Best Bites For Watching March Madness
March Madness is quickly approaching a finale with the Final Four and Championship games on the horizon. Get your game plan ready, and perhaps devise an excuse to leave work early, because you have basketball to watch. And bar bites to eat. Here are a few spots that are great for game-viewing while noshing on one of their signature dishes.
Kobe Beef Chili Cheese Donuts
Boneyard Bistro
13539 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 906-7427
www.Boneyardbistro.com
Boneyard's blend of bistro fare and bbq dishes have made it one of the Valley's favorites for casual dining. The menu includes a one-bite offering that's a savory take on stuffed, fried dough. Kobe beef chili stuffed donuts are covered with cheddar cheese, pickles and red onions with a drizzle of old-school yellow mustard on the plate. They're the kind of thing you'll pop in your mouth without hesitation. Head to the bar, or grab a seat nearby, to catch all of the action.
Oysters
Dia de Campo
1238 Hermosa Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 379-1829
www.diadecampohb.com
Hit up the South Bay on game days because Dia de Campo is serving $1 oysters. From 2-5p on Saturday, April 2nd and 5-7p on Monday, April 4th, score oysters for a magic price. Snag additional discounted food and drink items from the Bandito Power Hour, including signature cocktails and select beers. Just be sure you snag a good seat, so you'll have a perfect view of the bar's TVs.
Maradentro
11929 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 358-3423
www.maradentrorestaurant.com
When warm, salted chips and guacamole are available, there's a good chance you won't refuse. Maradentro's house guacamole is one of the fanciest in town. It's a pile of mashed avocados, serrano peppers, red onion, and cilantro topped with lobster and smoky chopped bacon. You may find yourself asking for a second order. You'll find it on the menu at both locations--Studio City, and the new post in Brentwood.
Wasabi Beer Nuts
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
351 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 591-0094
www.plancheck.com
Plan Check is definitely known for its burgers, fried chicken and creative crullers, but it's also home to one of the most addictive snacks in town. Wasabi Beer Nuts are on the menu, boasting a mix of peanuts and cashews with a salty, sweet flavor and lingering heat thanks to soy sauce, sugar, and wasabi. Your fingers will operate on auto-pilot while you eat and cheer on your favorite team. Wasabi beer nuts are available at all three Plan Check locations, and they're on happy hour menus at Fairfax and DTLA.
Porchetta Fries
The Stand
19600 Plummer Street #700
Northridge, CA 91324
(818)709-3820
www.thestandlink.com
The Stand recently opened its newest location in Northridge, and the space is prime for families and friends to hang out, grub and catch live action sports. Make sure you request an order of Porchetta Fries. The Stand makes its own seasoned porchetta that's roasted, shredded and crisped then spread over French fries, along with green apple and red onion slaw, cheddar cheese, chimichurri, and sweet chili aioli. They're also offering $4 Stand Blond Ales on April 2nd and April 4th for the duration of the games. Take advantage of this beer deal at the Encino and Woodland Hills locations as well.
Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings
Charcoal
425 Washington Boulevard
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 751-6794
www.charcoalvenice.com
Keep your eyes on the TV and your lips on the Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings at Charcoal. They're seasoned with oregano, chili, and vinegar, then cooked over a live fire like nearly all of the menu's dishes. Soak in the backyard bbq aroma while enjoying the Westside neighborhood vibes. The wings are available on the standard dinner menu, as well as the new bar menu served at the counter only.
Lobster Mac & Cheese
BOA Steakhouse - Sunset
9200 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 278-2050
www.innovativedining.com
Slip into The Club Room at BOA Steakhouse on Sunset for comfortable and upscale game-viewing. The lounge adjacent to the bar offers a menu of exclusive bites and cocktails, including Lobster Mac & Cheese. Perfectly al dente pasta shells are draped in a creamy cheese sauce and studded with chunks of lobster, then topped with buttery, crunchy breadcrumbs and served piping hot. Claim one of the oversized lounge chairs for prime seating during all of the excitement.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Bludso's Bar & Que
609 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-2583
www.barandque.com
Bludso's is undoubtedly one of the best bbq joints in the city. The original Compton location is a gem in itself, but the second location in West Hollywood is designed for diners to sit and stay awhile. The pulled pork sandwiches are piled high with slowly smoked pork, housemade bbq sauce and pickles. Add on a couple of sides, and it's a full meal. With a full cocktail, beer and liquor menu, this is the place to be for the remainder of March Madness.
Giant Brat-Stuffed Pretzel
Bru Haus
11831 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-2337
www.bruhauspub.com
Bru Haus serves inspired pub food at a comfortable price range--everything's between $3-9. The monster brat-stuffed pretzel is a shareable snack for a crowd. It's a giant pretzel packed with pieces of bratwurst, beer braised onions, and cheddar cheese. Rip off chunks and dunk them into the nacho cheese on the side. It's just the thing you need alongside a few cold beers.