Yes I have finally found a place where I can indulge my passion for Hot Links and Sausages. The place is called Link N Hops, and it is located in Atwater Village, a kind of cosmopolitan enclave I know little about. Stuck in a mini-mall, and looking kind of small from the outside, Link N Hops is the brainchild of Syrian immigrant Andy Hasroun, and it looks like he has come up with a winner in only a few weeks with this Gastro Pub.

A second location is already in the works in Burbank, and make no mistake he wants to turn it into a chain. He has created a jazzy, hip atmosphere with an open kitchen, outside patio, and booths that are relatively private.

The menu is constantly being tinkered with, but right now there are about 24 different links, all served on a toasted bolillo bun. I did get the chance to try five of the links, and of those I would recommend the Wild Boar w/Marsala, Boar, pork, beef, garlic and marsala ($7.75). Others I checked out were the hard to find Lamb Merguez, Smoked Andouille Pork, Rabbit w/white wine, Hungarian Sausage and the Smoked Pork w/cheese. A vegan friend of mine had gone to the restaurant with some trepidation before my visit, but was pleasantly surprised by finding the Salmon Chipotle Link on the menu, which is one of seven vegan links to choose from.

There are a wide selection of dressings for the links including pickled beets, sautéed or sliced onions and spicy mixed pickles. I was also pleased to see a choice of four mustards right on the table, and how often do you see that in restaurants. Two toppings are included with each order, with any additional one’s only 50 cents each. The triple dipped Belgian fries are also a must order, nice and thick and irresistible, but they must be eaten while still hot, as they tend to lose their flavor a bit when cooling down.

The selection of imported ales and beers is also impressive with 24 Draft Beers and 14 bottled Beers available with a price range from a low of $4 up until $11. After careful consideration I went for the Mischieff from Belgium, a dark and strong beer that went perfect with the links. The good thing is that all these beers are available for purchase next door at the smart looking 55 Degree Wine, also owned by Andy, with a rather unique underground wine bar that is the best kept secret in Atwater, yet alone anywhere else.

Link N Hops
3111 Glendale Blvd
Atwater Village, CA
(323) 426-9049
www.linknhops.com

Price-dinner for 2 w/beer $35
Open: noon to Midnight
Parking-Lot and Street