Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe
Step in from the sand at this no-fuss alternative to upscale Santa Monica bars.
(424) 354-4118
1615 Ocean Front Walk
(at Windward Avenue)
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
34.0102
-118.4958
Neighborhoods: Downtown, West LA
What People Are Saying About Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe
The Owner
Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe
Owner
Sun, Fun, Great Food, Beer, Wine, Music, Sports TV, Outdoor Patios and reasonable prices is what you will find at the world famous Big Dean's Cafe on the Santa Monica Boardwalk. Where nostalgia surrounds you while you relax and sip a beer or have a burger. Bring the children, they are always welcome!
In 1902 Big Dean's Cafe was known as Laring's Lunch Room and was a landmark for years. In 1970's, Big Dean's took over the popular cafe, lifeguards, body builders, bicyclist, jugglers and celebrities such as Cary Grant, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, George C. Scott, Wilt Chamberlain, Evel Knievel and California's governor Jerry Brown, not to mention the current governor Arnold Schwarzenegger .
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Big Dean's decor is standard beach-bar style, with neon beer signs, surfboards tagged with corporate beer logos and picnic-table seating. The primary appeal is its proximity to the beach--directly off the Strand, practically in the shadow of the Santa Monica Pier. As the ocean breeze wafts through the open-air seating, it combines with smells rising off the nearby grill to create a wonderful hybrid.
User Reviews
kiwidave
April 16, 2009
I love how you can come back there 6 months later and still see the same hard working staff there. Great base for my holiday in California. Rent a bike right next door. Inexpensive accomadation just a short walk away. The staff obviously enjoy their job and run this place perfectly. Nothing finer than seeing Skate board mam come through that door on her inline skates.Be back soon to get my next tee shirt.
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HowardE
October 11, 2008
I liked the relaxed place, the service was fine, the beer was cold and the burger was great. Nice place. I'll go back. Felt comfortable there.
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Rob3
October 07, 2008
I blew into Big Dean's from Tennessee looking for a place to have a quick lunch and a cold one. Five hours, a order of awesome fish tacos and many cold ones later, sadly it was time for me to leave.Big Dean's is one of the last true "dive bars" to be found. Inside there was colorful memorabilia that adored every space of the walls. The attitude and atmosphere was easy going and casual. Mary, the bartender, was very pleasant and helpful in describing the food selections and drinks. I told her to give me what she would order, no more than 5 minutes later she came back with the best fish tacos I have ever had and very large beer. Wonderful! While eating, I struck up conversations with some of the locals. These easy going and friendly conversations became my gateway into the "Big Dean's culture." After a few hours of laughs, big stories, people watching and never ending beverages the "Dude from Tennessee" had make his departure. I took some pictures, paid what seemed like very reasonable bar tab, bought the T-shirt (Mary's choice of black) and with great directions to LAX, I waved my goodbyes to my new found friends and left with great memories and a promise to myself to get back next summer. Big Dean's is everything you want in beach side "dive bar." Good atmosphere, food, beverages, service and best of all, people. I have great pictures and memories (plus that slick T-shirt) that I share with everyone. I can't wait until the next time I'm in Santa Monica, I'm headed straight for Big Dean's and saying "Mary, a order of fish tacos and a big cold beer please!" and then immerse myself into the Big Dean's Culture. Do yourself a favor, go to Santa Monica and get yourself to Big Dean's. Who knows, you might just bump into the "Dude from Tennessee."
read full reviewThe Details on Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe
What to Drink:
Choose from a good number of cheap bottled domestic and import beers, along with two or three types of wine.
Happy Hour:
Monday-Friday, 4pm-7pm.
Message from Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe
- Sun, Fun, Great Food
- Beer, Wine, Music , Sports TV
- Outdoor Patios
Sun, Fun, Great Food, Beer, Wine, Music, Sports TV, Outdoor Patios and reasonable prices is what you will find at the world famous Big Dean's Cafe on the Santa Monica Boardwalk. Where nostalgia surrounds you while you relax and sip a beer or have a burger. Bring the children, they are always welcome!
In 1902 Big Dean's Cafe was known as Laring's Lunch Room and was a landmark for years. In 1970's, Big Dean's took over the popular cafe, lifeguards, body builders, bicyclist, jugglers and celebrities such as Cary Grant, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, George C. Scott, Wilt Chamberlain, Evel Knievel and California's governor Jerry Brown, not to mention the current governor Arnold Schwarzenegger .
