Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Monica

25 restaurants available nearby

1. Shoreside

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Santa Monica

Coming Soon this Fall! Welcome to Shoreside Santa Monica, where we offer the quintessential indoor-outdoor coastal dining experience, seamlessly capturing the relaxed ambiance and sun-soaked charm of Southern California. Indulge in the flavors of Southern California with our locally inspired menu crafted with the freshest ingredients. This coastal haven effortlessly blends timeless charm with contemporary California cool. A destination to savor cocktails poolside, gather with friends for a delicious meal, or socialize into the evening hours in our cozy lobby lounge. Join us to experience the locally inspired menu of SoCal rich flavors and premium drink selections against the backdrop of Santa Monica's coastal scene.

2. Citrin

4.6

Exceptional(201)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Santa Monica

Booked 18 times today

Citrin, nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, stands as a beacon of American culinary excellence, under the masterful guidance of Chef Josiah Citrin. Celebrated as a Michelin 2023 awardee, Citrin offers a modern Californian twist to American cuisine, delivering dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Diners rave about the "phenomenal egg caviar" and proclaim it a place where "every dish was perfect." The restaurant's commitment to quality and service shines, with reviewers noting the "superb" service and memorable experiences like the "best chicken I’ve ever eaten." Citrin is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that continues to evolve and impress, making every visit uniquely delightful.

3. Socalo

4.7

Exceptional(866)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Santa Monica

Booked 10 times today

SOCALO, nestled in the vibrant Santa Monica neighborhood, is a celebration of Californian cuisine with a delightful Mexican twist. Esteemed Chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken curate a menu that emphasizes seasonal and organic ingredients, bringing the freshest flavors of Southern California to each dish. Lauded by the LA Times and Eater as one of the best in LA, SOCALO serves up "exceptional and delicious" meals that consistently impress. Reviewers rave about the "outstanding" food and "amazing" service, highlighting favorites like the Barbacoa tacos and the fresh guacamole. Whether you're dining in their inviting indoor space or enjoying the ambiance of their outdoor patio, SOCALO is a must-visit for anyone seeking the true taste of Californian excellence.

A photo of Fitoor Santa Monica restaurant

4. Fitoor Santa Monica

new

4.6

Exceptional(14)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Santa Monica

Booked 19 times today

Fitoor is open CHRISTMAS EVE. We are accepting reservations from 5:00pm - 9:30pm. We hope to see you!Fitoor (Hindi for ‘Passion’) is a contemporary Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge, with a vibrant menu and electrifying music to evoke the ardor and energy of India today. Indulge your passion at Fitoor!

5. Hermanito

4.7

Exceptional(512)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • West Los Angeles

Booked 26 times today

Hermanito, nestled in the vibrant heart of West Los Angeles, is not just a restaurant but a cocktail haven that captures the essence of the neighborhood's Japanese heritage with a twist of Mexican flair. The bar at Hermanito stands out for its innovative approach to cocktails, blending classic Mexican influences with subtle Japanese touches, creating a unique and delightful experience for its patrons. Guests rave about the "yummy and pretty looking cocktails" and the exceptional service, highlighting the attention to detail and creativity in each drink. One visitor exclaimed about a special cocktail, a "naked and famous," recommended by their attentive server, which was unlike anything they had tried before. Hermanito's cocktail bar is a destination for those seeking not just a drink, but a story in every sip.

6. Bar Toscana

4.6

Exceptional(211)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Brentwood

Booked 6 times today

Bar Toscana is an intimate, chic cocktail bar next door to sister restaurant, Toscana, in the heart of Brentwood. Bar Toscana’s Executive Chef Justino Quirino curated a simple yet elegant menu with small plates, entrees, and "Street Food" Specials. Menu highlights include Bruschetta, Prosciutto e Melone, Caesar Salad, Beet Salad with goat cheese and hazelnuts, Tuna Tartare, Wagyu Truffle Sliders, and Polpette al Sugo, veal meatballs. Bar Toscana also features Pinsa, pizza’s airy, crispy-crusted, less caloric cousin. Spaghetti Squash and Homemade Lasagna are available, as well as some of Toscana's most popular dishes, such as Ravioli Pomodoro, Pappardelle Funghi, Salmon, Branzino, Veal Milanese, and Bistecca. Cocktails are hand-crafted, and the wine list is largely Italian-focused. This neighborhood lounge opens nightly at 5:00 PM and is ideally fashioned for unique cocktails, intimate dinners, and sparkling conversation. Takeout & delivery through ChowNow and Uber Eats.

A photo of Rosti Tuscan Kitchen - Brentwood restaurant

7. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen - Brentwood

4.7

Exceptional(90)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Brentwood

Booked 7 times today

Experience the charm of Modern Tuscan cuisine right in the heart of Brentwood at Rosti Tuscan Kitchen. Praised for its authenticity and exceptional flavors, Rosti offers a delightful array of dishes that cater to all, including an extensive selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Guests rave about the "flavorful, fresh, and simply phenomenal" dishes, highlighting the culinary brilliance of the chef. The ambiance is cozy, with an "upscale Italian diner" feel, making it a neighborhood gem. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, "This is the best Tuscan cuisine in Brentwood." From the heartwarming hospitality to the meticulously crafted meals, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.

8. Nobu Los Angeles

4.4

Awesome(3554)

Price: Very Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • West Hollywood

Booked 105 times today

Nobu Los Angeles, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of West Hollywood, is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts. The restaurant is celebrated not only for its exquisite Japanese cuisine but also for its exceptional Cocktail Bar. Patrons rave about the "absolutely excellent drinks" and the must-try "lychee martini," highlighting the bar's ability to craft cocktails that are both innovative and delightful. The ambiance of Nobu complements its drinks perfectly, providing a sophisticated yet welcoming environment ideal for enjoying a high-quality cocktail experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Nobu Los Angeles promises a memorable evening with its top-tier cocktails and unmatched service.

9. Harriet's

4.0

Excellent(23)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • West Hollywood

Booked 11 times today

Revelry with a remarkable view awaits. Just steps away from one of the busiest streets in Los Angeles, Harriets, is an escape from the bustle of West Hollywood. Located atop the 1 Hotel West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, the lush space with its deep burgundy awnings, tasseled umbrellas and green and white striped seating boasts jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city. With a curated cocktail menu, lounging daytime drinks turn into evenings and evenings into late nights.

A photo of Lillie's at The Culver Hotel restaurant

10. Lillie's at The Culver Hotel

4.4

Awesome(426)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Culver City

Booked 33 times today

Lillie's at The Culver Hotel in Culver City embodies the quintessence of Bistro cuisine with its elegant and refined dining experience that captures the spirit of European café culture. Diners consistently praise its atmosphere and dishes, with reviews highlighting the "delicious" food and "impeccable" service. The vibrant live music further enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable. As one reviewer puts it, "The ambiance for dining is classic, elegant old world Hollywood while also being comfortable and cozy." Whether it's for a lively dinner or a serene afternoon tea, Lillie's stands out as a top destination for authentic Bistro cuisine in a beautifully historic setting.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
PaulineVIP
Los Angeles •58 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Top notch, service, food presentation and taste, lovely relaxing meal with interesting menu. Worth it! They even arranged for my car to be ready at valet.
More info
CitrinPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
V
ValerieVIP
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
My first time at this restaurant. Went on Christmas Eve. Service was excellent. Nice ambience . A very special evening as everything exceeded our expectations. Great bar selection. Delicious appetizers. Surprising flavors were unexpectedly delicious. Seabass and salmon were delectable. And the risotto -so creamy and flavorful. Be sure to leave room for dessert as well. This is billed as an Indian restaurant, and while there are many dishes that are Indian, there are many more that will surprise and delight you with their originality. Restaurant has been open less that a month and there were no shortcomings. I cant wait to return and try more dishes.
More info
Fitoor Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Indian• Santa Monica
•
4.6
A
Anne
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food and service was very attentive. I had an early dinner around 5:30 so it wasn’t crowded at all—so quiet and service was great. The special was chicken pozole and it did not disappoint. Followed by the The Gobernador tacos, then a guava empanada for dessert. The tacos had such great flavor along with the jicama slaw—perfect addition. Go to Socalo, you won’t regret it.
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SocaloPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Monica
•
4.7
B
BARRY
Los Angeles •89 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was amazing (scallop hand roll, octopus salad), the service was decent. However, if you are there after 8:30, the music changes from enjoyable Mexican music to hip hop with the dj …not my style and I couldn’t hear myself think.
More info
HermanitoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• West Los Angeles
•
4.7

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Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Monica

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25 restaurants available nearby

1. Shoreside

2. Citrin

3. Socalo

4. Fitoor Santa Monica

5. Hermanito

6. Bar Toscana

7. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen - Brentwood

8. Nobu Los Angeles

9. Harriet's

10. Lillie's at The Culver Hotel

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