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DTLA Playbook: Crypto.com Arena Area Food & Late-Night Options

Basketball, gymnastics, and medal ceremonies keep Crypto.com Arena buzzing from dawn to midnight. This playbook helps you fuel up, celebrate, and catch a nightcap without straying far from LA Live.

Game-day essentials#

• Make reservations 30 days out—prime-time slots vanish fast.
• Mobile order when possible (many LA Live restaurants offer express pickup).
• Hold onto your credential or session ticket for priority seating and discounts.
• Hydrate before re-entering secure zones; outside water bottles must be sealed.

Pre-event fuel (≤5 minutes)#

• Fixins Soul Kitchen: Southern comfort food; arrive early to beat the post-event rush.
• HiDef Brewing Co.: Local brews, crowd-friendly snacks, and outdoor seating.
• Sambazon Acai Bowls: Energizing bowls perfect for afternoon sessions.
• Tom’s Watch Bar: Massive screens, shareable appetizers, and family seating.

Sit-down dinner (10–15 minute walk)#

• Bottega Louie: Italian plates plus a gourmet market for takeaway desserts.
• Broken Spanish Pop-Up: Elevated Mexican cuisine—book well ahead.
• Bestia / Bavel (Arts District): Chef-driven Italian and Middle Eastern menus; worth the rideshare.
• Water Grill: Seafood-focused, ideal for group celebrations.

Late-night cravings#

• Birdies: Fried chicken sandwiches + donuts open into the early morning.
• Grand Central Market (select vendors): Wexler’s Deli, Shiku, and Sticky Rice extend hours during LA28.
• Langer’s Express Pop-Up: Classic pastrami sandwiches served at Union Station (two stops via A/B Line).
• Smorgasburg Night Market: Special Olympic editions announced weekly—follow their socials for schedule drops.

Tie these picks with our budget Olympics guide if you’re watching costs.

Nightlife & recovery#

• The Rooftop at The Wayfarer: DJ sets, skyline views, craft cocktails.
• Perch LA: French-inspired rooftop with live jazz and fire pits.
• Exchange LA / The Mayan: Turn medal wins into dance floor celebrations (21+).
• Free Play (The Fields LA): Arcade games, shareable plates, and plenty of TVs.

Need to recover the next day? Try Remedy Place pop-up (contrast therapy) or Pause Studio (compression boots) within a short rideshare.

FAQs#

Q: Do LA Live restaurants take walk-ins?
A: Some do, but waits can reach 90 minutes on medal nights. Join virtual waitlists via Yelp or the LA Live app.

Q: How late does transit run after events?
A: The E, A, and B Metro lines run until roughly 1:30 a.m. during LA28. Rideshare zones line Figueroa Street—see our rideshare guide for exact pin drops.