(Dined 05/06/23 SA @ 1:00pm): No need for the Feds at this bar; everything was legit! I took a lunch break from the 10th Annual Pasadena International Film Festival nearby at the Laemmle NoHo 7 theaters and decided to walk to The Federal Bar which I haven't gone to since pre-pandemic. I always enjoyed this place and it was centrally located to many places within the NoHo Arts District. There had been some recent changes to the place and building in general (A new Knitting Factory space opened upstairs; a blast from the past of my clubbing days). Would this reunion be a cause for a federal case to return more often!? PURCHASE Lovely Layla Cocktail ($17.00): Made with Empress Gin, lavender, lemon, and egg white, I opted out of the lavender color and swapped gin with my favorite brand Hendrick's. Not as visually vivid with the lavender color, but it was still a well-mixed elixir. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8VWj22xiUpPsge8N3M5i9Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Mac & Cheese w/Bacon ($14.00): Made with housemade cheese sauce, pasta shells, bread crumbs, and bacon bits (broccoli was another option), this hefty portion size was a treat to eat with gooey cheese, crackling breadcrumbs, and a ton o crispy bacon bits - get your own! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=_qLDWpQeLz6g99SpWGK8cQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw OMH! Oh My Habanero Burger w/Fries ($19.00): Built with tomato, avocado, habanero jam, pepper jack cheese, onion strings, chipotle aioli, and iceberg lettuce between a toasted brioche bun served with a side of crispy thick fries, this two-hander was a lovely monster to eat as I constantly licked and wiped my fingers, but I wish it was spicier! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Y9X7i5IHf7bKlPVn8OhFqQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Harland Brewing Co. Rumbler Pale Ale Beer 5.4% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Bright amber color, light malty aroma, low body, light malty flavor, clean finish, and light malty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=yOF_ORXESlJtMnmQWv7dpg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Big Sky Brewing Co. Moose Drool Brown Ale Beer 5.1% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.00): Reddish brown color, earthy malty aroma, medium body, earthy malty flavor, drying finish, and light malty aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=EL2uDsK94EYGlZ0rVEUakA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Optional Reopening Fee ($1.87): I had no idea what this was for. SERVICE I was warmly greeted by a lovely woman behind the bar, so I decided to pull up a stool as we chatted the entire time. She was quick with my order, offered overage tasting of cocktails she was making for others, and simply had a chill time with her - awesome! PARKING (Varied; $6.00 this instance) I was in town from morning through night attending the 10th Pasadena International Film Festival at the Laemmle NoHo 7, so I parked at a nearby parking structure that provided basically all-day validation from the theatre. Otherwise, there were several parking structures in the area, limited spots along the main drag of Lankershim Blvd. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A brick building (formerly a bank) and facade with an industrial-like ceiling initially caught your attention in this somewhat cramped dining area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Qddlf67DHfoUgkaZTRtTnA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw at the front. Then, the center bar with its colorful cocktail menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jhgiV4L2eFn0uNi_V6WhZw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw added a splash to everything as chairs/tables/booths hugged the walls for places to eat. There was also a separate back room potentially for private parties. There wasn't much decoration to speak of. Plenty of natural light entered through the large front windows and doors while hung electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs throughout while rock music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=khkQ81_oY_HFj8Od8Jidlw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Fun was had at The Federal Bar, and I was truly saddened to hear about its closure at the end of 2023 (another COVID pandemic casualty). Although its existence was barely twelve years, it seemed to be an entertaining hub day or night. They had daily happy hour specials, a decent food menu, but were more known for the drinks and music. The prices were comparable, and the service was efficient and friendly. They were owned/managed by a national company. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $75.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

We just had a lovely brunch here today and the food was fast and delicious. The staff was attentive and caring. Also, they worked very hard to help me surprise my family. This place is great for families! Ten years ago, my husband proposed to me here. When we heard The Federal was closing down, I knew we had to make this anniversary a big one. The manager Carl, Sarah and Sophia all worked together to bring so much joy to my family. Thank you for everything and my only regret was not coming back to visit more often.

Sad to see this gem go but Hod I got a chance to check it out before they close. Chill vibes and cool bar. The service was ok and the food was good.

I'd like to get my review in before the place closes its doors permanently. The Federal has been a go to place for a nice local night out. It has a nice gastropub feel and very live on the weekends. I used to come by with friends just to hang out for some drinks and food. Other times was just to pop in while bar hopping in the many options the North Hollywood area has to offer. Most importantly the Federal looked out for their loyal customers by opening up their back area to create outdoor dining during the pandemic. Not only was it just the option to eat there, they presented game nights, live music and more. My last several visits was for music events that were help upstairs. Enjoyed the drinks, appetizers and their BLT sandwiches each time. The upstairs evolved into the kitting factory and the audio system got a lot better. I am a bit surprised that I have not left my review in the past. Knowing that Federal is closing its doors in Dec is totally shocking for me. I hope whatever is in the future for the company evolves into something great. Thank you for the fun memories. Parking: paid private lot, street parking VERDICT: Rinse and repeat

Their happy hour is my favorite time of the day! Wednesdays they have happy hour ALL DAY just so you know *wink* I ordered the Jackfruit Tacos with corn tortillas and the Orange Cauliflower. Both were amazing in taste and texture! I love when the cauliflower has a nice slightly crunchy bite, and the jackfruit was seasoned very well! The tacos are per order so you can request as many as you want, go crazy.

The new American classy gastropub you never knew you needed to meet. A vintage 1920s Great Gatsby appeal in decor style and the perfect mood lighting. The Federal Bar is well known as a North Hollywood/NoHo Arts staple. Big brunch, breakfast, lunch and dinner menu with the cocktails, mocktails and beverages to pair with as well as match. The happy hour ain't too shabby either. Their menu is ever changing, but the quality and care of the staff, chefs, kitchen crew and everyone above or in-between is top of the line. Blown away by the comfort food meets healthy options including their impressive vegan options/versions of a lot of the menu (including burgers, tacos, appetizer and even mac n cheese which keeps alluding me as they seem to run out fast ). Tonight was the third night I tried with NO LUCK... ONE DAY lol... They had to cancel my ordered, but I usually opt for a delicious Vegan Burger (often), Jackfruit Tacos, House Greens Salad w/ added avocado, a truly great non-dairy dessert and tons of other great options like the Vegan Breakfast Sandwich... Which is prepared to perfection! I truly love coming here for drinks over anything, even have talked with them about hopefully hosting my dad's retire party here as they do great events, have live entertainment on occasion including concerts, comedy shows and more in their upstairs. You can reserve the lounge, salon or upstairs theater area for events. They have an amazing event director who answers all you questions and needs plus responds in a more than timely manner. The Painkiller, Apricot Old Fashion (bartender's kiss) and Ain't it Fun are signatures to try out of the sun! It's mostly street parking in the area with a few parking garages close by. If you have a group or party you can make reservations here on Yelp for up to a party of 8 or call if larger :)

All day Happy Hour Wednesdays. These are not small portions! Very friendly staff. Not too busy during the week. The cauliflowers wings are amazing! Perfectly crispy and not too sweet.

I've been to The Federal more times than I can count. There is consistently amazing food and drinks in a wonderful environment. The ambiance feels trendy, yet still somehow a bit divey - which is perfect for me. It's a tad exciting, but I always feel at home and never out of place. My favorite part about The Federal is the brunch. Great food, bottomless mimosas, and RESERVATIONS! Gone are the days of waiting in long lines for a brunch table! This is truly one of my favorite spots in the Valley, and perhaps all of LA. Thank you!

We almost always come here for lunch or dinner before going to the El Portal Theater and were here twice in a week before and after seeing a couple of good shows. As usual the service was really good as was the food. It's always a pleasure to eat here when going to the theater, there is no better place for food and service in the area.