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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Ocean Park

Food and cool spots

Somewhere that actually feels cool without trying so hard that it loses its neighborhood soul.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 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.

Food shows exceptional detail and quality with next level flavors. Cocktails complement the fantastic dishes well.

A relaxed, cool vibe fills the beautiful space with classic films like Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte playing on the screen above during meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The food and cocktails here are amazing for Date Spots."

"The ambiance here is so cool, with a relaxed, elegant vibe."

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
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.

Food comes with great presentation and suits those who enjoy kava as well as those who do not. The overall quality of food, service, and venue earns high marks.

A cool vibe sets the tone with friendly and professional employees. Drinks offer a unique experience that tingles the tongue and invites trying something different with friends.

People are saying

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

"The kava drinks here are great for relaxing."

"I found this spot to have a really cool vibe."

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.

03
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.

Food comes out promptly even when busy, with consistently excellent quality. The menu pairs super delicious dishes with a diverse beer selection.

Cozy, relaxed vibe creates a laid back and classy atmosphere. Friendly setting adds to the overall cool feel.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be very good."

"They have a solid selection of craft beers on tap."

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.

04
Gnarwhal Coffee Co. image 1

Cozy coffee shop with beach vibe and modern design offers outdoor seating near the shore. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic atmosphere suited for casual hangouts or light work. Unique features include a disposable camera project and a dog-friendly environment.

Coffee and food stand out with great quality and a variety of pastries and specialty items. No vegan options exist here.

A chill vibe fills the space with cool music setting the tone. The idea of printing weekly photos into a book adds a fun, creative touch.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing, truly art in a cup."

"The coffee here is art, truly a caffeinated miracle."

"The food here is amazing."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is often busy, so expect a line out the door.

2

Non-dairy milks incur an extra charge of $1.

3

Dogs are allowed to sit in the human chairs.

05
Jamesonโ€™s Pub image 1

Irish pub with authentic decor and many TVs creates a lively sports bar atmosphere. Live music and karaoke add to the energetic vibe, while indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beachside feel without sand. The crowd varies from chill on weekdays to busy and spirited on weekend nights.

Food here is consistently excellent and great tasting with a lively atmosphere. Drinks and coffee complement the quality food well.

Vibe feels laid-back and friendly, making it a cool spot to hang out. Food and atmosphere combine for a chill weekend hangout with friends.

People are saying

"It's a lively bar with a fun, energetic atmosphere."

"I thought the food here was awesome."

"It's a cool place to hang out and have a good time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 7pm with 2-for-1 drink specials.

2

A cover charge applies after 10 PM on Saturday nights.

3

The pub can get very crowded during football season.

06
Tavern on Main SM image 1

Bar and grill offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas with a full bar and numerous big screens showing sports. Atmosphere ranges from relaxing and welcoming to lively during major games, with music often loud. Features include a pool table, power outlets, and a genuine neighborhood vibe.

Affordable and delicious bar food stands out here, with excellent execution on classics like fried pickles. Daily food and drink deals add value, and the staff serves everything with a smile.

The spot has a really cool concept and a super cool vibe. The bartender adds to the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"This bar is the best place to watch the Detroit Lions games."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"I found the place to be a super cool spot to hang around."

Good to know

1

No one under the age of 21 is allowed in the restaurant or on the terrace.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday between 9 and 11 pm with 2-for-1 deals.

3

Wings are a special on Wednesdays, with a 50 cent deal.

07
Vamos. Vamos. image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a super relaxed atmosphere and fun musical background featuring 90s tunes. Vibe shifts from casual and welcoming to a more trendy, dimly lit setting in the evening. Friendly staff create a warm, inviting energy without feeling too busy.

Fresh, beautifully seasoned Mexican food stands out here. Portions are generous and prices reasonable, with dishes cooked with obvious love and great flavor.

Super cozy vibe sets a relaxed tone. The spot feels genuinely cool without trying too hard.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served by the friendliest, most welcoming staff."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and seasoned beautifully."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased since the management change, making it a bit pricey.

2

The menu has been pared down to a few items, losing some previous favorites.

3

Salsa is not included with tacos and must be purchased separately.

08
The Victorian image 1
Restaurant

Venue combines elegant vintage decor with multiple dance floors featuring different DJs and music styles. Atmosphere shifts from refined upper story to lively club environment with a large outdoor patio for socializing. Crowd varies, with a mix of dancers and partygoers creating a dynamic energy.

Food comes with artistic flair and bursts of flavor. Menu offers a good selection with dishes that are expertly prepared and delicious.

A very cool frat party atmosphere fits a younger crowd around 21 years old. The venue's architecture and location add to the overall cool vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the salsa and bachata night with great dancers."

"The food here was delicious and expertly prepared."

"It's got a cool, younger crowd vibe."

Good to know

1

Salsa night happens every Thursday with a $12 cover charge.

2

Free entry and parking are available on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

Dancing continues until 2 am on Thursdays, but expect early shutdowns.

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Ocean Park, Santa Monica

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