In Los Angeles, it’s worth making the most of the available food options. You might be tempted to settle for what’s in the stadium, and with a lot of the concessions, you can’t go wrong. However, you might hardly ever make it out to LA, so finding the best spots to eat before the game is worth your time. Whether you are a fan of Italian food, prefer Japanese-inspired tableside service, or even the comfort of southern seafood, there’s something for everyone close to Crypto.com Arena. This guide will show you where to eat before you find your seat at the venue so that you can have an unforgettable night there.
Buss Stop
If you’re a premier seats or private suites member, you’ll want to make the most of the exclusive dining options at Crypto Arena. The first on this list is Buss Stop. It offers a decadent menu including a prime roast beef sandwich, a roasted turkey sandwich, and even vegan chili. There’s an extensive snack list, and beverages include a generous beer selection and fountain sodas. It’s a great option if you’re a premier member of Crypto Arena and want to treat your friends to a bountiful meal before the game.
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Niku X
Perhaps you want an upscale experience before seeing the Los Angeles Kings play. You might as well, you’re in LA. This standout wagyu steakhouse is a great place to get a quick dinner with your buddies before you head to the venue. Open at 5 pm, their tomahawk steaks are cooked tableside on sharing platters, making for a highly social experience. The tasting menu includes more Japanese-style plates if steak isn’t your thing. It’s open late, too, in case you want to head there after the game.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Perhaps you’re in the mood for some good old Brazilian BBQ. If so, you’ll want to settle down for a bite at Fogo de Chao. This popular Brazilian steakhouse chain offers endless meats, including garlic beef, bacon-wrapped chicken, and picanha grilled on long skewers. It’s a great option if you’ve got a big party to feed, but they all have different preferences. Happy hour is at 5 pm, so that you can pregame too.
The Original Pantry Café
You’ll want to check out the Original Pantry Café if you prefer something more low-key and nostalgic. As you might have surmised by the name, it’s one of LA’s oldest restaurants, and features a classic all-day diner menu of pancakes, eggs, steaks, and sandwiches. It’s wholesome, cosy, and while it used to be open around the clock, it now closes at 5 pm. This means it’s a great option if you like an earlier dinner to get to your seat with plenty of time to spare. If you’re staying in town for a bit, you can also make the most of their breakfast specials.
Joyce Soul and Sea
Perhaps you’re from the South and you’re missing traditional seafood fare that you could get in the likes of Charleston. If this is the case, you won’t want to miss out on Joyce Soul and Sea. Open for lunch and at 5 pm for dinner, this stylish Southern restaurant in the heart of LA serves up exceptional Southern fare inspired by the chef’s upbringing in North Carolina. The menu includes oysters, cornbread, fried catfish, grilled prawns, and a tomahawk pork chop.
Sparrow Italia Los Angeles
Perhaps you’re in the mood for Italian – you like the idea of a carb-filled meal before enjoying a big night at the game with friends. Sparrow is located in the historic Hotel Figeuroa, and is elegant and reliable. You might think pretentious when thinking of Italian, but Sparrow couldn’t be more the opposite. Its polished menu exceeds expectations in the heart of the tourist area. From rigatoni Bolognese to grilled branzino, you’ve got many options to start the night out right.
Sendero
Maybe you’re in town not just to see your favorite team play at Crypto Arena, but you’re celebrating a birthday or an anniversary. It makes sense to find a unique occasion-type restaurant if it’s a special occasion. Sendero is one of these. Located in the Ritz-Carlton, it’s a four-in-one dining experience that celebrates multiple cuisines at the same time: Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. However, people don’t just go for the food – the breathtaking views of downtown LA also make it worth it. There’s also a tasting menu for their signature spirits. Open at 5 pm, it’s the perfect pre-game dinner spot if you want something a little fancy.
Fixins Soul Kitchen
There’s nothing quite like starting your night out with a bit of soul food, especially if you plan on having a big one and want to ensure you get a proper meal. Former Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson owns Fixins, and you can expect some serious plates of food. The menu includes fried chicken and waffles, oxtails in brown gravy, and a peach cobbler for dessert. This one stands out for its family-owned philosophies in a part of town where you’ll find many chain restaurants.
Genwa Korean BBQ
If it’s been a minute since you had a good Korean BBQ, you might want to go to Genwa. Located close to the arena, this unforgettable Korean BBQ specialises in circular tabletop grills, where you can create your own meals to share with your friends. It’s open from lunch to dinner, closing at 10 pm, making it a solid place to sit back and relax with friends while you create small dishes of your favorite Korean BBQ.
Conclusion
When trying to plan ahead and thinking about where to eat before seeing the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto Arena, the abundance of choices can make it difficult. Perhaps you want something cheap and cheerful that doesn’t scrimp on quality. Or, maybe you’re prepared to go all out and not worry about the price. Whether it’s a popular Japanese steakhouse, LA’s oldest diner, or delicious Korean BBQ, you’re bound to find something unforgettable for dinner before you head to Crypto Arena for the night.