Father’s Day Out

Father's Day is right around the corner, and being a busy Broke Girl this summer (those marathon Bloody Mary brunches and beach afternoons really are a time suck), it's possible you've neglected to plan anything. Being procrastination-prone ourselves, we figured it may have slipped your mind and took the liberty of devising a Dad's Day Out for you. But since fathers are as unique as the BG's who love them, we mapped out three different outings, one of which is bound to be suited for your particular Pop. 

Dodger Dad: 
Any sports loving Dad would relish a summer Sunday in the stands of a great American ballpark (e.g., Dodgers Stadium), beer in hand, watching a little baseball. Even in years when the Dodgers are short on wins, you can't beat a day at Chavez Ravine. You'll want to nab tickets ahead of time; we've found some pretty good deals through Stubhub. Swing by The Short Stop beforehand for some pre-game pool, pinball, & PBRs. Later, as he basks in the glory of America's Pastime, be sure not to fill up on ballpark food (Dodger Dogs are overrated anyway). Right down the street is Masa, a quaint cafe boasting some of THE BEST deep dish pizza outside of the Windy City. There's no better finish to game day than 2" of freshly baked cornmeal crust stuffed with sausage, cheese, and tomato sauce. 

Danger Dad:
If Dad's ideal day involves a little more action, consider a more adventurous afternoon. Unlock his inner James Bond at the Los Angeles Gun Club. With rentals under 10 bucks (plus the price of ammo), Dad can test his shooting skills at LA's premiere indoor pistol range. You might want to take a few shots yourself; target practice can be quite cathartic, and it's a helluva lot cheaper than a decent therapist. After you've locked and loaded, head west to The Misfit in Santa Monica for martinis (shaken, not stirred) and some top shelf bar bites. It may not be Casino Royale, but it's definitely one of our favorite new SM hangouts. Finally, spend a few hours with the original 007 at a Bond double feature at the Aero Theater. If anyone can top an afternoon of gunpowder, adrenaline, and vodka, it's 1960's Sean Connery. 

Do-Nothing Dad: 

Some Dads just want a lazy Sunday, special occasion or not. No matter; there's still plenty to do in LA, even when the aim is to do as little as possible. For starters, shoot up the PCH to Paradise Cove, where you can unwind and converse in comfy beach chairs over beer and wine.  If all this down time fails to relax your father, treat him (and yourself, if you're feeling "generous") to a massage at The Massage Place--with nine locations and massages starting at $37, you won't have to worry about exorbitant spa prices, and Dad (literally) won't have to move a muscle.  For dinner, sidestep the swanky dinner reservations and chow down at the decidedly low key and highly delicious Hole in the Wall Burger Joint. Juicy gourmet burgers on soft pretzel buns (and the absence of a maître d’ or bathroom attendant) make for the perfect end to a perfectly relaxing Father's Day.

written by A. Joos