Game Sports Bar The

I was looking for a nearby restaurant when I stumbled upon this bar. A group of well-dressed men walked out, and I was all in. ;-)

Though it is covertly planted in a strip mall, Game's suave exterior makes clear that the lounge is meant to be classy. I was almost deterred since I was clad in my post-workout leggings and top, but I pulled off my trail shoes, threw on flip-flops, and went in anyway. I was determined to get, at least, a review out of the experience.

What's clear is that this is a "brotha" spot. It's like an after work, pre- or post- party/event hangout for black gents. At the bar was a row of three very clean-cut lads that sported Hip Hop accents, like Adidas Gazelles, with button-up shirts and creased jeans. Intermittent eavesdropping on their discussion made it clear I was in the company of vice squad members. After all, the LAPD's Ahmanson Training Center is across the street. There were also a few tourists who had filtered in from the LAX crowd.

I counted 20 flatscreen TV's, all with football games on-display. 80s and 90s R&B blew out of 15 ceiling-hung speakers. An intercontinental menu with "Miso Salmon", "Cajun Jambalaya", and "Alfredo Pasta"--along with signature wings, sandwiches, and salads--was available for the ordering, but I had just copped Jamaican food before my arrival. At around 7pm, the restaurant was low-key (my flava'), but the waitress shared with me that this joint would be jumpin' with folks by nightfall.

One thing I did not care for was the bar's policy of giving back rounded down change. My bill came to $24.15, and I was given $5 back from $30. "How presumptuous!" I thought. I guess they figure black people can't count, and tourists don't care. Rme. The waitress told me, "We usually don't have change to give, so we just round." Really? o_O  Hmph! Really!? BE ON ALERT. No telling what happens when patrons entrust our credit cards to these people. O_O