specialty shots again. They have a good selection of drinks though. It also gets too warm inside. Although the patio is quite nice. No parking and only 1 toilet per gender.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

  • Josue Alvarez

*WARNING* Hope you get to see this before its too late .. DO NOT OPEN TAB at this establishment .. I bought 3 drinks and chili cheese fries.. And im getting charged 120$ ..NOT ONLY DID THEY GIVE MY CARD TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO ENDED GIVING IT TO ME THEY KEPT MY ACCOUNT OPEN TO CHARGE ME LATER ON Then i call to tell them and they just talk over you there is no hope getting my money back ... Hope this reaches you before it happens to you .. Bring cash.. Won't happen to me again

  • giovanna perez

Date night was a hit at this place. Def out of my element but super dope! James did an amazing job serving us. By far the best Lemon drop I've ever had. Felt good and comfortable being there. Definitely left a lot later then what I was expecting too.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
California Burger
Wheelchair accessibility
Staff Def makes accommodations. ♡

  • dee vaughn

The cheddar grilled cheese was really good. Fried pickles could have been better. Drink was nice and strong for the money. Handicapped accessibility was good for a bar.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Kid-friendliness
There was a young man there, everyone was polite and family friendly.
Wheelchair accessibility
Ramps were available. Bathroom was usable.

  • Rudy Sanchez

Went to see a friend's band perform (PBR) the food was good, the music was amazing, and the staff and owner were very friendly and down to earth! Good place for live music!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Wings, Fried Pickles
Kid-friendliness
Maybe not for very young children but my 16 yr old son had a great time.

  • Kevin Ryan

This cozy little bar has a fun atmosphere with good music (speakers OR live shows), ambient lighting, and pretty good beer/liquor menu. Prices on drinks are somewhat standard fare, so it won't break the bank like a spot in DTLA. Pool table and patio amenities are also quite enjoyable here. Had a great time watching my friends perform their music here! "Thus Far" - check them out!
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

  • kathy beverly

Love this place I got the fry plater.. bartender nice. Great pool table. Clean bathrooms fun time went on Wednesday Open mic night with Sharon Groom who is a wonderful host and musician. I will be coming back and bringing more friends. Although I thought the bar was understaffed the bartender managed to pull it off... good times!!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Jeni Partee

Saw Bloodshot Cosmonaut. They were great. Universal Bar and Grill is a fun place, great food, decent prices. Pool table in the back. Games were on the TV. Band was playing. A little something for everyone. Be careful going up the steps to the Red Room. I fell on my face. First step is not lit at all. The rest of the steps are lit on the riser, not on the top. No, I wasn't drinking, the steps are wonky.

  • Christine Courtois

This place has fun music events, however there is no parking lot. Street parking only. The inside is weirdly shaped, so it is not the most comfortable place to see a band. The decor is old and could use some updating. They do serve food. The bar service is lacking. Very slow to get a drink. They do have a very well stocked bar though, and the prices are reasonable. Go with friends for a fun night.

  • Liz Tungate

Regular as home bar for pool league. Service is exceptional, Tessa is great Wide variety of food choices and all food ordered have always been fresh and delicious. Compliments to their chef.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Burrito, Chicken Wings, Chili

  • Aaron Collette

Used to play here all the time back in the day. Its the biggest little venue there is in the San Fernando Valley/Hollywood area. Apparently there's new owners and they have upgraded the equipment a slight bit, but the one thing that the U-joint always needed was a dedicated sound guy when it comes to live performance nights. Drinks have gone up in price...But still reasonable.

  • Kyle Jarvis

Charged $7 to get into the bar at 12am and left the bar at 12:15am. The girl who was charging cover at the door didn't even work at the bar. She was friends of the band. When I gave her a $20 bill she almost didn't have enough change to give me back, which tells me no one has been paying to get In. In 15 minutes I spent $25 and didn't even get a buzz. Never again!

  • Alvin Tate

Jess was the most entertaining bartender I've met in a long time. Drinks were impeccable and she got the entire bar talking together. What an outstanding experience on a beautiful Saturday in Hollywood.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Wings

  • Will Staso

We decided to split their fried chicken and eat on the patio. The service was good, but the chicken was terrible. It was dry and seemed to be mostly composed of breading and bone. The cold slaw had little taste. Sorry, no recommendation here.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • Jeffrey Clark

Live music almost every night and good food makes this the place to be. In my opinion.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Burrito, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, California Burger, Tuna Melt

  • Lauren Valle

The quintessential dive bar experience. Dark, drab and tacky interior. Wonderful regulars and nice stiff drinks. There's a pool table, a patio and juke box. Lunch menu is...tolerable (nothing remarkable, really) but food service stops between 2pm and 5pm. Beer menu could use a craft revamp but otherwise, not a bad place to kill a few hours

  • John Gloria

It depends on your mood. This is an old school joint that's been here forever and delivers the old school, dive bar vibes. The bartenders were quite friendly though and this is a good place to see a band.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Jenna Marie Miles

Had a freaking blast at karaoke with Abby on Tuesday night!! The songs people picked had a great variety to them, relaxed atmosphere and everyone was friendly (but not obnoxious friendly, chill friendly) and non-judgemental. Definitely going back! (Did I mention the drinks are cost effective and delicious? ) …

  • Joe Montoya (G. I. Joe)

Nice open mic jam on a Saturday night. The host band and soundman set the pace with the volume of the live band at a comfortable level. Thanks! The bartender was very fast and accommodating. Bathrooms were clean. Lighting was good. However the steps leading up to the VIP lounge were dark and hard to see! …

  • Jordonna Lobese

So a few things going on here: a mini art show on the outside covered patio, a packed bar area with adjoining pool area, and a music area with two awesome bands. The booker was open, inviting, and a great host. And the bands were first rate with an awesome, interactive crowd. Will definitely go back!!!

  • Greg Debonne

Fun little place. Not exactly a 'dive' but rather an unassuming bar & eating establishment with a good layout where someone, say, a blue collar American or really anyone without pretense can order a beer, maybe a burger as well, and enjoy some fun live music at a reasonable price.
Atmosphere: 4

  • BlaziQue Music

We play gigs there every so often and I always have a great time!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking, Paid street parking

  • Cafe Noir

Rock & Roll! Live shows, sitting indoor patios and outdoor patios, pool/billiards, clean bathrooms, a variety of bar food options, near full bar and you never know who you'll run into
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • cesar hernandez

Great venue, great people all the times!! Very great talented bartender, love the atmosphere and energy in this joint!! Definitely a must go to bar and grill!! Did i mention they make big bomb delicious burgers also!!! Lovw them fries ehe.. Check it out peoples!!!!!! Great shows on weekends!!

  • Mary Woods

Always a safe & fun place to hang out ! We love Thursdays !
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Onion Rings, Nachos
Dietary restrictions accommodated
Not sure

  • Nikki “Nikspicks” Armstrong

The drinks aren't badd the pool tables pretty cool that it's not a great place to hear music and even if they only have 2 people in the audience in their about to close those still charge you the admission instead of making money and letting you in to buy a drink or 2 or 3 or 4 Jesus

  • Michael Courtois

Recently bought by a new owner who is really trying to breath some new life into to the place. New sound system for the bands and a nice facelift to the place made it a very enjoyable evening listening to live music. An intimate venue to share some drinks and fun with friends.

  • Tyran Ingram

I performed my Christmas song called Thank the Lord, and it was a fun event. It did rain but it still cool. Check out my music when y'all time. :)))))
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: No

  • James aka D1g1t5 Caldwell

I love this place. The history is abundant. The food was very good and I’m picky about bar food. The service is always with a smile, and the drinks are reasonably priced all the time and then there’s happy hour every day. Not to mention the

  • Dorothy Mullette

Awesome music, the friendliest bartenders, great owners who always make you feel welcome. One of our favorite places to go.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

  • Mike F

Enjoyed having some good food and drinks while listening to live music being performed by different bands including my friends "Make Believe Friends".
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • JimboSlice 562

Bring back #rewind they were amazing and the bar is a great atmosphere
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sweet & Sour Chicken

  • Diana Brown

Love this dive bar!! Located near Universal Studios. A low-key place to enjoy food and spirits. The place offers a variety of entertainment from bands to karaoke to comedy. My favorite place to be during football season.

  • Christine Courtois

Too small. Terrible sound, not much parking. Overcrowded and weirdly shaped place to see a band. Tiny stage, so usually not even the band stays on stage. Have seen some decent bands here, but the place is not cool.

  • Bruce Meyer

Great night Life. Always Live music
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Bottle of Water

  • James Hustis

Our bar tender was awesome! Place was packed and somehow she ran the place magnificently by herself.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes

  • Eli Arnold

Neat little venue. Surprisingly great sound for such a tiny place. It gets difficult to order a drink when it's busy, though. He'll sometimes when it's not busy it's tough to get the bartender's attention.

  • chelsea mike

Great place to see a live show. Hours vary but they usual open at 11 except for mtw when they open at 3 closing times vary from 12 to 1am except sun at 11. Bartender was awesome along with everyone else.

  • SUZA WORLD

The Universal Bar & Grill is AWESOME! Great food! Cool atmosphere! Top notch place to play or catch a local rising star!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • Joe Dav

Not my first time being there, I've been there many many years ago. Nothing has changed. Has always been a good atmosphere with good hospitality and unlimited talent that comes through and performs

  • Shawnn Davis

New management is cool, Food is cheap, nice solid dive bar.
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: No

  • John Reynoso

Full fledged dive bar, drinks are strong and reasonable. Bar is open late compared to city walk bars. The people are friendly and they have live music of sorts great place to relax and chill

  • Scott Beard

They have some really good bands. Waitress is cool, the drinks are most excellent, strong if you like them like that. We saw an awesome band named Macro. We will be back when Macro is back

  • Emery Silberman

A hot pretzel and you don't even have to go to a mall! Good beers and gin and gingers. Bartender Jess really made our experience, she's the best!! Coming back for Jess's great service.

  • Brenda Graham

Need cook to stay longer , pizza was burnt, price to high for Costco slice pizza, place is different from website, seems to be friendly place, for a big hole in the wall sort of place.

  • Jon Snow

Bartender ha ha all she could make was a cold beer she asked me how to make my drink really place was better in the day when they had bands playing sad too see it go out like that....

  • Rosa Castro

Great dive bar. Was there to see a friend's band, first time there. Lots of free street parking on the side street. Small stage but average sized bar with a pool table in the back.

  • Aldo Aldana

Walked in and there was no bartender or waiter/waitress. Waited for about 10 minutes and left. Who leaves a bar unattended for that long
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Tigran Babelyan

If you plan on going here, it better not be for drinks. I had a Bloody Mary that I will remember for the rest of my life as the worst attempt to combine tomatoes and potatoes.

  • Raymond Ramos

Cool hangout. Service was ok. Just ok. Food was tasty but took too long (way too long) so that, when I got it, it was BARELY warm. Otherwise, cool crowd, good music.

  • James Rubio

We come up from San Diego as often as we can just for the friendly and fun atmosphere, great food and reasonable prices. A fun and welcoming place to hang out!

  • Cherie McGraham

Unbelievable live music venue so much fun incredible music tonight great food everybody was having a good time and they have live music six nights a week

  • Richard Johnson

Was nice place for bands to place. Easy parking. Drinks were expensive though.
Price per person
$30–50
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • k of california

Been going to see kelly ann for 9 years now. Literally best bartender in the world!!! Sundays and mondays. Thursdays at the barrell in sherman oaks.

  • Arnold G

Great food and location Very Friendly and fun Tuesday Karaoke with Ron. I highly recommended.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Jinni Cabrera

Local dive bar w surpris3 celebrity appearances. Love this spot. Owner is awesome and tenders are hot. Get w cab or lyft, drinks are strong. Xo

  • Rooftop Talk

Great place to visit especially at night. Everything from live bands to comedy depending on what night it is. Affordable drinks and good food.

  • LITSOUL1

LOVE THIS CLUB! It's the best place for live music and food and good vibes and pleasent staff than anyplace else in the area. Nothing like it!

  • Get Real Global TV

Amazing venue for concerts and great food, service, and drinks.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • Burger David

Absolutely a great place good mix of locals and visitors. Bartenders are always friendly and pour heavy. A piece of North Hollywood history

  • Frank M

Excellent atmosphere to listen to live rock bands and also a restaurant and a pool table inside. Friendly people and good local bands.

  • Ethan Brisby

Cool chill spot in Hollywood. On Sundays there is an artist showcase. I heard some good talent. It was a vibe. Stiff drinks as well.

  • andrew herbert

Nice food and drink prices, friendly staff, multiple tv's and $1.00 pool table. Plus cool tunes and live entertainment some nights.

  • Rick Piros

Great dive bar! Good sounds and great drinks! I would go back again! Whoot!
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$30–50

  • ChillFactorActor

Best Bar and Grill in the safest zip code in America
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$100+

  • Ronald Henderson Sr.

My godson is the king of the rap contest they had on the 11th day of march 2018(Justin) aka JT THE KANG …

  • Zetino J.D.

typical dive bar. They have local bands provide live music but there is a cover charge if you are going to watch the bands.

  • Lester Hathaway

Lack of parking. Friendly people there. Live and loud music. Burger and fries and beer we're inexpensive and delicious.

  • brian mcconnell

Small but fun, great sound system the band Power was excellent. Sintrics also was great band …
Meal t…
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  • Alexander Donovan

The security sells coke and the staff sucks!!!! Thus bar is not safe and should be closed down. Most likely will be

  • ANDRE WARMSLEY

I did comedy there. Its a great nice open audience friendly owners and staff......host was great ill back 4 sure

  • Nate Powers

Head over on Thursdays for some awesome 80s rock band covers by some really talented and personable musicians

  • Tim Trautman

Really love the place, great live music venue. parking can be a little bit challenging so get there early!

  • Marcus Palmer Jackson

Where some of the greatest artists in the world grab a drink and have live events universal bar and grill

  • Erica Y Jimenez

The bartender is super attentive she even gives you chocolate as a thank you! Live local bands as well.

  • Kristin S

Weekly comedy show on Sunday night's is not as popular as it should be but are a fun time nonetheless.

  • Alex Alonso

Great place for rocking out and having a drink.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Chris Arcari

Nice small place to hear some lube Rock N Roll
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Maureen Veto

Saw Max Mueller's Ghost Army - delicious music by a New Band... big treat. Staff was very friendly.

  • DokTorSep

Delicious burgers good times live music Hot and friendly bartenders what more could you ask for.

  • PhilzGadgetz Riggz

Awesome place, the owner is friendly and Kelly Anne the bartender is a hottie who dances cute.

  • Rufus D'Bauchee

Its a dive in the best of ways. Love it
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Jonathan Lewis

Great food ,nice people ,lots of great live entertainment, good prices!!! Fun experience!!!

  • Makiema Beverly

What a great spot and food!! A could of my friend performed there and it was a blast!!

  • Don Bailey

Bad experience at univeral. The staff is either on drugs or doing something sketchy!

  • M

Nice place with attention and helpful staff. Excellent music and vibe. I'll be back

  • Joshua Feldman

Great place to play and watch bands, hang, shoot pool. Nice bar and decent food!

  • Cassie Pena

Good food and taps. They had a random jam session going on which was super fun.

  • Jaimzvi

Excellent Place, Universal Crowd Thursday Evenings have professional Musicians.

  • Diego Mejia

Fun, uncomplicated spot. Great bands and atmosphere. Get your drinks early...

  • Shedell O.

Went for Trucker Bomb band, Enjoyed. Busy place, have patience with ordering.

  • Ely Jaffe

Amazing house band Thursday night. Hell to the yes. Classic rock straight up.

  • Carl Esparza

Cozy bar with good bands. A laid back place to chill and enjoy with friends

  • charlie king

Live band kareoke host us fabulous and fun. Open mic host is fun and too

  • Kat Jensen

Great place to see some live music, have some good food and grab a beer.

  • Gabby Vargas

Chill bar, cool music, expensive beers. They have comedy and live music.

  • Sylvia Tadeo

Cool little bar. Went for a 50's rockabilly record hop. Good music

  • Christine Britton Quinn

Went for open mic nightTony and Wesley sounded amazing …

  • William Rodriguez

Os aight.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

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