0 Followers
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
7.6
Since 1902, this boardwalk institution feeds beach-goers classic burgers and cold beers with sunset views. While kitchen closes earlier, the bar stays hopping late with 35 TVs broadcasting games and a crowd that spans from lifeguards to tourists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Beach Burger, Buffalo Wings, Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Century-old boardwalk landmark with ocean views
Who should go: Beach lovers and sports fans
When to visit: Sunset for best atmosphere
What to order: Classic burger, cold beer, wings
Insider tip: Grab patio seats for prime people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beach lot $8-15 or metered street parking (2hr limit, hard to find weekends)
Dress code: Beach casual - flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops welcome
Noise level: Loud - especially during games, better for groups than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for patio, bar seats usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait except peak summer days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie burger and salads available
Vegan options: Very limited - side salad and fries only
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options - can do bunless burgers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - too loud and casual. Better for third date watching the game or group hangouts
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Come before sunset or after 8pm to avoid crowds
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 9pm - high chairs available, kids menu, and beach views keep them entertained
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable ocean views and game-watching setup beats any inland sports bar
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or sophisticated food - hit The Albright down the pier instead
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
7.7
Century-old beachfront dive bar serving burgers and wings since 1902, now a locals' sports bar with 35 TVs. The boardwalk patio welcomes families for casual beach dining while parents enjoy cold beers and ocean breezes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dean's Classic Burger, Buffalo Wings, Fish & Chips Basket
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Historic boardwalk institution since 1902
Who should go: Beach-going families wanting casual bar food
When to visit: Weekend afternoons for sports and sun
What to order: Burgers, wings, cold beer for parents
Insider tip: Back patio shields from ocean wind
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beach lot parking $8-15/day, metered street parking fills up by noon on weekends
Dress code: Beach casual - flip flops, shorts, and tank tops standard
Noise level: Loud during games - conversation difficult when TVs are on
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for patio tables, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait, grab any open table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, and appetizers
Vegan options: Very limited - modified salads and fries only
Gluten-free options: Limited - bunless burgers and salads, no dedicated prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love sports and don't mind shouting over TVs - it's more dive bar than romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served with longest waits for patio tables on sunny weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime - families welcome on the patio until evening when it becomes more of an adult sports bar scene
Best For
Better for: Watching games with ocean views - no other beachfront spot has 35 TVs and century-old dive bar character
Skip if: You want quality food or quiet conversation - head to nearby Water Grill or Rustic Canyon instead
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
8.1
Since 1902, this beachfront institution serves tempura-style french fries cooked to golden perfection in soybean oil. Locals swear by their lightly salted fries paired with house-made blue cheese dressing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura-Style French Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, Big Dean's Famous Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: 120+ year landmark with tempura-style crispy fries
Who should go: Beach-goers and sports fans
When to visit: Game days for atmosphere
What to order: Basket of fries, chili cheese fries, cold beer
Insider tip: Request blue cheese dressing for dipping
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beach lot $15 flat rate, metered street parking scarce on weekends
Dress code: Beach casual - flip flops, shorts, tanks all welcome
Noise level: Loud during games, moderate otherwise - outdoor seating quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak beach days, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - fries, onion rings, nachos, veggie burger available
Vegan options: Very limited - fries cooked in soybean oil are vegan
Gluten-free options: Fries only - dedicated fryer but limited other options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 3rd+ dates - it's loud, divey, and you'll smell like fries after. Perfect for post-beach hangouts though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. Grab a beer at the bar while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime - high chairs available, kids love the beach views. Gets rowdier after 8pm on game nights.
Best For
Better for: Authentic dive bar beach vibes, watching sunset with cheap beer, no-pretense sports watching
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, Instagram-worthy ambiance, or extensive menu beyond bar food
Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe
8.6
Since 1902, this beachfront landmark serves buffalo wings with unbeatable ocean views from its prime boardwalk location. The laid-back atmosphere attracts everyone from lifeguards to celebrities, maintaining its reputation as where locals meet and tourists always return.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Fish & Chips, World Famous Burgers
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Ocean views with 120+ years of history
Who should go: Beach lovers and sports fans
When to visit: Sunset for ocean views and games
What to order: Buffalo wings, cold beer, fish tacos
Insider tip: 35 TVs always showing major sporting events
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beach lots $8-25/day, meters on Ocean Ave $3/hr until 6pm, arrive early weekends
Dress code: Beach casual - flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops welcome
Noise level: Loud during games - conversation difficult when teams score
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for patio tables, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait, grab any open table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, nachos without meat
Vegan options: Very limited - house salad, fries, chips & salsa
Gluten-free options: Limited - grilled fish, wings without breading on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 3rd+ dates - it's loud, super casual, and sports-focused. Great if you both love beach vibes and don't need intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Show up and grab any open spot - bar fills last, patio goes first.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - high chairs available, kids love watching beach activities, menu has basic kid options like chicken tenders.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable ocean views while watching the game - no other Santa Monica sports bar sits directly on the sand with 35 TVs
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, quiet conversation, or upscale dining - hit The Bungalow or Elephante instead