The City of Champions
Inglewood isn't just having a moment —
it's having an era.
I've called LA home for over a decade, and I've been an Inglewood resident more than once. I can tell you firsthand: this city has always had soul, grit, and undeniable community energy. What's changed is that the rest of the world is finally paying attention.
From the roar of SoFi Stadium to the intimate warmth of a Black-owned breakfast spot, Inglewood delivers an experience that no other LA city can replicate. Whether you're flying into LAX and looking for somewhere real to eat, attending a Clippers game at Intuit Dome, or exploring the possibility of planting roots here — this guide is for you.
These are the spots I return to again and again. These are the neighborhoods I believe in. And this is the city I'm proud to call home.
Three Venues. Infinite Reasons to Visit.
Inglewood is now home to three of the most talked-about entertainment destinations in the entire country — all within a short drive of each other, and easily accessible from LAX.
SoFi Stadium
Home to the LA Rams and LA Chargers, SoFi Stadium is also one of America's premier concert and event venues — hosting Super Bowls, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and international soccer. The 70,000-seat stadium is a true architectural marvel, and the surrounding Hollywood Park development continues to expand with retail, dining, and a lake.
NBA · LA CLIPPERS
Intuit Dome
The brand-new home of the LA Clippers opened in 2024 and immediately became one of the most buzzed-about arenas in the NBA. With its revolutionary halo board, tech-forward fan experience, and prime Inglewood location, Intuit Dome has cemented the city's status as LA's entertainment epicenter. Concerts, boxing, and major events round out its calendar year-round.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
The Cosm
The Cosm is an entirely new category of entertainment — an immersive, domed venue that wraps you in live sports, concerts, and original experiences in a way that no traditional venue can match. Part bar, part theater, part sports lounge, this venue is drawing visitors from across Southern California and putting Inglewood on the global entertainment map.
Inglewood's Culinary Soul
Long before the stadiums arrived, Inglewood had food worth crossing town for. These are the places the locals know — and now you do too.
Southern · Soul Food · Breakfast
The Serving Spoon
An Inglewood institution. The Serving Spoon has been feeding the community long before the Hollywood Park makeover, and it remains the undisputed champion of Southern breakfast in LA. Arrive early — the line forms before the doors open, and for good reason.
"People say the creamy grits are a standout side dish." — Google Reviews
Order the salmon croquettes with grits and eggs — it's a plate that regulars rave about endlessly. The waffles are crisp and golden, the coffee is bottomless and comforting. This is a cash-and-community dining room where everyone feels at home.
American · Brunch · Comfort
Rusty Pot Café
Rusty Pot is a local neighborhood favorite with big flavors and an even bigger personality. Reviewers consistently highlight the chicken and waffles and the catfish and grits as must-order dishes — exactly the kind of cooking that makes you feel taken care of.
"One of the best plates of food of my life — and it was breakfast food." —Google Review
The vibe is unpretentious and warm. Grab an outdoor table on Market Street to skip the wait and enjoy the California sun. Generous portions, reasonable prices, and the kind of friendly staff that makes you want to become a regular.
Coffee · Café · Co-Working
Awakening
Don't be fooled by the storefront — Awakening opens up into a sprawling back room with couches, tables, high tops, and wall outlets everywhere. It's the coffee shop Inglewood deserved: vibrant, modern, eclectic, and full of good energy from morning to close.
"I was looking for a new cafe with good energy. Awakening definitely woke me up as soon as I walked in." —Local Guide
Try the hibiscus cloud drink — it's become a signature. They also offer an upstairs co-working space with private studios and podcast rooms available for a fee. Open until 11PM, making it equally great as a pre-event hang or late-night wind-down.
Café · Breakfast · Lunch
Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen — Inglewood
A certified Inglewood gem that's earned its reputation as one of the most beloved cafés in all of South LA. Hilltop is where community gathers — over lattes, breakfast bowls, crispy chicken sandwiches, and burritos that melt in your mouth.
"The service and everything was very good — they'll guide you if you don't know what to order." —Local Guide
Reviewers rave about the chill vibes, good music, spacious layout, and the genuinely friendly staff. Their crispy chicken sandwich is legendary. Parking tip: use the Target garage across the street. Open for breakfast and lunch — and worth every visit.
Sports Bar · Cocktails · Small Plates
Tom's Watch Bar — Inglewood
Rated 4.7 stars and steadily building its reputation, Tom's Watch Bar Inglewood is where you go when the game matters. Screens on every surface, strong cocktails, and elevated bar food make it a go-to for pre-game and post-event crowds from SoFi and Intuit Dome alike.
"Food was good as well — get the chicken nachos, they're fire." — Google Review
The margaritas are strong, the energy is high, and the sports-forward atmosphere makes it one of the best places to watch a big game in the area. Open until 11PM — perfectly timed for concert and game night crowds.
Wine Bar · Events · Dinner
1010 Wine and Events
This is the kind of place that makes people drive across LA. 1010 Wine is a sophisticated yet welcoming wine bar and event space that's become one of the most talked-about dining experiences in South LA — and it's located right here in Inglewood.
"Such a variety of wines. The owners are passionate. The establishment is gorgeous." — Google Review
Guests rave about the unique wine flights, creative menu, and the warm attentive service. The salmon bites, spinach dip, and sparkling wine pairings are standout recommendations. Whether it's date night, a celebration, or Taco Thursday — 1010 Wine delivers a full experience.
Mexican · Bar & Grill · Lively
Fiesta Martin Bar and Grill
With over 2,500 Google reviews and a fiesta-every-day energy, Fiesta Martin is Inglewood's favorite Mexican restaurant for a reason. The molcajete, the tacos, the margaritas — it all delivers. And the portions? Generous doesn't begin to cover it.
"The ambience allows you to be loud without feeling like everyone is listening. Lively, fun, guilt-free." — Google Review
Pro tip: go on Tuesdays for their popular taco and strong drink happy hour deals. The food comes out fast, the staff is friendly, and it's one of the few restaurants in the area that stays open until 10PM — perfect for a post-game dinner run.
