Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe

06/20/2008 Posted by Patti123456

Big Dean's is everything you want a beach bar to be - cold beer, awesome burgers and the most fun wait staff (JEFF!!) We love the front patio, but if it's too crowded - the back patio is tons of fun too. And they just redid it with a beautiful bar! Love Love Love Big Deans!!

Pros: At the beach, staff, burgers, cold beer, wings

Cons: that walk back up the pier afterwards!! lol

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

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

03/02/2007 Posted by hapgoodnew

For being a bar right across the street from one of the biggest tourist attractions in Los Angeles, Big Dean's houses one of the largest bunch of regular customers of any bar I've visited. Dean's is essentially a shack on the boardwalk with an often happening patio our front, a limited inside space, and a more quite and calm sit down area in the back. This isn't one of your bars full of the beautiful people. In fact, the Big Dean's crowd is often some of the least attractive in town, but the staff is friendly, the beers are cold, and the burgers are good and by far and away the cheapest in the area. Be aware that this place gets packed during warm weekends or during the Pier's summer Twilight Dance Series, but that's also when it's the most fun!

Pros: A friendly place to enjoy a beer and a burger at the beach

Cons: Single girls lookout! There are a fair share of sleazballs around

10/30/2006 Posted by taintymellow

been to the pier more than once and noticed the outdoor bar. tried the cheese quesadilla w/ chicken. got my money worth for the taste and customer service. enjoyed myself as this was a cool kick back place to sip on some cold brews and people watch. definetly returning to this spot again for some fun, fun, fun.

Pros: customer service

Cons: restrooms

07/13/2006 Posted by stevesanders

Cheap big macrobrews. Outdoor seating. Friendly waiters. Easy walk from home. Interesting mix of patrons. Enjoyable cheeseburger.

02/23/2006 Posted by abrown1023

Just out to enjoy the day I noticed it was open and serving beer at 11:30, I'm from Texas where you start drinking at noon in public so this was a plus! Beers came in small medium and large, the staff is amazingly friendly, people gather outside, sit beside you if they don't know you, they ask first so that is nice. I didnt get to taste the food but I saw many people ording, bar food, it all looked good. I plan on making it my weekend spot! Highly recommend!

Pros: Close to parking, Close to boardwalk, Outside patio

Cons: One toilet, Got crowded later on