Here are some of our favorite laidback spots for playing a pickup game, spanning from Culver City to South L.A.
Chess Park Lounge sits on top of what used to be Glendale’s Chess Park. But while the park was a barren alleyway with concrete chess tables, the lounge welcomes visitors with cushioned seats, polished wooden chess boards and a menu of food and drinks to keep you around.
While this may not be the best place for pickup chess — you’ll need to check in with the host and grab a seat — Chess Park earns a place on the list thanks to its sheer dedication to all things chess. From the wall of fame of 50 grandmasters to the glassy chandelier dripping chess pieces to the chess beer taps, every inch of this space builds off the spirit of the former alleyway.
Owner Aro Agakhanyan tells me that at first, the city of Glendale refused to let him name the lounge after the failed city park. But eventually they came around after seeing his blueprints. “I want to bring the chess culture back,” Agakhanyan says. “It has a lot of wisdom.” On a typical afternoon, jazz music filters from the large outdoor patio to the moody horseshoe bar. Upon checking in, you can ask the host for one of their wooden chess boards and play a game over a cocktail and a bite. There’s even a nod to Deep Blue, the first computer to win a match against a world chess champion — just peek at the seafood section.
Word has it that grandmaster Maurice Ashley recently dined there, too. Celebrity spotters, take note.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Padres, Giants delayed due to lights not working properly at Oracle ParkGame was in second delay after second inning; field too dark to continue play
Read more »
SF Giants’ ‘backs against the wall’ as they begin final fight for playoff lives vs. PadresWith 36 games to play and Giants 7.5 out, Evan Longoria says he is going to play through hamstring issues ‘until it rips off.’
Read more »
A’s win first ever game at Nationals Park, now await phenom’s debutTop prize from Yankees trade will start Thursday’s game in Washington.
Read more »
Inside a $24 Million California Palazzo Built by a Self-Tanning MagnateThe 16,000-square-foot Calabasas mansion features a retractable glass roof and life-size chess set.
Read more »