YD’s Sports Bar & Grill Making Strong Entrance Into West Valley Scene

Yesterday afternoon I decided to drop in and take a closer look at YD’s (which I just learned about the other day) and hopefully talk to someone to get the scoop on the place. Right when you walk in, you can tell they’ve invested a lot of money into the place to make it the ultimate sports bar, as there are dozens (over 35 as I later learned) of flat screen TVs on the walls throughout the place.

I asked the bartender who I might speak to about the place, and was immediately introduced to Fabian Bartolini.  Bartolini was partners in both the Santa Monica Yankee  Doodle’s (for 15 years) and the Woodland Hills Yankee Doodle’s (for 12 years), that closed in 2008.  Since that time Bartolini has been patiently and carefully waiting for the right opportunity to open another sports bar in the West Valley.

Bartolini gave me a bit of the back story as to why the Woodland Hills Yankee Doodles closed, and to sum it up Yankee Doodle’s still had three years left on their lease when Westfield acquired the property on which the old restaurant and bar stood.  However, in a move to maximize their return on investment they auctioned off the highly valuable corner end cap to the highest bidder, which ended up being Crate & Barrel.  Ironically, Crate & Barrel ended up being built much closer to the actual corner of the property, but Yankee Doodle’s building was still lost due to C&B’s desire for ample parking.  Coco’s was also supposed to close right away, but the collapse of the economy clutched their feet from the fire – for the time being.

As you’ll remember, Westfield has floated the idea of placing a Costco on the property, a sure sign that “The Village” is a dead project.

So, back to the story of YD’s.  The Stargazer in West Hills was operated as a banquet hall with a Chinese buffet during lunch hours.  Stargazer, however, like many restaurants before it at that location was unfortunately a money loser and in need of rescue.  This includes a deli and an Italian restaurant.  Bartolini approached the owners of the Stargazer, who I’m told are a family that has lived in the West Valley for a long time and has deep connections to the area, about partnering up, pumping some funds into the place, and transforming the facility into a sports bar.

Well, a deal was struck and in only 30 days Bartolini and his team made a series of mostly cosmetic and technological changes to the facility to convert it from a banquet hall and underwhelming Chinese buffet into what they confidently hope will become “West Hills’ #1 Sports Bar and Grill.”

Some highlights of YD’s (here come the bullet points):

• Over 35 LCD TVs and 4 Big Screens for watching every sports game imaginable (amazing electronic system that lets them independently control the HD programming on each and every TV – no expense spared)
• All Sports Packages – NFL, NHL, NBA, etc. as well as ALL PPV FIGHTS and even , WWE, UFC, and Mexican Soccer
• Upscale Location, Yet Affordable Food and Drinks (”Cheaper than ‘The Rack’)
• American, Italian, Mexican Fused Menu
• NTN Trivia (Only place in the San Fernando Valley with NTN!)
• Happy Hour 4 to 7pm – 7 days a week – Half Price Appetizers and Tons of Drink Specials
• Late Night Happy Hour – 10pm to Close (Food Specials Only)
• DJ Dancing (huge dance floor) Thurs, Fri, Sat 9pm to close (2am)
• Karaoke Tuesdays & Fridays 5pm to 9pm
• Ample night time security, tons of parking, and valet parking coming soon on Thurs, Fri, & Sat nights
• Games

Fabian prides himself on the diverse customer base that he hopes to attract with YD’s, from the suit and tie Warner Center crowd to just about every type of neighborhood local sports fan you could imagine.  The 10,000 square foot facility is also still available for banquets, special events, and parties.

While I was there, I had a chance to try some of the food (The Yankee Sampler) and it was delicious.  Excellent ribs!  I’ve been on the beat for about four months now, and Fabian is one of the nicest and down to Earth business owners that I’ve met.  Obviously, Fabian has the expertise and the energy to really make YD’s a success and I wish him, his partners, and employees the best of luck.

YD’s Sports Bar and Grill is located at 6501 Fallbrook Avenue, West Hills, CA.  Their phone number is (818) 704-6633.

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