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Dining on the Santa Monica Pier

 

Dining on the Santa Monica Pier can be a fun, enjoyable and well diverse experience. There are dozens of choices of where to eat when visiting the Santa Monica Pier, from high end,  to cheap, from Romantic to something for the family. One thing almost every eatery has in common with each other on the pier is that upon getting your food, where ever you sit you will be treated to spectacular views of the ocean, beaches and Santa Monica Mountains. 

 

Bubba Gumps

Bubba Gumps is a seafood restaurant situated on the north facing side of the pier. It is the first most prominent structure visitors will see on the right hand side when entering the pier off of Ocean Ave. For those in the know, yes, this is chain restaurant that is only found in the tourist areas of America, like Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios, and Times Square NY. However their meals and unlimited variations of shrimp are good, the atmosphere is fun and the views looking north along the beach and into the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu can’t be beat.  

 

The Lobster

The Lobster is located at the very foot of the pier and is most visible along Ocean Avenue. The Lobster is somewhat of an upscale restaurant that features a variety of more higher priced plates such as sea bass, salmon, shrimp cocktails and steaks. The clientele at the Lobster tend to be more of the LA/Santa Monica business crowd vs. the tourist family set. However those looking to see the Pier and enjoy a higher end menu will appreciate the Lobster. The restaurant also features a bar overlooking the north end of the Santa Monica Bay and beaches.  

 

Mariasol Cocina Mexican Restaurant

Located at the very end of the Santa Monica Pier on its far western tip is the Mariasol Cocina Mexican Restaurant.  A traditional Mexican dining experience the menu includes enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas and nachos. In addition they also serve an extensive kids menu that includes Hamburgers and even calamari for those looking for a seafood treat. As Marasol Cocina is at the far end of the pier, the views are tremendous of the Pacific Ocean giving diners 180 observations from Malibu down to Venice Beach. 

 

Soda Jerk

For those visitors to the Santa Monica Pier looking for quite the tasty treat, you have to check out Soda Jerk. Located at the base of the pier in the Carousel building, Soda Jerk serves up daily a variety of tasty fountain soda specialties mixed with a variety of tasty ice creams as well as a broad choice of ice cream sundaes. Prepared by servers who wear 1950s uniforms that take you back in time to when sundaes and cream sodas were a common and popular treat, Soda Jerk serves up a delicious tasty snack that can be taken on to the pier or enjoyed while family members ride the indoor Merry Go Round that is adjacent.  

 

Quick Bites Along the Pier

For explorers of the pier looking for just a fast bite, the Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of quick meals and snacks that don’t involve a sit down meal. All along the pier are kiosks and stalls that sale Carmel popcorn, cotton candy and churros. In addition there are stalls near Pan Pacific Park that feature funnel cakes. There is also a Coffee Bean at the mid point of the pier near the entrance to Pan Pacific Park.  

 

Quick Bites on the Beach at Base of the Pier

Right at the base of the Santa Monica Pier where the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is located and amongst several bike and roller blade rental shops are a few dining kiosks where visitors can grab a hamburger, pizza or taco and eat outside along the bike path.  Many diners in this area my recognize hotdog on a stick, a southern Californian favorite, hot dog on a stick offers, as the name suggests, corndogs on a stick along with French fries, lemonade and served up by servers wearing blue, red, white and yellow uniforms. Always a line for this, it is a filling meal that can feed the whole family for less than $25.