The Best Sports Bars in Los Angeles for March Madness 2025

1 min read

Published On03 Mar 2025

Introduction

Los Angeles isn’t just a city of sports legends – it’s a city where every neighborhood offers its own unique game day experience. After spending years exploring LA’s diverse sports bar scene, I’ve discovered that each district brings something special to the table. From the electric atmosphere of Downtown LA’s upscale sports lounges to the laid-back beach vibes of Venice’s best spots, this guide breaks down where to catch every touchdown, buzzer-beater, and home run across the city.

Whether you’re looking for premium viewing at LA Live, Korean fusion sports bars in Koreatown, craft beer havens in Highland Park, or beachfront patios in Manhattan Beach, I’ve personally visited and rated every spot based on what matters most: TV placement and quantity, sound quality, food and drink options, crowd energy, and game day specials. You’ll find everything from high-end sports lounges with craft cocktails to classic dive bars with the best wings in town, plus family-friendly spots perfect for weekend games.


Hollywood/West Hollywood District

1. Barney's Beanery
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 5/5 | 🏀 5/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Historic sports bar with 50+ HDTVs
  • Famous game day menu with tournament specials
  • Multiple viewing areas across two floors
  • Regular bracket competitions with prizes
2. The Naughty Pig
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Premium sports lounge on Sunset Strip
  • Multiple viewing areas with dedicated audio
  • Full restaurant menu during games
  • Popular group viewing destination
3. Jameson's Pub
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 🏈 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | ⭐ 4/5
Notable Features:
  • Irish pub atmosphere
  • Full menu
  • Multiple screens
  • Westside location

Downtown LA District (Incl Art District & Chinatown)

1. The Escondite
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4/5
Notable Features:
  • Hidden gem with serious sports atmosphere
  • Multiple viewing areas with dedicated audio
  • Full menu during tournament games
  • Popular local gathering spot

Westside District

1. Q's Billiard Club
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 5/5 | 🏀 5/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Multiple pool tables and gaming options
  • Over 30 HDTVs throughout venue
  • Tournament packages with food specials
  • Popular bracket competitions with prizes
2. Mom's Bar
  • Location Pin

    Los Angeles, California

  • Contact Icon

    1 310-820-6667

  • Web Icon

    N/A

Ratings:

No notable features available.

3. Nickel Mine
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 5/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • 25+ HDTVs with premium sports packages
  • Extensive craft beer selection
  • Tournament viewing packages available
  • Popular local game day destination

Santa Monica District

1. The Britannia Pub
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 5/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • British pub atmosphere with American sports focus
  • Multiple screens throughout venue
  • Traditional pub fare with tournament specials
  • Walking distance from Santa Monica Pier
2. Busby's West
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 5/5 | 🏀 5/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Multiple rooms with over 50 HDTVs
  • Popular tournament viewing destination
  • Games and activities between matchups
  • Special March Madness packages available
3. Santa Monica Brew Works
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 5/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Multiple viewing areas including outdoor space
  • Local brewery with fresh craft beer
  • Tournament food truck partnerships
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
4. Jameson's Pub
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 🏈 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | ⭐ 4/5
Notable Features:
  • Irish pub atmosphere
  • Full menu
  • Multiple screens
  • Westside location
5. Cabo Cantina
Ratings: 🍗3/5 |🍺 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 3.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Marina location with indoor and outdoor viewing areas
  • Multiple HDTVs throughout both spaces
  • Full Mexican menu with game day specials
  • Famous margaritas and tournament drink specials

San Fernando Valley District

1. Rocco's Tavern
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 5/5 | 🏀 5/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Multiple locations with consistent tournament experience
  • Famous pizza and wings with game day specials
  • Premium sound system with dedicated audio zones
  • Private event spaces available
2. The Fox and Hounds
Ratings: 11100 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Notable Features:
  • Traditional British pub with serious sports focus
  • Multiple screens throughout venue
  • Full English menu during tournament
  • Popular local gathering spot
3. Hop Merchants
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 5/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Craft beer focus with extensive tap list
  • Multiple viewing areas throughout venue
  • Regular food pop-ups during tournament
  • Popular NoHo Arts District location
4. Pineapple Hill Saloon
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 5/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Classic Valley sports bar atmosphere
  • Multiple viewing zones with dedicated audio
  • Daily tournament happy hour specials
  • Popular March Madness destination
5. Champs Sports Bar & Grill
  • Location Pin

    London, England

  • Contact Icon

    +44 20 8553 5114

  • Web Icon

    N/A

Ratings:

No notable features available.

6. Champs Sport Pub
  • Location Pin

    Budapest, Budapest

  • Contact Icon

    +36 1 413 1655

  • Web Icon

    N/A

Ratings:

No notable features available.

7. The Bucket List
  • Location Pin

    Swansea, Wales

  • Contact Icon

    +44 1792 721321

  • Web Icon

    N/A

Ratings:

No notable features available.

8. The Foxfire Room
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Classic Valley dive bar atmosphere
  • Multiple viewing areas
  • Tournament drink specials
  • Local neighborhood favorite
9. Thirsty Merchant
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 🏈 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | ⭐ 4/5
Notable Features:
  • Valley location
  • Multiple TVs
  • Full bar
  • Chiefs-friendly atmosphere

Koreatown & Silver Lake District

1. Ye Rustic Inn
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5
Notable Features:
  • Classic Los Feliz dive bar
  • Multiple screens with sound
  • Famous wing specials
  • Long-running tournament traditions

Highland Park & Eagle Rock District

South LA & University District

Westside

1. The Scarlet Lady Saloon
Ratings: 🍗 4/5 | 🍺 4/5 | 📺 4/5 | 🏀 4/5 | ⭐ 4/5
Notable Features:
  • Classic neighborhood sports bar
  • Multiple screens throughout
  • Daily tournament specials
  • Popular local gathering spot

Los Angeles’ sports bar scene is as diverse as the city itself, with each neighborhood offering its own distinctive atmosphere for fans. From the premium viewing experiences at Downtown LA’s ESPN Zone to the classic dive bar feel of the San Fernando Valley’s best spots, there’s a perfect match for every type of sports enthusiast. The beauty of LA’s scene is that you can watch a Lakers game from a rooftop bar in Hollywood, catch the Dodgers while enjoying Korean BBQ in Koreatown, or cheer on the Rams from a beachfront patio in Santa Monica.

Remember to call ahead during major games, playoffs, or USC/UCLA matchups, as the best spots fill up quickly. Many bars offer neighborhood parking validation or are metro-accessible, and don’t forget to check their social media for updated specials – happy hour deals in LA can be amazing but change frequently. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a great spot to enjoy the game with friends, these sports bars deliver the perfect combination of LA style and sports enthusiasm. Grab your team gear and get ready to experience the best of Los Angeles’ sports bar scene!