Sonny McLean's

Santa Monica has its fair share of generic sports bars packed with locals nursing light beers while catching the game. Sonny McLean’s breaks that mold entirely. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported about three thousand miles east—this is a bona fide Boston bar that somehow found its way to the California coast, complete with all the character you’d expect from a New England watering hole.

The atmosphere here is refreshingly unpretentious. You’ll find bartenders with that classic no-nonsense attitude, a solid selection of IPAs on draft, and pours that are notably generous. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a few rounds without worrying about the tab getting out of hand.

What sets Sonny’s apart is its laid-back approach to sports rivalries. Unless there’s a major game on the line, you won’t get grief for showing up in Dodgers or Kings gear. That said, maybe think twice before rocking your Kobe jersey here—there are limits to every bar’s hospitality. The crowd is a mix of locals who appreciate the East Coast authenticity and anyone looking for a genuine neighborhood pub experience.

For happy hour drinks or catching a game in an environment that feels miles away from the typical LA scene, Sonny McLean’s delivers. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a stool, order something on tap, and feel like a regular by your second visit.