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Local picks in Santa Monica

American food date spots

A classic American meal sets the tone for a night out with someone special.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Upper West image 1
The Upper West image 2
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New American restaurant

Spacious restaurant with urban rustic decor and a large glassed-in event room offers an upscale atmosphere that shifts from warm and inviting to noisy as it fills. Cocktails range from flawless espresso martinis to strong Old Fashioneds, complementing a menu featuring standout dishes like juicy braised short ribs and an acclaimed veggie burger. The space suits families and private events, though parking can be challenging.

Mac and cheese stands out with its cheesy, creamy, and smoky flavor. Small plates like spare ribs and lamb nachos offer bold tastes, while the fried chicken sandwich and lamb flatbread add variety.

Lively and stylish atmosphere sets a welcoming tone for a date night. Offers amazing food and a neighborhood vibe that suits both couples and groups.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The food here is fantastic for date spots."

"The American Food here, especially the short ribs, is incredible."

Good to know

1

Upper West offers a happy hour with deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Sunday, craft cocktails are priced at $10 until 7:00 pm.

3

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

02
Offhand Wine Bar image 1

Modern interior with vinyl DJs sets a lowkey stylish vibe. Bright, well-kept space hosts a welcoming community enjoying natural wines and simple, tasty food. Atmosphere suits early evening hangouts or smooth Friday nights.

Grilled cheese stands out with its simple yet delicious flavor and often includes additions like prosciutto. It pairs well with wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or skin contact varieties.

Offers a relaxed setting with drinks and sandwiches ideal for a date night. Service involves ordering and paying upfront, keeping things simple and casual.

People are saying

"I loved their natural wine selection, especially the skin contact options."

"It's a cool, chill spot to hang out with friends."

"The wine here is phenomenal and unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7 PM, Monday through Saturday.

2

There is ample street parking available nearby.

3

The wine list features mostly California natural wines.

03
Chelsea Restaurant image 1

Upscale restaurant with trendy decor and intimate vibe offers a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere suited for date nights or casual outings. Comfortable booths and a nearly full dining room create a lively yet relaxed energy. Inventive cocktails and gourmet menu complement the hip South London Indian influence.

Massala fried chicken stands out with its bold flavors. Tikka masala fried chicken comes over garlic mashed potatoes, blending American and Indian tastes.

Casual atmosphere fits a range of styles from date night attire to jeans and a sweater. It suits relaxed, comfortable evenings out.

People are saying

"This place is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual night out."

"The food and cocktails here are incredible."

"The cocktails here are incredible, especially the smoke-infused old fashioned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy quickly.

2

Valet parking is available for $15, but street parking is also plentiful.

3

Dress code is business casual; avoid flip flops and shorts.

04
Lazy Daisy - Santa Monica image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small corner bistro offers covered outdoor patio with a garden setting and varied seating sizes for groups. Atmosphere stays casual and cozy, creating a calm and inviting vibe. Space suits families and students looking for a quiet breakfast spot.

Sun Dried Tomato Omelette with spinach and goat cheese comes with a choice of sides like fruit or roasted potatoes. Eggs benedict pairs well with freshly squeezed orange juice. Crispy hash browns, bacon, and sunny side eggs show up in the two egg breakfast and tuna melt.

Brunch offers a variety of options like the breakfast quesadilla, French Toast special, and omelettes. Portions satisfy well, with some finishing all their food and others eating more than half.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"The American Food here, especially the omelettes and hash browns, is really good."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Patrons often waited over an hour for their food during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited in the small lot, but street parking is available nearby.

3

The website states they open at 7:30 AM, but they actually open at 8:00 AM.

05
Fia Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Outdoor garden with fire pits and seating under a pine tree creates a cozy, magical atmosphere. Space heaters and blankets help manage a chilly, intimate setting. The vibe suits modern American brunch and dinner, with a unique, beautiful indoor-outdoor design.

Shrimp and grits come in generous portions with incredible flavor and a balanced heat. Pastries taste good, and steak and eggs serve up a solid meal though the steak could use more salt.

The spot offers a great vibe for date night with an ambiance that sets perfect date vibes. Communication before the date is clear and smooth, making it easy to plan.

People are saying

"The brunch here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

"The food and atmosphere make it a great spot for a date."

"The American Food here, especially the Shrimp & Grits, was amazing and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends.

2

Brunch for four people costs around $460, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Happy hour is available from 4:30 to 5:30 PM on weekdays.

06
Manchego image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxed, romantic atmosphere highlighted by live Spanish guitar music and ambient lighting. The vibe suits date nights and quiet conversations, with a mix of trendy sounds and cozy spaces. Wine selections, including red sangria and Albariรฑo, complement the experience.

Plenty of mac and cheese, often with bacon, stands out alongside bacon-wrapped dates. Dishes like short ribs with polenta and cod croquetas also appear regularly.

Rotating tapas menu offers bacon-wrapped dates and patatas bravas as favorites. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service create a solid setting for a date night.

People are saying

"The tapas here are outstanding and authentic Spanish food."

"It's a great spot for a romantic date night."

"You have to try the mac and cheese with bacon; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with good deals on food and drinks.

3

Parking is available in lot 11, a short walk from the restaurant.

07
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Clam chowder stands out with both New England and Manhattan styles, often described as excellent and possibly the best ever. The menu features fresh seafood like crab cakes, West coast oysters, and a very good lobster roll.

Feels like a hidden gem with a cozy vibe for casual date nights. Works well for quick bites or a relaxed first date.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The oysters here are the best I've ever had."

"The American Food lobster roll is stuffed with lobster and buttery."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

08
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Hamburgers come cooked to order with homemade buns and ketchup. Roasted brussel sprouts, nachos, squash soup, and salads add variety, while chicken wings and fries offer unique flavors.

Warm, welcoming atmosphere with a husband and wife team running the place. Offers delicious food that works well for a date night or a casual meal with family.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"The American food here, especially the fries, is fantastic."

"The food here is superb, making it a great spot for a date."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

09
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Steak and eggs stands out as a very delicious dish here. Buffalo wings, cheeseburgers with fries, crostini, and oysters also feature as notable American food options.

Great atmosphere near the promenade offers good people watching and a lively vibe. Food feels authentic and fresh, making it a solid choice for happy hour date nights or special occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"The servers here are so attentive, making it a great spot for a date."

"You have to try the steak and eggs; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

10
Urban Skillet image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with industrial/hipster decor and limited indoor seating complemented by outdoor tables along the sidewalk. The vibe stays friendly and upbeat, creating a welcoming space for casual dining or working on a laptop.

Burgers stand out with a signature cheeseburger that delivers strong flavor. The menu also features hot dogs and brisket fries, offering classic American comfort food options.

Hot dogs stand out with options like the OG dog and a Beyond Burger that hits the spot. The hot dog size encourages finishing every bite, making it a solid choice for sharing a meal.

People are saying

"These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and made with high-quality halal meat."

"The food here is packed with flavor."

"These hot dogs are huge and way better than street dogs."

Good to know

1

Urban Skillet is 100% Halal.

2

The restaurant served halal beef and chicken.

3

Urban Skillet is open later than other local burger places.

11
The Cloverfield image 1
American restaurant

Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Fried chicken sandwich stands out with strong competition in LA. The cheeseburger features tangy cheddar and spicy thousand island dressing. Nachos rank as exceptional, while chicken pot pie is solid. Mac and cheese comes off as just okay.

Offers a great spot for a meal with a vibe suited for date nights and larger parties.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe and atmosphere."

"You have to try the nachos; they're the best I've ever had."

"The vibe here is excellent for date spots."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

12
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Western Clam Chowder stands out with a rich and delicious flavor. The menu features fish and chips, yellow fin tuna nachos with excellent homemade guacamole, and a shrimp and lobster roll served with small pull-apart rolls for sliders.

Service skills stand out with attentive and friendly staff. The setting suits couples looking for a relaxed meal together.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"The clam chowder and fish and chips are delicious."

"Our server REED was so attentive and fun for our Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

13
Bludso's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Brick walls and concrete floors frame a space filled with multiple TVs showing sports and a full bar serving distinctive cocktails. The atmosphere is friendly and casual with an easygoing vibe despite occasional loudness from busy take-out orders. The place draws a crowd that appreciates authentic barbecue and lively energy.

Brisket stands out with its tender, juicy texture and perfectly balanced fat cap. Wings come with a peach-flavored dry rub, and sides include Mac and cheese and Texas caviar.

Real BBQ draws couples willing to drive long distances. BBQ dry rubbed wings stand out as an excellent appetizer that can turn anyone into a BBQ fan.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is so juicy and tender."

"The cornbread was amazing, sweet without being overly sweet."

"You have to try the dry rub wings; they're the best."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5, but the lot is small and spaces are compact.

2

Dinner plates are large enough to share, but they are expensive.

3

A pound of rib tips costs $38, which is on the higher side.

14
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Lobster rolls stand out with a hot, chunky style that rivals New England versions. The clam chowder comes in a hearty bread bowl with a generous portion and rich flavor.

Clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl stands out as a favorite. The menu also offers dishes like seared salmon with light pesto and a fried chicken sandwich that work well for sharing on dates.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"You have to try the clam chowder; it's outstanding."

"The seafood here is fresh, tasty, and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

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