5530 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks (South of Burbank next to Hughes and the Mobil gas stations), 818/988-1152
4723 Laurel Canyon (Laurel Canyon, just south of Riverside), Valley Village, 818/761-5128
Named after the Four n 20 blackbirds baked in a pie in Sing a Song of Sixpence (don't worry, like many silly songs, the (24!) birds open up the pie and sing when they're served to the king --), the Four n 20 on Van Nuys used to be up the street in a freaky little building that has thankfully been leveled. It's new home is cozier, well decorated, simple and clean. It is now attempting to more adequately compete with the behemoth Solley's/Jerry's Famous, and is doing so by having lower prices, some of the same features and none of the obnoxiousness.
The restaurant (we only go to the Van Nuys one because it's closer; the other is for your convenience) is divided into two sections -- Sporty Section and Posh Section.
Sporty Section consists of a clear view of the large screen television (you can face your family members away and act like you're listening), bright lighting (to read the racing form?), and is decorated with framed Hockey Jersey's, neon Bud signs and the like. And Sporty Section is divided but a wall with little cut-outs to cut back on embarrassing Sport-Hooting noise breakthrough. They serve, for your slurping pleasure, Heineken ($2.95), Michelob, Miller Genuine or Lite, Bud ($2.50), Corona ($2.95) and wine by the glass ($2.50), 1/2 and full carafe ($4.95, $8.95) for you especially classy sport enthusiasts. Appetizer with that brewski? -- Fresh Veggies with Dip ($4.25) or do the usual Mozzarella Marinara Sticks, or Fresh Fried Zucchini (with ranch!) ($4.75 each).
Posh Section has the same booths, comfortable, lower lighting, simple country decor, and notably, no TV.
Though crowded enough to be doing a good business, on the weekend you won't have to wait, and that's a big plus. There's parking in the back and to the side where Hughes is -- no one ever parks there from Hughes so there's plenty of room.
It's All About The Cornbread. And Maybe The Pie Too. No really, the cornbread ($1.95 on the side) is just wonderful here -- moist, large slices served with cinnamon-butter that you'll use all of unless you have more self control than me (helpful hint: ask for honey to go with the cornbread, on top of the cinnamon butter, of course!) (as you can see I have no self control). Then there's the pies -- The apple and dutch apple are just amazing ($2.60 each). The cocoanut creme pie is wonderful ($2.75) and HUGE. They even have a brownie pie ($2.55). Yum. Yes, yes I began with the dessert, but I mean, what's more important here (and everywhere, kids)?
A good deal, and everything that comes with cornbread at Four n 20 is a good deal -- is the Create Your Own Omelette ($6.15). They're made with 3 eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, cottage cheese, or fresh fruit, Blueberry Bran, Corn Bread (yes!) or toast. And you can choose two items for your omelette from amongst the normal stuff -- cheeses, turkey sausage, veggies, or get nuts and order Tuna, Roast Beef, Pineapple or Spaghetti Sauce! Other great breakfasts: Pancakes ($3.95), Lumberjack - Two bacon, two sausage, two eggs and three hotcakes (belch, $5.95), and plenty of others...
Salad? -- Well of course, and they come with cornbread! Oh the convenience! They have a great Tuna (or Chicken) Salad ($7.25) with tomatoes, egg, and olives, and they offer a 3/4 salad for $6.50 which is very adequate (read: save room for pie). There's also a Cobb Salad ($7.75), Caesar Chicken Salad ($7.50), Chinese Chicken ($7.50) and even a Blackened Salmon ($8.25).
We haven't gotten the hamburgers here (we're trying to be really veggie), but they have them with a Build Your Own thing where you can add cheese, mushrooms, bacon, turkey, etc. With none of them it's $5.25, $6.25 with two items, and they'll do the same for a turkey burger ($6.25 plain, $7.25 with two items) and Jumbo Burger ($6.25, $7.25 with two items). And they all come with Soup, Salad, Fries or Fresh Fruit.
Notably, there is no discernable kids menu here, but there are so many things you can get on the side (Bagels, corn bread, cottage cheese, tuna, one egg, hamburger patty, etc) that it barely matters.
This is another place with a huge menu (They also have Seafood and Dinners in the $7-10 range), friendly staff and generally good service, terrific food and choices that should satisfy dieters, greasers, veggies, kids -- we just love that. And the pie......