Agoura’s Hip New Hot Spots

Two new hot spots are making big news and drawing crowds.

First to open in the area, the Sunset Room is an elegant mix of restaurant, bar and nightclub owned and conceived by the renowned nightclub mogul Chris Breed and his partner, James Ashford, both Agoura Hills residents.

Breed, called "King of Hollywood" by the Los Angeles Times, earned the title by opening a string of successful nightlife establishments over the past 18 years. Breed burst into the Hollywood scene in 1990, when he opened the legendary Roxbury Supper Club.

“We’re trying to bring a different and brand-new element to the area,” said Brian Norris, Sunset's director of operations. “Around here, no one does a three-course dinner and a show anymore.”

The establishment boasts a seating capacity of 400, which can easily accommodate its dinner-and-a-show crowd, as well as private events, and has celebrity DJs highlighting its nightly live entertainment. Happy hour begins at 4 p.m.

Back in September, , as part of their pre-opening festivities. Local and national celebrities strolled the red carpet for the lavish fundraising affair that commanded up to $1,000 a plate.

For dining recommendations, Norris touts their large selection of wine along with appetizers. The small plate menu that Chef Shawn Davis has painstakingly put together is also worth mentioning, said Norris, with the truffle goat cheese pillows and bourbon bacon confit as must-haves.

For entrees, Norris recommends the bacon-wrapped day boat scallops. “You won’t find it anywhere,” said Norris of the mouth-watering dish concocted by the Cordon Bleu-trained Davis.

On the opposite end of Agoura Road, in what used to be MOZ Buddha Lounge, is The Lab Brewing Co.

Large copper vessels line one side of the pub, separating the main dining room from the bar. The Lab seats 95 in the winter-time and doubles that number during the summer-time with outside seating.

Executive chef Moez Megji, who is also one of four partners, described the venue’s unusual appeal. “We’re a gastro pub serving eclectic, fresh American cuisine,” said the industry veteran who also co-owns Fins Tavern and Grill in Westlake, among others.

There are four handcrafted house brews and over 28 handpicked microbrews on tap, according to Brew master Roger Bott aka Dr. Hops.

Bott, who trained and operated pubs in Holland and Belgium, highly recommends the West Coast Hoppy brews, known for their more assertive flavors and character. “They‘re very soothing but they do have a higher alcohol content,” he said. “They are paired best with spicy and heavier dishes.”

Megji singled out The LAB Burger as a dish worth trying and salivating for. “It’s a blend of sirloin and rib-eye which we grind on-site,” he said of his signature dish topped with Gruyere and blue cheese.

Check out both venues for night-before-Thanksgiving festivities. The Sunset Room will be closed on Thanksgiving but don’t miss out on The Lab’s Thanksgiving Day buffet from 12-8 p.m. 

Both places will also be rocking with over-the-top New Year’s Eve parties.