DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES – Even though Angelinos have gotten used to not having a football team, with football season here, Downtown now has to deal the loss of ESPN Zone, a popular destination for area workers and residents to see their favorite team play, regardless of what team it is.
With over 125 high-definition TVs, the L.A. Live destination was the 800-pound gorilla of the sports bar scene. Unfortunately, it abruptly shut down in July and will be replaced by three restaurants.
What few people may know is that ESPN Zone was not the only game in town. Whether you live, work or play in Downtown Los Angeles, there is no shortage of places to watch every NFL game. With a full lineup each Sunday and Monday night, below is rundown of places in DTLA to watch NFL.
King Eddy Saloon: Perhaps King Eddy is not the first thought that comes to your mind when you think “sports bar,” but to a lot of football and morning beer enthusiasts, that is a good thing. At the King, which just recently received a small upgrade without significantly changing the flavor, guests can enjoy cans of Fat Tire, Heineken and Old Milwaukee for $4 (yes, I said $4) and various drafts for $6. There are cocktails complete with their signature Moonhattan that runs $9 and moonshine for $9 a glass. Located at 131 E. Fifth Street or kingeddysaloon.com
Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub: This bustling restaurant and bar is in the perfect location on 7th street and just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Seventh Street/Metro Center, from which you can grab the Red, Blue or Expo lines. Monday Night Football coincides with the bar’s regular 3-7PM happy hour. The pub not only offers over 20 HDTVs but also over 30 different beers. Located at 818 W. Seventh Street.
Yard House: If you want to be close to the old ESPN Zone and/or if beer selection is very important to you on game day, then Yard House at L.A. Live is for you. This bar and restaurant boasts 30 TV’s with flat screens inside and out. Yard House has a mind boggling 138 beers on tap and gets extremely crowded on a Monday night game that also coincides with Lakers, Kings or Clippers home game, so be prepared to get bumped around. Located at 800 W. Olympic Boulevard or yardhouse.com
Big Wangs: If you were not sure if Big Wangs is a game day destination, then you must be new to Downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant/bar’s Facebook page features a cover photo of a football field and their website links directly to recent news about NFL, MLB, NBA and UFC. The Downtown location is one of five Big Wangs and stands out for its large patio. It has 29 TVs, 16 beers on tap and 12 variations of bottled beer. Game Day specials include $3 cans of Bud Light, a $5 build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and a 32-ounce mimosa for $8. Breakfast is also served until noon. Located at 801 S. Grand Avenue or bigwangs.com
Los Angeles Brewing Company: With an insanely massive list of microbrews, LABC is perfect for the snootiest of craft beer snobs. Doors open at 10AM on Sunday, where games will be displayed on 8 large screens. For those that prefer the champs, LABC also serves $10 bottomless mimosas. Located at 750 S. Broadway or labrewingco.com
