Seemor
Chez JayB+Worth Trying
1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· Steak house, American restaurant, Bar & grill
· 4.5/5 Google (1148 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A beloved old-school Santa Monica steak-and-seafood hangout with strong cocktails, lively vibe, and a patio, delivering mostly tasty classics at fair-moderate prices, but with occasional service inconsistencies and rare miss on steaks.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Chez Jay delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in classic steaks and seafood, anchored by exceptional historic beach-shack charm and genuine landmark status that draws repeat visitors and bucket-list diners. However, inconsistent execution on steak doneness and availability and cramped seating prevent a higher grade—this is a character-driven destination where the vibe and cocktails matter as much as the plate, best enjoyed with realistic expectations about occasional service stretches and tight quarters.
Restaurant Summary
Inside a little blue shack steps from the beach, the room feels warm and bustling with dim light, nautical kitsch, and decades of stories. Bartenders pour stiff martinis, the patio hums with live tunes, and servers range from charmingly attentive to a bit stretched. One diner put it best: "It felt like a slice of old Hollywood that still knows how to throw a night." The cooking leans classic: steaks with bearnaise, salmon over wild rice, garlicky scampi, and a cheesecake that wins converts. It is traditional comfort cooking rather than flashy technique, and when the kitchen is on, it really sings. A few guests hit snags with steak doneness or item availability, so ask about specials and temperatures, and consider the filet if you want tenderness over bravado. For families, the vibe is casual and there are plenty of kid-approachable choices like burgers, fries, chicken dishes, and simple sides (baked potato, rice, salad). The patio can fit strollers and the staff often accommodates little ones. Portions are reasonable, and nothing is too spicy or fussy, though it can get busy and seating is tight inside.
At a Glance
- Historic dive-bar charm with strong cocktails and lively patio
- Reliable salmon, scampi, and classic steaks; cheesecake is popular
- Inconsistent service and occasional misfired steak doneness
- Small, crowded room; waits even with reservations
- Fair value for coastal location; menu suits a wide crowd
What Sets It Apart
- historic_landmark_charm
- beach_adjacent_location
- patio_with_live_music
What People Love
- Nostalgic old-school vibe that feels authentic
- Strong, well-made cocktails
- Seafood and steaks that satisfy without fuss
- Friendly staff on many visits who make it easy
- Patio live music nights with neighborhood energy
Points of Concern
- Service can be uneven, from great to inattentive, especially during rushes
- Very small dining room leads to crowding and delayed seating
- Occasional item unavailability or last-call miscommunication
- Pricing is coastal-steakhouse level; market-price items can spike
- Review patterns show no manipulation, but narratives include stylized prose that may read promotional to some
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-$82 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a classic meal: Crab Cakes ($20), NY Steak ($46) or Salmon ($33), Cheesecake ($14)
- Value path: Caesar ($16), Sand Dabs ($30), share Sticky Toffee ($14)
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-beach martinis and a classic steak
- Casual date night with nostalgic ambiance
- Out-of-town friends seeking an LA institution
- Laid-back group hang on the patio with live music
Location Insights
Area: Beach-adjacent, lively tourist-meets-local zone with bars, hotels, and the Pier nearby; casual, nightlife-friendly.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled, high foot traffic; occasional late-night rowdiness typical of busy coastal districts.
Nearby: Steps from Santa Monica Beach and Pier, Third Street Promenade shopping, multiple hotels and parking structures.
Santa MonicaThe dining scene in Santa Monica is diverse, ranging from casual beachside eateries to high-end restaurants. The area around Ocean Avenue is popular for its scenic ocean views and attracts diners looking for a relaxed yet refined atmosphere with fresh seafood and American cuisine.
Ocean AvenueOcean Avenue is a prime stretch along the Santa Monica coastline known for its upscale hotels, restaurants, and bars with ocean views. It offers a lively yet relaxed dining environment popular for both casual meals and special occasions.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–00:00
Tuesday14:00–00:00
Wednesday14:00–00:00
Thursday14:00–00:00
Friday14:00–00:00
Saturday10:00–01:30
Sunday10:00–01:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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