Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

There’s something beautifully unpretentious about Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe. Tucked into a stretch of Santa Monica Beach just steps from the iconic pier, this outdoor bar has managed to stay refreshingly local despite its prime location. While tourists flow past on their way to the promenade, regulars settle in for cold beers and warm California sunshine.

The menu won’t surprise you, and that’s entirely the point. This is classic beach bar food done right—the kind of honest pub fare that tastes even better when you’ve spent the day catching waves or soaking up rays without enough sunscreen. Pair it with one of their reasonably priced drinks and you’ve got yourself a proper beach day.

The real star here is the atmosphere. Big Dean’s embraces a wonderfully weird and rowdy energy that feels authentically Santa Monica. The mostly outdoor setup means you’re practically dining on the sand, with an endless parade of boardwalk characters providing world-class people-watching entertainment. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared pitchers.

If you’re looking for a spot to catch a game after a day at the beach, or simply want to experience LA’s laid-back surf culture without the pretense, Big Dean’s delivers exactly what you need. Come for the cheap drinks, stay for the vibes, and don’t forget to toast to another perfect California sunset.