The Sidewalk Cafe
The Best Place To People Watch InL.A. Happy Hour And Live Music.
(310) 399-5547
1401 Ocean Front Walk
Venice,
CA
90291
33.9879
-118.4745
Neighborhoods: Venice, West LA
What People Are Saying About The Sidewalk Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Since 1976, beachgoers, skaters, tourists and locals have clamored for outdoor tables under the big red awning overlooking the bustling boardwalk. Bikini-clad hotties, roller-skating guitar players and dreadlocked performance artists make for a compelling floor show during dinner hours. Servers are laidback, but available and friendly.
The Food
The menu is as eclectic as the scene, with satisfying basics like veggie-filled omelets, marinara-drenched pastas or overstuffed burritos. The crisp Chinese chicken salad (the Andy Warhol) is a meal itself, chock-full of shredded iceberg lettuce, tender white meat, crunchy noodles and tangy-sweet sesame dressing. Enormous burgers are smothered in just about anything; the Charles Dickens oozes with sauteed mushrooms, bacon and cheddar cheese. Bar food favorites like a mound of nachos or spicy chicken wings go down easily with a spicy, homemade bloody mary, a cold Corona or a pitcher of sangria.
User Reviews
nic_331
November 20, 2008
if you're visiting from out of town or if you're entertaining guests from out of town, i can't think of a better place to have a few drinks and take in the Venice scene than sidewalk cafe. The patio is right on the boardwalk so you can order some bloody marys and watch all the characters stroll by. sometimes the street performers will do their comedy skits or play music right in front of the patio area for a captive audience, so it almost feels like a theater. the food is good and the portions are big. the service is friendly, and there's a place to lock up your bikes right outside the front door. the only drawback is that you're sitting really close to other tables and it gets hot under that awning, but if you're not neurotic about that like me, then it's great.
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stylus800
October 27, 2008
Ok so not that I'm an alcoholic or anything but me and my hubby prefer to eat dinner at the bar area where ever we go to eat, simply for the entertainment factor! I must say that last month we went to the sidewalk cafe bar for dinner. The bartender was a rather large young man with the goofiest personality EVER! after greeting us immediately he asked where we were from and told us he'd be our BFF by the end of the night. With any other bartender talking to us the way he was and entertaining us my husband would have gotten slightly jealous, but the way he involved both of us, and others around us in his jokes we felt like we were long time regulars. before we left he told us what nights he worked and invited us back! We HIGHLY recommend the bar at the sidewalk cafe.
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snuzan
June 27, 2008
Eggs Benedict prepared by Lucy on a Sunday morning. Catch a game with a Spicy Bloody Mary. Watch the sun go down and the world of Venice go by. The menu is always evolving with new and fresh ideas, but still keeping your consistant favorites. It will always be delicious and fun!
read full reviewThe Details on The Sidewalk Cafe
Parking:
On the weekends, it's impossible to find street parking so rely on the more expensive, but necessary, lots.
Save Money:
Monday through Friday, 4pm-7pm, get specials on draft beer and well drinks, as well as bar nibbles.
Where to Sit:
If outdoor seating is full, the bar inside is great for a game of pool or just to hang out.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Waterfront Dining, View Dining, Breakfast, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
