Sip & Chill: Top 10 Bars in Santa Monica to Sip Like a Local

Why Santa Monica’s Bars Are a Liquid Goldmine

Alright, let’s cut the fluff. If you’re here, you probably want to know where to get a drink that doesn’t taste like regret. Santa Monica’s bar scene is basically a liquid goldmine of vibes, and we’re here to help you avoid the duds. Whether you’re here for a first date, a post-work unwind, or just to pretend you’re in a Wes Anderson movie, there’s a bar for you. Let’s dive into the best spots that make this beach town the ultimate sipping destination.

Top 10 Bars in Santa Monica (Ranked by Credibility)

We did the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Here’s our *unbiased* ranking of bars that’ll make you feel like a local, not a tourist who forgot their SPF.

• The Broken Shaker – Sip a $18 cocktail in a retro-chic speakeasy. Bonus: The bartender won’t judge your Instagram caption skills.
• The Beachcomber – Ocean views and a $9 gin and tonic. Pro tip: Ask for the “Santa Monica Special” (it’s just a fancy name for ‘I’m here to relax’).
• The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Bar – Sip and watch sea creatures. It’s like *Shark Tank* but with more sharks and fewer sharks in suits.
• Barry’s Beach Club – Poolside vibes, $12 mojitos, and a DJ who plays only reggaeton. Perfect for when you want to forget you’re 32.
• The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar – Views of the harbor and a menu that includes oysters. Don’t ask about the seagull invasion at sunset.
• The Roost – Rooftop bar with a view that could make you reconsider your life choices. The $15 margarita is aggressively good.
• The Bungalow 8 Hotel Bar – Think: *Sex and the City* meets *The Office*. The $20 cocktail comes with side-eye from the bartender if you spill.
• Gracias Madre – Organic Mexican food and mezcal cocktails. If you’re vegan, this is your spiritual home.
• Blue Plate Oyster Bar – Oysters, whiskey, and a vibe so chill it’s basically a climate in itself. Also, the oysters are aggressively fresh.
• The Sorellon – A rooftop bar where the view is better than your Tinder photos. The $18 cocktail comes with a side of existential dread about your dating profile.

Make Your Own Beer if you’re feeling ambitious. Or just stick to the ones these bars already perfected.

The Secret to Finding the Best Bar? Ask a Local (Who Also Doesn’t Know)

Here’s the truth: There’s no “best” bar in Santa Monica because people are weirdly opinionated about their drinks. But here’s how to pick one that fits your vibe:

1. Know your mood: Is it a “I want to feel fancy” night or a “I’m here to forget I exist” night? Bars adjust accordingly.
2. Check the weather: If it’s 90°F, go for indoor bars with AC. If it’s 60°F, go for outdoor bars with sunscreen.
3. Ask the barista: No, not the coffee barista. The bartender. They’ve seen it all and can steer you toward something that won’t make you want to call your mom.
4. Read the Yelp reviews: But ignore the ones written by people named “BaristaBob123” who have 0 reviews and 100 followers.
5. Bring a friend: Two pairs of eyes can spot a dud before your third $18 cocktail.

Need more inspiration? Custom Beer is a great way to create your own Santa Monica-themed cocktail. Or just stick to the ones these bars already perfected.

FAQ: The Most Annoying Questions We’re Tired of Hearing

1. What bar has the best view?

The Roost and The Sorellon tie for the view. The only thing better than the view is the view of your bank account after you pay for it.

2. Where’s the best place for a first date?

The Broken Shaker. It’s classy enough to make your date feel special but not so class that they’ll forget your name mid-convo.

3. Is there a bar that’s not touristy?

Blue Plate Oyster Bar. It’s a local favorite because the locals are too cool to be tourists.

4. Where should I go if I’m here with a group?

Barry’s Beach Club. The poolside setup is perfect for group therapy with a mojito in hand.

5. How do I avoid the tourist trap?

Ask for a recommendation from a barista (not the coffee kind) and avoid any place with a line that makes you question your life choices.

Ready to Sip Like a Pro? Let’s Get This Party Started

There you have it—your cheat sheet to the best bars in Santa Monica. Whether you’re here for the views, the drinks, or the chance to pretend you’re a local (and maybe even believe it), these spots have you covered. Need more help? Check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer if you’re a bar owner looking to level up your game. And if you’re a homebrewer? Make Your Own Beer and impress your friends like a wizard.

Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer if you’re a brewer. It’s like Tinder for beer distribution—except no swiping left.

Now go forth, raise a glass, and remember: In Santa Monica, the only thing better than a good bar is the story you tell afterward. Cheers!