Stout Burgers & Beers opens in the Valley

For those in the San Fernando Valley looking to get their burger, beer and French fry fix, Stout Burgers & Beer opened on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City this month.

The new Stout is 50% larger than the Hollywood location, offering an indoor-outdoor circular bar and mostly outdoor seating. Diners seeking refuge from the summer heat may prefer to stick close to the bar, or come with a party of eight with hopes to snag the one of two semi-indoor booths. (Hint: Try coming in before 7 p.m. before it fills up.)

Both Stouts offer the same menu, as well as a “secret menu” with fried zucchini, cheesy fries, giant pretzel with dipping sauces and a truffle burger with caramelized mushrooms and garlic, Brie and truffle aioli.

The beer selections differ -- for now, the Studio City menu offers Chimay Blue, Affigem Blonde, Art of Darkness, Pure Hoppiness, St. Louis Framboise, Old Guardian and lots more. These choices are switched up about once a week, covering the spectrum of pale, dark wheat and Belgian ales, lagers, IPAs and ciders. Partners Charles Lew, Marc Kreiner and executive chef Alex Kagianaris plan additional locations in Santa Monica and Pasadena.

In other burger news, Five Guys Burger & Fries opened up several blocks west down Ventura, also in Studio City.

11262 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 505-0076, www.stoutburgersandbeers.com. Valet parking, $4.