We have the recipe for the perfect Friendsgiving.
All it takes is the company of good friends, a delicious plate of food, some booze and a prime location. Not planning on leaving the westside anytime soon? All good because your Friendsgiving in Santa Monica is going to be the most memorable one yet. We did all the hard work and picked all the best restaurants for you to gather your friends and gear up for some good times ahead.
Photo credit: Maria Sol FB
401 Santa Monica Pier
Have yourselves the best margaritas at the very end of Route 66. The Santa Monica Pier is home to Maria Sol Sunset Cantina - a Mexican kitchen serving food that is reminiscent of the Mexican beach towns of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Dig into plates of fish tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Photo credit: The Craftsman FB
119-121 Broadway
Laid-back vibes with tasty cocktails, delicious bar food, and even better happy hours. The Craftsman is perfect for large groups with its outdoor patio seating, photo booth, shuffleboard table, and board games. Throw back a few drinks and get competitive with your friends. See you downtown!
Photo credit: Fairmont Miramar
101 Wilshire Blvd.
Feeling a little fancy? We've gone through a lot this past year so we all deserve to splurge on ourselves in one way or another. Grab your best pals and make a reservation at Fairmont Miramar Hotel. It's perfect for those friends that are flying into town and are looking to have the complete LA experience. Can you really beat a view like that?
Photo credit: True Food FB
395 Santa Monica Pl S172
The food is never too good to be true. True Food is as good as it gets when it comes to great-tasting food and thoughtfully crafted beverages. Have a friend group that is equally vegetarian as omnivorous? This spot's menu has plates that cater to all eaters - vegetarian, vegan and meat-eats. You can't go wrong here!
Photo credit: The Victorian FB
2640 Main Street
Looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience? The Victorian not only has a charming aesthetic that's perfect for any group photo, but here you can indulge in some upscale cuisines made from locally sourced ingredients. It's the ideal spot for a beautiful evening shared with friends. Stay long enough for the night and watch the inside turn into a full-on dance floor.
256 Santa Monica Pier
Looking for a more casual vibe for Friendsgiving? Gather the crew and head out to Rusty's on the Santa Monica Pier! It's where the sunset meets live music and classic American dining. Hit up the bar for a wide variety of hand-crafted specialty cocktails and chow down on some burgers, fish and chips and plenty more.
Photo credit: Chez Jay Tavern
1657 Ocean Ave.
Backyard hangs just hit different. Chez Jay Tavern is where all good people meet to eat and drink - your crew included! Known as a Santa Monica historic landmark, this is the spot to be on any sunny California day, and we know all too well that Fall in LA is the perfect outdoor weather. Friendsgiving is about to be a good one!
Photo credit: The Albright FB
258 Santa Monica Pier
This meal could be all for you and your friends! The Albright has the ideal location right on the Santa Monica Pier. Blend in with the tourists for a day and make your day as special as it can be. Nice prices, nice view, fresh oysters, lobster rolls - the list goes on. If you have a group that is trying to get their seafood fix before the traditional Thanksgiving meal, then we definitely recommend The Albright.
Photo credit: Elephante FB
1332 2nd St.
This beach house and rooftop bar in one is your ticket to the Southern Mediterranean without having to leave LA. While the light coastal Italian cuisine and drinks are already magical, the ambiance and views of the ocean are enough to make you want to never leave. If you're a fan of pasta, try their Vodka sauce that'll make you forget about Gigi Hadid's recipe.
Photo credit: The Bungalow Santa Monica
101 Wilshire Blvd
With the intention of feeling you're in somebody's home as opposed to a bar, this laidback, retro-style space is a great spot to meet with friends old and new. Equipped with outdoor fire pits, a game room with a pool table, a back garden, and a large main bar, you won't be disappointed with your choice to spend some time here.
