10 Great Soccer Pubs in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a rich soccer culture and appreciation, but it’s tough to get many hangouts in the area to open when the English Premier League (EPL) kicks off so early in the morning. Still, each weekend, a few choice spots will open their doors at or around 4 a.m. PT to watch the match day.
The list below highlights the best places in the Los Angeles area to tune into Premier League matches -- particularly in the early morning hours, when most of the matches take place on the West Coast. Soccer’s always fun, but it’s even more fun in a bar at the crack of dawn when you’d normally still be in pajamas.
Joxer Daly’s
This Culver City pub plays host to numerous EPL club supporter groups on weekends, including Chelsea FC. It’s Irish, unassuming, and normally hosts live music when the games aren’t on. Given the growth all around Culver City, Joxer Daly’s is a throwback neighborhood haunt with friendly service and cheap food and drinks for the area.
Lucky Baldwin’s Pub
Right off of the main drag in Old Town Pasadena is Lucky Baldwin’s -- what looks like a simple, run-of-the-mill Irish pub. However, walk in and you’ll find one of LA’s best tap lists, traditional fare, and a passion for soccer (along with UCLA, who play at the nearby Rose Bowl). Crowds are guaranteed, but the locals are always a friendly and inviting group.
The Fox and Hounds
In general, this long-time Studio City British pub is one of LA’s top sports bars (for any sport). However, its English roots usually put it near the top of the list for soccer. You’ll find the doors of the Fox and Hounds open for Gooners (Arsenal supporters) at 4 a.m., but many more EPL fans come streaming in as well for the early games.
Ye Olde King’s Head
One wouldn’t necessarily expect to see a genuine British pub in the middle of Downtown Santa Monica’s tourist-friendly attractions. Yet, Ye Olde King’s Head offers all the bangers, mash, and import beers you want, plus ample amounts of soccer to go with it. And before you head out, check out the “shoppe” next door, for (actual) British paraphernalia.
The Britannia Pub
Just a couple blocks east of Ye Olde King’s Head is the Britannia Pub, another soccer-friendly spot just off of Santa Monica’s busy Third Street Promenade area. The US soccer bar is home to many Premier League matches when it’s not hosting Eagles and Penn State games. Plus with two stories, it won’t feel too claustrophobic, even during marquee matches.
The Greyhound Bar & Grill
Tottenham Hotspur supporters gather at this Highland Park sports bar at kick-off time for Spurs games, pub grub, and, of course, beers every weekend. And when it’s not showing soccer, the Figueroa Street spot is also a lively Dodgers bar and offers various food and drink deals during every LA baseball game.
Rock & Reilly’s
The West Hollywood location specializes in whiskey and cocktails, but beyond the drinks is a creative food menu and all the TVs you’ll need to catch a game. No one club calls Rock & Reilly’s home, so whether you cheer for the Blues, the Hammers, the Potters, or any other EPL squad, there’s room for you to saddle up to the bar.
Cock n’ Bull
Yes, another Santa Monica locale. The long-time pub on Lincoln Boulevard is owned by a Liverpool native and was named the best soccer bar in 2002 by Fox Soccer Channel. That may seem like a long time ago, but you can still wander in for mid-week matches, early Premier League kick-offs, or any other soccer games on your watch list.
The Olde Ship
Fish and chips, plenty of TVs, and a wide selection of European beers greet you at the location in Santa Ana (don’t make the mistake of wandering into the TV-less Fullerton version if you’re looking for a game). Orange County doesn’t have a ton of genuine-article British pubs, but this one checks the right boxes and, most importantly, will have your game on.
The Village Idiot
When soccer matches aren’t on, the Village Idiot in Fairfax is known to host some local celebrities. But for morning kicks in the Premier League, the big games will cover one wall of the bar. The next time you’re making brunch plans, perhaps throw some soccer into the mix too and head over.