LIFE ’ SAB EACH AND THEN YOU DINE BENIHANA-For more than 40 years Benihana chefs have been cooking up a feast on the hibachi grill. Steak, chicken, seafood and vegetables are all prepared teppan-style "right before your eyes". Start your meal with a sushi appetizer, then relax and enjoy the show while sipping exotic cocktails served in collectible ceramic mugs. Open every day for lunch and dinner, valet parking nightly at the corner of 4th and Broadway. 1447 4th St., between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 260-1423.
BIG DEAN’S CAFE-Where the ‘locals’ meet and the ‘fun-loving’ tourists always return! Come enjoy our highly acclaimed beach fare, beer, and wine at the best people watching place on the beach. Music, satellite sports, 2 outdoor patios, and smoking allowed. This nostalgic eatery has been here since 1902! The prices are reasonable and children are welcome. Now serving breakfast. Also serving lunch and dinner. 1615 Ocean Front, Santa Monica. (310) 393-2666.
BRITANNIA PUB-This English pub has a traditional charm with a Californian flair. Traditional British breakfast is served all day long along with all your American favorites. Fish & Chips (our biggest seller) is a must try along with Bangers & Mash and Shepherds Pie or go American with our assortment of appetizers, bur-gers, salads, soups and sandwiches. We also serve our own hand cut fries. Join us after the restaurant closes for Quiz night, Karaoke and DJ nights. We now have a late night menu available 10pm-1:30am. Outdoor patio, pool table, full bar, Gold Award from Guinness. Hours: 11am-10pm Monday-Friday, 9:30am-10pm Saturday and Sunday. 318 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 458-5350.
CASA ESCOBAR-This family owned institution in Santa Monica has been serving excellent fare since 1965. A friendly bar and dinner house frequented by the "locals" and tourists alike. We feature the best Mexican dishes in town. Among the favorites are the crispy beef tacos, spinach enchiladas and our house-cut NY Strip steaks on the grill. Our full bar is home of the famous Casa Escobar Margarita-a winner! While at the bar, enjoy our classic piano bar along with cable TV. Valet Parking available. All major credit cards. Open lunch and dinner. 2500 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 828-1315.
OVERUNDER SPORTS GRILL-Located on the corner of 14th Street and Santa Monica Blvd., OVERUNDER features 12 draft beers and a fine selection of wine making it a great place to watch any and all of your favorite teams. The house specialty is the Philadelphia cheese steak. OVERUNDER also offers great burgers, salads, Mexican food and more. OVERUNDER is the viewing home for the Cleveland Browns and strongly supports the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, and Kings. Frequent food and beer specials are also offered at OVERUNDER Sports Grill. All football, baseball, and basketball games are televised via satellite for every team. 1348 14th Street, Santa Monica. (310) 576-9913.
PANINI GARDEN-This authentic European eatery serves traditional Italian and French style food. Panin style sandwiches grilled on a cast-iron panini grill that seals all the savory flavors inside a bread envelope of your choice, from very soft and thin like the tramezzini, soft and crispy for the al forno and crusty for the rustico. A large selection of meats and cheeses, organic produce, fresh and healthy combinations of menu items to enjoy everyday have made PANINI GARDEN the local's favorite. In addition, delicious crepes are served all day, for breakfast or just dessert, it is always a treat. The setting is quiet in the lavender garden with the burbling fountain. Hours: 8am-9pm Sunday-Thursday, 8am-10:30pm Friday and Saturday. 2715 Main Street, Santa Monica. (310) 399-9939.
THE GALLEY-Come and visit Captain Ron Schur and the others as you rediscover service! Specializing in everything from steaks to the best in seafood. Come see this fun & fantastic place that has been around since 1934. Open for lunch on the weekends and dinner daily. Great patio dining is offered not to mention the memories created as the jukebox plays all your favorite songs. We also have our famous “Mermaid” room available for all your wild party events! Hours: 5pm-until Capt. Ron gets tired Monday-Friday, noon-until the party stops Saturday and Sunday. 2442 Main Street, Santa Monica. (310) 452-1934.
THE OMELETTE PARLOR-For 28 years The Omelette Parlor has been offering the finest in breakfast fare. With high fluffy omelettes, super sandwiches, and the freshest of salads, it’s more than breakfast. Enjoy your day on our garden patio and experience the friendliness of service. Quality and value prevail forever at The Omelette Parlor. We open everyday at 6am. Come early! Hours: 6am-2:30pm Monday-Friday, 6am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. 2732 Main Street, Santa Monica. (310) 399-7892.
THE SLICE-A true neighborhood pizzeria serving authentic New York pizza & buffalo wings. We also offer a selection of hot & cold subs, pastas and salads. You can also create your own calzone. Eat in, take out, or delivery. Catering is available. Hours: open daily 11am-9pm. Visit one of our three locations: 915 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 451-7542, 1622 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 399-4060, 13151 Fountain Park Drive, Playa Vista (310) 437-7499.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 20, 2005. Read the original PDF.