about
About
Welcome to The Red Lion Tavern
For over 60 years, The Red Lion Tavern has been one of Los Angeles’ most beloved neighborhood taverns.
This L.A. landmark continues to serve up traditional German food and a wide selection of German beer in a cozy old world atmosphere.
OUR HISTORY
1959
The Red Lion Tavern is established in its existing location on Glendale Boulevard by Ted Mandekic and Edward Pagliano, then-owners of the famous Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet in downtown Los Angeles. During that period, The Red Lion Tavern was an “Olde English” pub with darts and other pub games in a “Game Room” on the upper level, and was decked out in red leather and dark woods. Despite its British ancestry, perhaps The Red Lion was destined to become a German tavern; it's reported that even back then, it was known for its selection of draft beer on tap, including Dortmunder Ritter Brau! Mandekic and Pagliano continued to own and operate the tavern until 1963.
1963
The Red Lion Tavern officially took on its German theme under new ownership. The new owner’s German wife reportedly taught her home-style of German cooking to the head chef, serving as the basis for many of the delicious recipes still in use today. During this time, the tavern only had a downstairs bar, and the kitchen was literally a closet! Sometime in
1970’s and 1980’s
The Red Lion Tavern operated until about
1990-2000
Around 1991, Walter Hohls joined Uwe Baken as a partner. During
2003
Former owner Uwe Backen passed away.
2004
Aidas Mattis and family, who are long-time patrons and friends of The Red Lion Tavern, purchased the establishment from Walter Hohls. The Mattis family continues to operate this neighborhood landmark.