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Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe

1615 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 393-2666
Fax: (310) 393-2666
Cross Street:
Windward Avenue
Hours:
Mon 12pm-9pm, Tue-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm

Message from Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe

Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe

Where the locals meet and the fun loving tourists always return.

  • 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 .

Paid advertisement by Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe.

Editorial Review for Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe – by Jeff Fox

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.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

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.

User Reviews for Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe

Citysearch (6), InsiderPages (1 ), Judy's Book (1 ), All (8)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/14/2007 Posted by dwallace3

Just a note to say that I really miss the bar and everyone there. (perhaps the only thing in LA that I miss!) Also would like to say (and pardon me if I repeat myself to some of you) I really miss... T.J. - whom I thought owned the place and whose name was of course Dean, glad he is back working there - just wasn't the same without him his wisecracks and expressive mug Bill- who after my 2 month absence last year remembered my name and favorite brew as soon as he saw me! Joe - who never remembered my name right for the first year or so, who had the greatest voice (should be in theater) that can cut through the din of any bar noise Brad - whose name I never remember right (called him Ed for 6 months) glad I got to see him one last time on one of his rare visits Scott - who shared NASCAR with me on Sundays Dallas - who I called Scott - also a great guy and very funny Chef - great cook and tremendously hard worker Chef's assistant - He seems pretty nice too! Mary-Frances - my dad always said,"You can take a lady to a bar but you'll never met a lady in a bar." Glad to say that not only did a I meet a very nice, beautiful lady in the bar but that she was kind, considerate, hard working and I never heard her use coarse language or even utter a single curse word - but boy she could sure drink a beer like a truck driver!! I know she probably puts up with her share of abuse from the male clientele too but you'd never know it from her ever present smile. A real sweetheart Jeff - the guy that "adopted" me one cold night in December of '05. Thanks for introducing me to the rest of the crew Finally for everyone.I used to work in a place whose logo said"A great little bar in a great big city." I feel like that describes Dean's exactly. Because what makes the place unique to me is the way all of you interact with each other. You guys put on a show for all of us and made us want to be in on the bar with you Thanks for the memories

Pros: The people and atmosphere

Cons: None

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/27/2007 Posted by mollish

I adore Big Dean's. A friend & I discovered it about a year & 1/2 ago and try to go there at least once a month as it is consistently awesome. The staff is great and the bartenders regularly dispense free beer and obviously drink along w/ the patrons. As someone else mentioned, some of the regulars can be kind of skeezy, but they are generally harmless. The only issue I've ever had is that the bar staff is so laid-back that they tend to close up whenever they feel is appropriate...which can be quite early & leaves you needing to find somewhere else to hang out (last time last call was at 10:30pm).

Pros: Amazing staff, right on the beach, relaxed atmosphere

Cons: Early closing time

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Editor's Review

Step in from the sand at this no-fuss alternative to upscale Santa Monica bars.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

Choose from a good number of cheap bottled domestic and import beers, along with two or three types of wine.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Atmospheres

  • Sports Bar
  • Neighborhood
  • Bars

Parking

  • Pay lot

Hours

  • Mon 12pm-9pm
  • Tue-Thu 11am-9pm
  • Fri-Sun 10am-10pm

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • MasterCard

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