Whatever kind of football you’re into—college or NFL, real or fantasy—here are six great Los Angeles sports bars where you can cheer on your teams.
By William Yelles.
Busby’s West
Westside sports fans have flocked to Busby’s since its 2003 opening. So much so that it spawned a second larger location—Busby’s East, complete with mini-golf!—in mid-Wilshire. While the original has added games and other distractions, it has mostly stayed true to its sports bar roots. With 50 TVs tuned to every available game, at least one will likely be showing yours. Food is solid if not revolutionary—the large menu features sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizzas and the usual bar apps. Don’t feel like driving or an Uber? Catch a complimentary round-trip ride in Busby’s swanky Cadillac Escalade on Thursday and Friday nights. M-F 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m., Sa-Su 10 a.m.-1:30 a.m. 3110 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.828.4567. busbyswest.com
Century Bar & Grill
The new Century Bar & Grill located inside the revamped Hollywood Park Casino is a great place not just to watch the big game but also to check the progress of the future home of the Rams and Chargers under construction next door. While the stadium won’t be ready until at least 2020, in the meantime you can pair a craft brew, glass of wine or cocktail with a bite from the big menu of sandwiches, salads and shared plates. Big spenders—you’re in a casino, after all—can go for the grilled salmon or hanger steak. And if you’re in a winning mood, finish off with the salted pretzel caramel ice cream sundae for dessert. Bonus: Valet parking is free. 6 a.m.-1:30 a.m. 3883 W. Century Blvd., Inglewood, 310.330.2800. playhpc.com
Goal Sports Cafe
The name Goal Sports Cafe really says it all. If your goal is to watch sports, eat and drink all day then chances are if you come here, you’ll leave happy. There’s a giant 12-foot projection TV (with regular ones ringing the entire restaurant) and big booths to hang and take in all the action. Food-wise, you can custom-build a burger or choose from the menu of tacos, salads and bar apps. The beer selection is solid, too. M-F 4 p.m.-midnight, Sa-Su 10 a.m.-midnight. 8334 W. Third St., Beverly Grove, 323.655.5955. goalsportscafe.com
Public School 213
USC fans and students don’t have to travel far from campus to cheer on their team. Public School 213, a USC watch bar, has added in a large projector and two additional TVs this year, making it a prime spot to watch the Trojans, in addition to other NFL and college teams. The scholastic-themed restaurant is known for its locally sourced craft beers and elevated bar snacks like bacon cheddar tater tots, Wagyu beef corndogs and barbecue bison burger. Special brunchtime cocktails include a bloody mary topped with a chicken wing. M-Th 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., F 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sa 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 612 Flower St., downtown, 213.622.4500. psontap.com
Rocco’s Tavern
Come for the football, stay for the pizza. Rocco’s New York-style pies are the real deal with the perfect ratio of thin crust to gooey cheese and generous toppings. The chicken wings, hero sandwiches and pasta creations are also solid options. Whatever you choose, there will be lots of fellow fans of your team to provide camaraderie as this place is happening—especially on NFL Sundays. It can get loud and crowded, but with big TVs occupying nearly every inch of available wall space, you can get a good view of your game no matter your seat. The Rams are especially popular in the Culver City outpost, while the newer Westwood Village location roars for the campus-adjacent UCLA Bruins. M-Sa 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Su 10 a.m.-2 a.m. 3843 Main St., Culver City, 310.559.5500; 1000 Gayley Ave., Westwood, 424.248.3145. roccostavern.com
2nd Half Sports Grill, Bar and Billiards
2nd Half is the mecca for sports fans in the South Bay and it’s no wonder. Dozens of projection and LED TVs are spread around 10,000 square feet of space along with halftime distractions like 20 pool tables, a 22-foot shuffleboard and other games. The lunch and dinner menu features terrific sandwiches, burgers and pizzas. Get here before 11 a.m. weekends and choose from the breakfast options including omelets, pancakes and other favorites. M-Th 3 p.m.-midnight, F 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sa 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Su 9 a.m.-midnight. 516 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310.372.4343. 2ndhalfsportsgrill.com
Note: All operating hours listed are subject to change based on scheduled sporting events.
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