Birthday Dinner in Santa Monica/Venice

[heidiray]

hey guys I was hopin I could get some recs for a fun, lively, nice, tasty resturant in the santa monica/abbot kinney area.
my friends is turning 25 and it is a group of 4 girls.

our ideas so far are :
- boa steakhouse
- the tasting room
- Gjelina
any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks.

-----
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

[wienermobile]

The food at Rustic Canyon is just wonderful. Some of the best small plates around. Their fried cauliflower with garlic, lemon, capers and bread crumbs was incredible and I love those squash blossoms. You can share almost everything on the menu.
http://www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com/

-----
Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[BSW6490]

Chinois would be another great choice. Interesting food, great scene and drinks. Very fun for a brithday.

-----
Chinois
2709 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405

[BSW6490]

Hal's is a fun place with good food and nice bar. Chaya Venice is a good choice too.

-----
Chaya Venice
110 Navy Street, Venice, CA 90291

[EricDC]

Chaya Venice may be my single least favorite restaurant in LA.

Sorry, that's not meant to be a personal attack or anything... I just, gosh, I really hate that place. Every time I've ever been, the service has been bad, the food only so-so, and the bill staggering. Bleh.

(Again, not meant to be personal... Sorry for that.)

-----
Chaya Venice
110 Navy Street, Venice, CA 90291

[westsidegal]

chaya venice caveat:
whatever you think of the rest of their operation, do NOT get sushi there on a sunday.

[perk]

You know where Boa is, right? Not Santa Monica/Venice.

[perk]

Oops...my bad. Didn't realize there was a second one in Santa Monica......

[sablouwho]

Hi Heidi, wondering...what did you end up doing/going? I'm planning my b-day right now and looking at some of the same places that were mentioned in this thread, so I'm curious!

[goodhealthgourmet]

sablouwho, do you have a budget/price range? any idea what the head count will be like? any preference in terms of cuisine or atmosphere? perhaps if you list some other restaurants you really enjoy we can get a sense of what would be a good fit for your celebration.

[sablouwho]

Hi there, GoodHealth! Thanks for your reply--I actually started my own thread about this a few days ago...here is the link.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7957...

I hope you will come over to that thread--I could really use the assistance of knowledgable hounds such as yourself! :-)

[yogachik]

I'd suggest 3110 or Chaya Venice. Otherwise, Gjelina (although they do tend to rush you out).

[Phurstluv]

Have you been to 3110 yet, yogachik? Was wondering what their pizza was like.

[whatsfordinner]

My soon to be 24-year old and hopefully future daughter in law's go to choice for birthdays is Gjelina. Great food, great atmosphere and you can stroll to the Other Room afterward.

-----
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

[Phurstluv]

Wilshire - good view, scene, nice patio, good food
The Penthouse at the Huntley - great view, gets loud later, so so food
lots of good bars in that area (2nd & 3rd street) to bar hop in: Copa, The Yard, West Jane 4th, Kings Head, Sonoma Wine Garden

[albatruffles]

I'd go with Gjelina. I believe it is beer and wine only. Boa would probably more fun, though. Sometimes the vibe is more important for a birthday party. Then go to Copa D'ora for drinks.

-----
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA