June 22, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Brennan’s Re-Opens With New Look, Same Great Vibe

The turtles will soon be back in action at Marina Del Rey’s iconic pub, Brennan’s.  After remodeling the space and giving the 45-year-old bar some TLC, Brennan’s has reopened as of Tuesday, December 19 with new menus, a new look, and the same beloved turtles.

“It is amazing how many people have heard of Brennan’s, no matter what part of the city they live in! The space has always had a certain magnetism that has led to so many memories for each person who has visited,” says Tony Yanow, one of the founders of Artisanal Brewers Collective (ABC) which assumed ownership of Brennan’s earlier this year. “I am so excited to be a part of the team that reinvigorates this local favorite.”

With ABC at the helm, beer will of course be a central focus of the bar program, offering guests an eclectic tap list including 16 rotating beers starting with local brewery El Segundo Citra Pale Ale, California darling Modern Times Critical Band IPA and a Fall favorite, The Bruery’s Autumn Maple. An Irish Dry Stout and an Irish Red Ale will always be available on draft as well. The menu will also include a selection of signature cocktails with some homage to Brennan’s original Irish heritage such as On the Lash, a take on a whiskey sour but made with Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey, St. Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup and cucumber. Don’t forget that heavy Irish whiskey list featured above the beer taps, which includes such marks as The Knot Irish Whiskey, Red Breast Pot Irish Whiskey, Hooligans Irish Whiskey & Ginger and more

Culinary Director Trevor Faris aims to ramp up the bar menu with several unexpected twists that fit with the local vibe of the beach community. Guests can belly up to the bar to order shared items such as Classic Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Oysters, Mushroom Paté and Chicken Liver Mousse.  Alternatively, guests can order a variety of pizzas, available as non-vegan or vegan, including selections such as Arrabiata made with crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, and spice from a mix of Calabrian and serrano chilies, Potato Leek which tops the crispy crust with potatoes, garlic cream, leeks and pecorino or the plant based Fennel “Sausage”made using spiced Impossible Meat.  Salad, toast and entrée sections round out the menu with items like a Shrimp Roll, Radish Panzanella Salad or Steamed Clams in a white wine and fennel broth.

Managing the restaurant is industry veteran, Gerry McCarney, who has previously overseen bar programs for Simms Restaurant Group, Zizlis Hospitality Group and B.K.D. Hospitality Group.

Ricki Kline Design + Build has given new life to the 2500 square-foot historic space and separate large patio with pops of color, different plaids, stripes and textures, comfortable and gracious seating opportunities, as well as a sparkling new back bar. The venue now encompasses a more open and airy vibe, as well as design additions such as marble bar tops and a double-sided beer display to complement Brennan’s original iconic identity as a classic roadside tavern. The patio will be a central part of the restaurant and bar with new green turtle racing striped seating, and shade provided by two full-grown olive trees and a large wood trellis over outdoor banquette seating.

Those who were drawn to the turtle residents, some of whom have lived at Brennan’s for 20 years, can look forward to seeing them once again upon reopening. Similar to the renovations made to the whole space, the turtles will have an updated and expanded living area and sanctuary encompassing conditions as close to a natural habitat as possible with space to swim, sun and relax in between once-a-month races.

Turtle racing will start again on opening night, and will be held every third Thursday of every month from 9:00 p.m. on.  Guests are encouraged to arrive early to read up on each turtle’s back story and stats before choosing their favorite green racer.  As in the past, proceeds from the races will be donated to local animal protection organizations.

Brennan’s will be open seven days a week from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

For more information, visit Brennan’s website or follow along on Instagram @turtleraces Twitter @turtleracesLA and Facebook.

Related Posts

LA City Councilwomen Yaroslavsky and Jurado Call for Legal Action Against Federal Immigration Raids

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

City Motion Targets Alleged Unconstitutional Tactics, End Qualified Immunity for Fed Officers  City Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Ysabel Jurado introduced...

Weekend Lane Closures on PCH in Malibu Could Snarl Summer Beach Traffic

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Army Corps Work Triggers Weekend Closure on Pacific Coast Highway Motorists traveling along Pacific Coast Highway this weekend should prepare...

All Aboard to LAX: Metro Opens Game-Changing Transit Hub Ahead of Global Events

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

 New LAX/Metro Transit Center Comes Closer to Connecting Metro Directly to LAX The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)...

Princess Diana’s Largest Wardrobe Auction Set for Beverly Hills

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Over 200 Royal Garments to Hit the Auction Block for Charity More than 200 garments and royal artifacts, including the...

Queer Beauty Through the Ages: Getty Hosts Lecture on Greek Art’s Influence on LGBTQ Aesthetics

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Art Historian to Trace Homoerotic Imagery From Ancient Greece to Modern Queer Identity As part of its ongoing Pride Month...

Food Fight on the Venice Boardwalk: Chefs Stand Up for Immigrants with Food

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Turk’s Pizza Party Rallies Top Local Eateries for an Immigrant Rights Fundraiser In a bold display of culinary activism, Turk’s...

Navy Vietnam Vet Finally Gets His UCLA Commencement Moment

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

John Fong, 80, Missed His Graduation in 1968 While in Vietnam  Nearly six decades after completing his studies, U.S. Navy...

Culver City Launches Solidarity Campaign Alongside Hate Crimes Report Presentation

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Join City Leaders on June 24 for a Community Presentation on Rising Hate Incidents Local officials and residents are invited...

Films, Flair, and Panoramas: Free Cultural Events Light Up The Ebell This Week

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

The Ebell Theatre Hosts a Double Feature of Films, Plus a Coffee Talk A pair of free public events this...

Culver City Police Nab Two Suspects in Canterbury Drive Burglary Case

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Community Tip and Set Investigation Lead to Arrest of Repeat Offenders Culver City police have arrested two suspects in connection...

9th Circuit Court Backs Trump in Battle Over California National Guard Control

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Federal Judges Allow Trump to Retain Command of Troops in Los Angeles Federal judges on Thursday cleared the way for...

Nightly I-405 Lane Closures Begin June 23 for Sepulveda Pass Rehab

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Caltrans Will Shut Down Select Lanes Nightly Through June 28 The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced overnight lane...

(Video) Where great minds grow at The Willows Community School

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The Willows, a DK-8 co-educational school, enrolls 474 students from 57+ zip codes annually. As a balanced, progressive educational leader, experiential learning,...

(Video) The Guest List Collab Dinner with Chef Raphael Lunetta and Chef Alan Wong

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Held at Marelle Restaurant at The Sandbourne Hotel in Santa Monica. An Incredible mix of Hawaiian and Santa Monica’s flavors...

Summer Pop-Ups Serve Crullers, Challah Donuts, Croissants, Coffee and Musical Vibes

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Nyletta Nyletta, Challah Dad, Des Croissants Paris Bring Pastry Delights to Culver City A pair of sweet summer pop-ups are...