Chez Jay, the legendary Santa Monica restaurant designated as a Historic Landmark, will celebrate its 66th anniversary on Aug. 9 with an all-day celebration from 3 p.m. to midnight.
The nautically-themed establishment, located on Route 66 (Ocean Avenue) just half a block south of the Santa Monica Pier, has been a celebrity hangout and neighborhood institution since opening in 1959. The restaurant continues to thrive as many longtime Los Angeles restaurants close.
The anniversary celebration features three distinct experiences:
Free Entertainment runs from 3-10 p.m. in the adjacent parking lot, dubbed "The Lot." Live music until 9:30 p.m. will feature covers of The Beach Boys, Motown, jazz and oldies hits. The event includes a retro "Route 66" classic car display, a mini Chez Jay museum with memorabilia and historic photographs, and an interactive "Rumor Has It" video booth. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Legend's Lounge operates from 4 p.m. to midnight in "The Backyard" outdoor space. Ticket holders get exclusive access from 4-10 p.m. to lounge seating and light bites for $50 per person, plus cash bar. The lounge opens to the public from 10 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are available through Chez Jay's website or Resy.
Prix-Fixe Dinner runs from 4-10 p.m. (last seating at 10 p.m.) inside the historic dining room and bar for $66 per person. The three-course meal features signature dishes including Butter Steak, Sand Dabs Sauté Almondine, the return of Linguine & Clams, and Chez Jay's "Original" Clam Chowder. The meal includes Sticky Toffee Pudding with ice cream and a glass of Jay's House Champagne. With only 10 tables and 12 bar seats, reservations are expected to fill quickly. Tickets are available through Chez Jay's website or Resy.
The restaurant's storied history includes visits from Marilyn Monroe and JFK, serving as a meeting place for the Pentagon Papers transfer, hosting jazz sessions with luminaries like Chet Baker, and providing a paparazzi-free environment where celebrities mingled with locals.
Originally founded by Jay Fiondella, who purchased the struggling "Dawn Cafe" for $1, Chez Jay is one of Los Angeles' oldest, longest-running, family-owned independent restaurants. Current co-owners are Michael Anderson and his son Chris Anderson.
Edited by SMDP Staff