Lila Victor
Special to the Daily Press
Main St. is bustling with new business, from morning hangouts to late-night haunts. The Library Alehouse proves a rarity, having opened in 1995 and still going strong. One of LA’s first craft beer bars, its aim is to provide a top selection of beers – old and new, foreign and local – and high quality food, culminating in a family-friendly gastropub you’ll want to return to.
Soft sunshine filters through the skylight over the bar. Warm wood, small dainty flowers on every table. Wooden beams stretching across the ceiling, small crystal chandeliers glinting in the light with green library lamps affixed to walls, and rich navy blue table settings make up the interior of the Library Alehouse. The patio follows a similar color scheme, an added green permeating the space from the pots of real plants hanging from the ceiling.
Since its inception, the Library Alehouse has been dedicated to not only supplying excellent craft beer, but also educating patrons about it. It was a place that invited beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike, with knowledgeable bartenders and patrons eager to learn and taste. Almost 10 years ago, new ownership diverted from this original idea, so when co-owners Zach Lyall and Riley Montz bought it in 2022, they did so with the intention of restoring it to its former glory.
Lyall, a Venice local, used to frequent the Library Alehouse back in high school. "It was like a really friendly neighborhood ‘Cheers’ bar," said Lyall. One of the first gastropubs on a street that’s a revolving door of new restaurants and bars, Lyall and Montz are committed to "preserving nostalgia," aiming for simplicity and consistency with the menu.
The duo doesn’t want to shut down the bar for a complete renovation, preferring to take their time and improve it bit-by-bit whilst remaining open for customers, inviting them to be a "part of the process." They have brought back the original chef and are working on bringing old dishes back to the menu, including their ahi burger and tri tip sandwich. Another addition to the team is a Cicerone, the beer equivalent of a sommelier. This allows for their diverse selection of beers, ranging from a Belgian beer from one of the oldest breweries in the world to new local brews. Patrons don’t just get to taste unique and incredible beers, but they can also learn about the history, the stories, and the tasting notes associated with each.
With still more work to do, the Library Alehouse is also looking to obtain a liquor license in the next few months so that cocktails can be added to their already impressive menu. Ultimately, at the heart of their efforts lies a passion to maintain the city’s history through its restaurants. "They still have value," said Lyall of older establishments. "So many people come in here like, ‘I met my wife here 30 years ago. … That happens every day."
The Library Alehouse is located at 2911 Main St., Santa Monica, and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays.
