13 editor picks in Santa Monica.
13 american places in Santa Monica we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Santa Monica | American across every city.
Ivy at the Shore keeps its bougainvillea-draped pink facade on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, an American menu served on the same florid patio since 1985.
OrderCrab cakes and the fried chicken, plus a gimlet on the patio
TipBrunch runs to 13:00 weekdays and 14:00 weekends; the patio people-watching is the real product.
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe has anchored the boardwalk below the Santa Monica Pier since 1902 as Loring's Lunchroom, burgers and buckets on two patios.
OrderThe famous burger with a bucket of beers
TipIt became Big Dean's in the 1970s; grab a patio rail seat, order the burger and watch the boardwalk crowds.
Ivy at the Shore keeps its bougainvillea-draped pink facade on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, an American menu served on the same florid patio since 1985.
OrderCrab cakes and the fried chicken, plus a gimlet on the patio
TipBrunch runs to 13:00 weekdays and 14:00 weekends; the patio people-watching is the real product.
Chez Jay has kept its nautical dive-bar dining room on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica since 1959, a city Historic Landmark of steaks, peanuts and lore.
TipThe sandy-floored front room is the landmark bit, designated by the city in 2012; the Backyard patio opened in 2019.
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe has anchored the boardwalk below the Santa Monica Pier since 1902 as Loring's Lunchroom, burgers and buckets on two patios.
TipIt became Big Dean's in the 1970s; grab a patio rail seat, order the burger and watch the boardwalk crowds.
The Penthouse floats on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, white banquettes and coastline views from breakfast through late cocktails.
TipHappy hour runs 16:00-18:00 on weekdays; sunset window tables go to whoever books earliest on OpenTable.
Breakfast by Salt's Cure griddles its famous oatmeal griddle cakes on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, a compact daytime spin-off of the original room.
TipGluten-free and vegan versions of the griddle cakes exist; the counter sells the mix to take home.
Chez Jay has kept its nautical dive-bar dining room on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica since 1959, a city Historic Landmark of steaks, peanuts and lore.
OrderSteak and a martini, peanut shells on the floor
TipThe sandy-floored front room is the landmark bit, designated by the city in 2012; the Backyard patio opened in 2019.
The Penthouse floats on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, white banquettes and coastline views from breakfast through late cocktails.
OrderWeekend brunch with the ocean panorama
TipHappy hour runs 16:00-18:00 on weekdays; sunset window tables go to whoever books earliest on OpenTable.
Chez Jay has kept its nautical dive-bar dining room on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica since 1959, a city Historic Landmark of steaks, peanuts and lore.
OrderSteak and a martini, peanut shells on the floor
TipThe sandy-floored front room is the landmark bit, designated by the city in 2012; the Backyard patio opened in 2019.
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe has anchored the boardwalk below the Santa Monica Pier since 1902 as Loring's Lunchroom, burgers and buckets on two patios.
OrderBurgers and beer buckets
TipIt became Big Dean's in the 1970s; grab a patio rail seat, order the burger and watch the boardwalk crowds.
Breakfast by Salt's Cure griddles its famous oatmeal griddle cakes on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, a compact daytime spin-off of the original room.
OrderOatmeal griddle cakes with salted butter
TipGluten-free and vegan versions of the griddle cakes exist; the counter sells the mix to take home.
The Penthouse floats on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, white banquettes and coastline views from breakfast through late cocktails.
OrderWeekend brunch with the ocean panorama
TipHappy hour runs 16:00-18:00 on weekdays; sunset window tables go to whoever books earliest on OpenTable.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Step into the glamor of old Hollywood as you dine at historic restaurants once graced by silver screen legends. Explore top-rated contemporary fare and diverse immigra...
Guided tour · 6 hours
Spend a day surfing in Los Angeles with local experts. Visit two iconic surf breaks in Southern California, learn about the history of the beaches, and enjoy a picnic ...
Guided tour · 1h 30m
Enjoy a luxury guided boat cruise and explore wildlife and nature in Marina del Rey aboard an electric Duffy cruiser, with wine and refreshments or an optional romanti...
