Inside the Dodger Speakeasy: A Haven of Nostalgia for Season Ticket Holders

One of the best sports bars in L.A. is the intimate speakeasy that sits beside the visitors’ bullpen at Dodger Stadium. Season ticket holders who request access (a limited number per game gain entry) are treated to a midcentury vibe that features vintage photos of former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda with baseball legends like Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, a ’50s-’60s soundtrack heavy on Sinatra and the Temptations — and a spy’s-eye view of the pitchers warming up just outside the big back windows, where at times you’ll come face-to-face with a coach checking out the action inside.

The only compromise to the modern age is a bank of flat-screen TVs above the bar that show the baseball game and whatever sports events are hot. Head bartender Munda Razooki has been the master mixologist since the speakeasy launched three years ago (ticket reseller Vivid Seats bought naming rights in 2023).

The menu features small bites like a crudite and hummus box, a charcuterie plate and, of course, Dodger dogs. But it’s the convivial atmosphere — and extensive cocktail list — that draw fans out of their season seats to belly up to the bar. Munda (most regulars don’t know his last name) favors the ghost pepper-infused Smoking Aces, a mezcal twist on a paloma with lime, agave nectar, grapefruit and a splash of Sprite. But draft beer, wine and martinis also flow. To celebrate the Ohtani era, there’s a flight of four Japanese whiskeys by the House of Suntory ($50).

Los Angeles spoke with Munda about working behind the bar at the Vivid Seats Speakeasy.

How’d you get involved in what you're doing now?
I grew up in Chino and moved to L.A. to act. By 2009, I’d done some TV and film — a lot of commercials — so, I decided I'm gonna be a full-on actor and not have to work on the side. It was the worst year of my life. No jobs, no residuals coming in. A buddy came to me and said: “Have you ever served before? They're hiring at Levy Restaurants [a hospitality company that handles the concessions] at the Staples Center.”After a couple of years, the manager's like, hey, we need a bartender. I already knew all the well-drinks and I'd learn the fancy drinks on the spot.

How did you get from Crypto to the Speakeasy?
I started working at the Stadium Club in 2016, and when the Speakeasy opened in 2021, I transferred down here

. What's your favorite moment at the Speakeasy?
Whenever an old ball player comes in. They're really outgoing and cool, and it makes the whole atmosphere better. Nomar Garciaparra came in. And Mickey Hatcher came in once. He'll talk to anyone, take a picture — so will Garciaparra. It was a little overwhelming because a lot of people were going up to him. But it's nice to see the fan interaction.

Anything new being considered?
We've talked about maybe getting a singer or a musician in there.

What's your favorite part of working in Speakeasy?
It's smaller than the stadium club and concentrates more on craft drinks — it's just got a different vibe. And most nights it’s not as crazy. You get to talk to people. Even better, there a bunch of good regulars — a lot of people who come in before the game starts don't leave. And I love the music.

For more information, head to dodgers365.com .

Read more about the L.A. sports bar scene here .

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2024 issue of Los Angeles magazine, on newsstands now; click here to subscribe today.