Casual Business Lunch in Santa Monica

[offthebeatenpath1]

After the help I got in my last post, I thought i would see if you all could help out again. I need a casual business lunch spot in Santa Monica where it isn't too difficult to park. We were thinking of El Cholo, but maybe looking for more American/ Standard fare (i.e. burgers, sandwiches, salads). Something not in a touristy spot, so away from the promenade.

Thanks

[Emme]

You've got a lot of good recs already, but if you were open to Venice, the fare you crave could be had at 26 Beach, but I fear may be too loud or have the tables too close together.

On Montana, I'd second Babalu and 17th and Montana. There's also Cafe Dana, which doesn't get a lot of attention here, but is really nice and never too busy. Down around 11th and 12th.

[swojahn]

Skip El Cholo. Border Grill, even Houston's is pretty good for lunch. We like the patio at Lula (on Main). La Petit Cafe on Colorado (plenty of street parking except Thursdays). Also Il Moro on Purdue, just south of Olympic has a great patio and very nice lunch menu.

[ohdaylay]

Try the Library Ale House. Nice spot, good suds, good foods. The Galley isn't so bad either.

[grubtrotters]

I meant Rustic Canyon. Just checked They're closed for lunch. How about Wilshire? If that's too fancy, maybe Newsroom Cafe?

[whatsfordinner]

Rustic Canyon -- just up the street from El Cholo. I'm pretty sure they have valet parking at lunch. If not, there's a very small lot in back.

[grubtrotters]

Now that Huckleberry Cafe has opened, I don't think Rustic park is doing lunch anymore.

[nosh]

Rustic Canyon is way too loud for any sort of business interaction, formal or casual.

[yogachik]

Anything on Montana Ave -- Rosti, 17th Street, Babalu, Montana Cafe...

[offthebeatenpath1]

17th street looks good- does it get really loud and crowded during lunch? doesn't look like a huge spot- we would be 4 people.

Thanks

[yogachik]

17th Street doesn't get loud, and is a great place for your needs.

[nosh]

I like the 17th Street Cafe. Make a reservation. A good wide-ranging menu with good entree salads at lunch, and some really tasty soups. Only difficulty is parking -- try to share cars, bring change for meters, and pay attention to the signs and restrictions if using sidestreets. It is on the south side of Montana at, you guessed it...

[Servorg]

They have a fairly big self park (free) lot behind the restaurant. Enter through the alley just barely west of 17street (preferable to be able to pull into the slanted parking slots) or from 16th street (going against the grain).

[Servorg]

Sounds like the Daily Grill on Colorado Ave. and 26th would be a good choice for their American food. We only go for dinner but I assume they must be open for weekday lunch to service the surrounding office workers in easy reach of them.

[alliebear]

I was there for lunch, but that was three years ago.

[Servorg]

I just checked their website and Mon. thru Fri. they are open from 11:30 AM right up until they close their dinner service.

[nosh]

It is not Santa Monica but nearby in W.L.A. -- Nook Bistro. It is hidden in the back corner of the minimall on the S/W corner of Santa Monica Blvd. at Barry, one block east of Barrington. An excellent gourmet burger and fries (about $12), a mac'n'cheese & ceasar salad combo at lunch, a really good steak sandwich. Good soups (try the cheese soup when offered) as well as some wraps and rice bowls. Good service, nice decor, free parking in the middle of the lot or street parking with meters.

[offthebeatenpath1]

thanks, but really looking to stay in Santa Monica.