As the 2025 NBA Playoffs heat up, Santa Monica offers numerous venues for basketball enthusiasts looking to catch all the action. Whether it be traditional sports bars or gastropubs with premium viewing setups, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of where to watch the games.
Prime Santa Monica Sports Bars
Sonny McLeans stands out as a top choice for serious basketball fans. This laid-back establishment offers ample bar seating and a relaxed atmosphere, though expect it to become considerably more crowded during playoff matchups. The authentic sports bar environment makes it ideal for purists.
Big Dean’s near the pier delivers a classic sports bar experience with multiple screens and a lively atmosphere. While its location may deter some locals, its comprehensive screen coverage and energetic crowd make it worth considering for big games.
Barney’s Beanery, despite being on the promenade (which some prefer to avoid), checks all essential boxes with quality screens, extensive beer options, and reliable bar food. Their multiple TVs ensure good viewing angles from nearly any seat.
Jameson’s on Main Street draws sports enthusiasts with its energetic environment, though be prepared for crowds, especially during weekend playoff games. Arrive early to secure prime seating.
Growing Basketball Culture
The NBA’s expanding global appeal has transformed playoff watching, and it includes both casual viewing and cultural events. This growth is particularly evident in international markets, with Canada showing remarkable enthusiasm for basketball.
Following Ontario’s 2022 legalization of single-game sports betting, mobile platforms have revolutionized how fans interact with postseason basketball. Ontario sportsbooks have capitalized on this trend, offering specialized bonuses for new registrants during playoff season, further fueling interest in high-stakes games.
Emerging Favorites
Santa Monica Brewworks has gained popularity for its exceptional food and craft beer selection. While the viewing experience isn’t its strongest feature, the superior food quality compensates if you’re balancing culinary interests with basketball viewing.
Nickel Mine offers a more upscale sports-viewing environment, though previous visitors note service inconsistencies. Their screen placement and audio management during games have improved heading into the 2025 playoff season.
Worth the Short Trip
Thunderbird Bar in West LA (12217 Wilshire Boulevard) features a Tex-Mex menu alongside an elaborate collection of agave spirits. With numerous TVs and operating hours extending to midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends, it’s ideal for late-running playoff games.
Tiny’s Hi-Dive (12012 West Pico Boulevard) brings Chicago-style vibes to the basketball watching experience with classic cocktails, diverse food options, and entertainment options like shuffleboard and pool tables for halftime diversions.
Best For Your Viewing Style
- For the purist basketball experience: Sonny McLeans or O’Brien’s
- For food-focused viewing: Santa Monica Brewworks or Thunderbird Bar
- For social atmosphere: Big Dean’s or Jameson’s
- For upscale environment: Nickel Mine
- For late games: Thunderbird Bar or Tiny’s Hi-Dive
Each establishment offers unique advantages for NBA Playoffs viewing. You can choose the one that suits you the best. But with the intense matchups of the 2025 playoffs underway, these venues provide Santa Monica basketball fans multiple options to catch every critical moment of postseason play.
