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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown, Santa Monica

Outdoor seating and space

Made for those who prioritize fresh air and open space as the primary criteria for choosing where they spend their time.

Based on 874 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
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Polish restaurant

Polish restaurant offers authentic homestyle decor with private outdoor patios featuring firepits and cozy seating. Atmosphere feels like a friend's home, combining cozy vibes with an elevated dining experience. Bar serves unique cocktails like the Warsaw Mule, creating a lively spot to meet and relax.

Outdoor seating offers a secret garden patio that feels cozy and inviting. Tables spread across a renovated home and extend to a fun, lively space outside in the back.

Outdoor space includes a secret garden patio that feels cozy and inviting. Tables spread across different rooms and a great back patio create a fun, relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, homestyle, and elevated comfort food."

"The outdoor seating feels like a beautiful secret garden."

"The patio felt like a secret garden, a beautiful outdoor space."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough in that area; street parking is available.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The outdoor courtyard hosts Yappy Hour on alternate Thursdays, and dogs are always welcome.

02
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.

Outside patio offers a fireplace setting that suits family gatherings and relaxing brunches. Outdoor seating supports a vibe for parties and casual nights with a bottomless mimosa brunch option.

Outside patio offers a relaxing family setting with a fireplace that enhances the atmosphere. It suits bottomless mimosa brunches and casual gatherings, making it a favored spot for both daytime and evening events.

People are saying

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

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

"The outdoor space is cozy and nice, perfect for sitting by the fire."

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.

03
Silverlake Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant with bar-style bench seating and a simple interior design creates a casual, grab-and-go vibe. Outdoor seating offers views of street performers and live blues music, adding a relaxed atmosphere. The space tends to be busy with limited seating, especially for families.

Outdoor seating offers a chance to enjoy warm sunshine and watch street performers. The area provides a calm spot to relax during dusk while waiting for food.

Outdoor seating offers a chance to enjoy street performers and warm sunshine. The space feels calm at dusk, perfect for relaxing while waiting for food.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich, creamy, and full of flavor."

"The ramen food here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

"The veggie ramen's textures and flavors are amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Limited seating is available for those waiting for takeout orders.

3

Street meter parking is recommended a few blocks away.

04
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 seating offers a mountain view and heaters keep the space warm. The outdoor area feels inviting yet intimate and creates a nice atmosphere for evenings.

Rooftop seating offers a mountain view and has heaters to keep the space warm. The outdoor area feels inviting yet intimate and creates a nice atmosphere for evenings.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor rooftop vibe and atmosphere made the evening."

"The outdoor seating has heaters, keeping it warm."

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.

05
Santa Monica Place image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air mall with modern architecture and rooftop ocean views offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music and family-friendly entertainment. Spacious design includes plenty of seating areas and shaded outdoor spaces. Unique features like the Immersion Room and rooftop dining add extra charm.

A very modern, open outdoor concept defines the mall, creating a fun outdoor mall vibe. It sits close to the beach and pier, offering a high-end outdoor shopping experience.

A modern, open outdoor concept defines the mall, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere. It offers a high-end outdoor shopping center experience with great family entertainment options nearby.

People are saying

"This mall is a beautiful, large, open space."

"I loved the modern, open outdoor mall concept."

"It's a modern, open outdoor space with a neat layout."

Good to know

1

DJ performances occur on weekends, providing live entertainment.

2

Parking is available, making access convenient for visitors.

3

Many stores are currently closed or boarded up.

06
Equinox Santa Monica image 1

Gym offers beach views and multiple outdoor terraces with balconies, creating a pleasant atmosphere especially at sunset. It maintains a quiet, uncrowded vibe with a well-arranged multi-floor layout. Yoga classes add to the experience, complementing the overall relaxed energy.

Multiple balconies and a large patio face the ocean, offering a nice view. The outdoor terrace area provides a space to work out while enjoying the sea breeze.

Multiple balconies and a large patio offer plenty of space outdoors. The patio faces the ocean, providing a nice view while working out or relaxing.

People are saying

"The gym staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"The outdoor seating has a nice ocean view, especially at sunset."

"You'll love the outdoor space with its ocean views."

Good to know

1

Free 2-hour parking is available nearby.

2

Membership costs $220 per month at this location.

3

The locker room often feels unclean and poorly maintained.

07
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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.

Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot to eat, especially on days with perfect weather. Tables outside provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Outdoor seating offers a lovely spot to enjoy meals. It suits days with perfect weather.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and freshly prepared."

"The fresh, delicious food here is amazing with Outdoor Seating."

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.

08
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.

Outdoor seating features a covered patio that lets sunlight in, with laughing sofas and areas decorated with bamboo and rope. Views of the PCH and ocean enhance the relaxed atmosphere.

Outdoor space features a covered patio that lets sunlight in and a relaxed lounge area with bamboo and rope decorations. Views of the ocean and PCH enhance the dining atmosphere outside.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The food here is delicious, especially the calamari."

"The outdoor space here has a great indoor and outdoor vibe."

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.

09
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.

Openable windows offer direct views outside. Remote work spots include the lobby and pool deck. Outdoor areas on the first floor and rooftop provide lovely settings.

Openable windows offer fresh air and views. Heated outdoor pool and rooftop areas provide relaxing spots. Lobby and pool deck support remote work outside rooms.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor space here is beautifully designed and truly amazing."

"The hotel's outdoor seating areas are attractive and lovely."

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.

10
Holey Moley Golf Club Santa Monica image 1

Miniature golf course features unique themed holes spread over several floors with a great bar and live magician entertainment. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with karaoke music playing openly and tight spaces causing frequent bumping. The vibe suits energetic nights out rather than quiet, relaxed play.

Rooftop patio offers a fun mini golf experience. Multiple outdoor areas include a spacious patio on the second level and another patio on the third level.

Multiple patios spread across the second and third levels offer spacious outdoor areas. A private patio suits group gatherings, and the rooftop features a mini golf course for added fun.

People are saying

"The mini golf here is amazing fun and super creative."

"The private outdoor patio was ideal for our joyful, immersive event."

"The private outdoor patio is ideal for groups."

Good to know

1

Events can cost over $1000 for limited time slots, so plan accordingly.

2

No kids are allowed after 8pm, so check age restrictions before visiting.

3

The venue lacks air conditioning, making it very hot during summer visits.

11
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel image 1

Huge, spacious building with large common areas including a patio, kitchen, and lounge. Atmosphere is generally quiet and safe, with silent hours at night and a clean, cozy feel. Guests find plenty of relaxation spots and enjoy amenities like a pool table, fireplace, and well-equipped kitchen.

A spacious patio and terrace with sofas outside offer comfortable outdoor seating. The outdoor area enhances meals and social spaces with good facilities like a big kitchen and pool table nearby.

A huge, spacious structure offers many common areas like a patio, kitchen, and lobby. Private rooms include terraces with outdoor sofas, and an outdoor seating area enhances breakfast.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are spotless and really nice."

"It's a great outdoor space, just steps from the beach and pier."

"The outdoor seating is fantastically located near the pier and beach."

Good to know

1

The hostel organizes daily activities like movie nights with free pizza and donuts.

2

Free yoga classes and comedy shows are available for all guests.

3

The location is ideal, just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier.

12
Citrin Restaurant image 1

Dining space feels elegant but cramped with loud music creating a bar-like atmosphere when busy. Outdoor patio offers a romantic and quiet setting ideal for dates. Interior blends new yet dated decor with veneers and cheaper materials.

The outside seating offers a quiet, romantic patio that suits a first date. Service animals are accommodated there, but service can be slow, with long waits before dishes arrive.

The outdoor space features a quiet patio that feels romantic and suits a first date. Seating there accommodates service animals but service can be slow compared to inside.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"The outdoor space felt romantic and quiet, perfect for a date."

"The outdoor seating is quiet and perfect for a first date."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required well in advance for prime weekend seating.

2

The meal typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

3

A 4% opt-out service charge is added to the bill.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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