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Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
Beer Garden and American Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica
"The BEST day drinking spot in Santa Monica."(2 Tips)
"Great little spot right by the Santa Monica pier."(2 Tips)
"The best chicken Nachos of LIFE!!!!"(2 Tips)
"Hands down - the Best Burger on the Westside!"(11 Tips)
57 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Added in September of ‘17, the back patio has a fresh brewed strait from the brewery tap of Bud Light. It’s the best tasting tap beer I’ve had outside of the beer during a brewery tour.
Jessica OlderSeptember 25, 2018Lovely location opposite pier, friendly non pushy service, great cheeseburger and there wings were amazing! Great chilled little spot for lunch and drinks
Kathy ShapiroJune 14, 2018The captain’s platter, the cheeseburgers, everything is great here. The atmosphere is eclectic and the drinks are great! Absolutely love this place.
A west-coast haven for displaced Giants fans! A hidden gem right under the pier, basically on the beach. Wear your jersey on Sunday and join in on the "New York Super Bowl Bound Giants!" chants.
One of the few remaining original Santa Monica spots. They’ve done a good job preserving its soul and local appeal. Great for people watching, a cold beer, and good bar food! Exceptional staff!
Brad KleinApril 27, 2022Solid beachfront vibes. Post up at the bar in sun and get a large draft half Mango Cart / half Big Wave!
- If your going to have more than one beer, ask to reuse your cup! 🍻
- Andrea D'AmbrosioJanuary 20, 2016Great little spot right by the Santa Monica pier. Awesome beer choices, friendly staff and wonderful atmosphere
- If you’ve never been, or it’s been awhile, check out the new Big Deans Beach Blonde locally brewed by Golden Road.
Arnie PanameñoApril 2, 2017This place is bitching. They play awesome music and the beer size is massive!
- Always go the the "large" or "tall" option when asked by your bartender.
Meg FarmerJanuary 18, 2015Grab drinks with friends in this hidden spot near the pier. Sunshine, drinks, warm weather = can't go wrong
Quinn WagemanJune 24, 2010Casually hanging out back in the patio, downing a few beers over decent bar food, and watching some sports in beautiful weather. One of the top spots in Santa Monica!
great place to watch Football, drinks some beers, always a great time at Dean's!
Awesome spot to hangout with giant beers. Pass on the fries.
Hang out all day and see how many tacos and beers you can consume.
Beer Shots! 8 ounces of beer down the hatch all at once. Race your friends and ridicule the loser mercilessly. Finish it off with very reasonably priced bar munchies
Brent MillerMay 19, 2017A David Byrne song and a Talking Heads song in one visit?! This must be the place!
Matt ZApril 11, 2023At some point they should turn on the heat lamps. They have them but don’t use them.
Shannon CoulsonAugust 11, 2014The food is super good, but bugs will bite your feet through the whole meal.
MadeehaOctober 9, 2011Make sure you say hi to the hottie behind the bar commonly referred to as "Danny"
Best hangover cure is at Big Dean's! Fish Tacos and 32oz Fat Tire!!
- The BEST day drinking spot in Santa Monica. 22oz Primo bottles for $6- I'm in love :)
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Welcome to Big Dean’s Oceanfront Café on Santa Monica Boardwalk, where the "locals" meet and the "fun loving" tourist always return!
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Tue–Thu
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Sat
- 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Sun
- 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
(310) 393-2666
Features
Reservations
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
Yes
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar Snacks
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 9.4
"Beautiful scenery, generally very clean, toilets and an easy walk from parking near Third Street or off the PCH."
Katherine Coles - 8.4
"Classic SAnta MOnica joint. Cozy but, nice. Everything walkable before or after."
Joseph C - 9.2
"A little dumpy and can get crowded but you definitely get a fun, nostalgic vibe. Rent a bike and go to Santa Monica"
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