James Beach

A Venice Beach haunt that carries on the neighborhood's laid-back, good-time tradition.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Regulars guzzle vodka martinis at the bar, recalling the restaurant's storied '80s past, while the young and beautiful bring the spark of a beach party to the dining room. Neon-lit bathing suits hang from rafters on the quasi-outdoor patio, while soft lighting casts a romantic glow over the more cosmopolitan dining room. Entrees lean toward Americana with a creative twist, like pork chops with grilled peaches, chili grits and collard greens. Room for dessert? Try the warm, homemade chocolate-chip cookies.

05/04/08

Avoid at all cost!!

by LAfoodlvr at Citysearch

First of all if you are not a celebrity or an old rich dude hitting on wh*re looking girls as old as their daughters, then make sure there is more than two people in your party because they will seat you at one of the worst table! For example, a table in front of the restrooms and next to the kitchen so all the servers are constantly bumping against your chair as they are coming in and out. Oh, don't worry they will still give you this crappy table, even if you RSVP. Because I called in advance to RSVP for a booth and look what I got! When you address this issue with the hostess, she couldn't care less and tells you to either sit at the bar next to the old due and wh*re looking girl or wait 40 minutes for the next table. Wow, now that's what I call service! If I didn't know better I thought I was at a fast food joint where there is no such thing as customer service. Now let's talk about the food, it's average. But if you are into overpaying for average food and substandard service then come on over, otherwise avoid at all cost!!

04/21/08

Good food at a decent price, nice bar area, kinda loud

by mkawayoshi at Citysearch

We came here for a birthday dinner for about 10 people on a Saturday night. The bar was pretty crowded and the place was a little loud. The service was a little slow too. The drinks and food was pretty good and the prices not too bad as well. I had the potroast brisket, and tried the trout. All the other dishes looked good. I'd definately eat here again. My friend (who only had drinks) commented that it looked expensive but he was surprised when he heard it was about 20-35 a dish, most were in the mid 20s. The atmosphere is beachy but they try to make it look nice as well. Definately worth a try.

• Pros: good food
• Cons: Might be too loud for a date place

04/08/08

Chocolate Soufle' YUM!!!

by winedine1 at Citysearch

I like James Beach. I wouldn't say it is amazing food but it is good. It is a nice dining atmosphere and the wine selection is nice. I really go for the chocolate souffle'. It is sooooo good! They need about twenty minutes to make it so order it with your entree. It is served hot in a mug with a side of home made whipped cream. I hung out at the bar on the weekends sometimes when I was a bit younger and it was good I guess. People call it "posh" and trendy and whatever else which I really don't get. It's a big Venice crowd which is fine but not so much "posh"!

04/06/08

Great 2nd Chance

by vendude at Citysearch

So, I have not been to James Beach in awhile because I had a not so great experience last time I was there. I took a couple friends from out of town there tonight because it always has been a cool spot to people watch. I have to say I had a great time. The waiter Ryan was much more attentive and pleasant then I remember the wait staff being and the food seems to have improved as well. I had a farfalle pasta with salmon and vodka sauce that was awesome and the artichoke appetizer was perfect with the sauce it is served with. The drinks, as always are too expensive, but where in LA is this not the case? The cookies for dessert were delich. I live in Venice and I had given up on this place ages ago. I have to say, this will be the new spot I entertain at. If you plan on sitting outside though, make sure you leave befofe the Cougars take over by 10.

• Pros: service, food, atmosphere
• Cons: drink prices, parking

01/29/08

Beautiful Brunch

by ShirleySoong at Citysearch

This is by far my favorite place for an amazing brunch. You are greeted my a friendly staff and when you sit down you are given complementary apricot scones (WARM!) with blackberry jam. The greek-blue walls with white table cloths give a laid-back yet classy ambiance. I order the Eggs Benedict! AMAZING you wont regret it!

• Pros: Cheap for a gourmet brunch!
• Cons: Parking is validated but still not free

11/10/07

Avoid at all costs

by scully149 at Citysearch

I've had some awful experiences at this place. To be completely honest however, I've never tried the food, so I won't comment on that aspect of james beach. My primary beef lies with the bartenders and the level of service which they provide, as they are probably the most unresponsive and ignorant servers that I have ever encountered. Unfortunately, this complaint is not directed at any particular bartender, but at the staff as a whole. I have been to this establishment twice, and both times i have been infuriated by the condescending attitude displayed by the servers. Amazingly, the bartenders somehow make the customer (paying ridiculous prices i might add) feel like a nuisance while purchasing drinks. Forgive me if I am mistaken, but it seems that is abnormal. Only visit this establishment if you have the strange desire to be insulted while emptying your wallet on overpriced beverages.

• Pros: Nothing
• Cons: Awful Service

07/17/07

Casual yet posh

by ggerrity at Citysearch

Love coming to James Beach! You can have a beautiful outdoor experience with white lounge chairs surrounding the bar and an inexpensive drink in your hand. I have heard the food is excellent, it is on my to-do list.

• Pros: Ambience
• Cons: Saturday night lines

07/16/07

Fun place to grab a drink with friends

by mandazie at Citysearch

You'll have fun, there's good energy, the bartenders are polite and attentive. Definately a great vibe and feel! The swimtrunk lighting definately makes it. Check it out :)

07/13/07

Great atmosphere, good food, great staff.

by daenerys at Citysearch

I love this place. Although, in the evening, it seems like more of a bar than a restaurant. If you're looking for a later evening quiet meal, this is not the place. Been for lunch, and dinner many times. The food has always been outstanding, although a little on the pricey side. I also have enjoyed the bar on many occasions. The staff is friendly, helpful, knowledgable and attentive. There is no attitude here. I like the mix of people. You've got some snooty SM and some crazy Venice and all different ages. It's a diverse crowd and almost always an interesting night. The atmosphere is great..it's like upscale beachy casual. Where else can you walk in off the beach in flip-flops and dine off of white linen? It can also be a very romantic place for dinner for two. There's also seating for smokers. Just be warned, once night-time kicks in, the bar will pick up. That's just the nature of the beast. Definitely a cool place. One of my all-time favorites.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, good food, interesting and diverse crowd, no posers and no attitude
• Cons: Can get loud in the evening when the bar picks up. A little on the pricey side.