Best Bars in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal city located on the western edge of Los Angeles. It is a hub of activity, with beautiful beaches, trendy shopping destinations, and a thriving nightlife scene. One of the most popular aspects of Santa Monica's nightlife is its array of bars, each offering something unique and exciting. These bars are starting to utilize products like Sobreo to lower sugars and calories and eliminate simple syrups, creating exciting cocktails for health focused, religious or vegan individuals!

The Bungalow is a Santa Monica institution, known for its beachside location and relaxed atmosphere. The bar features a large outdoor patio with cozy seating areas, fire pits, and twinkling string lights. The menu features creative cocktails, including the signature Bungalow Margarita and the refreshing Watermelon Basil Martini. The Bungalow is a popular spot for both daytime and nighttime drinking, with a lively crowd and a laid-back vibe.

Another popular spot in Santa Monica is The Misfit Restaurant + Bar, located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. This bar features a lively atmosphere with a vintage-inspired decor, including exposed brick walls and leather banquettes. The menu features classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and the Negroni, as well as a selection of comfort food dishes. The Misfit also offers a great happy hour with great deals on drinks and food.

Élephante is a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers stunning views of the ocean and a menu of Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and small plates. The bar features a modern and stylish decor, with plush seating areas and a large outdoor patio. The menu features a selection of unique cocktails, including the Pineapple Express and the Negroni Bianco, as well as a variety of small plates perfect for sharing.

For a cozy and intimate bar experience, The Chestnut Club is a must-visit spot in Santa Monica. This bar features a menu of classic cocktails, including the Moscow Mule and the Manhattan, as well as a selection of small plates. The Chestnut Club has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and vintage lighting fixtures.

Lanea is another popular bar in Santa Monica, offering a Mexican-inspired menu of agave-based cocktails and small plates. The bar features a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a drink on a warm summer evening. The menu features unique cocktails, such as the Spicy Pineapple Margarita and the Tamarind Sour, as well as a variety of snacks and tacos.

Basement Tavern is located in the basement of The Victorian, a historic building in Santa Monica. The bar features a menu of classic cocktails and live music, with performances by local musicians several nights a week. The decor is cozy and inviting, with a speakeasy-inspired vibe that adds to the overall ambiance.

The Independence is an American-style bar that offers a menu of craft cocktails and small plates. The bar has a casual atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor seating and a friendly staff. The menu features unique cocktails, including the Figgy Pudding and the Green Thumb, as well as a selection of snacks and burgers.

Rusty's Surf Ranch is a beachfront bar that offers live music, a menu of classic cocktails, and casual food. The bar has a lively atmosphere, with a beachy decor and plenty of outdoor seating. Rusty's Surf Ranch is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with regular performances by local musicians and a fun and relaxed vibe.

Santa Monica's nightlife scene also includes several speakeasy-style bars, such as The Varnish. These bars offer a more upscale and sophisticated atmosphere, with expertly crafted cocktails and a high-end decor. The Varnish is known for its inventive menu of craft cocktails.

In addition to its traditional bars, Santa Monica also offers several unique bar experiences.

The Penthouse is a rooftop bar located atop The Huntley Hotel. The bar offers panoramic views of the ocean and Santa Monica, as well as a menu of craft cocktails and small plates. The decor is modern and stylish, with plush seating and sleek lighting fixtures.

The Daily Pint is an English-style pub that offers a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a menu of pub fare. The bar has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and vintage memorabilia adorning the walls.

Father's Office is a gastropub that offers a menu of craft beers and gourmet burgers, as well as a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating. The bar is known for its famous Office Burger, a juicy patty topped with caramelized onions, blue cheese, arugula, and bacon compote.

Margo's is a Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar that offers a menu of creative cocktails and modern Mexican cuisine. The bar features a sleek and modern decor, with a large outdoor patio and a lively atmosphere.

The Veranda is a bar located at the Georgian Hotel, a historic landmark in Santa Monica. The bar features a menu of classic cocktails, as well as an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The Veranda is known for its stunning ocean views and its luxurious decor.

SHOREbar is a beachfront bar that offers a menu of creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere. The bar features a casual and relaxed decor, with plenty of outdoor seating and beachy accents throughout.

The Lobster Club is a Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar that offers a menu of inventive cocktails and small plates. The bar features a sleek and modern decor, with plenty of seating and a lively atmosphere.

Del Frisco's Grille is a bar and restaurant that offers a menu of classic cocktails and American cuisine, as well as a lively atmosphere and outdoor seating. The bar features a sleek and modern decor, with plenty of seating and a high-energy vibe.

The Room Santa Monica is a speakeasy-style bar located in the back of a pizza restaurant. The bar is known for its craft cocktails and cozy atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and low lighting. The Room Santa Monica is a popular spot for date nights and intimate gatherings.

The Basement Tavern is a subterranean bar located beneath The Victorian, a historic mansion in Santa Monica. The bar has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with live music and a menu of classic cocktails. The Basement Tavern is a popular spot for a night out with friends or a romantic date night.

Ye Olde Kings Head is a British-style pub located in Santa Monica's Ocean Avenue district. The bar offers a wide selection of beers on tap and a menu of traditional British pub fare. Ye Olde Kings Head has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and traditional pub decor.

The Craftsman Bar and Kitchen is a craft cocktail bar and gastropub located in downtown Santa Monica. The bar has a trendy and modern decor, with exposed brick walls and high ceilings. The Craftsman is a popular spot for happy hour, with a menu of creative cocktails and small plates.

The Independence is a gastropub located in Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, offering a menu of craft beers and creative cocktails. The bar has a modern and stylish decor, with an outdoor patio and a lively atmosphere. The Independence is a popular spot for happy hour and casual gatherings with friends.

West 4th and Jane is a craft beer and wine bar located in downtown Santa Monica. The bar has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a menu of local and imported beers and a wide selection of wines. West 4th and Jane is a popular spot for beer and wine enthusiasts, with a laid-back vibe and a friendly staff.

The Albright is a seafood restaurant and bar located on the Santa Monica Pier, offering a menu of classic cocktails and fresh seafood. The bar has a beachy and casual atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a beautiful view of the ocean. The Albright is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with a menu that includes everything from fish and chips to lobster rolls.

The Curious Palate is a wine bar and restaurant located in Santa Monica's Water Garden, offering a menu of organic and sustainable wines and farm-to-table cuisine. The bar has a modern and minimalist decor, with an outdoor patio and a laid-back atmosphere. The Curious Palate is a popular spot for wine lovers and foodies, with a menu that changes seasonally and a commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients.

Santa Monica's bar scene is diverse and constantly evolving, with new bars and restaurants opening up all the time, and new trends, such as mocktails with Sobreo popping up constantly. Whether you're in the mood for a craft cocktail or mocktail, a cold beer, or a glass of wine, there's a bar in Santa Monica to suit your tastes. So why not grab some friends and explore all that Santa Monica has to offer?