Where to Pregame for a Rams Game Around SoFi Stadium
Rams fans, letās be real: tailgating is great, but sometimes you want a legit drink, AC and a good seat before kickoff. Thatās where Inglewood shines. The neighborhood surrounding SoFi Stadium is stacked with bars, lounges and restaurants that know how to pregame properly. Weāre talking rooftop cocktails, ice-cold Coronas, tequila-fueled taco joints and sports bars where the screens are massive and the energyās even bigger.
Locals have been pregaming in this area long before the Rams made it their home turf. The Nile Bar, for example, has been a go-to since the Forumās glory days. And now, the game-day vibes are even stronger, especially with new spots raising the bar on what your pregame should be.
Whether youāve got seats at the stadium or youāre just showing up for the party, these are the best places to pregame for a Rams game. Come hungry. Come loud. And come ready to make kickoff your second course.
Martinās Cocina y Cantina
If tacos and tequila are part of your Rams game pregame, Martinās Cocina y Cantina is calling. Just a short walk from SoFi, this family-owned cantina turns up the heat with sizzling plates and cold cervezas. The energy hits early, especially during home games, when the house fills with fans pounding micheladas and loading up on birria tacos. Itās one of the most flavorful Rams tailgate alternatives in the city.
Local insight: On non-game days, Martinās is a local favorite for lunch breaks and casual weeknight hangs, known for its warm hospitality and consistent flavors. But come Sunday, the mood flips fast, and regulars love that they can still get their go-to carnitas plate before kickoff.
The TVs are tuned, the music is bumping, and if youāre lucky, youāll walk into a mid-afternoon dance party before the Rams take the field (no better way to toast the team than with a house marg or a Corona in hand).
Cork & Batter
If your perfect pregame includes cocktails and rooftop selfies, Cork & Batter is your MVP. This three-story gem is steps from the stadium and packs a serious punch with its sleek bar, swanky second-floor lounge, and top-level rooftop views. Itās not your average Inglewood sports bar; itās a whole experience. Think bourbon flights, sliders that hit home and fans decked out in Rams Blue getting hyped before game time. The TVs donāt miss a play, and neither does the vibe. If cocktails arenāt your thing, crack open a Corona and take in the rooftop views (it hits different above the crowd). This spot is also a favorite among postgame crowds, so donāt be surprised if your āpregameā lasts well past the fourth quarter.
Fiesta Martin
Fiesta Martin is what you get when a neighborhood favorite becomes a Rams game bar. Loved for its carnitas, margaritas and crowd-pleasing hospitality, this family-run restaurant turns into a party zone on game days. Itās casual, fast-paced and unapologetically fun; ideal for large groups looking to pregame without the chaos of the stadium. Their margarita towers are no joke, and the massive platters of nachos and enchiladas are perfect for sharing. For a low-maintenance crowd-pleaser, Coronas are always on deck, because nothing says game day like lime, salt and cold cerveza. If youāre hungry, thirsty and ready to shout at a TV, say no more, Fiesta Martin is here.
Cosm
When your game day motto is āgo big or stay home,ā Cosm delivers. As the ultimate immersive sports experience inside Hollywood Park, this futuristic venue features a 360-degree LED dome that wraps you in the action. Itās easily one of the most unique places to watch the Rams game, because youāre not just viewing the action, youāre living it. The sleek bar setup keeps drinks flowing, and the whole experience feels like pregaming in a VIP planetarium; a must for fans who want more than just beer and barstools.
Hollywood Park Casino
Need to pump up the adrenaline before kickoff? Try hitting the tables at Hollywood Park Casino. Just blocks from SoFi, this massive, modern casino brings game-day thrills with blackjack, poker, and a bustling bar scene. Inside Raise Lounge, youāll find plenty of screens showing pregame coverage, a full menu of drinks and bites and some of the most diehard fans in LA. Itās one of the few Inglewood sports bars where you can win big before the Rams take the field. Come early, order the wings and place your bets.
The Nile Bar
Pregame meets dive bar chic at The Nile Bar, a local legend that knows how to keep it real. This is one of the most underrated bars near SoFi Stadium for good drinks, even better people-watching, and a game-day vibe that feels personal. The crowd is a mix of neighborhood regulars and Rams fans who prefer their beer cold and their commentary loud. With solid happy hour deals and strong pours, this is the kind of place where friendships are made over kickoff. Think less fancy, more fun and perfect for fans who keep it authentic.
SoFi might be where the action happens, but the real game starts way earlier. Hit these spots with your crew and pregame like you never have beforeābecause now, you have.
Want more? Check out our Hollywood Park and Inglewood guide for more insights into the neighborhood.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
