Santa Monica Shopping/dining
Jan 7th, 2004, 09:57 AM
#2
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Depends on what you're looking for. A lot of people will tell you Third Street Promenade for shopping-- but it's basically the same stores you'll see in every better mall in the US (including the one at the END of the Promenade, Santa Monica Place). You go there for the parade of people and street performers, a few good restaurants with sidewalk seating, and a Banana Republic mother ship store.
Main Street, a mile south of the Promenade, has the funky boutiques going for it (including Betsey Johnson's joint), some great restaurants (Chinois on Main, Amuse and Chaya Venice in Venice Beach), and a gritty "urban beach" vibe.
Montana Avenue, a mile north of the Promenade, is more genteel, with slightly classier places and little noshy eateries for the Ladies Who Lunch on the Westside.
Restaurants go all over the place in SM-- what do you and your daughter like? I could list any number of good places here (I've worked here since '88, and my office looks out on the SM Pier-- I'm looking at it right now). Post back with some preferences, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of recos.
Main Street, a mile south of the Promenade, has the funky boutiques going for it (including Betsey Johnson's joint), some great restaurants (Chinois on Main, Amuse and Chaya Venice in Venice Beach), and a gritty "urban beach" vibe.
Montana Avenue, a mile north of the Promenade, is more genteel, with slightly classier places and little noshy eateries for the Ladies Who Lunch on the Westside.
Restaurants go all over the place in SM-- what do you and your daughter like? I could list any number of good places here (I've worked here since '88, and my office looks out on the SM Pier-- I'm looking at it right now). Post back with some preferences, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of recos.
Jan 7th, 2004, 10:16 AM
#3
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Well, we definitly would prefer the more "funky" unique places to shop. Would like to come home with something different. Although some of the "main line" shops would interest us as we're from Canada.
We're pretty laid back and prefer more fun, casual places to dine. Love seafood and sushi. Sipping margaritas & people watching sounds great to both of us!!We will not have a vehicle there, so walking will be out main transport (& cabs). Hoping the weather will warm at that time so we can spend some time at the beach.
recommendations??
We're pretty laid back and prefer more fun, casual places to dine. Love seafood and sushi. Sipping margaritas & people watching sounds great to both of us!!We will not have a vehicle there, so walking will be out main transport (& cabs). Hoping the weather will warm at that time so we can spend some time at the beach.
recommendations??
Jan 7th, 2004, 10:25 AM
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The original "Shabby Chic" shop is in Santa Monica. These women originated the concept and still sell furniture as well as fabrics that have that loved-in worn look. It's on the main drag but don't recall where. I think it's called Shabby Chic. A fun shop.
Jan 7th, 2004, 10:31 AM
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Hmmmm.... The area around the Promenade is most central to everything cool in the SM area, so I guess you should focus there. February tends to be cool for us, but you might find it quite nice (60s and 70s during the day, plunging to the 40s and 50s at night). This weekend, we'll have daytime highs in the 70s, but it's still winter, so who knows?
Without a car, Main Street is a fairly long walk-- but there are cabs as well as Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus line, which is actually quite convenient. When you get to your hotel, the concierge can help you with travel options.
The whole southern California area offers surprisingly affordable good restaurants. But for good seafood, you should focus on the higher-end joints. If you can splurge for one night, Ocean Ave. Seafood is the best seafood eatery on the Westside. Next door is Sushi Roku, an LA-based sushi bar chain-- supposed to be good. Frankly, you can't swing a California Roll without hitting a sushi bar in this area, so you'll have a wide choice.
For killer margaritas, Border Grill on Fourth St. is a pretty happening place-- and it serves good Mexican-inspired haute cuisine. Yankee Doodle's on the Promenade is a local watering hole with pool tables and a sports-bar vibe; they serve standard-issue bar food, but it's still fun.
Without a car, Main Street is a fairly long walk-- but there are cabs as well as Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus line, which is actually quite convenient. When you get to your hotel, the concierge can help you with travel options.
The whole southern California area offers surprisingly affordable good restaurants. But for good seafood, you should focus on the higher-end joints. If you can splurge for one night, Ocean Ave. Seafood is the best seafood eatery on the Westside. Next door is Sushi Roku, an LA-based sushi bar chain-- supposed to be good. Frankly, you can't swing a California Roll without hitting a sushi bar in this area, so you'll have a wide choice.
For killer margaritas, Border Grill on Fourth St. is a pretty happening place-- and it serves good Mexican-inspired haute cuisine. Yankee Doodle's on the Promenade is a local watering hole with pool tables and a sports-bar vibe; they serve standard-issue bar food, but it's still fun.
Jan 7th, 2004, 10:52 AM
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Ocean is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Just love it.
Down by the multi level mall (where Macy's is) there is a wonderful deli. Can't think of the name of it. It is on 3rd street on the corner right across from the entrance of that mall. That deli is awesome. I had lunch there one day at the counter, where you can see all the action going on. Then dragged my H there the next day for breakfast. Busy place but great deli food. And deli prices.
Have fun. I love Santa Monica. Walking the pier on a Saturday is a kick too. Lots of people watching.
On top of the Radisson is a bar, also can't think of the name. Wonderful views of Malibu. It is on the 20th floor maybe. Great place to have a drink at sunset. But get there early cause others have the same idea.
Down by the multi level mall (where Macy's is) there is a wonderful deli. Can't think of the name of it. It is on 3rd street on the corner right across from the entrance of that mall. That deli is awesome. I had lunch there one day at the counter, where you can see all the action going on. Then dragged my H there the next day for breakfast. Busy place but great deli food. And deli prices.
Have fun. I love Santa Monica. Walking the pier on a Saturday is a kick too. Lots of people watching.
On top of the Radisson is a bar, also can't think of the name. Wonderful views of Malibu. It is on the 20th floor maybe. Great place to have a drink at sunset. But get there early cause others have the same idea.
Jan 7th, 2004, 11:16 AM
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The deli at Third and Broadway is (oddly enough) Broadway Deli! Heavens, you now have me wanting to go grab a sandwich there for lunch...! It IS really good.
The bar at the top of the (Radisson) Huntley Hotel is Toppers. Great views, a fave of the Happy Hour crowds around here (this area is the corporate center of Santa Monica).
The bar at the top of the (Radisson) Huntley Hotel is Toppers. Great views, a fave of the Happy Hour crowds around here (this area is the corporate center of Santa Monica).
Jan 7th, 2004, 02:52 PM
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That Holiday Inn is an acceptable property with a pretty good location: a block east on Colorado from the Santa Monica Pier. You're also close to three higher-end restaurants: Ivy at the Shore, Il Fornaio della Spiaggia and (a long block south on Ocean) Capo, one of the best-kept secrets of Italian eateries in the LA area.
My first choice in Santa Monica is the (Fairmont) Miramar. Spectacular, but very expensive. The Georgian would be next, if mostly for the Art Déco architecture (although the hotel itself is supposed to be quite nice). But you'll be fine at the Holiday Inn.
My first choice in Santa Monica is the (Fairmont) Miramar. Spectacular, but very expensive. The Georgian would be next, if mostly for the Art Déco architecture (although the hotel itself is supposed to be quite nice). But you'll be fine at the Holiday Inn.
Jan 7th, 2004, 08:58 PM
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rjw--a question. Have you been to Toppers lately. I was there a few years ago when it has been newly remodeled. I have to say I was not impressed. The crowd was young and the food was terrible.
But, this was a few years ago, and the view remained incredible, and I suppose for a margarita at sunset, you can't beat it.
Is it a place where you would take someone for dinner?
But, this was a few years ago, and the view remained incredible, and I suppose for a margarita at sunset, you can't beat it.
Is it a place where you would take someone for dinner?
Jan 8th, 2004, 06:52 AM
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Hi Alisa! You know, I really only have gone to Toppers for the view and a drink or two-- I think I had appetizers there once (to celebrate my old boss' engagement-- and she's still married, so it must have worked!! 
). But no, I wouldn't take someone there for dinner. It gets a youngish Happy Hour crowd most nights.
What kind of food? How much do you want to spend? Ocean Ave. Seafood (there I go again!) or I. Cugini are both wonderful, and they're both a short walk down from the Huntley. Any thoughts...?
). But no, I wouldn't take someone there for dinner. It gets a youngish Happy Hour crowd most nights.What kind of food? How much do you want to spend? Ocean Ave. Seafood (there I go again!) or I. Cugini are both wonderful, and they're both a short walk down from the Huntley. Any thoughts...?
Jan 8th, 2004, 11:13 PM
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Hi RJW!
I actually live on the Westside so I am familiar with the restaurants in the area. Wanted to get your take on Toppers. Have you tried Warsawa on Lincoln? It is a great polish restaurant-great vodka and bacon-wrapped plum appetizers. Not high-class cuisine but I love it.
Thanks for the reply.
I actually live on the Westside so I am familiar with the restaurants in the area. Wanted to get your take on Toppers. Have you tried Warsawa on Lincoln? It is a great polish restaurant-great vodka and bacon-wrapped plum appetizers. Not high-class cuisine but I love it.
Thanks for the reply.
Jan 9th, 2004, 05:57 AM
#15
snshine,
Another good area to go would be along Abbot Kinney (off of Main Street) in Venice. Wonderful local artisans with shops and great little restaurants. For example, if you like interesting tile, a great place is Tugend Tile, where they make handcrafted tiles, along with Malibu reproductions, and unique Mexican tile. There's also Ten Women Venice (tenwomen.com) with a variety of local crafts.
For food, there's Lilly's (good French) and Joe's (upscale American). Also, Prima's or something like that -- these three are all in a row.
The S.M. Blue Bus (no. 2, I think) will take you down Main Street to Abbott Kinney, the number 1 goes from Santa Monica Place all down Main Street, and the number 3 will take you up Montana avenue (and all of those wonderful shops and restaurants) to Brentwood. Google Santa Monica Blue Bus to find out their routes.
Hope this helps.
Another good area to go would be along Abbot Kinney (off of Main Street) in Venice. Wonderful local artisans with shops and great little restaurants. For example, if you like interesting tile, a great place is Tugend Tile, where they make handcrafted tiles, along with Malibu reproductions, and unique Mexican tile. There's also Ten Women Venice (tenwomen.com) with a variety of local crafts.
For food, there's Lilly's (good French) and Joe's (upscale American). Also, Prima's or something like that -- these three are all in a row.
The S.M. Blue Bus (no. 2, I think) will take you down Main Street to Abbott Kinney, the number 1 goes from Santa Monica Place all down Main Street, and the number 3 will take you up Montana avenue (and all of those wonderful shops and restaurants) to Brentwood. Google Santa Monica Blue Bus to find out their routes.
Hope this helps.
Jan 9th, 2004, 06:42 AM
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Alisa: Haven't had a chance to try Warsawa yet. I've heard lots of raves about it, so it's on my list!
hofstra: Wherever it was, it's long gone. I'm wondering if it might have been where Toppers is now (in the Radisson Huntley).
hofstra: Wherever it was, it's long gone. I'm wondering if it might have been where Toppers is now (in the Radisson Huntley).
Jan 9th, 2004, 02:13 PM
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WE didn't eat at Toppers either. Actually we did one morning for breakfast and it was fine. We mainly went there for a martini and view on the north side. The view is AWESOME and the cocktails cold. Then we walked down to Ocean for a wonderful seafood dinner. Then back to Toppers for a night cap. H and I loved watching the crowd or young hip professionals and trying to guess what each person did for a living. We had a good time.
