The Holloway, an Echo Park sports bar, is serving up familiar bar food staples with a twist, aiming to make dishes like fries and nachos destination-worthy. Chef Andrew Rodriguez is at the helm, transforming what might seem like basic menu items into something new, performing what has been described as "culinary magic."
Located in the former Lonely Oyster space at 1320 Echo Park Avenue, The Holloway's menu cover features a giant smiley face, a hint that things aren't quite as straightforward as they appear. While the menu lists items like a "chicken park sando" and "little gem wedge," the approach is far from typical. The idea is to elevate simple, generic bar food "without getting hoity-toity."
Fries, for instance, arrive dusted in "Cool Ranch seasoning." The chicken parm, rather than a standard bun, is served on focaccia. Even a seemingly simple wedge salad gets a reimagining, sprinkled with nutritional yeast and everything bagel seasoning instead of onions. Nachos follow suit, featuring chips also dusted with "cool ranch seasoning," paired with thick avocado slices, green onions, and crema.
Beyond the clever twists, the kitchen focuses on execution. The fish and chips are noted for their "perfect crust" and are served with homemade tartar sauce. Chicken wings, often a messy affair, are described as both tender and having an outside crunch, achieved through a turn on the grill, suggesting they're "unmissable." These elevated takes on classics are presented as the kind of food Angelenos deserve.
The Holloway's location is also a selling point for many Southern Californians, given its relative proximity to Dodger Stadium. This makes it a potential stop for pre- or post-game meals and drinks. The bar also hopes to become a destination for sports viewing, especially with NFL season beginning. Patrons can find a margarita made with "Dodger blood" (blue curaçao) and a chili dog described as handily beating anything available in a stadium. While the "chicken sando" is off the official menu, it's still available upon request.
The Holloway is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to midnight, and on Friday and Saturday from noon until 2 am. The experience aims to surprise diners who might think they've had specific dishes before, but not quite like this.
