The likes of Swingers kick it up a notch at night
CITYWIDE — The real party starts after the bars and clubs close.
The intermittent restaurants that stay open into the early morning hours are some of the hot-spots in Santa Monica where bar hoppers and clubbers choose to let off steam after a night of partying hard.
Though hardly the Westside’s city that never sleeps, Santa Monica — from Jack in the Box to Swingers to Norms Restaurant — still has its share of late-night dining options.
Izzy’s Deli at 1433 Wilshire Blvd. is a senior citizen favorite during the day, a destination for young professionals at night.
Open 24 hours, the restaurant has been a hot-spot for celebrity sightings during the late night hours with stars like John Travolta, Jason Patrick and the late Chris Penn, said Izzy’s Deli Night Manager Jimmy Stats.
“His brother, Sean (Penn) used to come in quite a bit before he moved to Northern California,” Stats said.
The restaurant tends to liven up after midnight and die down around 3:30 a.m., when even the late-night diners typically call it a night. Izzy’s menu includes numerous entree options, but the most popular items late at night come from the breakfast menu.
For cheap eats, late-night diners like to pay a visit to Tommy’s Original World Famous, 1900 Lincoln Blvd., to feast on the famous chilli-topped monster burgers alongside a mountain of chili cheese fries. The burger and fries often appeal to partyers who just spent the lion’s share of their night downing spirits.
After the dinner crowds disperses, Swingers at 802 Broadway becomes one of the hippest places to late-night wine in dine in the city. The restaurant attracts a younger crowd — mid-to late-20s — who like the fact the restaurant is open until 3 a.m. during the weekend and 2 a.m. on weekdays.
“Night and day here are completely different,” said Supervisor Katie Kocis.
The restaurant is a favorite for customers who just soaked up the bar and club scene and want to feast at Swinger’s, where waffles is a favorite late-night selection.
“They’re always a favorite of drunkards at night,” Kocis said.
At night, the ambiance of Swingers changes, as the lights dim and the music is turned up.
“The diner has kind of a funky neighborhood cafe feel, but at the same time, has an edgy feel,” Kocis said.
When the clock struck 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, 41-year-old David Martell waltzed into one of his favorite late-night spots, taking a seat at the Swingers counter. Martell had arrived from the Wiltern Theatre, where he saw a concert by Cheap Trick, and decided Swingers was the perfect place to top off a rockin’ evening.
The Santa Monica resident frequents Swingers about once a week, chatting up the waitresses and enjoying the local scene.
Martell’s favorite waitress, or his “fiancé” as he affectionately calls her, asked him what he would like to order.
“The world is my oyster,” he replied with a smile.
Martell opts for some hot chocolate. “I wanted to come and decompress rather than go home,” Martell said.
“I wanted to come and decompress rather than go home.” — DAVID MARTELL SWINGERS CUSTOMERS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2006. Read the original PDF.