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Local picks

Relaxing bars in Santa Monica

Made for those who seek the social energy of a bar but require a low-pressure environment to actually unwind.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 1
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 2
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 3
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Frank Gehry-designed space offers a gorgeous architectural setting with chic decor and warm, comfortable vibes. Music from a DJ energizes the atmosphere, creating a lively and busy environment. Outdoor patio features vintage Los Angeles clips, adding a unique touch to the experience.

A chill grown-up spot with a beautiful interior featuring trees and soft lighting. The bar offers fantastic food and excellent service in a relaxed atmosphere.

A relaxed, cool vibe fills the space, blending beautiful decor with hip atmosphere. Service matches the mood, making it a perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and creative."

"The bar's duck tacos and crab garlic noodles are delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks for $10.

2

Parking is available, but not validated.

3

The restaurant has a family-style dining option for sharing.

02
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.

A lively bar area offers a lowkey vibe with a special room in the back for celebrations. The space feels super cute and tucked away near an airfield.

Outdoor seating next to the airport offers a calm atmosphere with a steady ocean breeze. It suits relaxing afternoons and quiet family dinners.

People are saying

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

"The drinks and beers at this bar are great."

"The outdoor seating here is a relaxing spot with a great ocean breeze."

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.

03
Shirubฤ“ image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Intimate bar seating offers a front-row view of skilled chefs preparing Japanese style bar food. The bartenders go above and beyond to accommodate, and the raw fish dishes stand out.

A relaxed atmosphere sets the tone here. It offers a perfect place to unwind while enjoying great food.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese bar food here is amazing and super tasty."

"It's a cozy and authentic atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

04
Library Alehouse image 1
American restaurant

Gastropub offers a library of craft beers with options like Pliny the Elder on tap and Russian River brews. Back patio features green plants and a quiet, comfortable space with dog-friendly seating. Interior feels warm and inviting but can be loud and crowded due to dense seating arrangements.

A library of craft beers defines the bar's selection, offering a limited but good range for beer lovers. The space includes a beautiful back patio and delivers solid pub food with a local pub vibe.

Warm and inviting atmosphere creates a cozy, relaxed vibe. The setting encourages guests to unwind and linger longer.

People are saying

"They have an awesome, wide selection of craft beers."

"The bar has a great selection of regional craft beers."

"It's a cozy, relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay longer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm Monday to Friday with great deals.

2

Trivia night is held every Wednesday evening in the back area.

3

Parking can be challenging, but there are usually spots available nearby.

05
Kavahana image 1
Coffee shop

Indoor bar counter and large outdoor patio create distinct seating options. Atmosphere stays relaxing and wholesome with a chill vibe, though seating comfort varies. Extensive board game collection encourages socializing and casual hangouts.

Offers a fun non-alcoholic bar experience with a great vibe. Staff includes lovely women who run the place.

A gentle wave of relaxation hits within about ten minutes, easing shoulders and clearing the mind. The crowd stays relaxed with genuine laughs, while the kava flavor stays subtle, letting the calming drinks shine.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating offers a peaceful, grounding vibe perfect for unwinding."

"You'll feel a gentle wave of relaxation hit, leaving your mind clear and calm."

"This bar is a chill, relaxing spot to unwind."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Open mic night is every Tuesday, showcasing local talent.

06
Calabra image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters that keep the space comfortable despite the breeze. Atmosphere blends casual enjoyment with a sexy, entertaining vibe, attracting a lively crowd. Accessibility features include elevator access and wheelchair-friendly seating.

Rooftop bar offers a lively atmosphere with great people-watching by the pool. Lounge bar Palma stays open late and has a fantastic vibe for evening drinks.

Rooftop lunches come with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel feels both relaxed and refined.

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, especially the slow-roasted chicken."

"The rooftop bar has a brilliant, lively atmosphere."

"The rooftop atmosphere here is mellow and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost required due to high demand.

2

A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is charged per person.

3

Valet parking is available and convenient.

07
The Chestnut Club image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with dim, moody lighting and an old-timey speakeasy vibe. Music features a live saxophone and a DJ mixing new and old jams, creating a cool, laid-back atmosphere. Seating includes booths, high tops, and bar stools, supporting both relaxed drinks and dancing.

Dark, old school vibes set the tone with booths lining the walls and high top tables in the center. The bar offers fancy cocktails and comfy stools, creating a cool atmosphere.

Live jazz creates a relaxing atmosphere with interactive musicians. The spot offers a casual vibe for unwinding with cocktails or beer.

People are saying

"The DJ mixed different music and played all the jams."

"The live music makes it a great spot for a relaxing night out."

"I found the bar had cool, old-school speakeasy vibes."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect wait times of less than 10 minutes for drink orders.

3

Happy hour offers specials on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm.

08
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with warm, comforting vibe and beautiful, charming design offers a rooftop pool oasis and panoramic city views. Spaces range from relaxed rooftop bars to lively restaurants with strong energy. Guests encounter a mix of calm ambiance indoors and vibrant social scenes on the rooftop.

Rooftop bar offers city views and a poolside setting. Bar staff like Sergio, Ricky, and Carlos deliver impressive service with excellent drinks and delicious food.

Rooftop offers a very relaxing atmosphere with a quiet vibe away from busy areas. Palma restaurant on the first floor combines stylish design with a calm setting.

People are saying

"This hotel's design is beautiful, stylish, and incredibly comfortable."

"The bar's interiors are stunning and beautifully designed."

"It's a beautiful, relaxing spot with stunning design."

Good to know

1

Valet service fee is $55, but some guests report being charged $70.

2

Additional $40 per night for amenities not disclosed at check-in.

3

The pool and bar may be closed for private events, impacting guest access.

09
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Rooftop bar offers phenomenal drinks and a charming, relaxed setting. Outdoor lounge vibe pairs well with great entertainment during brunch.

Outdoor lounge offers a charming and relaxed setting with rooftop seating that provides beautiful views and a lively yet calm vibe. The atmosphere feels polished and chill, blending Mediterranean ambiance with a West Coast feel.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"It's a relaxed vibe, perfect for a calm, comfortable meal."

"The bartender Enrique was super friendly and made exceptional drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

10
Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach image 1

Hotel offers luxurious rooms with spectacular ocean views and a rooftop restaurant featuring a lively atmosphere. Amenities include complimentary electric bikes and a small heated pool nearby. The space balances quiet comfort in rooms with a vibrant social scene in dining areas.

Rooftop bar offers unbeatable views of the Pacific and a fabulous penthouse setting. Drink tickets and surprises add to the experience during celebrations.

Luxury seaside views create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The Penthouse Restaurant offers a perfect spot for sunset dinners or brunch with a relaxed yet refined glamour.

People are saying

"The Hotel beds were so comfortable, I had the best sleep."

"The bar has a beautiful view of the ocean."

"I loved waking up to the breathtaking ocean view each morning."

Good to know

1

Parking at the hotel costs $58 overnight.

2

Valet parking rates are $68 per night without any special rate for guests.

3

Check-in time is guaranteed at 3PM, but actual availability may vary.

11
FITOOR image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Huge space with contemporary decor and a full bar anchors the atmosphere. Live belly dancers provide subtle entertainment without distraction. Outdoor patio welcomes pets and stays comfortable with effective heaters.

A beautiful bar stands as the centerpiece with bag hangers adding thoughtful detail. The space has a cocktail bar vibe paired with upscale food and a good atmosphere.

Soft lighting and stylish decor create a beautiful and inviting ambiance. The space feels thoughtfully designed for a relaxed atmosphere suitable for casual evenings or family meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

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

"It's a beautiful, inviting spot with thoughtful decor for a relaxed meal."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street and in a nearby lot, but it's limited.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Happy Hour offers limited menu items on Fridays from 4-6pm.

12
Coast image 1
Californian restaurant

Beachfront restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and comfortable outdoor seating that creates a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Soft live music enhances the peaceful vibe while diners enjoy the scenic patio setting.

Beautiful bar design creates a pleasant spot to sit. Service at the bar runs slower than expected.

Great views and the calming sound of waves create a relaxed, casual vibe. Loud music sometimes disrupts the otherwise scenic, peaceful atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food at this beach spot is outstanding, especially the lobster roll."

"I loved the ocean view from the outdoor seating."

"It's a relaxing spot with a beautiful ocean view."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during specific hours.

3

Valet parking is available for $20 on weekends.

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Santa Monica, California

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