Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles, CA

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Santa Monica / Westside, Los Angeles.
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Where historic Route 66 hits the bluffs overlooking the glistening Pacific Ocean sits the scenic city of Santa Monica that, along with much of LA’s Westside, has a relaxed and affluent vibe that starkly contrasts to the more hectic areas to the east.

By day there’s no shortage of outdoor activities, as the area’s wide, sandy beaches and adjacent bike paths are full of fitness-minded locals swimming, jogging, and playing volleyball. Tourists and families crowd the iconic Santa Monica pier and the popular weekly Farmers Market, while many of the city’s homeless laze along the grassy paths bordering Ocean Drive.

The shopping district centering around the Third Street Promenade bustles day and night with restaurants, fashionable stores, chill bars, a movie theater, and plenty of street performers to entertain the masses.

Much of Santa Monica’s nightlife caters to a preppier yuppie clientele that prefers more casual evenings of drinking and dining at the many seafront restaurants and hotel bars.

Those who want a livelier scene in this part of Los Angeles, however, will find a number of rowdy sports bars along Wilshire Boulevard that draw college students from nearby UCLA, as well as several “meat markets” on Main Street that fill up on weekends with a tipsier and flirtier crowd.

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What to Do in Santa Monica / Westside

All Ages / All Types / Casual / TVs

Philly West Bar & Grill - Dive Bar | Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Paul F.

Reviewed by Paul F.

"If you've been to Philly and experienced the majesty of what an authentic cheese steak tastes like, then you understand how difficult it is to find a ..." more

1870 Westwood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027

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20s / 30s / 40s / All Ages / All Types

Bay Cities Deli - Bakery | Deli | Italian Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Juliet L.

Reviewed by Juliet L.

"Don't be frighted off by the long line of cars fighting for a space in the parking lot. Or the long line at the check out. This place is worth every e ..." more

1517 Lincoln Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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20s / 30s / 40s / ATM / Asian / Cash Only

Hide Sushi - Asian Restaurant | Japanese Restaurant | Sushi Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Gerard Nash G.

Reviewed by Gerard Nash G.

"Despite it's name, you wouldn't want to hide your sushi once you get it from this place. I was touring Sawtelle with my friends and since we couldn't ..." more

2040 Sawtelle Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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20s / 30s / All Types / Burgers

Umami Burger Santa Monica - Burger Joint | Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Shannon D.

Reviewed by Shannon D.

"This location is pretty difficult to find and is conjoined with a Fred Segal store. Look for the Umami logo on the door. Indoor seating is minimal and ..." more

500 Broadway Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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After Work / Budget-friendly

Liquid Kitty - Cocktail Bar | Live Music Venue | Lounge in Los Angeles.
Chad F.

Reviewed by Chad F.

"Liquid Kitty on Pico near Fox is an awesome dive bar. It's not just dark...it's dark-dark. Anything goes here. It's a place you go to drink when yo ..." more

11780 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064

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20s / 30s / Bar / Budget-friendly

Cabo Cantina Santa Monica - Bar | Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Rolando P.

Reviewed by Rolando P.

"I went in to Cabo Cantina one Tuesday night with some friends with one thing in mind: unlimited tacos. These come out to around $6, plus it requires o ..." more

1240 3rd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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20s / 30s / 40s / Asian Restaurant

Hamasaku - Asian Restaurant | Japanese Restaurant | Sushi Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Gerard Nash G.

Reviewed by Gerard Nash G.

"If you haven't tried Japanese food, then this is the perfect place to try it. All the sushi are great, and although the prices are quite pricey, they ..." more

11043 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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20s / 30s / 40s / Baseball / Casual / Pub

Ye Olde Kings Head - Pub | Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Jayson M.

Reviewed by Jayson M.

"Pubs are pubs, just no-fuss spots to grab a pint, eat crappy food, and hang with friends. I will say that the food here is some of the better British ..." more

116 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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All Ages / All Types / Burgers

The Apple Pan - Burger Joint | Café | Diner in Los Angeles.
Teresa L.

Reviewed by Teresa L.

"PIE: I had the pie here, and it was really good. It reminded me of something you'd find at a small town diner or you'd get from a talented home cook. ..." more

10801 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064

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Affluent / Brunch / Button-downs

The Penthouse - Hotel Bar | Lounge | Restaurant in Los Angeles.

Party Earth Review Perched high atop the swank Huntley Hotel is The Penthouse, a dazzling, ultra-mod restaurant/lounge where a slightly older clientele of affluent Westsiders meets and mingles. Expansive ... more

The Huntley Hotel, 1111 2nd Street, 18th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Breakfast / Brunch / Café / Couples

Literati Café - Café | Restaurant in Los Angeles.
Moorea G.

Reviewed by Moorea G.

"Wilshire Blvd. offers so many options that it can be dizzying to find even the simplest destination-like a cafe. If you're flying down Wilshire toward ..." more

12081 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

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20s / 30s / Bar Food / Burgers / Lunch

Hooters - Restaurant | Sports Bar in Los Angeles.
Anthony James B.

Reviewed by Anthony James B.

"This place is usually fun and the food is what is to be expected of a Hooters restaurant. There was one time in particular this past summer that the s ..." more

321 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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