West L.A. classic The Arsenal will blast back this Friday following weeks of renovation, with prices reflecting its origins in 1950 from 7:00 to 9:00 every night until October 28th. The restaurant is keeping its dining room more or less the same, but big changes have been made to its bar, lounge, and patio. Via press release, the owners tell us wood-paneled walls now stand in place of the old red ones, while a bigger lounge has been added to deal with those crushing, student-heavy weekend crowds that often make you want to remove one of the ancient weapons from the wall and start swinging. Humungoid televisions have also been added to the lounge and patio, with the promise of sports and movie nights, though they’re swearing it’s all tasteful (have you ever really seen a “tasteful” t.v.?). In addition to a new look, The Arsenal has new menu items and cocktails. What’s in store?
The restaurant is adding three types of mac-and-cheese, a ten-ounce New York steak, poutine fries, additional burgers, and pizzas that will be made-from-scratch. The booze selection has also expanded with more “mature beer,” wine, and bottled spirits, plus a few new cocktails have been added to their really old-school drink menu, including a spicy ginger margarita. To celebrate after the week-long, 1950’s-priced fiesta that starts Friday, The Arsenal is adding an extra hour to its daily happy hours, which will offer all the new bites, plus 1/2 off beers and $3 house wine and cocktails.
An old favorite, it would seem hard to improve The Arsenal, minus booting some of the punkier clientele, but improved drinks and a three-hour happy hour is always a good place to start. Stay tuned to its Facebook page for more details.
The Arsenal, reopening October 22nd at 12012 W. Pico Blvd. West L.A..
