Most visitors think the best Santa Monica bars are the ones with ocean views and Instagram‑ready cocktails, but the real winners are the spots that balance vibe, drink quality, and local character—places where you can actually taste the city’s craft culture. In short, the best Santa Monica bars are The Bungalow, The Misfit Restaurant + Bar, and Harvelle’s—each offering a distinct experience that caters to sunset seekers, cocktail connoisseurs, and beer lovers alike.
Why the Usual Lists Miss the Mark
Travel blogs and tourist guides often rank bars by aesthetics alone, inflating venues that look great in photos but deliver mediocre drinks or noisy crowds. They also lump together beachside lounges with dive‑style taprooms, ignoring the fact that Santa Monica’s bar scene is as varied as its shoreline. This approach leads readers to waste evenings at places that don’t match their drinking preferences.
Another common error is treating “craft beer” and “artisan cocktails” as interchangeable. While many Santa Monica spots serve both, the expertise required to excel in each discipline is different. A bar that pours a solid IPA may not have a bartender capable of a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned, and vice versa. The best guides separate these categories and match you with the venue that truly excels at what you crave.
The Three Bars That Actually Deliver
The Bungalow – Sunset Cocktails and Laid‑Back Luxury
Located in the former Pacific City hotel’s courtyard, The Bungalow feels like a private beach house with a fully stocked bar. The drink menu is anchored by classic cocktails reimagined with local ingredients—think a rosemary‑infused gin martini or a grapefruit‑blood orange Paloma. The bartenders are trained in seasonal mixology, meaning the menu rotates with the harvest, ensuring freshness.
What sets The Bungalow apart is its atmosphere. The low‑lighting, hammocks, and live acoustic sets create a lounge vibe that feels exclusive without being pretentious. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to sip a well‑crafted drink while watching the sun dip behind the Pacific.
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar – Vintage Vibes and Robust Beer List
The Misfit sits just a block from the Third Street Promenade and offers a bar that feels like a 1930s speakeasy meets modern gastropub. Their beer list features over 30 rotating taps, focusing on West Coast breweries and a handful of rare imports. The house‑made “Misfit IPA” is a standout—bright citrus, firm malt backbone, and a dry finish that makes it a go‑to for hop lovers.
Beyond beer, The Misfit’s cocktail program is noteworthy. Their “Smoked Old Fashioned” uses a mezcal‑infused simple syrup and a dash of orange bitters, delivering a smoky depth that outshines many downtown competitors. The bar’s knowledgeable staff will gladly recommend a pairing from the extensive small‑plates menu, turning a simple drink into a culinary experience.
Harvelle’s – Classic Dive with a Craft Edge
Harvelle’s has been a Santa Monica staple since the 1970s, and while the décor is unapologetically retro, the drink program is anything but dated. The bar boasts an impressive selection of over 100 bottled beers, including limited‑edition barrel‑aged stouts and local sour series. Their taproom features a rotating “Santa Monica Session” series, highlighting small‑batch brews from nearby nanobreweries.
What makes Harvelle’s the best choice for true beer aficionados is the staff’s depth of knowledge. Ask for a “flight of the week” and you’ll receive a curated tasting that explains each brew’s provenance, hop profile, and ideal food match. The low‑key vibe—dim lights, jukebox classics, and communal tables—makes it a great spot for relaxed evenings or impromptu meet‑ups.
How to Choose the Right Bar for Your Night Out
Understanding your own drinking priorities is the first step. Ask yourself:
- Do I value the view or the drink? If the ocean backdrop is non‑negotiable, The Bungalow’s patio is unbeatable.
- Am I hunting for a specific style? For craft beer depth, Harvelle’s offers variety and expertise; for inventive cocktails, The Misfit shines.
- What’s my crowd preference? The Bungalow attracts a trendy, slightly upscale crowd; The Misfit draws a mix of locals and tourists; Harvelle’s is a true neighborhood haunt.
Another factor is the time of night. The Bungalow’s sunset happy hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, ideal for early evening drinks. The Misfit’s cocktail program peaks after 8 pm when the live DJ spins vinyl. Harvelle’s stays lively until the early morning, perfect for late‑night beer runs.
Common Mistakes When Picking a Santa Monica Bar
Relying on Instagram alone. A photo‑perfect spot can hide subpar service or overpriced drinks. Always read recent reviews that mention drink quality and staff friendliness.
Ignoring the happy hour schedule. Many bars discount their best drinks during specific windows. Missing these can cost you $10–$15 per cocktail.
Assuming ‘craft’ means ‘expensive.’ At Harvelle’s, you’ll find excellent beers under $6, while The Bungalow’s specialty cocktails still offer good value for the ingredients used.
Verdict: Which Bar Wins for Different Priorities
If your primary goal is a scenic, upscale cocktail experience, The Bungalow is the clear winner. For a balanced night of great beer, solid food, and inventive cocktails, The Misfit Restaurant + Bar takes the crown. And if you’re a die‑hard beer enthusiast seeking depth, variety, and knowledgeable staff, Harvelle’s is the top pick.
Each venue excels in its own niche, so the “best” Santa Monica bar ultimately depends on what you value most. No matter which you choose, you’ll be tapping into the city’s thriving drinking culture.
For a deeper dive into Santa Monica’s bar scene, check out our curated guide to the city’s top watering holes.
