Sports Bars in W.LA

Santa Monica Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. are lined with sports bars from the city of WeHo (West Hollywood) to Santa Monica, but few are actually worthwhile when you are seeking to catch some serious sports games with a sizable group of friends. 

The NBA Finals are planned to begin Thursday and whether you are planning to watch, or tag along with a group of friends for sideline cheerleading, here are some popular sports bars to go to for all kinds of groups:

IF YOU ARE GOING WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE BANDWAGON FANS: 

Q's Billiards/Cabo Cantina: The two bars are located adjacent to one another and are a great place catch the game if you are more restless than usual. Cabo Cantina has great happy hour specials and a festive atmosphere and Q's is equipped with many pool tables if people in your group might become bored.

Busby's Restaurant Bar: A plush bar with a wide selection of imported beers and a game room equipped with arcade games sure to entertain the easily distracted friends in your group.

IF YOU ARE GOING WITH PEOPLE PLANNING TO GLUE THEIR FACE ON THE SCREEN:

The Parlor: Filled with wide screens and ample space, the 2-story bar will let you focus on the whole game, nothing but the game so help you God. 

Yankee Doodles/ Barney's Beanery/ Hooters: All located on/adjacent to the third street promenade, the bars are classic boys club bars with a lively staff and wide selection of finger foods. Yankee Doodles will probably provide a better view of the game, but Barney's and Hooters compensate with their better selection of food.

South: Located on Wilshire Blvd. this sports bar is often crowded with a hybrid of serious sports fans and aloof social butterflies. It features a rear room with a very large screen to catch the game in addition to several smaller screens diffused in the bar.

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THE GAME WITHOUT A LARGE GROUP AND ARE INDIFFERENT TO PEOPLE TRAFFIC:

Bar Food: A newbie, but a goodie, this bar is a classy place to watch the game (though the place isn't overwhelmed with screens). The friendly owner and managing partner are usually either behind the bar or greeting customers.

Image courtesy of The Parlor