Think fast:  Where in the neighborhood can you eat, drink, and cozy up to the Hookah on an open patio until 2 am?  Got nothing?  Well, now you can, with Encino’s latest addition to the neighborhood, Terrace Restaurant.  The Lebanese restaurant, which is in the former Alcazar space, celebrated its grand opening this past Friday, December 6^th, and will be open from 11 am to 2 am, daily. 

Housed in Encino’s Plaza De Oro Shopping center, the restaurant’s seating spans from an extensive interior to an outdoor patio, where patrons can indulge in the Hookah lounge.  There are a lantern-lit cabanas, and sun-kissed tables during the day.  On weekends, the restaurant will feature live band performances, belly dancing, and a DJ. 

The authentic Lebanese menu highlights cold and hot mezza, along with kabab and fish entrees.  There’s muhammara, a pungent red pepper dip, laced with walnuts and a touch of pomegranate.  The labneh is an airy blend of yogurt doused with olive oil.  The bread, sajj, is made in-house and baked fresh with each order; a flakey rectangle of borek takes cheese-stuffed dough and fries it until slightly golden. 

Shawerma sandwichs arrive with chicken or beef; larger plates include pan-fried red mullet fish, and lamb chops. 

Terrace also has a full liquor license so you can down a couple of vodka tonics before the belly dancing performance.

Terrace Restaurant, 17239 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 501-0100.