First Time Visit to Santa Monica - Looking for Recs...
My boyfriend and I will be visiting Santa Monica for 2 days late August. Since neither of us have been there, we're looking for recommendations for dinner/lunch/breakfast. Nothing too expensive since we're both in fun loving but low paying entry level jobs. Any favorites of yours would be awesome. TIA.
*Edited to add that we're looking for recs for all 3 meals of the day...not just dinner. :)
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You didn't say where you're visiting from, it can make a difference - i.e. if your coming from NYC, I wouldn't suggest any Italian restaurants, but if from Barstow, I would.
If you want some history and a Pacific speality in a "Beach Dive Funky" atmosphere (think of those Frankie Avalon Beach Movies from the 60s) then get the San Dabs for $17 (complete dinner):
Chez Jay(s) - Dinner Menu
1607 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica
(310) 395-1741The other "Beach Dive Funky" is:
The Galley
2442 Main St.
Santa Monica
(310) 452-1934http://www.thegalleyrestaurant.net
Know for good drinks, some happy hour specials, & good Mussels in a Bucket with broth.
Happy Hour - Read this blogger's detailed report with pictures:
http://www.manjamanja.com/2006/08/03/happy-hours-they-really-do-put-a-happy-smile-on-your-face/
Border Grill
1445 Fourt St.
Santa Monica
(310) 451-1655Happy Hour - Even cheaper eats than B.G. but fairly standard Mexican Fare in a sometimes lively fun atmosphere. Warning - If you like any decent "HEAT" in your Salsa, they don't have it except the standard bottle of Tabasco which doesn't taste good in or on Mexican Food IMHO. Whenever I've gone in the past, I've brought in my own to liven theirs up.
Marix Tex Mex Cafe
118 Entrada Dr. - Very near PCH
Santa Monica
(310) 459-8596Do you want to be served your meal on the Beach with your toes in the sand? You can do that at "Back on the Beach Cafe"; unfortunately, the food isn't much so best to order something REAL simple. Difficult to find the first time - call for directions.
Back on the Beach Cafe
445 PCH
Santa Monica
(310) 393-8282›1 Reply -
Dommy
Aug 9, 2006 11:13 PM
Hope you enjoy your visit! I'm not sure what days you are in town... but here are some can't miss options...
I totally second the recommendation for Musha, one of my favorite places in the city PERIOD.
For a casual lunch (Perhaps even to take to have a picnic at the beach) you HAVE to stop by bay cities. Order the Godmother with EVERYTHING. SPICY. In fact, yes, do walk take a walk to the beach with it because it's even better after it's been 'rested' a while and flavors meld. Bay Cities is also the cutest Italian Market. Great stuff they have there. :)
For another casual lunch place, check out Famima, which is kinda like a Japanese 7-11 on the promenade. Like 7-11 has those roller hot dogs, Famina has take out Bao. Really tasty, real cheap! :)
For a nice hearty meal, have the Fish and Chips at Ye Olde Kings Head and a Shandy! The crust on the fish is a little thick, but the portion is amazing and chipe Heaven! The rest of their menu kinda stinks tho...
You can NOT visit Santa Monica without trying the Father's Office Burger. It's a small bar, trendy, VERY STRICT IN THEIR RULES (like NO KETCHUP!!) but the burger is my favorite in town... I tend to go there late to avoid some of the crowds!!
For Breakfast we adored Le Pain Quotidien, wonderful baked goods for snacking too!
If you are there Monday, one of the nicest restaurants in town, Jiraffe has a bistro night that is a STEAL considering their regular menu. Gives you guys a chance to dress up and enjoy a truly elegant meal
http://local.yahoo.com/details;_ylt=A...
Finally, you guys HAVE to hit the Farmer's Markets. They are on Wednesday and Saturday near the Promendade.
Best!
--Dommy!
›8 Replies-
re: Dommy
liu
Aug 9, 2006 11:29 PM
Wow, Dommy! With the exception of King's Head -- because I haven't been -- you have recommended all of my favorites. Can you do all of them in one day?
Father's Office -- well worth the hassle, but it CAN be a hassle!
And how about Jin's Patisserie on Abbot Kinney in Venice? katg -- this is a good place for an afternoon refreshment stop for tea and delicacies! If you do go there, be sure to see the canals in Venice...very interesting.
Jin's Patisserie
1202 Abbot Kinney
Venice
#(310)399-8801No reservations needed -- Welcome!
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re: liu
Pei
Aug 9, 2006 11:34 PM
Amen to that! Great list, Dommy! Musha's one of my favorites too, so definitely don't miss that. I'll add Amandine if you happen to be driving down Wilshire and see Bundy Street. Such incredibly good croissants and pear cake. I forget the name, but it's a fluffy white cake with white whipped cream frosting and pear filling. Wow.
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re: liu
liu
Aug 10, 2006 01:00 AM
I don't know if it is Japanese owned, but there is definitely a Japanese influence here. While I find the croissants very rich, indeed, I find some of the other cakes a little lighter and not as goooooey-sweet and heavy as some other bakeries. They make for a nice afternoon delight -- with a cup of tea -- between errands and don't leave you bulging.
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re: liu
Jin Patisserie in Venice should not be missed. They don't have anything like it in the Bay Area where I'm from. Their website at http://www.jinpatisserie.com should whet your appetite. The Abbott Kinney area is definitely my favorite stretch in the westside.
Ditto the canals. If you're short on time, you can at least drive through them on Dell St from Washington Blvd.
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Chowpatty
Aug 9, 2006 11:07 PM
I forgot, if you are into beer and/or gourmet burgers, you have to try Father's Office. It's not especially cheap, but it's less than eating in a "real" restaurant, and they have an excellent beer list and arguably the town's best burger. It's kinda crowded and the service can be a bit curt, so not everybody is up for that. But it would be a shame to go to Santa Monica and not try it.
If you just want the beer, and not the attitude, The King's Head does a nice fish and chips. -
Chowpatty
Aug 9, 2006 10:54 PM
I really like Musha on Wilshire which is Japanese small plates -- small but very lively, with cute little private rooms as well. It's pretty reasonable if you don't go nuts ordering plate after plate.
Not quite in Santa Monica, but there's been a lot of raves lately for the burger and everything else at 26 Beach Cafe.
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/prof...
For another very L.A. experience, hit the half price sushi happy hour at Chaya Venice on Main.›1 Reply -
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