The bull is slowing down, and the chicken has lost its juice. Sherman Oaks neighbors Mad Bull’s Tavern and Spitting Chicken Cantina are undergoing changes with new names posted. Spitting Chicken, soon to become Tipple and Brine, is boarded up and under construction. Mad Bull’s is currently open; however, the name will be changed to Community Tavern as posted on the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website. No word yet as to when it will close for renovations.

And just down the street, the former La Pergola is under construction and set to become The Tipsy Cow. Sadly, La Pergola’s side-street vegetable garden is no longer. Keep checking back for further news.

Look for more crowds in the Trader Joe’s Studio City parking lot, as Chop Stop just opened its doors (next to the also newly opened Massage Envy). This is the third location in the 818, following Burbank and Encino. Order at the counter and create your own chopped salad from more than 40 ingredient options or choose one off the menu. If salads aren’t your thing, turn a salad into a wrap or go a different direction with a "Chopurrito Bowl"—cilantro-lime rice with black or white beans, plus six toppings of your choice and greens. Two soup selections are also offered daily.