Best Day in the 'burbs

Going carless in Glendale and Montrose

Comments (0) By Matthew Fleischer Wednesday, Oct 1 2008

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After dessert, continue the Armenian theme by smoking the nergileh. Normally an establishment by the name of Hookah Lounge would conjure up some unpleasant thoughts — but this place breaks all stereotypes. No Bob Marley on a loop or stink-hippies at this joint. We’re talking bumping Central Asian techno music and Armani Exchange as far as the eye can see. For most people, this is the closest you’ll ever get to Yerevan.

Across the street from Hookah Lounge, The Scene makes me want to punch someone in the face. I really don’t know why. The place must magically fuse some long-abandoned synaptic connections in my amygdala that fuel my primeval rage. And I’m not the only one. It’s not uncommon for BMW-driving Armenian youth to drive by and pelt hip, innocent bystanders with lemons and figs. I’ve seen it happen twice. But for a cover of usually no more than five bucks you get to see some pretty great live music and drink cheap beer late into the night.

Not too bad if you think about it.

Porto’s Bakery, 315 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 956-5996.

Mario’s Italian Deli, 740 E. Broadway, Glendale, (818) 242-4114.

Glendale Beeline or www.glendalebeeline.com.

Coffee Express, 735 Glendale Blvd., Glendale, (818) 549-9040.

Verdugo Park, 1621 Canada Blvd., Glendale, (818) 549-9040.

Andersen’s Pets, 2218 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, (818) 249-1724 or www.andersenpets.com.

Java Brew, 2418 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, (818) 248 -1769.

Zeke’s Smokehouse, 2209 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, (818) 957-7045.

Montrose Bowl, 2334 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, (818) 249-3895.

La Cabanita, 3447 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, (818) 957-2711.

Taco Azteca, 143 S. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, (818) 244-2131.