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MediterraneanRooftop barDowntown
Calabra spreads Mediterranean-Californian plates across the Santa Monica Proper Hotel rooftop, a circular bar and garden terrace with Pacific views.
DrinkProper Hour seasonal cocktail
FoodBar menu
TipProper Hour runs 16:00-17:00 weekdays and 15:00-17:00 weekends; the poolside alcoves take groups up to twelve.
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Cocktail barCocktail barMain Street
Not No Bar plays throwback Euro disco over wood-fired pizza on Main Street in Santa Monica, bar director Kent Thompson's cocktails until 01:00.
DrinkSoy Del Rancho
FoodBar menu
TipFriday and Saturday are fully walk-in; the patio never takes bookings and the room goes 21-plus after 22:00.
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GastropubCraft beer barMain Street
Library Alehouse has poured independent craft beer on Main Street in Santa Monica since 1995, California gastropub plates and a wood-lined back patio.
DrinkBlack Manhattan or a Mayberry IPA
FoodBar menu
TipThe back patio hides from the Main Street noise; pair the Mayberry IPA with whatever burger special is running.
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BreweryBrewery taproomMid City
Santa Monica Brew Works pours ten house taps in its Colorado Avenue taproom, 310 Blonde to PCH Porter, with Emmy Squared pizza serving till late.
Drink310 Blonde Ale
FoodBar menu
TipMonday is all-day happy hour; the Emmy Squared after-hours menu runs Friday and Saturday from 21:00.
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Wine barWine tasting roomDowntown
AJA Vineyards pours its Malibu Coast AVA estate wines in a 2nd Street tasting room in Santa Monica, flights and glasses beside boards of cheese and snacks.
DrinkEstate wine flight
FoodBar menu
TipHappy hour knocks 5 dollars off flights Wednesday to Friday 15:00-18:00; outside food is allowed for a 15 dollar fee.
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Steak and seafoodHistoric barMain Street
The Galley has kept its portholes and rope nets on Main Street since 1934 as Santa Monica's oldest restaurant and bar, steaks, littlenecks and stiff drinks.
DrinkMai tai under the fairy lights
FoodBar menu
TipSit at the South Seas Bar under the year-round fairy lights; the East Coast littleneck clams are the classic starter.