The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in California, attracting millions of visitors every year. This 100-year-old pier is not only a popular tourist destination but also a hub for foodies, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From classic beachside eateries to modern restaurants serving innovative cuisine, the Santa Monica Pier has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat at the Santa Monica Pier, covering everything from seafood to Mexican cuisine, and even some unique options that you won’t want to miss.
Classic Beachside Eateries
The Santa Monica Pier is famous for its beachside eateries, which offer stunning views of the ocean and a relaxed, casual atmosphere. These eateries are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, serving up classic American fare with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
The Crab Daddy
The Crab Daddy is a Santa Monica Pier institution, serving up fresh seafood and delicious crab dishes since 1989. This casual eatery is a must-visit for seafood lovers, offering a wide range of options including crab legs, fish tacos, and seafood salads.
- Address: 1550 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7555
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a popular chain restaurant with a location on the Santa Monica Pier. This fun, casual eatery serves up classic American fare with a focus on seafood, including shrimp, fish, and crab legs. Be sure to try their famous “Forrest’s Favorite” meal, which includes a bucket of shrimp, a side of coleslaw, and a hush puppy.
- Address: 1550 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7555
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
The Albright
The Albright is a modern American bistro located on the Santa Monica Pier, offering a seasonal menu that changes frequently. This upscale eatery serves up creative dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
- Address: 1600 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7733
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
International Cuisine
The Santa Monica Pier is not just about classic American fare; it also offers a range of international cuisine options to suit every taste. From Mexican to Italian, and even some unique options like Korean BBQ, there’s something for everyone at the pier.
Blue Plate Oysterette
Blue Plate Oysterette is a Santa Monica Pier institution, serving up fresh seafood and delicious oysters since 2003. This upscale eatery offers a range of options, including oysters, fish, and seafood salads, all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. (See Also: Where to Eat in High Wycombe? Best Local Restaurants)
- Address: 1350 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-5533
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
La Brea Bakery Cafe
La Brea Bakery Cafe is a popular chain restaurant with a location on the Santa Monica Pier. This casual eatery serves up classic American fare with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including sandwiches, salads, and soups.
- Address: 1550 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7555
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a popular chain restaurant with a location on the Santa Monica Pier. This casual eatery serves up classic American fare, including burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard.
- Address: 1550 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7555
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
Unique Options
The Santa Monica Pier is not just about classic American fare and international cuisine; it also offers some unique options that you won’t want to miss. From gourmet grilled cheese to artisanal ice cream, there’s something for every foodie at the pier.
The Gourmet Grilled Cheese
The Gourmet Grilled Cheese is a unique eatery located on the Santa Monica Pier, offering a range of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their famous “Mac Daddy” sandwich, which includes mac and cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.
- Address: 1550 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7555
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw is a popular artisanal ice cream shop with a location on the Santa Monica Pier. This unique eatery offers a range of creative flavors, including honey lavender, strawberry balsamic, and cookie dough. (See Also: Where to Eat in New Plymouth? Top Local Favorites)
- Address: 1550 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-7555
- Hours: 11am-10pm (daily)
Blue Plate Oysterette’s Happy Hour
Blue Plate Oysterette offers a happy hour menu from 3pm-6pm daily, featuring discounted oysters, fish, and other seafood options. This is a great way to try some of their delicious dishes at a lower price.
- Address: 1350 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Phone: (310) 395-5533
- Hours: 3pm-6pm (daily)
Recap
The Santa Monica Pier offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From classic beachside eateries to modern restaurants serving innovative cuisine, there’s something for everyone at the pier. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Mexican cuisine, or something unique, the Santa Monica Pier has got you covered.
Some of the top recommendations for dining at the Santa Monica Pier include:
- The Crab Daddy for fresh seafood and delicious crab dishes
- The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for classic American fare with a focus on seafood
- The Albright for upscale dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients
- Blue Plate Oysterette for fresh seafood and delicious oysters
- La Brea Bakery Cafe for classic American fare with a focus on fresh ingredients
- Shake Shack for classic American fare, including burgers and hot dogs
- The Gourmet Grilled Cheese for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
- Salt & Straw for artisanal ice cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best places to eat at the Santa Monica Pier?
A: Some of the top recommendations for dining at the Santa Monica Pier include The Crab Daddy, The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Albright, Blue Plate Oysterette, La Brea Bakery Cafe, Shake Shack, The Gourmet Grilled Cheese, and Salt & Straw.
Q: What type of cuisine can I find at the Santa Monica Pier?
A: The Santa Monica Pier offers a diverse range of cuisine options, including seafood, Mexican, Italian, and American fare. You can also find unique options like gourmet grilled cheese and artisanal ice cream.
Q: Are there any happy hour options at the Santa Monica Pier?
A: Yes, Blue Plate Oysterette offers a happy hour menu from 3pm-6pm daily, featuring discounted oysters, fish, and other seafood options. (See Also: Where to Eat in Toronto Downtown? Top Dining Spots)
Q: Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at the Santa Monica Pier?
A: Yes, many of the restaurants at the Santa Monica Pier offer vegetarian or vegan options, including The Albright, La Brea Bakery Cafe, and Salt & Straw.
Q: Are there any outdoor seating options at the Santa Monica Pier?
A: Yes, many of the restaurants at the Santa Monica Pier offer outdoor seating options, including The Crab Daddy, The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Blue Plate Oysterette.