Jaunted

The Fox Sports Bar at the Staples Center: This is probably the best way to enjoy the action of the game without actually ponying up money for the tickets.

The Fox Sports Bar is located inside the Staples Center, and tickets aren't needed. That said, we'd guess this place will be crowded starting... about now. Get a move on early to snag a seat or at least some room at the bar.

Barney's Beanery: This West Hollywood bar is a hotspot for young, 20-somethings looking to drink good beer, eat fried foods, scope out the opposite sex and perform karaoke. It's also very popular on big game days, despite the lack of awesome TVs and spacious viewing areas. In other words, it's perfect for the bandwagon fan who isn't focusing too much on the game.

Barneys Beanery has a second location in Santa Monica that actually does have better TVs and more room.

The Parlour: This bi-level sports bar-and-dance club has plenty of space and TVs for the game. There's also some good food to be had. But be warned, this place was full-up when Game 1 was being televised, so we suggest getting there early.

Busby's: Technically, this is a UCLA bar, so USC fans might not want to patronize it. Nevertheless, when you're all faking to root for the Lakers, who cares what place you're at? The place has 50 flat screen TVs plus a game room should you get bored. And later at night, it turns into a dance club. You don't ever need to leave!

Yankee Doodles: For some reason, the best sports bars seem to be on the West side. The Yankee Doodle is located right on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, and while we find it a tad too dark inside, the place is huge and has 11 big-screen TVs and 11 HDTVs.

For more sports bar options, Citysearch has rounded up the town's best for 2008.

Related Stories:
· 2008 NBA Playoffs Travel: Celebrities Flock to the Staples Center [Jaunted]
· NBA Playoffs coverage [Jaunted]
· NBA Finals Hotels 2008 [HC]

Where: Los Angeles, CA, United States

Tags: NBA Playoffs / Bars

by juliana