Gastropubs in Santa Monica

Gastropubs -- bars that serve food -- have become increasingly prominent in Los Angeles, where the the food is often top quality, the menu items are more affordable, and the happy hour specials (typically from 5 to 7 p.m.) are extremely popular. Two of the City's best gastropubs can be found in Santa Monica.


The Yard (119 Broadway), located just blocks from The Pier, has an actual Top Chef in the kitchen: Chris “CJ” Jacobson, who has created this extraordinary menu. The Yard offers American-style tapas with seasonal, Farmers Market fresh specials, including CJ’s signature dishes, which include fish tacos with cumin slaw, grilled skirt steak with horseradish, crispy beef cheek, pan-seared diver scallops with mandarin, marinated beet salad with grilled avocado, and pulled-pork sliders. The Yard also offers an extensive drink menu, which features a market-fresh seasonal cocktail list by mixologist Blake Landis. You can walk to the Yard from The Georgian Hotel or the Viceroy Santa Monica.


Just a few blocks from the Third Street Promenade, Renee's Courtyard Cafe (522 Wilshire Boulevard) is also known for its music. A fantastic D.J. on Thursday nights and live music on Sundays bring in crowds, but Friday and Saturday nights are packed. Renee is often there to greet you, and has been, for the thirty-plus years she's been in business. An extremely casual vibe dominates; Twinkling lights give the patio extra charm. Many different rooms, each with a bar, make you feel like you're visiting someone's home. The menu changes seasonally, though it typically features fresh veggies from the Farmers Market. You can walk to Renee's from the Huntley Hotel and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica.


- Lesley Bracker