Untamed Spirits: L.A.’s First Women’s Sports Bar

Located in Silver Lake, Untamed Spirits is the first women’s sports bar in Los Angeles. Co-owners Janie and Stephanie Ellingwood launched the venue to fulfill a pressing need for a space where fans can enjoy women’s sports without feeling marginalized.

Inception of Untamed Spirits

The Ellingwoods, avid sports enthusiasts and supporters of local teams such as Angel City Football Club and the L.A. Sparks, had been disappointed by their experience at a local brewery while watching a U.S. Women’s National Team soccer match. Despite their request to turn on the sound in a mostly empty side room, staff denied their request without explanation.

Creating a New Space

The negative experience prompted the couple to search for a location where women’s sports could be celebrated without reservation. They eventually took over a former sports bar, rebranding it as Untamed Spirits to coincide with Pride Month in June 2023.

A Unique Offering

Untamed Spirits joins a growing trend of bars emphasizing women’s sports across the U.S., alongside establishments like Sports Bra in Portland and Rough & Tumble in Seattle. The bar aims to provide a classy, welcoming environment featuring:

• Multiple TVs broadcasting a variety of women’s sports
• A sleek design accentuated by vibrant decor and comfortable seating
• Inclusive amenities such as menstrual products in restrooms

Culinary and Beverage Offerings

Patrons can enjoy a range of drinks, including signature cocktails like the Angel City pink punch, and an eclectic food menu with international flair, featuring dishes like kimchi fried rice.

Community and Events

The Ellingwoods aspire to foster a community around women’s sports and have become an official partner of Angel City Football Club. They plan to host watch parties, promote social events, and expand their offerings to include distilling their own spirits in the future.

Growing Interest in Women’s Sports

The timing of Untamed Spirits opens amid a surge in interest in women’s sports. Nielsen data shows remarkable growth in viewership across various women’s sports leagues, reflecting a broader societal shift towards equal recognition of female athletes. For example:

• The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament observed an average of nearly 19 million viewers.
• Ad spending on women’s sports increased significantly, with a reported $244 million in 2024, marking a year-over-year rise of 139%.

A Beacon for Female Sports Fans

As Marina Sobreviñas, a patron, noted, bars specifically dedicated to women’s sports represent a much-needed shift. She recalled experiences at other venues where women’s matches were marginalized, stating, “It’s about time” that a dedicated spot for female sports fans is available.

With its committed team and community support, Untamed Spirits stands as a landmark for women’s sports advocacy in Los Angeles, reinforcing the idea that equal representation is both necessary and long overdue.

Looking Ahead

Janie and Stephanie are passionate about building a vibrant community through sports, ensuring that women’s achievements in athletics receive the recognition and celebration they deserve. Janie emphasizes, “Some people might call it a trend, but it’s not a trend. I believe it’s a movement.”