Austin Roque Gomindes

Warm, welcoming and absolutely amazing food. Child friendly. They accommodated us and our little 7 month old. The steaks were probably the best I’ve eaten in a long time. Would definitely recommend if you’re around the Santa Monica area. To top it all off they also gave us a slice of their famous cheese cake on the house.

Cloud

This is a fantastic bar with interior that looks like you're on a sailboat, many photographs of celebrities that have visited and whilst you drink, you're getting monkey nuts. Out back is The Backyard - they belong together - where we had some really good burgers with the chef's special secret sauce. It was yummy. Apparently they had the same chef for over 30 years and everything is made from scratch. Both the bar and restaurant are great and unique places we can only recommend and for LA standards not crazy expensive.

Rachel Tison

Quaint spot with stories galor!! Enjoyed cocktails and dinner. Laid back, delicious food, and great service.

Arian Rassoul

Chez Jay is such a gem! We had an incredible time here — not only was the food absolutely delicious, but the whole experience felt warm and personal. We sat in the extra room, which gave us a cozy spot to play cards, yet we could still feel all the fun and lively atmosphere from the main dining area. A special highlight was Chef Meme, who came by our table twice, once to welcome us and again to say goodbye — such a thoughtful touch. And our waiter did an awesome job too: attentive, friendly, and really made sure we had everything we needed without ever rushing us. Between the amazing food, great vibe, and outstanding service, Chez Jay truly stands out. Can’t wait to come back!

+2

Daniel Register

I went on 8/8/25 to Chez Jay for dinner with a couple of my friends. This was actually our first time ever going to this restaurant, we decided to try something different. We were definitely not disappointed in the food, the food was amazing, and the quality was excellent. We will definitely go back to get some great food. I got the butter New York steak, and to be honest it was one of the best steaks I have ever had. My other Friends got the salmon, and they told me it was amazing. The employees were also very friendly, and helpful.

A R

Chez Jay is a historical Santa Monica establishment. We stopped by to pick up some after dinner desserts. This place has the protypical dive bar atmosphere, I'll say that the bread pudding was out of this world. Maybe the best piece of bread pudding we have ever had!

+11

Phil Lockey

Such a cool retro place, divey for sure but has so much style with outstanding food, service and history. We had the caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, lobster and swordfish, all were expertly prepared with atmosphere and service to back it up. The chef circulated to check on tables, very cool, very unique and very fun experience, will be back!

Anton Sounes

cool little spot , we hanged by the bar one night ...the locals we're great and then the next day we came back for a burger in the garden space ... and that was a perfect burger

Meagan Kroeze

Not to be dramatic, but the crispy chicken sandwich was the best I've ever had in my LIFE. The sauce with the juicy chicken, coleslaw and apple was seriously something I'll fly back to CA for. Staff was so friendly and real. Best place in Cali.

Natalie Jaramillo

A gem of a little spot! Staff was amazing. Server Stew was phenomenal. Very attentive, welcoming, and friendly. Stopped in for drinks & appetizers. Drinks & Crab cakes were so delicious, had to go back for more a while later! Looking forward to revisiting.

Liz Hejny

Very great seafood. The sand dab was wonderful. The free bread was served warm and smothered in garlic flavored butter. The potato side was wonderful. Great service. Only complaint was that my table was in the middle and bar guests kept talking or moving over me or running into my chair. Also, it was a bit too dark inside.

Nothing like a dive bar with history. Very good hamburger, great service. Like the history on the walls. Looses a star due to menu online didn't reflect what was actually available at the time. I came for steak and nope, not today's visit. Really worn out by people not maintaining their web presence.

Joe McGowan

Santa Monica landmark since 1959. Great bar. We didn't eat, but the food looked amazing. Very small place, so seating can be a challenge. Great cocktails 🍸

Hamilton

The Backyard of Chez Jay has more space and live music some nights. Cool vibe. Didn’t try the food.

Gina Schene

Disappointing Service from Julie Overshadowed an Otherwise Great Experience My husband and I visited to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. While waiting for our table, we had a lovely conversation with the hostess and were really looking forward to the evening. We were seated with Julie as our server, and at first she was pleasant and helpful, offering menu suggestions. Unfortunately, once the hostess came by to check on us, everything changed. Julie became noticeably distant and only returned to take our order—coldly placing it and leaving again. We had to ask another server twice just to get water, received our first drinks but were never asked if we wanted another round, and were largely ignored for the remainder of the meal. What made this especially confusing was that Julie spent plenty of time chatting and engaging with her other tables, while barely acknowledging us as she passed by. The food and drinks were excellent, and everyone else we encountered at the restaurant was wonderful. We had heard great things about this place and truly wanted to love it. However, the intentional dismissal from our server, Julie, was baffling and disappointing. As we were leaving, we overheard Julie tell the hostess to “never interfere with any of her tables,” which suddenly made the evening make sense. We would have loved to make this a regular stop whenever we visit Santa Monica, but the risk of another experience like this gives us pause. I would recommend the food and atmosphere—but suggest requesting a server other than Julie.