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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Santa Monica's best

Lunch bars

A midday break at a bar offers a chance to transition out of the workday with a drink and a bite.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated April 2026
01
Calabra image 1
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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.

A relaxed rooftop with beautiful views sets the scene for lunch. The menu offers good options and the service is attentive.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot has delicious food that's artfully plated."

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.

02
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.

Lunch features stellar meals served in a hotel restaurant and at Calabra. Both spots offer satisfying options for midday dining.

People are saying

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

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

"The staff here made my lunch feel so special and memorable."

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.

03
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.

Gorgeous bar interiors create a striking atmosphere. Top-tier service comes from bartenders like Jaun, Hernan, Luciano, and Cameron.

Lunch offers a prix fixe menu around $18 with attentive and friendly service. It serves as a reasonably priced spot for a midday meal or happy hour.

People are saying

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

"The bar staff, especially Santi and Cameron, provide an amazing experience."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so attentive and friendly."

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.

04
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.

Oyster shucking happens right at the bar, which features a year-round oyster selection. The bar offers raw bar favorites like Mexican White Shrimp Cocktail and Purple Peruvian Scallops alongside wine and clam chowder.

Offers a quick lunch option with a lobster roll deal that stands out. Works well for a casual meal solo or with friends, especially when arriving early to avoid crowds.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The raw oyster bar is fun, lively, and perfect for oyster lovers."

"This lunch spot has excellent, fresh seafood and fish."

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.

05
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open hibachi-style setup offers an engaging dining experience with chefs performing theatrical grilling shows at each table. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun, lively atmosphere suited for date nights and family outings. A second-level bar adds to the venue's entertaining vibe and interactive energy.

Upstairs bar offers quick eats and good drinks during happy hour with a personable bartender who helps pass the time. The bar top provides a welcoming spot for dining and snacks with helpful staff.

Lunch features great specials with standout options like the lunch duet of chicken and shrimp. The service team including the GM, server, and chef contribute to a memorable dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"Leo the bartender made my bar experience the best."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

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

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The staff celebrates birthdays with a special song and treat.

06
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.

Trendy, chic vibe defines the lunch experience here. Express lunch offers great prices and Sundays bring a lively brunch and lunch scene.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The food at this lunch spot is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"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.

07
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar offers a cozy art deco interior with soft warm lighting and a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to more intimate upstairs seating, attracting those seeking authentic Spanish flavors paired with an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection.

Eating at the bar feels fun and lively with the owner often slicing ham behind the bar. The bar menu sometimes features sliders with crispy jamรณn that stand out.

A lunch menu runs alongside a happy hour, drawing a varied crowd. Weekend lunch options show limited variety and quantity.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"The bar's tapas, like the sliders and fried eggplant, are delicious."

"This Lunch Spot organized free meals for responders during the fires."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with a limited menu.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% employee benefits fee to the bill.

08
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.

Bar features a cute design and sweet staff. Service at the bar is friendly and attentive.

Lunch offers delicious sandwiches like jackfruit and brisket specials with two sides. Prices stay reasonable, making it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

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

"The brisket at this lunch spot is the best I've had."

"The pork ribs at the bar were seasoned so well, I didn't need sauce."

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.

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