I've been! I generally agree!
If you've not been to the Red Lion Tavern, I'd definitley check it out! It's on Glendale Blvd and is an authentic German restaurant/beer garden. They used to serve in glass boots that you'd share at a table, but I htink too may drunks broke 'em. Good fun, but you've got to get in eary to get a seat in the garden.
There are a ton of little dive bars all over that area that are pretty cool to check out! Tons in the Hollywood area...