The Best LA Neighborhood Bars for Watching NBA Playoff Games
The NBA regular season has wound down and fans everywhere are starting to gear up for the playoffs. In a city like Los Angeles filled with transplant residents, this means searching for the perfect bar that’s doesn’t just have plenty of TVs and seating, but is also okay with your non-Lakers-related shenanigans. If you plan on watching this year’s NBA playoff games, you’re probably wondering where you can go to quietly (or obnoxiously) root for your team.
Here’s a helpful guide to the top neighborhood sports bars around the city, some separated by team allegiance, while others are open towards a mixture of teams.
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The Parlor Hollywood - Fairfax
For those who want to watch the playoffs in a more sophisticated setting with high-quality cocktails and food, head over to Fairfax and check out The Parlor Hollywood. There are two bars, over 50 TVs, projectors, lounge sofas and ottomans, and even a landscaped outdoor patio with fire pits. Keep in mind that this venue is quite popular on game days, especially during the playoffs, so if you have a large group, you might be better off booking a reservation first.
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San Francisco Saloon – West Los Angeles
Almost like it was plucked from San Francisco’s North Beach, the San Francisco Saloon is a sports bar in West LA that’s all about the Bay Area. So if you’re a Warriors fan (or Giants or 49ers or Raiders), you can find fellow fans here during game days. There’s a wide beer selection, gourmet burgers, and a festive happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the week.
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The Standard Station – El Segundo
With Football Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Karaoke Fridays, and daily happy hours, The Standard Station in El Segundo can get packed fairly easily. If you’re traveling and looking for a place to catch the game near the airport, this sports bar is a great spot. Even if you’re visiting with a large group, The Standard Station is still a solid option. Be sure to order their $20 margarita pitchers on Tuesdays, or go during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the week. Patrons can seat themselves.
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Big Wangs – Downtown Los Angeles/North Hollywood
Doesn’t matter what sport you’re watching, Big Wangs is always busy during game days. There are two locations, one in Downtown and the other in North Hollywood, and the bar claims to have more HD TVs than anyone else in LA. You and your friends can play beer pong, add songs to the jukebox, or simply enjoy the pub grub. This sports bar doesn’t align itself with any particular teams, so don’t be surprised if the next table cheers for the opposing team.
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St. Felix – Hollywood
The owner of St. Felix, John Arakaki, created this Hollywood bar first and foremost as an eclectic food and cocktail restaurant with an intimate setting. However, as the brand expanded and started booking more private events and viewing parties, it eventually became known as a Cavaliers bar. After all, Arakaki was originally from Cleveland before moving to Los Angeles.
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Far Bar – Little Tokyo
When people think sports bars, Little Tokyo’s Far Bar isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind, but the main bar area features TVs that can be seen in almost any corner of the restaurant. There are also plenty of Asian-American fusion bar bites, such as its teriyaki sliders or wasabi fries, and the cocktails are distinct and well-made. Although this isn’t the best place to bring larger groups, parties of up to four people should be doable during game days.
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Sonny McLean’s Irish Pub – Santa Monica
Walking into Sonny’s is like being transported into a Boston bar, full of passionate fans whether a Celtics, Patriots, Bruins, or Red Sox game is on. Who knew that so many people in Santa Monica had Boston accents? With a full bar with over 40 beers on tap, Sonny’s offers patrons a wide variety of pub eats from traditional Irish pub food to American classics.
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Café Bleu – Koreatown
Great for large groups with a parking lot outside is Café Bleu in Koreatown. Although no one will admit to aligning with a certain team, Café Bleu has East Coast roots. There are plenty of cushioned seating and tables to accommodate everyone, so feel free to sit back, relax, and order a pitcher of yogurt soju while tuning into the latest game.
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The Garage – Palms
The Garage in Palms is another East Coast sports bar, though they won’t openly admit to it. There are two large bars that offer two different vibes, laidback vs. more intimate, and a casual outdoor patio with ping pong tables. There are TVs everywhere, so no matter which room you’re in, you can keep an eye on the game.
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Philly West Bar & Grill – 76ers – Westwood
If the hoagies and cheesesteaks at Philly West Bar & Grill don’t make you feel like you’re in Philly, perhaps the crowd will. This cozy and dive-y sports bar is tucked away from the rest of Westwood, and even though it only offers a few tables, TVs, and stools, the service and atmosphere will make visitors feel like they’re at home.