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1212 Santa Monica
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
1212 Santa Monica
7.9
This two-story New American restaurant brings global influences to SoCal cuisine in a vintage-chic space on the Promenade. Creative cocktail infusions and weekly themed promotions keep the energy high, attracting a diverse crowd from shoppers to date-nighters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ Tacos, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Tuna Poke Stack
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Two-story space with balcony dining overlooking the Promenade
Who should go: Promenade shoppers and happy hour seekers
When to visit: Weekly themed nights and happy hours
What to order: Korean BBQ tacos, craft cocktails, poke
Insider tip: Second floor balcony offers best people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages on 2nd/4th Streets ($3 first 90 min), street parking scarce after 5pm, rideshare recommended weekends
Dress code: California casual - jeans and nice top standard, anything from shopping attire to date night works
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic, louder during happy hour and themed nights
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, walk-ins better on balcony level
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak shopping hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including Korean BBQ tofu tacos and creative salads
Vegan options: Moderate - poke bowls customizable, 3-4 dedicated options
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, poke bowls and modified tacos available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the balcony provides intimate seating with Promenade views, cocktails are conversation starters, and the buzz isn't overwhelming. Avoid themed party nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, especially lunch. Weekend dinners risky - try the bar area or upstairs balcony for better walk-in chances. Happy hour (4-7pm) fills fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Before 8pm yes - high chairs available, kids menu present. After 9pm becomes more bar-scene oriented, especially on themed nights.
Best For
Better for: More exciting cocktails and people-watching than other Promenade spots, better happy hour deals than Water Grill, more date-friendly atmosphere than Barney's Beanery
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining (try Rustic Canyon), authentic ethnic cuisine (hit Main Street instead), or fine dining experience (Mélisse nearby)
1212 Santa Monica
7.9
Two-story New American restaurant mixing modern and traditional elements with a diverse SoCal-inspired menu. The open space accommodates families upstairs while maintaining a lively bar scene below, perfect for multi-generational gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ Tacos, Truffle Mac & Cheese, 1212 Burger with Bacon Jam
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Two-story space with something for everyone
Who should go: Large families wanting varied menu options
When to visit: Happy hour 3-7pm weekdays for best deals
What to order: Korean tacos, mac & cheese, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Upstairs balcony best for families with kids
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Third Street Promenade structures $2-3/hr, street parking scarce after 5pm, valet not available
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to business casual works
Noise level: Moderate downstairs near bar, quieter upstairs - can hold conversations at both levels
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ during summer
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including pastas, salads, and veggie tacos
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, ask server for preparations
Gluten-free options: Some options available, kitchen accommodating but not certified GF prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the lively atmosphere and varied menu work well for relaxed conversation, but it's not intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with short wait, weekends tough - try bar seating or come before 6pm for best chances
Is it kid-friendly? Very - upstairs section caters to families with high chairs, kids menu, and tolerant atmosphere. Best for ages 3+ who can handle moderate noise
Best For
Better for: Large groups with varied tastes - more menu diversity than typical American spots, better happy hour deals than nearby competitors
Skip if: You want intimate romantic dining or authentic ethnic cuisine - go to Ocean Avenue for romance or Main Street for authentic options
1212 Santa Monica
8.0
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Established in 2016, this two-story New American restaurant offers bottomless brunch with live DJ sets on weekends. The 10,000-square-foot space features vintage-chic decor, a massive dining room with bi-fold doors opening to the Promenade, and transforms into a nightclub atmosphere after dark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crostini Flight, Chicken & Waffles, Bottomless Mimosa Tower
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Two-story space with DJ brunch and late-night dancing.
Who should go: Large groups and party brunch crowds
When to visit: Saturday/Sunday 11am for bottomless brunch
What to order: Crostini sampler, bottomless drinks, eggs benedict
Insider tip: Quieter patio seating available away from DJ
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public structures on 2nd/4th Street ($3-15), valet $15 weekends, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy, especially weekend nights - nice jeans fine but avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Very loud during DJ brunch (shouting required), moderate weekday lunch, club-level after 10pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Walk-in usually fine except Thursday/Friday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - about 6-8 options across menu including pasta and salads
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, ask server for off-menu options
Gluten-free options: Some options marked on menu, kitchen can accommodate with notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for intimate conversation - better for fun group dates or after you're already comfortable. Weekday lunch is quieter if you want to actually talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but weekend brunch is booked 2-3 weeks out. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins, or try after 2pm when brunch crowd leaves.
Is it kid-friendly? Before 8pm yes, with kids menu available. Weekend brunch gets party-heavy by noon. Best for families on weekday early dinners.
Best For
Better for: Best bottomless brunch party scene in Santa Monica - more energetic than Elephante, bigger dance floor than The Bungalow
Skip if: Want quiet conversation, authentic cuisine, or intimate dining - try Cassia or Rustic Canyon instead
1212 Santa Monica
7.9
This two-story New American restaurant transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination after dark, offering buffalo wings during their legendary all-night happy hour. The vintage-chic space features live DJs on weekends, creating an energetic atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Chicken Wings, Sicilian Sliders, Margherita Flatbread
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: $9 wings during all-night happy hour
Who should go: Late-night crowds and budget-conscious diners
When to visit: All night Sun-Thu, 4-6pm Fri-Sat
What to order: Wings, happy hour cocktails, lamb tacos
Insider tip: All-night happy hour Sunday through Thursday
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages $8-15, street parking scarce after 7pm, Uber recommended for late nights
Dress code: Casual - anything goes, from beach attire to business casual
Noise level: Loud on weekends with DJ, moderate Sun-Thu perfect for groups
Weekend wait: 30-45 min after 8pm, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie wings, salads, and several appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - cauliflower wings can be made vegan, ask server
Gluten-free options: Wings are gluten-free, limited other options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third dates or group hangouts - it gets loud and lively, especially after 9pm. Sunday-Thursday nights are more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights, but expect waits Friday-Saturday after 7pm. Bar area is first-come with high turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 8pm, after that it becomes more of an adult scene with DJs and bar crowd. Great for families during early dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: All-night happy hour wings that rivals any sports bar, plus the Third Street Promenade location beats having to find parking elsewhere
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner or upscale dining - head to Rustic Canyon or Tar & Roses instead
1212 Santa Monica
8.0
Two-story New American showpiece where bottomless mimosas flow freely and the DJ starts spinning at noon. The mezzanine level offers prime people-watching over the Promenade while the menu delivers elevated comfort food with California flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken & Churro Waffles, Short Rib Benedict, Bottomless Brunch Tower
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Two-story space with live DJ and bottomless options
Who should go: Party brunch crews and celebration groups
When to visit: Sunday for full DJ and bottomless experience
What to order: Bottomless package, chicken & waffles, brunch tower
Insider tip: Mezzanine tables have best acoustics and views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Third Street Promenade structures $3-5/hour, arrive before 11am weekends for spots
Dress code: Trendy casual - Instagram-ready outfits encouraged, athleisure acceptable
Noise level: Loud during DJ sets (noon-3pm) - shouting distance conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak brunch (11am-2pm) without reservation
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly except Friday lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including avocado toast variations and veggie scrambles
Vegan options: Limited - can modify sides and salads, ask server for off-menu options
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF bread available for most dishes, clearly marked on menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the party atmosphere and loud DJ make intimate conversation difficult, but great for showing your fun side
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends unlikely - join waitlist on Yelp 30 min before arrival or try bar seating
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids during peak brunch - loud music and party crowd. Better for teens who want the scene
Best For
Better for: Bottomless brunch with entertainment vs standard sit-down spots - choose this for celebrations and group energy over intimate meals
Skip if: You want quiet conversation or quick service - head to Blue Daisy or Huckleberry instead for calmer vibes