Pijja Palace flipped the concept of a sports bar on its head with Indian flavor-infused bar food favorites and a vibe that gives more mid-century modern than sticky floors and too-loud baseball games. Televisions dot the walls playing whatever sport is on - whether it be football or a skateboarding competition - as tikka masala-topped pijjas and achaari Buffalo wings emerge from the kitchen.
Flower Shop, led by Eldridge Hospitality co-founders Dylan Hales and Ronnie Flynn, will now offer a more expansive food menu with a big-name chef like Huang behind the wheel. The nearly decade-old neighborhood hangout for fashion, art, and music types previously served a straightforward lineup of maitake rigatoni, shrimp tacos, and pan-roasted cauliflower steak. Huang's menu debuts Tuesday, November 11, with service from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. across the ground floor of the Flower Shop.
The cocktail bar, with a library of vintage spirits, is a great place to catch the game. Every Cubs hit excites thunderous cheers live from the stadium, as the large TVs at the bar show the slow-motion recap. Bacon jam from a fat burger drips down my fingers as I wait for an umpire review. The hollering from across the road gives it away each time.
Southern California is a sports-obsessed paradise, with dozens of collegiate and professional teams spread across the region and millions of cheering fans. All that athletic prowess means a huge demand for sports bars that serve quality food and drink, have great sightlines to plenty of televisions, and encourage boisterous energy. Los Angeles offers many places that fit the bill, including craft beer-obsessed hangouts, cocktail bars, and spots specializing in barbecue brisket, chicken wings, and even Indian pizza.
"Chef Mike Bagale redefines bar food by transforming traditional experiences into a multi-sensory culinary adventure, combining innovative techniques with creative presentations to elevate casual dining."