Game On: L.A.'s Best Sports Bars

19312 Vanowen St, Reseda, CA 91335 (map)

Once known as a kooky dive, this Reseda sports bar has a brand new look, including 50 HD plasma screens and two VIP rooms (for those who like their games to be private). There's also an expanded Creole menu and thankfully, the vast beer selection is still in tact.

1831 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

Let's face it: Silver Lake is more gritty and artistic than sporty. Still, we've dug up a bit of a competitive edge at this Eastside watering hole. Request your favorite game be broadcast above the bar, then order their beloved chicken wings. You'll feel just as laidback as in your living room, but here the beer is cheap and plentiful.

800 W Olympic Blvdoad, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (map)

You know what they say about idle hands! Put yours to good use by bowling a few frames during the big game. Like its Hollywood location, this new Downtown L.A. bowling alley (inside L.A. Live) is a hip, high-tech winner with the latest must-see games always in heavy rotation on screens above the bar.

1410 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

If you don't want to take our word for it, Citysearch users have spoken! This extreme Santa Monica sports spot, perfect for watching a game or playing one in the arcade, was hand-picked by readers in 2008 as the best SoCal sports bar. The big win probably has something to do with their 49 TVs (11 in HD) and their devotion to both amateur and professional sporting events, from NFL to the NBA and IHL.

13307 Saticoy St, North Hollywood, CA 91605 (map)

NoHo's beloved neigborhood dive bar is quite the scene for sports, brew, grub and all around good times. Watch the big game Sunday afternoons, Monday nights and Thursday nights. And don't forget--happy hour happens every day from 4pm to 7pm.

1562 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Bringing spirited sports to the scenester streets of the Cahuenga Corridor, this barn-themed bar with chicken wings and down-home drinking gets a thumbs up thanks to thirteen 42" plasma TVs and a 120" projection screen. Add in the copious amount of alcohol they're known to sling and you have to admit, this place is something to crow about.

3001 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Whether you're from the south or you just value your gridiron rivalries as much as the people in that particular part of the country, this upscale Westside sports bar will make you feel right at home with their dash of signature Southern hospitality. Sure you'll see the game, but it's certainly more sophisticated here; leave your team colors and jerseys at home.

1519 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Enhance your chances of scoring (with the ladies, that is) by invading this well-known Santa Monica singles scene. It's possibly the sceniest version of bros, beers and babes in SoCal with 2 levels chock full of LCD TVs and special event drink prices.

11100 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (map)

For those occasions when an "across the pond" experience is in order, this British pub in the Valley comes in handy. Here, European football (that's soccer, mate) goes down well alongside a handsome selection of beers and ciders. Just keep in mind that weekend nights belong to live bands.

1011 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (map)

Any self-respecting sports fanatic knows about ESPN, so their eponymous restaurant and gaming center should need no introduction. This all new compound, located inside downtown's glittery L.A. Live complex, has 2-levels worth of action, including a full bar and their signature Studio Grill.

2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

A traditional English pub? All the way over here in SoCal? Score! Fish and chips and all your favorite pints are the catch of the day--and if you're a fan of English Premier League, this is the place to be. It's no frills, friendly and open super early (think: 4:30am) so you can catch the games played across the pond.

8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Worn and timeless, this West Hollywood institution is all sports, all the time. And it's sure to be packed all the way to the porch out front during this season's biggest games. Go early and order your pals a round from their selection of nearly 130 beers--it's the only way you're gonna find a seat at one of the memorabilia-laced booths.

3413 Cahuenga Blvd West, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (map)

It's just blocks from the swarms of fanny packers at Universal Studios, but this neighborhood grub pub is a welcome respite for those who'd rather eat some good ol' American favorites (any one of their six burgers is to live for), down a few brews and watch the game (there are 16 flatscreens) than sit on some tram touring a movie studio lot. There's also a game menu--Risk, Scrabble, Battleship, Wii, etc.--for those who actually want to play and not just shout at the screens.