Meet Maurice Rodriguez of Atwater Village Tavern

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Rodriguez.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Maurice. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Atwater Village Tavern actually started as a take a chance kinda project… I’ve always wanted to own a watering hole or a gathering spot where my local community could hang out have a couple drinks eat some great food and enjoy themselves. I grew up in Atwater Village and have been a local resident since 1980.Village Tavern is located on Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village. When I was growing up the Blvd as it was called then wasn’t ever too much of an exciting area to visit. Mainly it was filled with shoe repair shops, dry cleaners, dentist offices, post office , flower shop, Banks, liquor stores. etc… It was never considered a destination but more a necessity area.

One day as I was riding my bike on the Blvd. on my way back from working out at the local Metro Fitness Gym I noticed a small shop that had become available next to the Rocket Doctor (tennis specialty shop) on the Blvd. and thought to myself, wouldn’t this be a nice spot for a local pub.

So I enquired about the space available and how much the lease would be etc…. The next step was to make sure the city had it zoned for such an establishment. After doing all my research I realized it wouldn’t be an easy task and also would be an expensive project since the entire space would have to be retrofitted. But as they say no risk no reward,

I also did a little bit of local research to see if the community would welcome such a project. I reached out to the neighborhood council, residents and local businesses surrounding the area to see how they would feel about it. I was surprised as to how many people encouraged me to make it happen, So basically it took me a year to finish the Tavern and now we are about to celebrate out 4th year in July. Atwater Village neighborhood has changed a lot since we first opened and has flourished with lots of new additions to our Blvd with fun new shops, restaurants that have made the Blvd. finally a destination for locals, families and visitors from all over. I’m just a longtime resident who always had a little dream to have something I could call my own and also something that people would enjoy. One day with luck maybe another opportunity will arise and we could bring the same joy to a different neighborhood.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Just like any business, making sure the customers are happy with our product. making sure they enjoy what we have to offer on a consistent basis. Consistency is the key to keeping a restaurant or bar open.

I totally forgot to mention that it’s a full bar and also features crafter or tap, wine, spirits, cider and specialty cocktails. Our food consists of classic tavern food such as burger, wings, etc… But our main menu consist of Mexican style fare. Handmade tortillas for all tacos, we also have the favorites like nachos, quesadillas, street style elite (corn on the cob), avocado fries, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, burgers, nuggets, ceviche, we also feature brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Please see our Instagram to get a better idea of out specials and food pics if interested.

We also have drink specials every single day and happy hour food and drinks Mon-Friday 4_7pm

More detail:

Monday (Happy hour all day)
Tuesdays $5 margaritas all day
Wednesdays $5 Whiskey Drinks All Day
Thursdays $5 Martinis All Day
Fridays $5 Choice Shots All Day
Saturdays $2 PBR and Schlitz Tallboy cans (10pm-2am)
Sundays $5 Micheladas, $5Bloody Marys, $5 Sweet vodka Lemonades & $10 Mimosa Carafes All Day

What were you like growing up?
I was born in Cuba, came to the US in 1980 went to all the local schools in the Atwater village region. Was basically your typical 80’s kid, grew up riding BMX bikes, listening to new wave, heavy metal, punk, reggae. did most things your average teenager did, hung out with friends, partied, had fun at concerts while attending school and having jobs to help out the family and getting the things I’ve wanted for myself without relying on others . I’ve always been a very driven and lucky person. At the right place at the right time so to speak.

Contact Info:

• Address: Atwater Village Tavern
  3216 Glendale Blvd
  Los Angeles, CA 90039
• Website: www.atwatervillagetavern.com
• Phone: 323-644-0605
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Atwater village tavern
• Facebook: Atwater village tavern
• Twitter: @atwatertavern
• Yelp: atwater village tavern
• Other: also available for delivery through ubereats, grubhub, amazon restaurants