By: Haley Bosselman, Andrea Ornelas, Tierra Booth By: Haley Bosselman, Andrea Ornelas, Tierra Booth | June 24, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, culture, Guide,
Kick off your night of live music or afternoon of football with an excellent meal. Whether your're headed for the Kia Forum or Sofi Stadium, these delicious restaurants offer choices like vegan dining, soul food cooking, Mexican cuisine and more.
Website/ 3900 W Century Blvd 90303
Whether you want to relish the L.A. sun from a roof or cozy up at a table, Cork & Batter has you covered. Alongside its long list of beers, wines and cocktails, the elevated bar fare delights through dishes like whipped ricotta dip, spicy tuna crispy rice, rib-eye blend mini smash burgers and gourmet street tacos.
Website/ 3544 W Imperial Hwy 90303
This Bib Gourmand-recognized establishment has two locations, but the outpost on Imperial Highway will put you just a couple miles from either venue where you can load up on a vibrant mariscos dinner. While highlights include the tostaditos (mini marlin pate tostadas with shrimp and octopus ceviche topping); tacos de marlin (smoked marlin with onion, tomato and cheese) and ceviche marinero (raw shrimp marinated with lemon and black sauce, cucumber, tomato, onion and mango ), you can’t go wrong ordering any menu item here.
Website / 1122 Centinela Ave 90302
Sunday Gravy is a family-owned business that specializes in locally made fresh pasta for those craving Italian cuisine in the Inglewood area. Be sure to try out some of its signature dishes, such as its meatball sub or shrimp fra diavolo pasta.
Website / 902 N La Brea Ave 90302
Two Hommes is an Afro-centric eatery that serves special dishes like garlic noodles, lamb chops, passion fruit ceviche and its Jollof platter. It also has handcrafted drinks, including its strawberry guava beverage that will keep you refreshed.
Website / 5410 W Century Blvd 90045
Located along Century Boulevard, Daily Grill is a great hotspot for those looking for a quick place to grab food when running to the Forum. It has tons of options to keep your cravings satisfied, such as loaded mac and cheese, cheeseburger sliders, a French dip and much more.
Website / 1010 N La Brea Ave 90302
1010 Wine is Inglewood’s first and only wine bar. Its upscale and classy ambiance is the perfect setting for meeting up with friends before heading out to the Forum and kicking off your night on the town. In addition to a hearty lineup of dishes like pesto linguine, ribeye and shrimp and risotto, it also serves the largest selection of black-owned wines in California.
Website / 202 E Manchester Blvd 90301
Dulan’s specializes in soul food and has been serving up delicious traditional dishes cafeteria-style since 1999. While visiting, having a taste of its signature fried chicken, smothered pork chops or its short ribs is a must!
Website / 5855 W Century Blvd 90045
When in search of a pre-show steakhouse experience, JW Steakhouse is the way to go. The LAX-adjacent restaurant offers a delectable fare for guests with made-to-order, locally sourced steaks and an array of seafood specialties. It is known for its notable taste and bold flavors that will leave you coming back for more.
Website/ 2191B Rosecrans Ave 90245
Calo Kitchen is an authentic Mexican restaurant made up of three generations of family recipes and cooking. At Calo Kitchen, you’re guaranteed to have a good time under its vibrant atmosphere and selection of 100+ sipping tequilas to try from.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Martin’s Cocina y Cantina | Mexican Restaurant & Lounge (@martins.cantina)
Website/ 162 N La Brea Ave 90301
Serving modern Mexican cuisine with a full-service restaurant and lounge is Martin’s Cocina y Cantina. Begin the nightlife with a mood-lifting atmosphere and live music from beautiful mariachi serenades. While you’re there fill up on equites, calamari or baja style tacos, be sure to also order a round of fresh margaritas rimmed with chamoy and tajin.
Website / 3767 Santa Rosalia Dr 90008
For a laidback evening before an event at The Forum, Post and Beam is the go to spot. It features a warm-hued dining room with lots of nviting space accompanied by live music and smooth tracks.
Website/ 114 N Market St. 90301
For vegan friendly options, Stuff I Eat is the place for a wide selection of authentic quality vegan meals. Stuff I Eat is exactly how it sounds. The incredibly outgoing owner and head chef Babette Davis has curated a creative menu for everyone to enjoy just how she does.
Website/ 207 S Market St 90301
For a hyped up game plan, kick off the night at The Nile Bar. Enjoy happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m with $2 off every drink, nachos and Nile sliders of your choice plus immaculate music and vibes.
After eating at one of these fine places, you’'ll definitely feel ready to take on a night of dancing and singing along to your favorite artist’s songs. And if you're already planning for more evenings of concerts, musicals and basketball games, be sure to check out where to eat before a night at The Hollywood Bowl, Crypto.com Arena or The Rose Bowl.
See also: Where To Eat Before A Show At The Pantages Theatre
Photography by: Getty Images/ Rick Stewart