04/16/09

I come all the way from New Zealand just to visit Big Deans

by kiwidave

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.

• Pros: Great people watching, great fresh food, cheap beer and winn
• Cons: None

10/11/08

I Like the Place

by HowardE

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.

10/07/08

Great atmosphere, patrons and staff

by Rob3

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."

• Pros: Atmosphere, staff, food, people
• Cons: none