Staples Center, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is home to four professional sports franchises and known as one of the world’s leading entertainment arenas. Despite its many accolades though, the stadium is (unsurprisingly) not recognized for its quality and affordable dining options.

Whether you’re at the Staples Center to watch a Lakers game or attend a concert, waiting in a long concession line to buy an overpriced hot dog can put a damper on your experience. Save yourself the trouble by eating somewhere better before the doors open. Below is a handy guide to the great eateries within a 15-minute walking distance of Staples Center.

Photo courtesy of Tom's Urban

Tom’s Urban

This American gastropub is not only open 24 hours a day, it also has TV screens that can be seen from any seat inside. From old-school beer and unique handcrafted cocktails to an endless menu, this restaurant is the perfect place to keep yourself up-to-date on the sports world while satisfying your hunger. Best of all? It’s just a five-minute walk from Staples Center. 

Photo courtesy of WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
 

WP24 by Wolfgang Puck

Located right next to LA Live on the top of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, WP24 offers a high-end dining experience and spectacular views of DTLA. The Chinese food isn’t too shabby either, which is expected since the restaurant’s owner is celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck. WP24 is only a short six-minute walk from Staples. 

Photo courtesy of Broken Spanish

Broken Spanish

Led by Los Angeles’ classically trained chef Ray Garcia, Broken Spanish focuses on creating bright, bold, and ingredient-driven Mexican dishes and cocktails. Must-haves from the menu include the lamb neck tamale, oxtail quesadilla, and pipian turkey leg. Also, don’t forget to order the chicharron. The sophisticated restaurant is seven minutes away from the stadium.

Photo courtesy of El Cholo

El Cholo

This family-owned eatery dates back to the 1920s and features traditional Mexican dishes. Unlike Broken Spanish, El Cholo provides patrons with a more casual atmosphere and has plenty of space for both small and large groups. The first location originally opened in Koreatown, and the restaurant itself is considered a landmark. El Cholo is only a seven-minute walk from the Staples Center.

Photo courtesy of Market Cafe

Market Cafe

If you have no time for a sit-down meal before heading over to Staples, Market Cafe serves a wide array of grab-and-go items, such as wraps, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, salad, and more. Healthy and personalized lunch options are available as well. There’s even an espresso bar for those who want to stay awake during the game. Market Cafe is a nine-minute walk away from the arena, just long enough to work off that quick meal.

Photo courtesy of Panini Cafe

Panini Cafe

Originally known for its delicious paninis, Panini Cafe (didn’t start to attract patrons until they introduced their popular healthy, tasty kabobs. The casual Mediterranean-Italian cafe makes everything fresh and in-house. Since Panini Cafe is only a 12-minute walk away, it’s certainly worth trying out before an event.

The Original Pantry Cafe photo by Downtowngal

The Original Pantry Cafe

This casual American diner is known for many things, including being cash-only, its status as a historical-cultural monument, and even ranking as one of the most famous restaurants in Los Angeles. The restaurant doesn’t skimp out either, generously serving large portions and offering coleslaw to all of its customers. The Original Pantry Cafe is a healthy 10-minute stroll away from the arena. 

Photo courtesy of FIGat7th

FIGat7th

FIGat7th is a three-level open-air shopping mall with a variety of dining options to choose from. Better than a run-of-the-mill food court, FIGat7th features numerous restaurants including the Torta Company, Mendocino Farms, Saffron, and Pazzo Gelato. Remember to check the hours since it usually closes early during the weekend. Walking to FIGat7th from the Staples Center would take 15 minutes. 

Photo courtesy of Big Wangs

Big Wangs

Filled to the brim with TVs, Big Wangs is an American sports bar that offers bar bites, inexpensive drinks, and plenty of entertainment. Customers are welcome to play beer pong and even choose a song on the jukebox, so perhaps this is a good spot to pre-game (or post-game if your team wins). Big Wangs is a 15-minute walk away from the stadium.

Photo courtesy of Simply Salad

Simply Salad

Living in LA, it’s only natural to have a salad eatery nearby if you’re craving something healthy before your Staples event. The meals at Simply Salad are not only fresh, they are also well-proportioned, served quickly, and reasonably priced. Not to mention, the salads are delicious. Walking to Simply Salad from Staples would take about 12 minutes.