Hollywood now hosts a different kind of sports bar: Pawn Shop. This new two-level venue, spanning 7,808 square feet, aims to reshape what Southern Californians expect from a place to catch a game, offering a viewing experience clearly designed for dedicated sports fans.
Outfitted with 53 screens of various sizes and two video walls, Pawn Shop ensures that whether you're there for the Dodgers, Galaxy, Lakers, Clippers, Chargers, Kings, or Grand Slam tennis matches, you won't miss a play. On a recent visit during the start of football season, the space was reportedly packed with Rams jerseys, demonstrating its immediate appeal to local fandom. For groups looking for a more private experience, the venue also features seven private suites where guests can control music, television channels, and volume while staff attend to orders.
Beyond the extensive screen setup, Pawn Shop distinguishes itself with a menu curated by James Beard Foundation Award–winning Chef Tony Messina. Messina, known for his fine-dining background, has explored a more whimsical approach here, drawing inspiration from his New England origins to create dishes that move far beyond typical bar fare. This is, as described, "Pawn Shop food" rather than generic pub grub.
The menu features unique offerings like a reimagined Polynesian–New England pu pu platter and charbroiled Maine oysters. Other highlights include crispy beef tallow fries, a creamy cacio e pepe ramen noodle bowl, and a dry-aged tomahawk steak served with roasted garlic and miso butter. The focus on elevated ingredients and creative preparation is a departure from the usual sports bar playbook.
From the moment guests enter, they often appear wide-eyed at the sprawling, sports-watching wonderland. The space includes a 50-seat bar and, during peak watch hours, tables can be found packed from wall to wall. While some patrons arrive dressed to the nines, the general atmosphere is a reflection of L.A.'s casual style. In a city where high-end sports bars often struggle to find lasting success, Pawn Shop's approach suggests it has the potential for staying power.
Given the venue's popularity, especially on game days, securing a table by booking ahead is recommended, as dropping in without a reservation may leave you without a seat.
Founded by developer Diego Torres-Palma, Pawn Shop also boasts a notable roster of investors including Olympian and Angel City FC captain Ali Riley, former NBA star Chandler Parsons, Los Angeles Dodgers president of operations Andrew Friedman, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. This blend of sports-world backing and culinary ambition positions Pawn Shop as a fresh option for Southern California sports enthusiasts.