Mugs Up, and Say 'Cheers!'

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Overview: This local pub is run by brewmaster David Griffiths, alongside General Manager and proprietor Cyrena Nouzille. Chances are you will see them when you come in. Ladyface is the first and only microbrewery in Agoura Hills, and let me tell you, their beers are amazing, inventive, and simply delicious. The Belgian and French brasserie-style dishes are heavenly. This is a great restaurant for any occasion--guy's night out, family lunch on the patio, or even a group catching a favorite sports game. If you are coming with a big group, I recommend making a reservation, as this pub has become a hot spot in town. They recently celebrated their one year anniversary, and Patch got a look

Decor: The dim lighting and colorful decor make you feel right at home. This is a restaurant where you can relax, kick back, and let your worries be washed away with a crafty creation. I especiall love that the candles are displayed in mason jars with barley. Diners can sit at the bar and catch the game, sit outside with a beautiful mountain backdrop (my personal favorite), or sit at a long wooden table inside.

Drinks: The beer board menu is always changing at Ladyface, as Griffiths is always creating new and inventive brews. The favorites that are always around in a glass ($5) or pitcher ($15) include, the La Blonde, the Ladyface IPA, and Blind Ambition Belgian Amber. Look on their web site for weekly specials and new ales. For the month of March they have released the Blue-Belly Barleywine with full and bold flavors. What's new on tap?  The Ladyface Cuvee ($12) was exclusively created with Semler Wines, and it's a must-try. They also carry a vast selection of wines. If you are not in the mood for a brewsky or glass of wine, no worries. The bar is fully stocked with premium scotch, whiskey, bourbons, vodkas, tequilas, and more. How about some beer to go? Grab a Growler, a 64-oz glass jug, of your favorite brew. They're reusable.

Appetizers: The Pomme Frites, either sweet potato ($6.50) or classic Belgian ($5) are an absolute must. For seasoning, try garlic & herb, sea salt & pepper, or harissa spice. You also have a choice of sauce with red ale ketchup, curry mustard, sweet &hot, blue cheese fondue, creme fraiche, or aioli as your options. The baked brie pastries ($6) are little poppers of heaven with cranberry. The French onion soup ($5) is full of amazing flavor with bubbling gruyere cheese on top. The macaroni & cheese ($7) is creamy with a crispy potato chip crust. And if you just need a small nibble to go with your brew, try the soft pretzel ($4) with mustard dipping sauce.

Salads: The salads here are refreshing, delicious, and a perfect treat while sitting outside on the patio on a warm day. My favorite is the Maytag Blue Cheese and Apple salad ($10), a perfect combination. The ratatouille ($12) is a mixture of delicious vegetables and creamy burrata cheese on top. Another favorite is the Salade Nicoise ($12) with fresh albacore, olives, peppers, potatoes, green beans, and eggs.

Entrees: One of the best parts about the Ladyface menu is they recommend what beer goes well with some of their favorite dishes. What's a beer without Fish and Chips ($12). These ale battered fresh cod are amazing with their Blonde ale. The "Pan Bagna" Provencal sandwich ($12) is the Salad Nicoise on a sandwhich. Their Novy-Ranch Wood Grilled Burger ($10) is arguably one of the best burgers in the area. Want to try something extremely different? The Croque-Madame ($9) is a gruyere grilled cheese sandwich with ham in the middle and an egg on top. Don't knock it until you try it. The steak frites ($17) is a personal favorite with tenderloin medallions served over a bed of Belgian fries, and it pairs well with their Barleywine. Try a wood-grilled flat bread ($10) or grilled sausage on a pretzel roll($10) - they both change daily.

Sides: Looking for little tables snacks? The mixed olives ($4) and Le Panier ($5) with a basket of mixed breads are crowed pleasers. Try the sauteed winter greens ($5) with garlic and lemon.

Desserts: There's no better way to end a meal than with chocolate crepes topped with chantilly and compote cream ($6). Ladyface has a Brewer's Flight of Ale and Wine Sorbets ($5 scoop), exclusively created by Tifa. Try the Saison Ale granita, Coffee Porter ice cream, or Blackberry Cabernet sorbet. My favorite? The Belgian Waffle ($6) topped with fruit, syrup and chantilly cream. The bread pudding ($6) with vanilla bourbon sauce is amazing as well.

Service: The staff is fast, friendly, and full of recommendations. Not sure on what beer to get? They will help narrow down your choices based on what your tastebuds' fancy. Sometimes the bar can get a little busy and crowded, but don't worry, there is always someone willing to help.

Signature Dish: Ladyface IPA and Pommes Frites.

Address: 29281 Agoura Rd

Cost: $$