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Back on the Beach Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Back on the Beach Cafe
8.4
This longtime beachfront cafe attached to the Annenberg Beach House serves a trio of seafood tacos—fish, shrimp, and salmon—steps from the sand. The tacos pair crisp slaw and pico with ocean views that make a casual plate feel like a mini vacation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting tacos with ocean views.
When to visit: Sunny late lunch on weekdays to dodge peak weekend crowds.
What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, salmon tacos with rice and beans.
Insider tip: Request a table right on the sand and pair your tacos with a margarita-style drink for sunset.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking is available at the Annenberg Beach House lot (typically $12–$15 depending on season). Street parking along PCH is limited and fills quickly on sunny days.
Dress code: Beach-casual. Swimsuits with cover-ups, shorts, and sandals are all perfectly normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly breezy outdoor ambience with families and beachgoers. Easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes, especially around sunset when oceanfront tables are in demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless it's peak summer or a particularly hot beach day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options, including salads and customizable tacos without seafood.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads can be modified, but expect only 1–2 viable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available and many tacos can be made gluten-friendly, though cross-contamination is possible due to the casual beachside kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and scenic. The oceanfront setting creates an effortless vibe, though it’s more laid-back beach casual than romantic fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most tables are walk-in. Arrive early for sand-side seating, especially on weekends or around sunset.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The café sits right on the sand with plenty of space for kids to play, and the menu has approachable options for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Oceanfront taco eating with toes practically in the sand—few spots in LA offer this combination of beachside seating, casual service, and seafood tacos.
Skip if: You want chef-driven, avant-garde tacos or a quiet indoor dining room. The vibe here is breezy, casual, and beach-forward.
Back on the Beach Cafe
8.6
Back on the Beach Cafe serves hearty, California-leaning breakfast plates with your toes practically in the sand. Since 1989, it’s been the go-to for omelets, pancakes, and mimosas with sweeping views of the bay and Santa Monica Mountains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Back On The Beach Egg Sandwich with bacon, avocado & cheddar, North African Shakshuka with house-made lamb sausage, Bananutella French Toast with banana, Nutella & almonds
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Umbrella tables sit directly in the sand with full breakfast service.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting a true feet-in-the-sand breakfast
When to visit: Sunny weekday mornings to avoid peak weekend waits
What to order: Egg sandwich, shakshuka, Bananutella French toast
Insider tip: Request a table on the sand side and book parking at the Annenberg lot early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered parking and paid spots in the Annenberg Community Beach House lot; fills quickly on weekends, so arrive before 9am for the best chance.
Dress code: Casual beachwear is standard—sandals, shorts, and layers for the ocean breeze.
Noise level: Moderate; most tables are outdoors, so conversation is easy but wind and nearby families can add background noise.
Weekend wait: N/A – primarily a breakfast/lunch spot, but weekend late-morning waits can reach 45–60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—omelets, pancakes, shakshuka, grain bowls, and veggie sides.
Vegan options: Moderate—several items can be modified (e.g., avocado toast without cheese, fruit plates, salads).
Gluten-free options: Good options—gluten-free toast available and many egg dishes are naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a breezy, low-pressure morning date with ocean views. Not ideal if you're seeking something intimate or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's mostly walk-in. On weekends, expect a wait; on weekdays, you'll typically be seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—ample space for strollers, kids’ menu options, and the beach just steps away make it ideal for families with toddlers to teens.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched for sandy-toed breakfast dining with panoramic beach views and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
Skip if: You want a fast, grab-and-go breakfast, prefer indoor dining, or dislike windy coastal environments.
Back on the Beach Cafe
8.2
Part of the Annenberg Community Beach House, Back on the Beach has served barefoot-friendly California fare right on the sand since 1989. It’s casual by day, but sunset tables with ocean and pier views turn it into a relaxed, undeniably romantic option for low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon a la Plancha, Huevos Rancheros, Back on the Beach Burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Feet-in-the-sand dining with classic Santa Monica sunset views.
Who should go: Couples wanting relaxed, beachy romance over fuss.
When to visit: Golden hour into sunset for the best coastal light.
What to order: Salmon a la Plancha, fish tacos, Back on the Beach Burger.
Insider tip: Book ahead and request a front-row sand-side table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lot at the Annenberg Community Beach House (fills on sunny weekends); limited metered street parking nearby.
Dress code: Beach-casual with a polish—sandals, sundresses, light layers; no need to dress up unless coming for a romantic sunset date.
Noise level: Low to moderate—ocean sounds and distant beach activity, but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak summer.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options, including salads, bowls, and veggie-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 dishes plus customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Multiple options and substitutions available; staff is accustomed to GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its relaxed beachfront setup keeps things low-pressure while sunset views add an effortless romantic spark.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays; on weekends or during perfect beach weather, expect a wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—families are common, there’s space for strollers, and the beachside setting gives kids room to play.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back romance, oceanfront seating literally on the sand, and approachable California comfort food.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth fine dining, a cocktail-heavy bar program, or fully indoor seating shielded from beach weather.
Back on the Beach Cafe
7.7
More laid-back than white-tablecloth, this long-running beachfront spot pairs toes-in-the-sand seating with a broad, California-comfort menu. Diners come as much for the ocean views and all-day brunch plates as for the food itself, making it a relaxed alternative for a scenic, celebratory meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Back on the Beach egg sandwich, North African shakshuka, Salmon tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Decades of beachside brunching with rare true-on-the-sand tables and panoramic ocean views.
Who should go: Groups and families who prioritize oceanfront atmosphere over hushed formality.
When to visit: Sunny late mornings on weekdays or shoulder-season weekends.
What to order: Back on the Beach egg sandwich, North African shakshuka, salmon tacos.
Insider tip: Request a sand-side table and plan extra time for parking at the Annenberg lot, especially on warm weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking is available at the Annenberg Community Beach House lot (often $12–$15 depending on season). Spots can fill up by late morning on sunny weekends; nearby street parking is limited and competitive.
Dress code: Beach-smart casual. Sundresses, linen shirts, sandals, and relaxed resort wear fit right in. No need for formal attire despite the fine-dining price point.
Noise level: Generally moderate. The ocean breeze and outdoor chatter create ambient noise, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes for walk-ins in peak warm-weather months; faster in cooler seasons. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to zero wait, especially before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including salads, shakshuka, veggie-forward bowls, and customizable brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—think salads, fruit plates, and a few modifiable dishes. Confirm with staff for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free (including some brunch classics); staff is accustomed to requests, though there’s no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for a relaxed, sunshiney vibe rather than candlelit formality. The oceanfront setting is memorable, but it leans casual and breezy rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and cooler days. On warm weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait and may need to opt for a sand-side table if patio seating fills up.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The beachside location offers space for little ones to roam, the menu includes approachable options, and families are common, especially during brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Casual beachfront brunching with unbeatable ocean proximity, ideal for groups, families, and celebratory daytime meals.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth polish, intricate haute cuisine, or a quiet, intimate dinner setting—other fine-dining spots in Santa Monica will serve you better.