Since Los Angeles concerts and games get out roughly around the same time, the list is going to apply for food/drink options, then some club or bar options. The LA Live area and Staples Center as you may know are across the street from one another, so getting to any of these places will be from the same area. Directions are by car.
LA Live Area)
Yard House – This place has a HUGE selection of beers on tap. From Tangerine Hef to a standard Bud Light, you can get beers in large yard size glasses, also food is served. Prices are moderate and it is usually busy on weekends.
ESPN Zone – For the sports fanatic, you could presumably watch the game here if you aren’t at the stadium, there are plenty of TVs, decent bar, with decent food. Its a great place to watch Lakers, Clippers, LA Kings, Dodgers, Angels or other sports games with friends.
Conga Room – Cool for drinks/dancing, its upstairs in the LA Live area near Nokia. Will get packed weekends and after concerts. Its a Latin themed bar, you need to be dressy, you can’t wear jerseys or baggy clothes, they are strict on the dress code.
Lucky Strike – Not just regular crappy bowling, but upscale bowling. This location in particular has a much bigger bar than other Lucky Strikes. They even have bottle service (not worth it). You’ll need reservations on weekends so if you time it well it could work. The bowling is expensive, but its great for a group atmosphere (mainly because of price). The drink prices aren’t bad for your location, its dark inside, but overall fun, I’ve been here a couple times and it was a good time, service usually sucks, get your drinks at the bar.
Club Nokia – The club basically inside of the Nokia Theatre. Some tickets will give you access to it. It is a very cool place inside, I went after a show and it was fairly busy. The style is ultra-modern, again you need to dress for this place. Think of the movie Tron in Los Angeles, modern.
Katsu-ya Sushi – Somewhat pricey and delicious upscale sushi. You won’t find a classic California Roll, but you’ll be very happy you tried it. Menu is shown up front, it is very much worth it. I’ve been to the one closer to me, not this particular location, but its about the same menu.
Downtown)
Big Wangs – Chain place, great for cheap wings and a great selection of beers that will rotate specials throughout the night. They have karaoke some nights as well. Good atmosphere, casual, service pretty good and not expensive. (Grand Avenue, 5 minutes from LA Live)
The Edison – Serious dress code, but basically a club/bar that is in an old power plant (hence, the Edison), expensive, but always packed and always a good time, artsy feel. (2nd and Main, 8 minutes)
The Standard Rooftop Bar – Not sure who you’re going with, but if its a date, this is awesome. Atop The Standard Hotel (Where they filmed Get Him to the Greek), gives you an awesome view of surrounding LA, its expensive, wear something warm during the winter, it can get nippy. They also added a biergarten recently for German beer samples and sausages etc.(South Flower and 6th, 8 minutes)
Library Bar – Very cool decor, cheaper option than The Standard which is nearby. Lots of people come here after work, so very suit-like feel. Big selection of mixed drinks that are strong and good. I went here on a weekday, so the calibur of busy may not be typical, but it was pretty busy. (8th street)
Hotel Figueroa Lounge (The Fig) – Cool lounge at the base of the hotel. I’ve been here during the day, sadly not at night, but it is a warm atmosphere, had a typical drink so I can’t rave about it. It is right near Staples Center, great location and if you get too wasted, just book a room (not the cheapest). (Figueroa Street)
Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles – No bar here, just delicious chicken n’ waffles. Good if you have a food craving after a show or game. Its less than 15 minutes from Staples. Very cheap, very good, no fancy dress code, closes at midnight if I am not mistaken. (Pico and La Brea, just take Pico, west, 15 minutes or less)
The Gorbals – A little different, this place is for food and its open late, they have a bar as well. This place will be a bit hard to find, its inside of a building which appears to be pretty shady and it kind of it. Inside try the matozah balls wrapped with bacon or the latkas, both are delicious. The drinks are moderately priced. The chef won Top Chef apparently. I was here on New Years, music was good, service good as well. (501 Spring Street, remember, its inside of a building, bottom floor, 10 minutes, considering you’ll get lost)
Broadway Bar – This is from a recommendation of a friend who lives right in downtown. 2 story place, good happy hour prices, would be good after a game. Dress code, but I’m told they wont hassle, but sports gear is a no-no. outside has a patio, good beer prices as has an old feel to it. (Broadway, 5 minutes)
Wurstküche – German Beerhall/Sausage place. Really cool, huge selection of beers, usually very busy. You can try rattlesnake and many other types of pretty odd sausages. German and Belgium beers on tap, picnic style tables medium price (E 3rd Street, 10 minutes)
Seven Grand – Another recommendation. This is a whiskey bar but serves a nice selection of beer as well. Casual dress code, the price can be a little high depending on what you get. Amazing atmosphere, great staff, amazing selection, very fitting for the area. Its upstairs with a patio, pool tables. (Seven and Grand, clever right? 8 minutes)
The Pantry – Food only, 24/7 classic restaurant, been open forever, they’ve never closed their doors. Cash only, very good food any time of the day (or night). (South Figueroa, 2 minutes)
We also stock tickets for all Nokia Theater events as well.
