Seemor

Chez Jay

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.

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

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$58-$82 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Perfect For

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.

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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