Known for its coastal beach vibes and scenic views, Santa Monica is also home to some of the most stylish bars in town. With picturesque views, great food and drinks, travelers and locals alike will find plenty of options to bask in good vibes and great company. From luxury bars in hotels to popular bars near the beach, the diversity of choices are perfect for those looking to fully experience all that Santa Monica has to offer. Plan your perfect trip this summer and check out the best bars in Santa Monica for luxury, leisure, and the best coastal vibes around.
1. The Coco Club
Location: 1301 Ocean Ave #1019, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Overlooking the Santa Monica Pier, The Coco Club is located on top of (Sonder) The Beacon Hotel. This rooftop bar and lounge offers stunning views and an ambiance full of tropical and old Hollywood glamour. Inside, guests will find saffron chandeliers and art deco reminiscent of the café society of the 1960’s. The Coco Club is apparently the only open-air rooftop and lounge in Santa Monica and provides cocktails including the passionfruit-tinged Coco Killer and small bites to indulge in. With one of a kind ocean view and the feeling of luxury away from home, this is an amazing place for a date night or to meet up with your best lady pals for some delicious cocktails.
2. The Daily Pint
Location: 2310 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
The Daily Pint has been a local favorite since 1987 and is considered a historic pub around Santa Monica. The vibes are chill with a British aesthetic and the bar is a popular place for people to come relax and enjoy a drink with their friends and colleagues. The pub offers over 500 whiskies, 26 beers on tap, and cocktails. Voted one of the top 100 bars in the United States, and features favorites James Irish Whiskey, and Woodford Reserve Rye. Timeless and relaxing, stop by The Daily Pint for drinks, pool, and an unforgettable vibe.
3.The Room Santa Monica
Location: 1325 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
The Room Santa Monica brings nightlife alive with their bar, dancefloor, and drinks! If you want a night out with your bestie, hit up The Room Santa Monica and be sure to dress “smart and stylish” per their dress code which allows no sportswear or hats. The vibe offers a vintage disco aesthetic, and the bar is full of craft cocktails. Choose from the tequila or mezcal, espresso martini, or a spicy margarita. For their happy hour from 9-10:30 pm on Thursday through Saturdays, beers are $6 while their cocktails are at $9 each. Expect a mix of music with new and old hits and a dancefloor filled with party lovers at their best.
4. The Chestnut Club
Location: 1348 14th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
The Chestnut Club is a gorgeous modern cocktail bar which embodies an intimate and cozy space featuring leather banquettes, high tops, booths, and more. For their menu, check out their Late Night Lover cocktail for $18 which features mezcal, vanilla, pineapple, and citrus. Another fun cocktail to consider is their Medicina Latina for $18 with mezcal, tequila reposado, lime, ginger, and agave. For food, you will find appetizers such as marinated olives for $8, chips and guacamole for $12, and a few entrees like the barbacoa tacos for $16. With a luxury and beautiful interior, The Chestnut Club is a special place to grab delicious drinks and food all while enjoying the romantic and vintage setting.
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5. Misfit Bar and Restaurant
Location: 225 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Located in downtown Santa Monica, the Misfit Bar and Restaurant is one of Santa Monica’s most well-known and is also located inside the Clock Tower Building on the ground level. The bar and restaurant offer lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch and features a variety of food with the likes of corn chowder for $10, avocado toast for $15, smash burger for $17, and the Misfit mac and cheese for $16. Also on the menu is their gelato for $8 with chocolate, mint chunk, raspberry, and pistachio. The bar offers draft beer and whites, sparkling, and rose wine with options like the De Stefani for $15 a glass. In the mood for a cocktail, try their famous white sangria with fresh cut fruit. Iconic setting and conveniently located near shops and the beach, stop by and take part in delicious food and drinks in this historic charming setting.
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Featured photo courtesy of The Room Santa Monica