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Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe

Beer Garden and American Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica
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8.9/10
317
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Farah H.
    "The BEST day drinking spot in Santa Monica."(2 Tips)
    Andrea D.
    "Great little spot right by the Santa Monica pier."(2 Tips)
    Heidi L.
    "The best chicken Nachos of LIFE!!!!"(2 Tips)
    Mel
    "Hands down - the Best Burger on the Westside!"(11 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon57 Tips and reviews
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  • Frostyheart icon on user image
    FrostyJanuary 30, 2018
    Been here 100+ times
    Added in September of ‘17, the back patio has a fresh brewed strait from the brewery tap of Bud Light. It’s the best tasting tap beer I’ve had outside of the beer during a brewery tour.
  • Jessica O.heart icon on user image
    Jessica OlderSeptember 25, 2018
    Lovely location opposite pier, friendly non pushy service, great cheeseburger and there wings were amazing! Great chilled little spot for lunch and drinks
  • Kathy S.heart icon on user image
    Kathy ShapiroJune 14, 2018
    The captain’s platter, the cheeseburgers, everything is great here. The atmosphere is eclectic and the drinks are great! Absolutely love this place.
  • Tom M.heart icon on user image
    Tom McKeeverDecember 4, 2014
    Been here 100+ times
    A west-coast haven for displaced Giants fans! A hidden gem right under the pier, basically on the beach. Wear your jersey on Sunday and join in on the "New York Super Bowl Bound Giants!" chants.
  • Jonathan C.heart icon on user image
    Jonathan CorreaSeptember 25, 2019
    Been here 100+ times
    One of the few remaining original Santa Monica spots. They’ve done a good job preserving its soul and local appeal. Great for people watching, a cold beer, and good bar food! Exceptional staff!
  • Brad K.heart icon on user image
    Brad KleinApril 27, 2022
    Solid beachfront vibes. Post up at the bar in sun and get a large draft half Mango Cart / half Big Wave!
  • MetroWize
    MetroWizeMarch 1, 2012
    Big Dean’s has a perfect outdoor patio designed for people watching, pitcher drinking. Order food from their grill and wash down your worries with a cold brew. Read more
  • Frostyheart icon on user image
    FrostyJanuary 30, 2018
    Been here 100+ times
    If your going to have more than one beer, ask to reuse your cup! 🍻
  • Andrea D.heart icon on user image
    Andrea D'AmbrosioJanuary 20, 2016
    Great little spot right by the Santa Monica pier. Awesome beer choices, friendly staff and wonderful atmosphere
  • Arnie P.heart icon on user image
    Arnie PanameñoApril 2, 2017
    This place is bitching. They play awesome music and the beer size is massive!
  • Frostyheart icon on user image
    FrostyJuly 19, 2021
    Been here 100+ times
    If you’ve never been, or it’s been awhile, check out the new Big Deans Beach Blonde locally brewed by Golden Road.
  • Andrew S.heart icon on user image
    Andrew SprungFebruary 3, 2017
    Been here 100+ times
    Get the deans burger! Its the best in town
  • Frostyheart icon on user image
    FrostyAugust 22, 2015
    Been here 100+ times
    Always go the the "large" or "tall" option when asked by your bartender.
  • Meg F.
    Meg FarmerJanuary 18, 2015
    Grab drinks with friends in this hidden spot near the pier. Sunshine, drinks, warm weather = can't go wrong
  • Alex B.
    Alex BookerApril 28, 2017
    If the weather is nice, definitely hangout in the back patio of the bar.
  • Mary V.heart icon on user image
    Mary VruwinkJanuary 5, 2020
    Great location and excellent burgers! Get the Frings for your side
  • Pamela W.
    Pamela WilsonJune 15, 2014
    Delicious garden burger and fries. Draft beer. Nice casual atmosphere
  • Rosa G.
    Rosa GarciaNovember 27, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    great place to watch Football, drinks some beers, always a great time at Dean's!
  • Quinn W.
    Quinn WagemanJune 24, 2010
    Casually hanging out back in the patio, downing a few beers over decent bar food, and watching some sports in beautiful weather. One of the top spots in Santa Monica!
  • JeanCarlos V.
    JeanCarlos ValentinMarch 20, 2019
    Thanks for cutting the burger in half! Much appreciated 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
  • cnelson ︻.heart icon on user image
    cnelson ︻╦╤─January 17, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Get a giant Stella and enjoy the back patio
  • Shit L.heart icon on user image
    Shit LindaApril 7, 2015
    Hot damn soooooo gooda toats good 10/10 would recommend 💩- Linda certified
  • Geneva A.heart icon on user image
    Geneva AuduongJanuary 5, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Awesome spot to hangout with giant beers. Pass on the fries.
  • Whit M.heart icon on user image
    Whit MaullJanuary 27, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Hang out all day and see how many tacos and beers you can consume.
  • Luis L.heart icon on user image
    Luis LuaJuly 31, 2016
    Great place for group gatherings - Contact ahead of time.
  • Aron
    AronJune 4, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Beer Shots! 8 ounces of beer down the hatch all at once. Race your friends and ridicule the loser mercilessly. Finish it off with very reasonably priced bar munchies
  • Melanie M.heart icon on user image
    Melanie MartinFebruary 2, 2016
    Great food, location, and friendly staff
  • Russell A.heart icon on user image
    Russell AdamsApril 23, 2019
    Been here 50+ times
    For cell phone reception sit out on the front patio.
  • Patrick R.
    Patrick RedknapApril 13, 2013
    Chilli Cheese fries are the best in the world! Try them!!!!
  • Brent M.
    Brent MillerMay 19, 2017
    A David Byrne song and a Talking Heads song in one visit?! This must be the place!
  • Matt Z.heart icon on user image
    Matt ZApril 11, 2023
    At some point they should turn on the heat lamps. They have them but don’t use them.
  • Marc S.heart icon on user image
    Marc SJuly 2, 2022
    I liked the mahi fish tacos.
  • Melheart icon on user image
    MelJuly 30, 2013
    Been here 100+ times
    Hands down - the Best Burger on the Westside! :)
  • Shannon C.heart icon on user image
    Shannon CoulsonAugust 11, 2014
    The food is super good, but bugs will bite your feet through the whole meal.
  • Lorena C.heart icon on user image
    Lorena CanoJune 21, 2021
    Chicken and fries, big beer point
  • John D.heart icon on user image
    John DuncanAugust 2, 2016
    chill spot right across from the water.
  • Filippo G.heart icon on user image
    Filippo GiustiniAugust 21, 2012
    Cheap place where to eat awesome hamburgers in Santamonica
  • Steven L.
    Steven LambiaseAugust 6, 2019
    fun outside bar below the pier
  • Madeeha
    MadeehaOctober 9, 2011
    Make sure you say hi to the hottie behind the bar commonly referred to as "Danny"
  • Emily Brooke R.heart icon on user image
    Best corn dogs everrrrrr!
  • Userchooser
    UserchooserAugust 2, 2014
    Hotdog and chips is pretty good.
  • Brian F.
    Brian FSeptember 27
    Great burgers
  • Phillip S.
    Phillip SullivanMarch 10, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Best hangover cure is at Big Dean's! Fish Tacos and 32oz Fat Tire!!
  • Richard S.
    Richard SMay 22, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    One of the best burgers in town
  • Farah H.
    Farah HassanzadehApril 15, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    The BEST day drinking spot in Santa Monica. 22oz Primo bottles for $6- I'm in love :)
  • Emma G.
    Emma GooOctober 24, 2011
    shoot the shit with beerz & fries. chill, yet attentive staff.
  • Tom G.
    Tom GillesJuly 3, 2013
    Finger food !
  • Keane C.heart icon on user image
    Keane ConnorsFebruary 18, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    Love this place.
  • Heidi L.heart icon on user image
    Heidi LuminaJune 9, 2012
    The best chicken Nachos of LIFE!!!!
  • Mary M.
    Mary McDeanJune 16, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Ahi sandwich is good!
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