Despite a rough 2011 season, (bankruptcy protection filings, decreased game attendance and more losses than wins so far), hitting up a Dodger game is still a quintessential summer-in-LA activity. These five bars -- all within walking distance of Dodger Stadium -- are ideal watering holes for pre or post game drinking. Or maybe for both.
The Short Stop: This much-revered Echo Park dive is a go-to joint for legions of Dodger fans. Here's why: $2 PBRs, cheapo drink specials, pool tables, and an always active dance floor on which fans can celebrate a Dodgers win by getting down, (Sundays are particularly beloved, as the DJs spin classic soul and R&B). Plus, the bar is a mere 10-minute walk from the stadium. Score. Distance to Dodgers Stadium: 0.5 Miles1455 W Sunset Boulevard, at Sutherland Street, (213-482-4942)Gold Room: Another classic Echo Park dive, the Gold Room is famed for their $4 beer and (rail) tequila shot combo. The bar also offers free tacos (and they're good!) during happy hour and complimentary peanuts (also delicious!) all the time, which means fans can save cash by snacking and boozing here rather than at the stadium. Gold Room opens at noon, making it a prime pre-game destination.Distance to Dodgers Stadium: 0.7 miles1558 West Sunset Boulevard, at Echo Park Avenue, (213-482-5259)
El Prado: One of the trendier bars on this stretch of Sunset, El Prado offers fans en eclectic selection of wines and craft beers in addition to decidedly non-stadium style snacks including charcuterie and assorted artisan cheeses. The vibe here is not necessarily sporty, (unless flannel shirts count as sporty), but El Prado's dark, sexy ambience and killer vinyl collection will certainly soothe a sad soul after a particularly crushing Dodgers defeat. Distance to Dodgers Stadium: 0.9 miles1805 W Sunset Boulevard, at Lemoyne Street, (213-483-8609 or elpradobar.com)
Lot One: Consider this neighborhood cafe home base for pre-game Sunday brunch. Lot One's breakfast menu includes amazing pancakes and eggs benedict that is undefeated in deliciousness. Distance to Dodgers Stadium: 0.7 miles1533 West Sunset Boulevard, at Laveta Terrace, (213-481-8400 or facebook.com/lot1cafe)Barragan's Mexican Restaurant: Barragan's is a home run for cheap hump day pre-game drinking, as the margaritas at this Mexican joint are only $2 during Wednesday happy hours. For less than $10 fans can fill up on chips and get pleasantly game-faced before heading down Sunset to the field. Distance to Dodgers Stadium: 0.7 miles538 West Sunset Boulevard, at Echo Park Avenue, (213-250-4256 or barragansrestaurants.com)