The Lobster
(424) 214-0967
1602 Ocean Ave
(at Colorado Avenue)
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
34.0106
-118.494
Neighborhoods: West LA, Downtown
Hours:
Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 7.02.09
What People Are Saying About The Lobster
The Owner
The Lobster
Owner
Rich in history, "The Lobster" stands as a tribute to the family that built its reputation. Established as a Lobster Shack in 1923, the remaining original structure within the foundation and walls of the main entrance and footprint still stand at the corner of Ocean Avenue and the Pier. "Established in 1923", recessed in the corner stone, greets guests in the spirit and heritage that only belongs to "The Lobster".
The menu is classic American seafood featuring whole live Maine lobsters. Guests can sit at any seat in the restaurant or bar area and enjoy 180 degree views of the spectacular Pacific Ocean, accented by it's breathtaking sunsets, even celebrate the sea spun sunset phenomena called the 'Green Flash'. The terrace provides fresh coastal air for those who love to dine outdoors.
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
In Short
Southern California doesn't get any better than this--top-notch seafood and a 180-degree vista of ocean, beach and the twinkling Santa Monica pier. An L.A. landmark since 1923, this vintage "seafood shack" was remodeled in 1999 with a more luxe vibe. White tablecloths and candles lend sophistication to the airy room of glass walls and wood-beamed ceilings. The crowd is a mix of tourists, beachgoers, families and celebrating couples while the rocking patio bar seems to be where the locals hang. As for the food, the menu has all that's expected of a beachfront seafood spot, from Maine lobster and Manila clam chowder to seasonal fish and plenty of sides.
User Reviews
EconomicArmageddon
February 02, 2009
The atmosphere is great- at the base of the Santa Monica pier, overlooking the ocean. The scene is very Santa Monica trendy. You do pay for the view. Went for DineLA, and they were out of Lobster! Terrible. Service was really poor. I understand that it was a crowded Friday night, but at the prices you typically pay at that place, that's not an excuse.
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BrigitteTols
January 11, 2009
I'll start of by declaring that I'm a jaded West LA native who spends most of my dinners at restaurants, and comes from a family of European chefs. I initially passed off The Lobster as a tourist trap with a beautiful view...then 3 years ago, fate would have it that my boyfriend wanted to check it out. Upon entering without a reservation, we waited and got a great table with an ocean view (on a Saturday night!), and our meals were perfectly portioned (not too small!) and rich with flavours that paired beautifully with every ingredient in the dish. I've consistently been treated like a welcomed guest- and I'm very familiar with places that do treat you like "table number 118" and not like individuals trying to have a great experience- this is not one of those places. We have consistently been treated with warmth and authenticity from every staff member I've met. The usually remember me when I come back and greet me by name. Things to keep in mind: ALWAYS MAKE RESERVATIONS atleast 4 days before. I see a lot of reviews by people who were outraged to have to wait, or not get a great table. The Lobster is the only restaurant with that kind of a view and good seafood in downtown Santa Monica- you will have to wait atleast an hour for a table without reservations, and the tables with direct ocean views are limited. My only criticism is just that- I've had lengthy conversations with the person booking my table about it being a very special night (anniversary, my birthday just last night), and how I will even wait for an ocean view...and it never seems to actually effect where we are sat- but none of the tables are truly crappy views. I think The Lobster may actually be my favorite restaurant for a nice evening in LA- it's the best combination of ambience and food I know!
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LondonLeslie
November 30, 2008
First and foremost, I like The Lobster, just not the same way anymore. Probably will happily never return or at least never book a reservation again. If it is logistically convenient to walk in and have a drink or bite to eat at the bar that will be fine. If it is unavailable, no problem, many other restaurants work hard to earn your patronage. We booked a dinner last night for 2 and I notified the restaurant via opentable that it was my wife's birthday. We arrived dressed in formal attire. The host greeted my wife with a happy birthday which was nice and he told us to proceed to the bar and have a drink and we will come find you. We grabbed a nice bar table and a waitress quickly gathered our order and returned with a glass of wine and a martini. In a blink of a eye, a hostess came up, told the waitress she was going to seat us next, fully aware we just got our drinks. We were then ushered off to what I believe to be the worst table in the restaurant. A 2 top squished against a wall of interior glass in a dark corner with a family of four or five with their children's faces smashed against the glass looking at us. Reminded me of an interstate McDonalds or worse an Arby's. I told the hostess that this was unacceptable and she rifled off - that was the only 2 top available. I notified her we were happy to wait. She responded it would be awhile. I reminded her it was my wife's birthday and that the table was unacceptable now as well as any other time and we were happy to wait. We went back to the bar, of course we had nowhere to sit or stand but outside at this time and wait. Disappointing but not a big deal. I quickly went back to the main host and reminded him of the occasion and if he could find us a suitable table. He had the nerve to tell me that that table was his favorite. Please! Finally the host took us to a so-so skinny table that basically summed up the dinner as well. So-so. Done. Meal marred by seating. Many 4 tops available for the majority of our meal.
read full reviewThe Details on The Lobster
Where to Sit:
Overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, glassfront patio tables 105 and 106 are this seafood spot's most coveted.
Know Before You Go:
Walk-ins are accepted at the bar and on the open air patio--graze on generous appetizers that can easily be enough for dinner.
Parking:
Valet parking is a reasonable $5, but you can get three hours free in the city lot two blocks away at Colorado and Second.
What to Drink:
The expansive wine list offers a wide selection of regional labels and global picks. Specialty cocktails are eye-catching, especially the giant bloody Mary adorned with jumbo shrimp.
Save Money:
Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the bar only. Savings can be had on oyster shooters, sangria and other menu items.
Where to Sit:
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, glassfront patio tables 105 and 106 are this seafood spot's most coveted.
Parking:
Valet parking is a reasonable $5.50, but you can get three hours free in the city lot two blocks away at Colorado and Second.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Carte Blanche, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Waterfront Dining, View Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Outdoor Dining, Historic Setting, People Watching, Business Dining, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
General Info:
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from The Lobster
- Happiest Hour
- Monday - Friday
- 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Rich in history, "The Lobster" stands as a tribute to the family that built its reputation. Established as a Lobster Shack in 1923, the remaining original structure within the foundation and walls of the main entrance and footprint still stand at the corner of Ocean Avenue and the Pier. "Established in 1923", recessed in the corner stone, greets guests in the spirit and heritage that only belongs to "The Lobster".
The menu is classic American seafood featuring whole live Maine lobsters. Guests can sit at any seat in the restaurant or bar area and enjoy 180 degree views of the spectacular Pacific Ocean, accented by it's breathtaking sunsets, even celebrate the sea spun sunset phenomena called the 'Green Flash'. The terrace provides fresh coastal air for those who love to dine outdoors.
