Burbank craft beer bar Tony’s Darts Away offers vegan beers and fare.

When you think “beer” you don’t necessarily think “vegan”—until you go to craft beer bar Tony’s Darts Away.

Tucked away just beyond the busy streets of downtown Burbank, Tony’s Darts Away sits on a quiet strip of Magnolia.  Walking in, a long bar, tables along the wall, and the requisite pool table in the back greet you.  Then you sit down and notice the small things: board games, coloring books for the kids and helpful parentheticals on the menu indicating which beers are not vegan.  That’s right.  Tony’s Darts Away assumes that you’re vegan, not the other way around.

Tony Yanow is one of the leading figures of LA’s burgeoning craft beer movement.  With Tony’s Darts Away and his upcoming Echo Park bar, Mohawk Blend, he’s helping to set the trend focusing on small, independent breweries.  The carefully curated, ever-changing menu at Tony’s Darts Away focuses on California India Pale Ales (IPAs) because, as the bar’s website puts it, “West Coast Style IPA is California’s most singular contribution to beer’s progress.”  That’s how you know how serious they are about their suds.  There are non-IPAs as well for those who prefer less hoppy beers.

If you have trouble deciding on a pint, the incredibly friendly bartender is more than happy to help. The menu is a generous selection of veggie- and vegan-friendly dishes: vegan sausages, including a beer brat and a Mexican chipotle sausage.  There also is vegan chili and our favorite, “Disco Fries,” a poutine with gravy and Daiya Cheddar.  As if that weren’t enough, the bar also offers vegetarian and vegan burgers every second and fourth Sunday of the month.  This Sunday’s burger will be a black bean and red onion patty topped with frizzled onions, avocado, homemade BBQ sauce and Daiya cheddar.

Earth- and animal-friendly beer and brats—what better way to spend a sultry summer night?

Article written by Guest Contributor Tien Nguyen, a freelance writer in L.A..

Image courtesy of Tony’s Darts Away.