Step in from the sand at this no-fuss alternative to upscale Santa Monica bars.
Sun, Fun, Great Food
Beer, Wine, Music , Sports TV
Outdoor Patios
Sun, Fun, Great Food, Beer, Wine, Music, Sports TV, Outdoor Patios and reasonable prices is what you will find at the world famous Big Dean's Cafe on the Santa Monica Boardwalk. Where nostalgia surrounds you while you relax and sip a beer or have a burger. Bring the children, they are always welcome!
In 1902 Big Dean's Cafe was known as Laring's Lunch Room and was a landmark for years. In 1970's, Big Dean's took over the popular cafe, lifeguards, body builders, bicyclist, jugglers and celebrities such as Cary Grant, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, George C. Scott, Wilt Chamberlain, Evel Knievel and California's governor Jerry Brown, not to mention the current governor Arnold Schwarzenegger .
In Short Big Dean's decor is standard beach-bar style, with neon beer signs, surfboards tagged with corporate beer logos and picnic-table seating. The primary appeal is its proximity to the beach--directly off the Strand, practically in the shadow of the Santa Monica Pier. As the ocean breeze wafts through the open-air seating, it combines with smells rising off the nearby grill to create a wonderful hybrid.
Big Dean's is a fun local joint, very small but with an outside patio, perfect for having a beer and watching the sunset or the activity on the pier. It's located right below Santa Monica pier near the Hot Dog on a Stick. They make their own chips and they are delcious. Cheap beers at happy hour.
PROS: Chips and cheap beer
CONS: Not enough seats out front
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 11 reviews
on Citysearch)
I come all the way from New Zealand just to visit Big Deans
By kiwidave
I love how you can come back there 6 months later and still see the same hard working staff there. Great base for my holiday in California. Rent a bike right next door. Inexpensive accomadation just a short walk away. The staff obviously enjoy their job and run this place perfectly. Nothing finer than seeing Skate board mam come through that door on her inline skates.Be back soon to get my next tee shirt.
Pros: Great people watching, great fresh food, cheap beer and winn Cons: None
Posted 04/15/09
I Like the Place
By HowardE
I liked the relaxed place, the service was fine, the beer was cold and the burger was great. Nice place. I'll go back. Felt comfortable there.
Posted 10/10/08
Great atmosphere, patrons and staff
By Rob3
I blew into Big Dean's from Tennessee looking for a place to have a quick lunch and a cold one. Five hours, a order of awesome fish tacos and many cold ones later, sadly it was time for me to leave.Big Dean's is one of the last true "dive bars" to be found. Inside there was colorful memorabilia that adored every space of the walls. The attitude and atmosphere was easy going and casual. Mary, the bartender, was very pleasant and helpful in describing the food selections and drinks. I told her to give me what she would order, no more than 5 minutes later she came back with the best fish tacos I have ever had and very large beer. Wonderful! While eating, I struck up conversations with some of the locals. These easy going and friendly conversations became my gateway into the "Big Dean's culture." After a few hours of laughs, big stories, people watching and never ending beverages the "Dude from Tennessee" had make his departure. I took some pictures, paid what seemed like very reasonable bar tab, bought the T-shirt (Mary's choice of black) and with great directions to LAX, I waved my goodbyes to my new found friends and left with great memories and a promise to myself to get back next summer. Big Dean's is everything you want in beach side "dive bar." Good atmosphere, food, beverages, service and best of all, people. I have great pictures and memories (plus that slick T-shirt) that I share with everyone. I can't wait until the next time I'm in Santa Monica, I'm headed straight for Big Dean's and saying "Mary, a order of fish tacos and a big cold beer please!" and then immerse myself into the Big Dean's Culture. Do yourself a favor, go to Santa Monica and get yourself to Big Dean's. Who knows, you might just bump into the "Dude from Tennessee."
Pros: Atmosphere, staff, food, people Cons: none
Posted 10/06/08
Big Dean's
By Smartin007
A great place to rest if you are riding your bike along the boardwalk HOWEVER you may not be on your best balance by the time you leave. Fun crowd. A mix of neighborhood 'regulars' with tourists creates an interesting people watching situation. It's a beer/burger joint right next to the Santa Monica pier.
It's one of the most unpretentious places in Santa Monica where you can strike up a convo with a 'stranger'.
Pros: Location is good along boardwalk Cons: On a sunny weekend place will be packed service may go down
Posted 09/13/08
So much fun - and we're locals!
By Patti123456
Big Dean's is everything you want a beach bar to be - cold beer, awesome burgers and the most fun wait staff (JEFF!!)
We love the front patio, but if it's too crowded - the back patio is tons of fun too. And they just redid it with a beautiful bar!
Love Love Love Big Deans!!
Pros: At the beach, staff, burgers, cold beer, wings Cons: that walk back up the pier afterwards!! lol
