Los Angeles' First Women's Sports Bar: Q&A with Stephanie Ellingwood and Janie Trinh, (Owners, Untamed Spirits)
- AWSN Editor
- Aug 21
- 5 min read
All Women's Sports Bar Network
In the heart of Silver Lake, where creativity meets community, two longtime friends turned visionaries have redefined what it means to watch sports in Los Angeles. Meet Janie and Stephanie, co-founders of Untamed Spirits, LA’s first women’s sports bar — a vibrant, unapologetic headquarters for fans who’ve waited far too long to hear women’s games with the volume on. Opened during Pride Month in June 2025, Untamed Spirits isn’t just a bar — it’s a declaration.
Janie Trinh, a globe-trotting designer and serial space-maker, brought her flair for transformation to life by reclaiming an old neighborhood sports bar and turning it into a home for women’s sports. From croissant-making with her brother at The Butterhood to rallying for every WNBA and NWSL broadcast, Janie’s creativity is matched only by her conviction: women’s sports deserve a stage, not the sidelines.
Stephanie Ellingwood, a former collegiate and professional golfer, has been by Janie’s side since their high school sports days. A lifelong athlete and advocate, Stephanie channels her energy into community-building, making sure Untamed Spirits is more than a bar — it’s a sanctuary for fans of every identity to feel seen, celebrated, and loud. Tired of muted TVs and overlooked coverage, the duo created the space they always dreamed of walking into — a place where Serena and Simone, Candace and A’ja would be the default, not the exception.
Untamed Spirits is more than a clever name — it’s a cultural shift. With the LA Sparks and Angel City FC as their North Stars, they’ve built a venue where the garden patio welcomes pups, the drinks are as inclusive as the crowd, and the energy on game night is electric. From official watch parties to impromptu dance breaks, this bar is a love letter to women’s sports — written in sweat, sound, and solidarity.
AWSN: Why a sports bar for women? Tell us how the dream began.
Stephanie Ellingwood and Janie Trinh: We created Untamed Spirits because we were tired of waiting for women’s sports to get the respect they deserve — so we built the space we always wished existed. A place where women’s sports are celebrated, not sidelined. Where the sound is on, the seats are full, and the energy is electric. This has always been about showing the world what it looks like when women’s sports take center stage.
AWSN: Sitting at your bar top is a dream team of your favorite women athletes past or present. Who are they?
Stephanie Ellingwood and Janie Trinh: Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi are definitely debating something competitive. Serena Williams holding court in the middle. Lisa Leslie laughing with Candace Parker and A’ja Wilson. Katie Ledecky sipping something sparkling. Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka swapping stories. That’s the dream lineup — fierce, funny, unstoppable.
AWSN: How do you decide which games and events to showcase?
Stephanie Ellingwood and Janie Trinh: Our mission is to center women’s sports — WNBA, NWSL, NCAA, Olympic events — and that will always come first. But we also know fans love a wide range of sports, so we make space for big moments in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and international tournaments too. The priority is women’s sports — but the bar is for everyone.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing this business?
The hardest part? Getting the game on with the sound up. Seriously — we’ve spent years asking for women’s games at bars, only to get blank stares or muted screens. That frustration is what pushed us. We were tired of asking — so we built the bar we’ve always wanted to walk into. A place where no one has to fight for visibility, because it’s already built in.
How do you foster a sense of community among your patrons?
Our space is built on inclusion. Whether you’re queer, straight, sporty, shy, a diehard fan or just discovering women’s sports — you’re welcome here. And when people feel safe and seen, community happens naturally. We’ve been slammed (in the best way) since opening, and it’s been beautiful to watch people cheer together, talk across tables, and make new friendships. You come for a game, and leave feeling like part of something.
Tell us about your local community. What are the hometown teams? Local heroes?
We’re lucky to be surrounded by an amazing local crowd — dog people, sports lovers, queer folks, neighbors who’ve shown up from day one. Our patio has space for pups and a little garden that makes it feel relaxed and outdoorsy. The support has been incredible. And of course, we rep our hometown teams: Angel City FC and the LA Sparks are our North Stars.
Which women’s sports aren’t getting the love that you and your clientele would like to see?
We showed the Taylor vs. Serrano women’s boxing match — and it was a packed house. That proved what we already knew: people want to watch women compete. From boxing to rugby, softball to Wimbledon — there’s so much world-class talent that still flies under the radar. We’re excited to keep making space for it all.
Do you see growth in media coverage and viewership of women’s sports affecting your business?
Absolutely. As coverage improves, more people are seeking spaces that reflect their love for the game. Every time women’s sports hit the headlines or trend online, someone new walks through our doors and says, “Finally.” The culture shift is happening — and we’re proud to be part of it.
Do you attribute your success to any strategy or decision in particular?
We stay rooted in who we are — that’s the strategy. Every detail, from our playlist to our signage to our drink names, reflects our values: inclusion, visibility, joy. We’ve been intentional about building a space that celebrates women’s sports, and we think people can feel that the moment they walk in.
What is the most memorable event or reaction from a customer that has stuck with you?
Some people cry. Others just stop and stare at the screen — shocked to see a women’s game on, with the sound up. One of the most powerful things is when someone notices a men’s game isn’t playing and they feel what it’s like to not be centered. It’s not about being petty — it’s about shifting perspective. This is what it looks like when women are the default.
If you could host any women’s sports team or athlete at your bar, who would it be and why?
The entire USWNT — past and present. Not just for the trophies, but for their leadership in fighting for equity and visibility. They’ve always represented more than just the game, and that’s exactly what we’re about.
Do you collaborate with local women’s teams, leagues, or athletes?
Yes — constantly. We’re proud to be Angel City FC’s official bar partner. They’re hosting a watch party with us on September 7th, and that’s just the beginning. We also uplift rec leagues, host happy hours, and celebrate local athletes. These aren’t just partnerships — they’re part of our foundation.
What advice would you share with women wanting to make it in the business of women’s sports?
Start with purpose and keep your community close. Don’t wait for the industry to validate your ideas — build it anyway. People are ready. And you don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to do it with heart.
For more about Untamed Spirits and to connect with Stephane and Janie go here: