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Cocktails and burgers in Santa Monica

Made for those who want the indulgence of a burger paired with the sophistication of a cocktail.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
The Backyard image 1
The Backyard image 2
The Backyard image 3
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Cocktail bar

Cozy outdoor seating blends with live acoustic music to create a relaxing garden vibe. The atmosphere stays quiet and chill, attracting those seeking a peaceful spot away from tourist crowds. A hidden gem with its own bar and kitchen offers a laid-back, dog-friendly experience.

Cocktails come well-mixed and nicely presented. Signature drinks include the Coco Cabana, Lavender Haze, and Frozen Passion Fruit Margarita.

Huge burgers made with great quality meat stand out here. The Californication burger is especially flavorful and fresh, alongside options like the Jalapeno Smash Burger and Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing and flavorful."

"The service here is outstanding and super friendly."

"I really loved the great cocktails here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Sundays.

2

The Backyard does not take reservations.

3

Parking is free for guests.

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.

Cocktails cost $10 and offer great prices. Drinks like the Guilty Pleasure and Empress gin cocktail taste good and feel fun to order.

Veggie options include a vegan veggie burger served with sweet potato fries. The salmon burger also stands out alongside the classic burger, both noted as delicious.

People are saying

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

"I found the burger here to be amazing and delicious."

"The cocktails here are super tasty and fun."

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
The Upper West image 1
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.

Cocktails feature flawless espresso martinis that are smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. Happy hour offers great value with delicious bites paired well with these drinks.

Burgers here stand out for their incredible juiciness and rich flavor. The Veggie Burger shines with house-made ketchup that boosts its taste, making it a notable choice.

People are saying

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

"This is the perfect place for dinner celebrations and private events."

"I thought the burgers here were juicy and fantastic."

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.

04
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 1

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.

Cocktails feature a well-crafted menu with drinks that are both delicious and reasonably priced.

Burgers come in a slider size but pack good flavor. The $18 price feels high, especially with beer and fries adding up to a $160 total for three burgers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The cocktails here are delicious and reasonably priced."

"I had the best burger I've ever had in LA."

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.

05
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.

Cocktails come out impeccably made and never watered down. Drinks like the Mambo Splash stand out for their full flavor. The menu pairs great cocktails with delicious food.

Burgers come with pork ingredients unless requested otherwise, and staff clearly explain this. The Sicilian burger offers a solid flavor, while the Impossible burger feels light and satisfying. Fries accompany the burgers well.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"Rico made great recommendations for the burgers and drinks."

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.

06
Diner Antonette image 1
American restaurant

Old building hosts an American diner with retro-inspired decor and cozy booths under warm, dim lighting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with modern touches, creating a relaxed vibe. Patio and event spaces offer airy, bright settings for gatherings.

Happy hour offers well-priced drinks and unique cocktails. Cocktails pair well with appetizers for a casual night out.

Quinoa burger offers a tasty vegetarian option but can be messy to eat. Classic burgers like the smash-burger cheeseburger and standard burger come with fries and satisfy basic burger cravings.

People are saying

"The diner's fried chicken is wonderfully spiced and crispy."

"It's a warm, retro-inspired atmosphere with a modern, curated vibe."

"I ordered a burger and it was great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks before 7 PM on weekdays.

2

Kids meals are available for $5 each.

3

Parking is generally available on the street, but check for meters.

07
Chez Jay image 1
Steak house

Small dining room with romantic booths and a bar in the same space creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio called The Backyard offers live music and a chill vibe. Interior blends old school dive bar charm with a unique, cozy mood.

Service and cocktails stand out as superb here. The patio offers a cool spot for dinner or cocktails at night.

Jalapeรฑo burger stands out with strong flavor and ranks highly. Burgers come with a chef's special secret sauce and serve well in the garden or backyard spaces. Some patties can be burnt, but overall the burgers and steak sandwich are solid.

People are saying

"This bar feels like it hasn't aged a day since the sixties."

"I thought the burgers here were great."

"I found the cocktails here to be superb."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

Parking is limited, but there is free parking next to the building.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

08
pasjoli image 1
French restaurant

French fine dining unfolds in an elegant yet warm space with cozy bar, rich layered decor, and tableside pressed duck spectacle. Atmosphere balances casual and upscale vibes, creating a polished but inviting energy. Guests enjoy attentive service alongside classic French furnishings and artwork.

Inventive and tasty cocktails stand out here, paired with a great wine list. The spot suits both a quick drink and a full multi-course meal.

Burger stands out with a unique flavor and earns honorable mentions alongside steak frites. It pairs well with cocktails and draws attention from food influencers.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the steak frites, is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"I really enjoyed their cocktails, especially the 'Contesse'."

"I might go back just for a burger and red wine."

Good to know

1

A mandatory 15% service charge is added after tax.

2

Appetizers and sides cost between $25 and $30, with main dishes over $50.

3

The early menu is available from 5 to 6 PM.

09
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.

Expertly curated cocktails complement the food with full flavor. The cocktail program offers plenty of great options and maintains an excellent standard.

A vegan burger features a creamy vegan cheese and a tomato-fig sauce on vegan brioche bread. The patty is homemade and tastes distinct from common brands, making it a standout option.

People are saying

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

"Their vegan burger is amazing, especially the patty they make."

"Their vegan burger is delicious with a creamy vegan cheese."

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.

10
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.

Cocktails come in small servings and cost around ยฃ16 each. They taste very tasty but feel a bit pricey.

Burgers come with fresh, tasty bread and are seasoned very well. Options include both meat and vegetarian, served piled sky high and consistently tasty.

People are saying

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

"I thought the burgers were really tasty and well put together."

"I enjoyed the cocktails; they were very tasty."

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.

11
Palma image 1
Restaurant

Stylish interiors with deep couches and a lounge vibe create a relaxed atmosphere suited for chatting or quiet work. Music volume varies, sometimes loud enough to hinder conversation. Seating includes low lounges and small cane chairs, offering a unique but less conventional dining setup.

Evening cocktails feature a good selection with some wait times, including a 30-minute delay and occasional mix-ups. Drinks come with light snacks, and prices reflect a higher-end experience.

The Plant Burger stands out with its vegan profile and comes topped with cheese and a tangy, herby creamy aioli. It costs 36 dollars and pairs well with a mimosa.

People are saying

"The breakfast service here is so attentive and friendly."

"The cocktails were served with weird chairs and deep couches."

"The Plant Burger's tangy, herby aioli is amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices than the menu indicates; verify before ordering.

2

Brunch menu offers a variety of flavorful options, but limited overall.

3

Cocktails are priced steeply; budget accordingly for drinks.

12
Perry's Cafรฉ & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 image 1

Outdoor seating on sand with ocean views and umbrella-covered tables creates a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Comfortable beach chairs and live music on select days add to the laid-back vibe. The setting features sunset views and casual dining right by the water.

Cocktails come in canned drinks with a good balance of organic custom flavors and alcohol. Bartenders serve these cocktails by the beach, letting you enjoy them with your toes in the sand.

Burgers here come with high quality ingredients and a delicious taste. Prices run close to $20 per burger, reflecting their premium nature.

People are saying

"I loved watching everything happening on the beach from the cafe."

"You can enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand."

"I found the burgers here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

2

Bikes and beach umbrellas can be rented for $8 per hour.

3

The cafรฉ closes just before sunset, limiting evening visits.

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Santa Monica, California

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