1. The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
8.9
225 Santa Monica Blvd (at 2nd St), Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 349 tips and reviews
Sarah LeCroy: We loved: chickpea wraps, bacon wrapped dates, the fried chicken sandwich and the yellow jacket cocktail. All delicious!
Dëva Holik: Trendy spot in Santa Monica, make sure you save room for the cookies at the end. Great vegetarian food and cocktails - opt for the burgers on toast.
Seph M.: The whole cocktail menu is great, but I'm in love with their Bloody Marys.
4. Bar Chloe
7.9
1449 2nd St (at Broadway), Santa Monica, CA
Cocktail Bar · Downtown Santa Monica · 28 tips and reviews
Natalie Ssensalo: French martini is so good!
Jen Robinson: The best cocktails in Santa Monica.
Renaissance Hotels: Try the Brooklyn – Bar Chloe’s cheeky take on the classic Manhattan cocktail – or the Classic Sazerac, served with Peychaud bitters, a soaked sugar cube and flamed lemon twist. An L.A. must-stop. Read more.
5. The Penthouse
8.3
1111 2nd St (at Wilshire Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
New American Restaurant · Wilshire-Montana · 101 tips and reviews
Shadi Mehraein: Best views of LA in Santa Monica. Sit at the bar, order one of their yummy cocktails and bar food. Nothing we ate or drank was bad :)
Food & Wine: Star mixologist Ryan Magarian developed the drink list at this luxurious 18th-floor restaurant and lounge, which has fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean and Hollywood.
jennifer han: the mello mojito is delicious!
Jenn: If you hate amazing drinks (The Cucumber Gimlet,Godiva Martinis), beautiful people,ga-ga views of the ocean & perfect sunsets, then this place is not for you. Drinks are pricey, and start at $15.
MetroWize: The classic décor, intimate setting and stellar views provide a great backdrop to take in some Santa Monica beach weather, deliciously crafted cocktails, and devour oysters on the half shell. Read more.
g oconnor: Where the air is clear - late winter - a fantastic view way out into the Pacific can be had. Sunsets are incredible. The cocktails are delicious and I love their Manhattans.
8. R+D Kitchen
8.5
1323 Montana Ave (at 14th St), Santa Monica, CA
Gastropub · North of Montana · 115 tips and reviews
Jeffrey Fahey: If you're having brunch, definitely grab a Bloody Mary. Great vibe with good service. Enjoy
ShoppingandInfo Manager: Everything from martinis to desserts to salads and burgers
Becky Boyle: Ahi burger, Pulled pork sandwich, pim's cup, and the cocktail with st germain! Never go wrong!
10. The Ivy at the Shore
8.2
1535 Ocean Ave (Broadway), Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 85 tips and reviews
Jennifer Thurston: Ordering the Ivy Gimlets a must, 1 is not enough...Juans the best! Instead of waiting on a table enjoy being social at the bar or entrance table and ordering appetizers Read more.
Steve Whelan: Corn chowder, crab cakes, lobster pasta, ivy gimlets, followed by the apple and blackberry crumble will do just fine.
Bollare: Order an Ivy Gimlet and enjoy their awesome patio seating that looks out to the ocean and the Santa Monica ferris wheel. -Jessica F.
11. FIG Santa Monica
8.6
101 Wilshire Blvd (at Fairmont Miramar Hotel), Santa Monica, CA
Mediterranean Restaurant · Wilshire-Montana · 80 tips and reviews
Yvette Betancourt: Two reasons to experience Sunday brunch at the Fairmont Miramar’s sunny dining room: the bacon waffle and the Bloody Mary menu.
LAist: If you're up for a real day of boozin' by the beach, you can do unlimited craft beer plus any brunch item using their keg n' eggs deal for $35. The bloody mary is also fantastic. Read more.
Rachel K: One of the best brunches in Santa Monica with breakfast cocktails to match. All the draft beers are local beers too (Smog City, Eagle Rock Brewery).
13. Basement Tavern
7.4
2640 Main St (at Ocean Park Blvd.), Santa Monica, CA
Speakeasy · Ocean Park · 62 tips and reviews
Cato Stevens: Great idea! Rock music and Rock Band. Great cocktails (I loved the ginger Basement Burro) and selection of aged Whiskeys. A fun follow-up to Tuesdays' food trucks in the adjacent lot. Read more.
FabFitFun: Bartenders in old-time dress serve strong cocktails, a live band plays most nights, and a good time is guaranteed!
Taste Terminal: Happy hour discounts include food items marked at 50% off, $2 off bottle beer, $5 glass of house red or white wine, $5 Delia’s Elixir cocktail and $7 rotating specialty cocktails. Read more.
14. Shutters on the Beach
9.0
1 Pico Blvd (at Appian Way), Santa Monica, CA
Resort · Downtown Santa Monica · 115 tips and reviews
Henie Reisinger: Love to hang in the great lobby on lazy Sunday afternoons listening to the piano player, sipping a cocktails...
Vanity Fair Agenda: Sunset cocktails and dinner are the cure for what ails you.
Kate H.: Beautiful hotel right on the beach. Comfortable yet elegant Nantucket feel to the lobby, restaurants and rooms. Have a pre-dinner cocktail and enjoy the live jazz Weds-Sat around 6pm in the lobby.
15. Birdie G’s
9.0
2421 Michigan Ave (at Cloverfield Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · 13 tips and reviews
Ron: A great mix of Americana dining! Daily blue plate specials are fantastic and the cocktails are excellent.
Shawna Organisciak: Relish plate, cocktails, and the Bundt cake. Wow, what a meal.
Kevin Keating: Food and cocktails and vibe are all exceptional.