Liz L.
Yelp
Everything about Newhall Press Room was just about up to my expectations for it, based on its location, philosophy (per web sites descriptions), and reviews from other trusted Yelpers. So, all in all, this was a good experience for a Sunday brunch on a popular holiday.
The menu was good enough for a vegetarian. The fact that you can get breakfast/lunch/dinner at any time on Sundays was a nice extra. The California Benedict appealed to me and I was able to have the bacon kept out. Our server, Jennifer, was very friendly, efficient, and professional. We got a perfect table for me, right next to the large windows (clean) on Main Street and below the large screen tv. We lucked out and got a parking space right in front -- yay, that's rare.
The food was good, the portions were modest but enough so we could take some home. Jennifer and the kitchen gifted us with two small delicious sugared cinnamon muffins -- wasn't that nice?
Main Street is festive now on weekends with all the shops and gastropubs that have opened and are seemingly thriving through all the challenges they face these days and the fact that Old Town Newhall is a bit off the beaten path. That lends itself to feeling like we had an outing even though it was a relatively casual midday meal.
The beer menu is good and I was able to get Dark Star Oatmeal stout, as I do like an occasional 4oz of beer (it came in a frosty 16 oz glass), and it always has to be the darkest beer available. I don't like any other kind and am not a drinker.
The prices are reasonable and comparable to other gastropubs in LA county, so, bottom line, this is a good place to try.
Now, one thing I have to point out is the unexpected missing character, for lack of a better term, that the interior has and thus the rather bland atmosphere inside. This, despite a great tin ceiling (see pictures), the walls of bottles, and the black wood tables and chairs, all upscale touches. Somehow the walls look empty even with a couple of unremarkable art pieces. For example, NPR has apparently won some prestigious and valued awards, but they are placed on a relatively inconspicuous wall, lost on the stretch of whiteness of that spot and thus almost forgotten or trivialized. I meant to take a closeup of them and forgot -- proving my point. The entire indoor space needs something extra to add a bit of excitement.
Also, my Benedict eggs were almost cold when they came. This is probably because after they were cooked, cold avocado and tomato were place on them and chilled them down. However, that was almost made up for by being on biscuits -- love that idea -- even though these were a bit dry and not likely made same day.
There is a good size patio for outdoor dining and a good wine and spirits menu. They definitely honored St. Patrick's Day. I wish I could be more superlative; it wouldn't take much to notch it up to great. I want to try it again soon.