Are you ready to take route 66 to the pier and join us on an epic night out? Well, get prepared to make Santa Monica history. Have fun and be safe!
Despite being a small city, Santa Monica has a couple distinct areas where to post up and drink. For this reason, we tried to include bars in each area. Keep in mind they can be at most a 20-minute walk from each other. If you call a ride your commute will be cut down to five minutes or less.
Stick around until the end for bonus bars!
Want to crawl Venice Beach instead?
Ocean Park
Aww the ocean, you are just a cool breeze away from the night of your life in one of the most happenin’ areas of Los Angeles.
1. The Victorian
My lord, this is one of the got to-hit, must see; night out you try to piece together (but still will never forget), type of bar. The name says it best, The Victorian was a historic Santa Monica Victorian Mansion repurposed to serve the local club scene their favorite poisons.
Take your pick! With multiple levels, there are dance floors, hangouts and plenty memories to be had. Just south of downtown Santa Monica in the Ocean Park district, when you first arrive you will be struck by the Victorian’s white picket fence charm. Despite the ragger ensuing any weekend night, it almost feels like you are walking into someone’s home when you arrive. I guess in this case, we can call it a frat house. Pro Tip: Also, consider checking out this spot for its Mediterranean style food.
Bar Highlights: Historic building. College Bar. Dance Floors.
Suggest Drink: The Flying Bull Sour
2. Jameson’s Pub
Now maybe I am just a sucker for an Irish pub, but this is actually your spot for college life and loud music. Locals love the spot, so of course it is on First Time Visiting’s List. Jameson’s Pub is at the corner of Main and Hill St. From the outside the pub does give off the old town Irish tavern charm, but once you make your way inside you will notice that the place is quite grand. A large bar area takes up the center of the room, providing plenty of space for the house to serve tons of drinks. The floor around the bar is also a pretty good size, but that doesn’t mean this place won’t get packed on a Friday night. Best to arrive earlier if you want to find a table. Once you had a few whiskeys, Irish coffees or Bulmers remember it’s not time for an Irish goodbye because we got to stick together and head to the next bar… this time with a little more California vibe. Have fun!
Bar Highlights: Classic Irish Pub Vibe,
Suggest Drink: Gold Rush!
Downtown
We up beat, not up tight! Leave the paper work at the office and loosen’ up that tie!
3. Cabo Cantina
If you are on Third Street Promenade you got to hit the Cabo Cantina. As one of their most popular locations, you’ll want to be sure to sip a few Margs with the gals here. Cabo Cantinas can be found all over LA, but because this is on the 3rd street promenade, we think this might be one of their best locations. Late at night people will gravitate towards ocean avenue, but on weekends the restaurants and bars on the Promenade stay open later. There is a large outdoor seating area in the front which will allow you and your friends to enjoy the California Ocean breeze. Going inside, the tiki theme will inspire your thirst for a tequila or margarita.
Bar Highlights: Sports Bar,
Suggest Drink: The Cancun, Hawaiian Margarita is Bomb! But check out this gigantic list of custom Margs!
4. The Bungalow
Yes, everyone knew it, but yes if you are doing a Bar Crawl in Santa Monica you must, I mean must, check out the Bungalow. On a slow day this is a lively place to shoot them back… When it’s Poppin’ this place puts the spring in Spring break. The place is large enough to host several hundred people. There are numerous rooms and chill areas. Mingle with the local crowd, play ping pong or find a nice seat with an ocean view. There is also large tables inside so that you can host a number of your friends. This is a daytime favorite for many due to its location right next to the beach and earthy vibe. At night, The Bungalow comes alive and the party roars on. Your bar crawl in Santa Monica would not be complete without visiting The Bungalow.
Bar Highlights: Indoor-Outdoor, Views of Pacific Ocean, Games, Popular College Bar.
Suggest Drink: Squeeze My Lemon
Mid-City
We been in Mid-City
gettin’ busy
Poppin’ White Claws.. They a lil Fizzy
5. The Gaslite
You may need to catch an uber for this one but trust me when I say it’s the perfect night cap for your SAMMO Bar Crawl. I’m not saying were saving the best for last, but this place really had me singing bohemian rhapsodies like I deserve a Grammy. This Karoke bar is the perfect spot to end you night out and has even been known to host singers like pop star Jewel! Open late be sure to stop by and warm up the vocals so your Santa Monica Bar Crawl can go out with a BANG!
Located in Mid-City Santa Monica you may need to catch a ride from Ocean Avenue, the walk is around 20 minutes from The Bungalow. The journey is worth it, when you arrive at the Gaslite you will be greeted by locals performing their best rendition of their favorite sing along. The energy here is always upbeat and the drinks are fairly priced. Open late, be sure to put your name on the list for the stage, who knows you might just sign a record deal by the end of the night.
Bar Highlights: Karaoke, Dancing, Dive Bar.
Suggest Drink: Shot of Tequilla, because it’s time to get on stage!
Nothing more California than an ice cold drink in the sand.
Conclusion
Santa Monica is one of the best places to go out in Los Angeles. There are three distinct areas we suggest going out in this article (Ocean Park, Downtown and Mid City). Whether you drink Tequlia, whiskey or vodka these bars have got a drink for you. So, when you find yourself washed ashore in Santa Monica be sure to check out these spots and tag us in your best photos!
Bonus points
Okay so you have made it this far and we want to reward you for sticking around. We know that Santa Monica is Lit, no cap, but consider these nearby by bars too!
Bonus Point 1. Mom’s - Sawtelle
Mom’s is a cool little club that almost seems like a speak easy from the outside. When the door opens you will know why we sent you here. Entering you will be immediately greeted by the DJ and dance floor, which is always going off on the weekends. The narrow bar leads back to a lounge with leather couches that creates a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a drink and chat with your friends between dances.
Bonus Point 2. The Brig - Venice
The Brig is located on Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice and is a popular weekend spot with the local community. The massive outdoor patio and bar is always packed late night and the open seating promotes an inclusive feel t. Inside the DJ gets to work on making a lively dance floor while others play pool. Service is prompt and always friendly.
