Discover my top spots for sipping and socializing along the Westside of LA. From oceanfront cocktail lounges to hidden gems serving craft cocktails and the perfect vibe, this list is your guide to unforgettable nights in Santa Monica and beyond. Whet...
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A glamorous rooftop oasis with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, ocean views, and a chic crowd. Perfect for watching the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand.
Élephante
The Waterfront Venice: Venice
A laid-back beachfront spot that feels like an elevated surf shack. Come here for breezy drinks, casual bites, and unbeatable boardwalk views.
The Waterfront Venice
Belles Beach House: Venice
Tropical-meets-Tulum energy with bamboo-lined walls, pink neon, and coconut cocktails. Perfect for a flirty night out or post-pilates happy hour.
Belles Beach House
Kassi Club Venice: Venice
Bohemian and beachy with a European soul. Think dim lighting, fresh Mediterranean cocktails, and plush textures. It feels like a chic escape tucked into the Westside.
Kassi Rooftop Venice Beach
Orla Santa Monica. A dreamy, newly opened Mediterranean restaurant and lounge with soft lighting, curated cocktails, and a romantic coastal aesthetic.
Orla by Michael Mina
Venice Whaler. A fun, no-frills beach bar with history, sunset views, and great energy. Come for the vibes, stay for the spicy margarita.
The Venice Whaler
Marelle in Santa Monica. Fresh, elegant, and low-key glamorous. This spot is ideal for a beautiful girls’ night or a glass of wine after golden hour.
Marelle Santa Monica
Calabra at The Santa Monica Proper. Design-forward rooftop with Mediterranean-California bites, plush seating, and a poolside DJ scene. The cocktails are just as curated as the interiors.
Calabra Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Santa Monica
Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica. Relaxed, cozy, and unfussy in the best way. Great for first dates or catching up with friends over a shared bottle and candlelight.
Bodega Wine Bar
Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu. Retro, funky, and Malibu-cool. Come for the live music and bright cocktails, stay for the 70s energy and laid-back crowd.
Aviator Nation Dreamland
Nobu Malibu. The definition of luxury by the sea. A-list energy, curated cocktails, and waves crashing just feet from your table. Worth it for the experience alone.
Nobu Malibu
The Bungalow in Santa Monica. A popular beach house-style lounge filled with lush plants, cozy nooks, and ocean breezes. It’s the go-to spot for relaxed yet stylish sunset cocktails & a fun night out.
The Bungalow Santa Monica
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar in Santa Monica. Eclectic and vintage-inspired, The Misfit offers classic cocktails and a buzzing happy hour scene that draws a lively crowd with laid-back charm.
The Misfit Bar & Restaurant
Fun westside bar for a night out
The Brig
1212 Santa Monica. A lively spot that starts as a stylish dinner destination and effortlessly transitions into a high-energy dance floor as the night unfolds. Perfect for when you want dinner, drinks, and dancing, all in one place.
1212 Santa Monica
Little Beach House Malibu (Soho House). If you’re a member or are invited by a member, this is the ultimate coastal-chic hang. Intimate, serene, and perfectly designed with curated cocktails and sunset views that feel like a dream.