Choose your location
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.
20s / 30s / Bar Food / Beer / Brunch
Reviewed by Gor G.
"This place is always great. It not so much of a family place as it is a place for hanging out with friends and catching up over some drinks. They have ..." more
1351 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
20s / 30s / Burgers / Casual / Dinner
Reviewed by Tricia M.
"I've never had a bad experience at Westside, but I've never had a super memorable one here either. Its an upscale type of restaurant/bar with daily ma ..." more
10850 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
30s / 40s / After Work / Ambient / TVs
Party Earth Review A classic LA favorite where everyone from celebrities to sunburned surfers in board shorts gathers to please their taste buds, Father’s Office is a popular gastropub offering gourmet ... more
1018 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
20s / 30s / 80s Music / After Work
Party Earth Review One of the west side’s most intimate hideaways, Bar Chloe is a study in relaxed opulence whose glamorous pre-war Paris vibe attracts a well-heeled but laid-back clientele. Velvet drapes ... more
1449 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Blouses / Bluegrass / Chill / Steak
Party Earth Review Buried beneath the beautiful mansion/event space The Victorian, Basement Tavern is a casual speakeasy, so hidden that visitors would have to be profoundly lost to stumble upon it ... more
2640 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
20s / 30s / Bar Food / Board Games
Reviewed by Shannon D.
"Bros. No cover. Weak but very cheap drinks. It's like walking into Narnia, so much space and rooms that lead into rooms and passageways. I would ..." more
3110 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
20s / 30s / 80s Music / Bar Food / DJ
Party Earth Review One of the most popular wine bars in Santa Monica thanks to its unpretentious social scene, Bodega Wine Bar draws an irreverent crowd of young professionals and upscale Westside residents ... more
814 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
20s / 30s / Bar Food / Beer Pong / R&B
Party Earth Review Any doubt that Q’s Billiard Club is all about beer and sports is immediately dispelled upon seeing the ample bar placed right in the middle of the room, the towering pyramid of flat ... more
11835 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025
20s / 30s / 40s / All Ages / All Types
Reviewed by Kristen D.
"This place is absolutely amazing! Although it is a bit pricey, the food is amazing and all from local farmers. I stumbled upon this gem one day when l ..." more
1014 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
20s / Bottle Service / Cocktails
Reviewed by Nisha S.
"Shorebar is a nice addition to the Santa Monica/Palisades area of LA. The bar has a cool atmosphere, is dimly lit, and has a modern yet beachy décor. ..." more
112 West Channel Road
Santa Monica, CA 90402
20s / 30s / Bar / Budget-friendly
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
American Restaurant / Brunch
Reviewed by Tricia M.
"I love healthy food, but not everyone does. I've definitely experienced some hits and misses with some of the dishes at RFD, but on average, it was de ..." more
514-516 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401