Looking for the best happy hour in Santa Monica, CA? You've come to the right place! Santa Monica is not just a coastal paradise with its iconic pier and stunning beaches; it's also home to a vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you're a local or a tourist, enjoying happy hour is a perfect way to unwind after a long day. From craft cocktails to delicious appetizers, Santa Monica offers a variety of venues that cater to every taste and budget.
Happy hour in Santa Monica is more than just discounted drinks and food. It’s an opportunity to socialize, relax, and experience the unique ambiance of this lively city. Many bars and restaurants take pride in offering creative menus and exclusive deals during their happy hours. Whether you're into rooftop views, beachfront vibes, or cozy indoor settings, Santa Monica has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the best happy hour spots in Santa Monica, CA, providing you with all the information you need to make the most of your evenings. We’ll cover top venues, their offerings, and tips for planning your visit. By the end of this guide, you'll be ready to enjoy the ultimate happy hour experience in one of California’s most iconic cities.
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- Top Happy Hour Spots in Santa Monica
- Beachfront Bars with Happy Hour Deals
- Rooftop Venues Offering Happy Hour
- Hidden Gems for Happy Hour Enthusiasts
- Best Craft Cocktails During Happy Hour
- Delicious Food Specials You Can't Miss
- Tips for Locals to Maximize Happy Hour
- Tips for Tourists Exploring Happy Hour
- Seasonal Offers and Special Events
- Conclusion: Make the Most of Happy Hour in Santa Monica
Top Happy Hour Spots in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is brimming with excellent happy hour spots that cater to diverse preferences. Here are some of the top venues you should consider visiting:
- The Bungalow: Known for its laid-back vibe and beachy decor, The Bungalow offers a fantastic happy hour with discounted margaritas and tacos. It's a great place to unwind with friends.
- The Penthouse: This upscale rooftop lounge provides breathtaking ocean views and a chic atmosphere. Their happy hour features signature cocktails and small plates at unbeatable prices.
- Ye Olde King’s Head: A British pub with a twist, this spot serves classic fish and chips alongside pints of beer during their happy hour. It’s perfect for those craving a taste of England.
What Makes These Spots Stand Out?
Each of these venues offers something unique, whether it’s the ambiance, the menu, or the location. For example, The Bungalow’s casual setting makes it ideal for a relaxed evening, while The Penthouse’s upscale vibe is perfect for a more sophisticated outing. Ye Olde King’s Head, on the other hand, provides a cultural experience with its British-inspired offerings.
Beachfront Bars with Happy Hour Deals
One of the best things about Santa Monica is its proximity to the beach, and several bars take full advantage of this by offering beachfront happy hour deals. These venues allow you to sip on your favorite drink while enjoying the sound of the waves.
- The Lobster: Located near the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster offers a happy hour menu featuring fresh seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails.
- Blue Plate Oysterette: This seafood-focused bar serves up oysters, lobster rolls, and craft beers during their happy hour, all while offering stunning ocean views.
Why Choose Beachfront Bars?
Beachfront bars provide an unparalleled experience, combining great food and drinks with the calming ambiance of the ocean. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring Santa Monica’s attractions.
Rooftop Venues Offering Happy Hour
For those who love elevated experiences, rooftop venues in Santa Monica offer some of the best happy hour deals. These spots provide panoramic views of the city and the ocean, making them ideal for special occasions or just a fun night out.
- Élephante: Known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and vibrant decor, Élephante offers a happy hour with discounted cocktails and shareable plates.
- Hotel Shangri-La’s Suite 700: This exclusive rooftop lounge provides a luxurious setting with creative cocktails and small bites during their happy hour.
Why Rooftop Happy Hours Are Worth It
Rooftop venues offer a unique blend of luxury and relaxation. The elevated views and chic ambiance make these spots stand out, ensuring an unforgettable happy hour experience.
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Hidden Gems for Happy Hour Enthusiasts
While popular spots are great, sometimes the best experiences come from hidden gems. These lesser-known venues often provide exceptional happy hour deals without the crowds.
- The Misfit Restaurant + Bar: This cozy spot offers a happy hour menu with gourmet sliders, flatbreads, and creative cocktails.
- Cora’s Coffee Shoppe: A local favorite, Cora’s offers a laid-back vibe and delicious coffee-based drinks during their happy hour.
Why Explore Hidden Gems?
Hidden gems allow you to discover unique venues that offer a more personalized experience. These spots are often cherished by locals and provide a true taste of Santa Monica’s culture.
Best Craft Cocktails During Happy Hour
Santa Monica is home to some of the best mixologists in the country, and happy hour is the perfect time to sample their creations. Many bars and restaurants take pride in crafting signature cocktails that are both innovative and delicious.
- The Huntley Hotel’s Penthouse: Their happy hour features creative cocktails like the "Santa Monica Sunset," a vibrant mix of tequila, lime, and hibiscus.
- Barbie’s Restaurant: Known for its playful atmosphere, Barbie’s offers a range of craft cocktails during their happy hour, including their famous "Pineapple Express."
Why Craft Cocktails Matter
Craft cocktails are more than just drinks; they’re an experience. The attention to detail and use of fresh ingredients make these cocktails stand out, providing a memorable addition to your happy hour outing.
Delicious Food Specials You Can't Miss
Happy hour isn’t just about drinks; it’s also an opportunity to indulge in delicious food at discounted prices. Many venues in Santa Monica offer food specials that are as impressive as their drink menus.
- Tony’s Darts Away: Known for its craft beer selection, Tony’s also offers a happy hour menu with gourmet sausages and artisanal pizzas.
- The Albright: This seafood-focused spot serves up fresh oysters, clam chowder, and fish tacos during their happy hour.
Why Food Specials Are a Must-Try
Food specials allow you to sample high-quality dishes without breaking the bank. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, pizza, or something in between, Santa Monica’s happy hour menus have you covered.
Tips for Locals to Maximize Happy Hour
For locals, happy hour is a great way to explore new venues and enjoy discounted offerings. Here are some tips to make the most of your happy hour experience:
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience.
- Check social media or the venue’s website for exclusive happy hour deals and promotions.
- Invite friends or colleagues to share the experience and split the bill.
Why These Tips Work
By following these tips, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable happy hour experience. Locals can take advantage of their familiarity with the area to discover hidden deals and venues.
Tips for Tourists Exploring Happy Hour
For tourists, happy hour is a great way to experience Santa Monica’s vibrant food and drink scene without spending a fortune. Here are some tips to help you navigate happy hour like a pro:
- Plan your itinerary to include multiple happy hour spots for a tasting tour of the city.
- Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on the best happy hour venues.
- Take advantage of seasonal offers and special events to enhance your experience.
Why These Tips Are Essential for Tourists
Tourists can make the most of their visit by exploring happy hour deals that showcase the best of Santa Monica. These tips ensure a memorable and budget-friendly experience.
Seasonal Offers and Special Events
Many venues in Santa Monica offer seasonal happy hour deals and special events to keep things fresh and exciting. These promotions often coincide with holidays or local festivals, providing unique opportunities to enjoy discounted offerings.
- Summer Happy Hours: During the summer months, beachfront bars often extend their happy hour hours to accommodate the influx of tourists.
- Holiday Specials: Around major holidays like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, many venues offer exclusive happy hour menus and deals.
Why Seasonal Offers Are Worth Exploring
Seasonal offers provide a chance to experience something new and exciting. These promotions often feature limited-time menus and exclusive deals, making them a must-try for happy hour enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Happy Hour in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA, offers some of the best happy hour experiences in the country, with a diverse range of venues catering to every taste and budget. From beachfront bars to rooftop lounges, the city provides endless opportunities to enjoy discounted drinks and delicious food in stunning settings.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, happy hour in Santa Monica is an experience you won’t want to miss. By exploring the top spots, hidden gems, and seasonal offers, you can create unforgettable memories while enjoying the city’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Ready to start your happy hour adventure? Share your favorite spots in the comments below, or invite friends to join you for a night out in Santa Monica. Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips and recommendations on exploring this iconic city!
