370 E. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631
714-526-2058
http://www.lh300bowl.com Owned by the Burch family of Burch Ford fame, La Habra 300 Bowl in La Habra is well-known for the rock-throwing athleticism of Glen Allison, who in 1981 bowled three consecutive 300 games. Tossing aesthetic grandeur to the wind, 300 Bowl is hugged by the 13th Frame Lounge, a dark-wood and red-walled room with a wood-beam roof. Smelling of lemon-scented oil and Miller High Life, the 13th Frame resembles a smaller version of a North Woods Inn Steakhouse. There's even a small glass-walled section for those of you who want to relive the glory years of indoor smoking. With bottled beers running $3.50 and biweekly karaoke nights allowing the locals-heavy crowd an opportunity to butcher Dolly Parton and Nancy Sinatra songs, affordable fun always abounds. Bonus: A wise bartendress named Jan is frequently on-hand to sling suds with a sympathetic ear, a philosophical quip and sage advice on navigating the small-claims-court system. It's perfect counsel for those post-imbing parking-lot mishaps. More >>
3522 E. Anaheim St. Anaheim, CA 92804
562-494-7564
http://www.liquidloungelongbeach.com How can you have fun at any venue with a sign that explicitly states, "No Dancing?" With a beer-pong table, karaoke machine and dirt-cheap prices; that's how! The liquid lounge is by no means your average fancy-pants downtown LBC hangout. The folks are local, the staff is welcoming and you're the type who enjoys getting more bang for your buck, this is the place to get it. With good drinks at the prices they offer, it's probably a good thing they've got that "No Dancing" sign up to save you from any potential embarrassment. The bar is small; just your average neighborhood pub, but the crowd is diverse and lively. If you find yourself needing a breather, just step outside. You won't be lonely. There are probably just as many people socializing in the parking lot as there are inside of the bar! More >>
3911 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90001
213-748-6136
http://www.lacoliseumlive.com Located just south of downtown in Exposition Park alongside the venerable L.A. Memorial Coliseum and adjacent to the USC campus, this aptly named sports arena used to be the home of the home of L.A. Lakers, Kings and Clippers, and both the USC Trojans and (briefly) UCLA Bruins basketball teams. Unfortunately for the aging venue, the telling phrase is "used to be." Most of its jock tenants have fled, but the L.A. Sports Arena continues to be the site of occasional concerts from folks like Bruce Springsteen, who's performed there many times over the years. During the 2011-2012, the UCLA men's basketball team played some of its home games there while its own on-campus arena, Pauley Pavilion, was renovated. More >>