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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Chill spots in Downtown, Santa Monica

Somewhere to chill where you can actually hear yourself think instead of shouting over the crowd.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers sets a calm, clean vibe. Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch. Perfect for a chill meal with high-quality sushi in a cozy, inviting space.

Cozy yet modern design creates a relaxed atmosphere. The setting suits a chill meal with a calm vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh, well-prepared sushi."

"The lunch special here is a huge, affordable plate."

"The sushi here is so fresh, buttery, and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features items priced around $5 to $7, with good-sized portions.

2

The lunch special costs $24 for a full plate, including a nice roll and sashimi.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

02
The Chestnut Club image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with dim lighting and a live saxophone sets a chill, speakeasy vibe. Offers cocktails and appetizers perfect for unwinding. Seating options like booths and bar stools support both relaxed drinks and dancing.

Space offers a chill vibe perfect for unwinding with friends. Cocktails, beer, and appetizers fit well with the relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The old-school speakeasy vibe and decor inside is really cool."

"It's a great spot for a chill drink and appetizer."

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.

03
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere with stunning design and beautiful decor. Soft music and NBA games on a large screen create a casual and formal vibe perfect for dates or solo chill time. Large tables welcome families and groups for celebrations.

Atmosphere blends casual and formal vibes. Scenery suits both dates and solo unwinding moments.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

"The atmosphere here is great and chill."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

04
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and fire pits offers a chill vibe for groups. Live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes evenings but can challenge conversation. Host keeps things friendly with no rush.

Casual dining suits large groups well. The host offers a chill, friendly vibe with no rush.

People are saying

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

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

"The servers here are so chill and attentive."

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.

05
Calabra image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters for comfort. Atmosphere blends casual enjoyment with a sexy vibe, keeping it chill and easygoing. Elevator access and wheelchair-friendly seating ensure full accessibility.

Atmosphere feels casual and relaxed. Overall vibe stays chill and easygoing.

People are saying

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

"The Rooftop staff, especially Juan and Paul, are so attentive and friendly."

"The atmosphere here is pretty chill and has a fantastic vibe."

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.

06
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel blends warm vibe with charming design. Rooftop pool offers breathtaking views and a casual, inviting vibe perfect for chilling. Indoors stays calm while rooftop buzzes with lively energy.

Rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of the city and ocean, perfect for unwinding. Design blends coastal chill with high design, creating a casual and inviting vibe.

People are saying

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

"The rooftop offers breathtaking ocean views and smart cocktails."

"The design here blends coastal chill with a warm, inviting atmosphere."

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.

07
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

Cozy art deco interior creates a warm vibe perfect for a chill night. Authentic Spanish tapas and an extensive vermouth selection offer rich flavors. Upstairs seating adds an intimate touch for dates or relaxed evenings with friends.

Offers a casual and charming night out. Fits well for a date night or a chill evening with friends.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"The dinner spots here have amazing taste and fresh ingredients."

"The tapas here are so fun, I tried more foods than usual."

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
Nick The Greek image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with authentic music that keeps the vibe super chill and relaxed. Outdoor seating and high chairs make it family-friendly, though indoor space can feel warm and smokey during busy times.

Casual atmosphere keeps things low key and relaxed. The vibe is super chill without any fuss or formality.

People are saying

"The Greek food, especially the gyros, is delicious."

"I loved the Mediterranean food, especially the amazing falafel pita."

"It's a super chill and low-key place, perfect for a quick lunch."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

09
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant blends cool water views with a live DJ vibe for lively nights. It offers a Mediterranean chill perfect for casual appetizers and happy hour. Atmosphere suits large groups with a mix of beachy elegance and relaxed energy.

An oasis of relaxed chill-out with a Mediterranean vibe from the South of France. The ambiance stays not too loud and not too wild, perfect for casual appetizers and happy hour.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The DJ played awesome international music and took requests."

"The vibe here is pretty chill, not too loud."

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
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market blends fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining. Atmosphere mixes bustling market energy with quiet spots for conversation. Perfect for casual date nights or quick bites in an upscale area.

The spot offers a casual but inviting atmosphere ideal for quick bites or casual date nights. It serves fine dining at a casual level, making it a solid choice for lunch or dinner in an expensive area.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The market has an excellent selection of fresh seafood."

"It's a chill spot with a great market vibe and fresh 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.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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