Silver Lake, Los Angeles – The burgeoning landscape of women’s sports fandom in Los Angeles has gained a physical anchor with the opening of Untamed Spirits, the city’s first bar specifically dedicated to women’s athletics. Located in the vibrant Silver Lake neighborhood, the establishment debuted in early June, intentionally coinciding with the start of Pride Month.
Launched by wife-and-wife team Janie and Stephanie Ellingwood, Untamed Spirits occupies the former location of a traditional sports bar, reimagining the space to cultivate an inclusive environment focused on celebrating women’s sports and the athletes who compete in them. Described by its owners as sleek and modern, the bar features a distinctive neon pink sign greeting patrons with the declaration, “Welcome to the Untamed Era.”
Co-owner Janie Ellingwood articulates the vision behind the venture with conviction, referring to Untamed Spirits not merely as a passing trend but as a “movement.” This perspective aligns with a small but notable wave of women’s sports bars emerging across the United States, addressing a long-standing gap in the traditional sports bar scene which has historically prioritized men’s leagues and events. Untamed Spirits joins pioneering establishments such as Portland’s Sports Bra and Watch Me! Sports Bar in Long Beach. Watch Me! holds the distinction of being California’s first dedicated women’s sports bar, having opened its doors in July of last year.
The opening of Untamed Spirits arrives at a moment of undeniable momentum for women’s sports viewership and commercial investment. Recent data underscores this dramatic shift: the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) saw a remarkable 511% jump in draft audience between 2023 and 2024, alongside a 29% growth in overall league interest during the same period. Similarly, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) experienced a 17% interest boost from 2023 to 2024. This heightened engagement is reflected in advertising spending, with TV ad spending on women’s sports reaching $244 million in 2024, representing a significant 139% increase year-over-year.
Cultivating Community and Cuisine
Beyond providing a dedicated viewing space, Janie and Stephanie Ellingwood envision Untamed Spirits as a hub for community building among women’s sports enthusiasts. Their plans include hosting regular watch parties, with the first officially scheduled for September 7th to view the anticipated ACFC vs Gotham FC game. Looking further ahead, the owners also harbor ambitions to eventually distill their own spirits, further embedding the bar’s unique identity within the community it serves.
The culinary offerings at Untamed Spirits feature food with an international influence, providing patrons with diverse options that move beyond typical pub fare. An example from the menu includes dishes such as kimchi fried rice, reflecting this global approach to flavor.
A Welcoming Space
The physical layout of Untamed Spirits is designed to accommodate varied preferences for enjoying games and socializing. The venue offers both comfortable indoor seating areas and an inviting patio, providing options for patrons regardless of their preferred atmosphere or the weather.
In a city with a rich sports culture but a historical deficit in spaces specifically tailored to fans of women’s athletics, Untamed Spirits represents more than just a new business. As co-owner Janie Ellingwood suggests, it embodies a “movement” – a tangible step towards greater visibility, recognition, and community for the growing legions of women’s sports fans in Los Angeles and beyond.
