The Best Bars in Santa Monica

Check our LA Nightlife’s recommendations for the best bars in Santa Monica! We covered all of Santa Monica, from the laid-back Main Street that shares a bit of Venice’s bohemian vibe; to the hustle and bustle of the Third Street Promenade; to the relaxed and upscale chic of Montana Ave. The featured bars are listed first and scroll down for more than 30 very cool bars in Santa Monica!

It would seem as though Santa Monica was specially made for bar hopping and pub crawls. With bars cramming Main Street within a few blocks, it’s ideal for a night out with your guys or girls to blow off some workweek stress. Downtown Santa Monica's nightlife around the Third Street Promenade is lively, fun, and full of surprises. From the exuberant Cabo Cantina to a connoisseur’s selection of drafts, at Library Alehouse and fancy cocktails at Casa Del Mar; food, nightlife, and great times are all within walking distance.

Featured

Venues

Bar

Big Dean's Cafe

  • 1615 Ocean Front Walk

Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe, a quintessential beach bar right off the Santa Monica Pier is the best place to be for year round sunshine and beachside fun with a side of fish and chips.

Hotel Bar

The Penthouse

  • 1111 2nd Street

When you're on the roof at the Penthouse in the Huntley, that's when you know you've really made it to the top in L.A.

Sports Bar

Rusty's Surf Ranch

  • 256 Santa Monica Pier

With a prime location right on the Santa Monica Pier, this casual beach bar and grill is a top destination for fresh seafood and classic pub grub. Surfboards decorate the laid-back space, and live bands perform on the weekends.

Irish Pub

Sonny McLeans

  • 2615 Wilshire Blvd

Clover-colored, casual hangout that is often full of sports fans, this Irish tavern and gastro pub serves classic Irish favorites and traditional New England cuisine with California flair. Play darts or a round of pool with your friends, try the karaoke,

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Santa Monica

Bars

Irish Pub

O'Brien's

  • 2226 Wilshire Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90403

A lovely and lively Irish pub, this joint features Irish breakfast all day long, and is a go-to for lunch, sports, and a hearty dinner.

English Pub

The Britannia Pub

  • 318 Santa Monica Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90401

If you're looking to grab some brews with some cool Brits, the Britannia has got you and your friends covered this weekend.

Gastropub

The Brixton

  • 2827 Pico Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90405

Gastropub

Library Alehouse

  • 2911 Main St
    Santa Monica CA 90405

Library Alehouse is a vibrant and spirited hangout in Santa Monica, where beer enthusiasts can indulge in a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, craft brews, and good times.

Dive Bar

The Daily Pint

  • 2310 Pico Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90405

Unleash your inner beer enthusiast at The Daily Pint in Santa Monica, a vibrant pub boasting an eclectic array of hoppy delights and robust whiskeys.

Wine Bar

Rustic Canyon

  • 1119 Wilshire Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Stylish yet casual, this wine lounge and neighborhood kitchen features a unique wine list from boutique vineyards and fresh, seasonal cuisine. Sample from the ever-changing menu of seasonal cocktails.

Wine Bar

Esters

  • 1314 7th St
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Wine Bar

Offhand Wine Bar

  • 3008 Santa Monica Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90404

Wine Bar

Bodega Wine Bar

  • 814 Broadway
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Elegant wine bar offering a large selection of wines, beers and gourmet snacks in a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Irish Pub

Jameson's Pub

  • 2702 Main St
    Santa Monica CA 90405

English Pub

Ye Olde Kings Head Pub

  • 116 Santa Monica Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Casual and convivial, this traditional British pub includes an outdoor patio, bakery, and a gift shop selling English treats. It’s actually two bars in one – a big main bar and a smaller, more intimate "Bulldog Bar."

Mexican Bar

Cabo Cantina

  • 1240 3rd St
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Situated right on the 3rd Street Promenade, this Mexican restaurant and bar boasts a fantastic happy hour every day from 4 pm to 8 pm with 2-for-1 drink specials. There's also a late-night 2-for-1 happy hour and flat screen TVs for watching the game.

Karaoke Bar

The Gas Lite

  • 2030 Wilshire Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90403

This divey, down-home karaoke bar is beloved by locals for its erratic nature and easygoing appeal. Enjoy the lack of pretense and order some shots for your friends.

Sports Bar

Busby's West

  • 3110 Santa Monica Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90404

Find a little bit of everything at this multi-room sports lounge: ping pong, darts, pool, bingo, dancing and of course - several huge flat-screen TVs. It's a top-ranked sports bar with elevated pub cuisine and weekend brunch specials.

Sports Bar

The Nickel Mine

  • 11363 Santa Monica Blvd
    Los Angeles CA 90025

Cocktail Bar

Canary

  • 1301 5th St
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Cocktail Bar

The Chestnut Club

  • 1348 14th St
    Santa Monica CA 90404

Mixology is the focus at this dimly-lit cocktail mecca, a hip destination with a dramatic atmosphere of exposed beams and rustic decor. It also features an incredible selection of premium spirits and rare liquors.

Cocktail Bar

Seaside on the Pier

  • 250 Santa Monica Pier
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Cocktail Bar

Lanea

  • 217 Broadway
    Santa Monica CA 90401

Cocktail Bar

The Room

  • 1325 Santa Monica Blvd
    Santa Monica CA 90404

Part dance club and part hideaway lounge, The Room is a dark, swanky joint with an inexpensive cover charge ($5) and crowd-pleasing DJs who spin a mix of Top 40, pop hits and Old School hip hop.

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