Lakers/LA Live help!

[jonesstonehaven]

Hubby and I got a Xmas gift of second row seats to Lakers game New Years Eve( never been to the Staples center) and both of us have the day off but we live about 25 minutes from the center, and not New Years party people and don't want to be on the road really late. However, would like to have a nice dinner at LA Live or nearby and read all the the reports (did my homework) but none seem consistent or faboulous as far as picking a place to go, also looking for a dinner before the game so has to be open by 5 PM. Would like a sit down dinner but really don't want to pay 50 dollars for a six ounce filet. I could go for a tasting menu -any suggestions or even willing to spring for a downtown hotel that may have a package deal where we could walk or take the train where we may be able to celebrate New Years and stay up late

[coconutz]

I was going to say Corkbar but looks like that's out, just 2 seatings later on.
http://www.corkbar.com/nye2010.html

[Azizeh]

I have season tickets and avoid LA Live during games. Not to mention it's a "holiday." Everything will be packed. I like The Yard House, but only for their happy hours, which won't be an option for you. I'm not crazy about Flemings (nothing wrong with it, per se, just a personal preference), but I think the other restaurants are pretty mediocre.

I usually wind up going to Koreatown for Korean BBQ. It's 5-8 miles away, depending on which place you go to. You're also close enough to Chinatown to go that route.

[manku]

Koreatown is actually much closer...just google mapped Soot Bull Jeep to Staples - 2.5 miles.

I'm not a huge fan of ANY chain restaurants...even the decent ones like Roy's, and LA Live doesn't do anything for me...reminds me of Citywalk (same architect?).

Little Tokyo has a bunch of fun places - Lazy Ox/ Kagaya/Wurstkuche etc...

-----
Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Little Tokyo Restaurant
150 E Bonita Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773

[Phurstluv]

Try the Yard House at LA Live. Open all day. 100 beers on tap! Delicious food. No wait, huge place.

[cls]

I question the Yard House as a "nice place" to celebrate New Year's. BTW, it's usually really crowded before games.

[J.L.]

Rivera
Colori Kitchen

-----
Colori Kitchen
429 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

[ocshooter]

I just Checked Roy's web site and they are open NYE at 5:00 and have what I think is an excellent value in the 3-course menu. It is not the most amazing food I have had, but it is consistent and I have always enjoyed it. It is a little further walk than some other options, but Fig is the main street and there will be plenty of other people about.

-----
Roy's Restaurant
800 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

[Servorg]

Just to be sure you (or anyone who is considering going to Roy's on NY's eve) ought to check to make sure that the normal menu (including their 3 course prix fixe for $35) is available. I know they have a special NY's eve menu that is 4 courses and runs from about $75 pp, and up.

[bulavinaka]

Lots of great eats around LA Live/Staples Center, and great Hounds giving great recs, but please call your short list of potential eateries to confirm that they will be open in that pre5PM time slot/make reservations. Many restos (eg, Rivera closed 2PM-5:30PM) will close between lunch and dinner services...

[ipsedixit]

Still don't understand why OP wants to eat so early, e.g. by 5 p.m. That would mean they would actually get to the game on time. Who does that in LA???

[bulavinaka]

Isn't showing up 15 minutes late the courteous thing to do in LA? :)

[aching]

In LA Live itself, the Wolfgang Puck restaurant is IMHO by far the best of the bunch. If you don't mind a short walk, Rivera and Roy's are both great, as is Corkbar. If you want to stay overnight, the JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton or Hotel Figueroa are very convenient to Staples - but I don't know if they have any specials or even availability for NYE. Happy New Year!

-----
Roy's Restaurant
800 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Rivera Restaurant
1050 S. Flower Street, #102, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Corkbar
403 W 12th St, Los Angeles, CA

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill
800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[Ciao Bob]

Rivera

[cls]

Forgot about Rivera. Seconded.

[cls]

Check Flemmings website for lots of specials. (New Years eve might be tough though.)
WP24 is on top of the Ritz Carlton but is probably over budget.
The restaurant on the ground floor of the Marriot is actually good and a pretty nice setting.
You could sit at the bar at the Palm and get away with splitting their huge portions.
Just up the street is Zucca.
Their is a bar menu at Drago Centro but it's a long walk.
A bit up Flower from the Staples Center is O Bar and Kitchen which is surprisingly good.

-----
Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Staples Center
1111 S Figueroa St Ste 3100, Los Angeles, CA 90015

WP24
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[wienermobile]

Wood Spoon. Brazilian Chicken Pot Pie and they open at 5pm.
http://woodspoonla.com/

-----
Wood Spoon
107 W Ninth St, Los Angeles, CA 90014