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The Galley
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
The Galley
7.9
Santa Monica's oldest restaurant since 1934 maintains its nautical theme and neighborhood bar atmosphere under owner Captain Ron, serving steaks and seafood amid year-round Christmas lights and maritime decor salvaged from classic films. The daily happy hour features strong drinks and discounted appetizers, while the dining rooms offer casual steakhouse fare in candlelit booths that haven't changed much in 90 years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Clams, Filet Mignon, Galley Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Historic nautical bar atmosphere with decor from 1935's Mutiny on the Bounty
Who should go: History lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, date night couples
When to visit: Happy hour 5-7pm daily or late-night weekends
What to order: Steamed clams, house salad with secret dressing, strong cocktails
Insider tip: Order any cocktail with a garnish to get the signature mermaid skewer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - relatively easy before 6pm, more challenging on weekends. Small public lot two blocks east on Ocean Park Blvd.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and a nice top work perfectly. The nautical dive bar vibe means you'll see everything from t-shirts to blazers.
Noise level: Moderate in dining rooms, lively at the bar - you can definitely have a conversation but it's not quiet. Weekend nights get louder after 9pm.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes for prime hours (7-9pm) without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable - can modify sides and salads into meals, house salad with famous dressing is excellent
Vegan options: Very limited - essentially sides only (steamed vegetables, potatoes). Not recommended as a primary destination for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Limited options - steaks and seafood can be prepared plainly, but cross-contamination likely in this old-school kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the candlelit booths and nautical atmosphere create natural conversation starters, and it's been a Santa Monica date spot since the 1930s. Opt for a booth over the bar for better conversation. The quirky decor gives you something to talk about if conversation lags.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights or if you arrive before 6:30pm or after 9pm. Bar seating is almost always available. Fridays and Saturdays 7-9pm are your riskiest windows - call ahead or be prepared for a 30-45 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately - early dinner (before 7pm) works fine, and kids enjoy the maritime decor and Christmas lights year-round. But it's fundamentally a bar atmosphere, so better for older kids (10+) who can appreciate the history. No kids menu, but steaks and seafood can work.
What's the best time for happy hour? Arrive right at 5pm for bar seats and the full happy hour menu (ends at 7pm). Strong drinks are discounted, and the clams and appetizers are significantly cheaper. Weekdays are less crowded than Friday happy hour.
How old is this place really? Operating since 1934 - literally Santa Monica's oldest restaurant. Current owner Captain Ron maintains the nautical theme with authentic decor including salvaged pieces from the 1935 film Mutiny on the Bounty. The booths and bar layout haven't changed in 90 years.
Best For
Better for: Authentic old-school Santa Monica history and atmosphere over modern dining trends - this is where you come for strong drinks, nautical ambiance, and a genuine neighborhood bar that happens to serve good steakhouse food. The maritime decor and 90-year continuity can't be replicated.
Skip if: You want modern cuisine, refined plating, or innovative cooking techniques. If you need extensive vegetarian/vegan options or a quiet romantic dinner, look elsewhere. This is a historic bar-restaurant, not a contemporary dining destination.
The Galley
7.6
Since 1934, Santa Monica's oldest restaurant delivers nautical-themed dining with multicolored fairy lights and seafood classics. The magical decor and vintage charm create a unique atmosphere that feels like dining aboard a boat, complemented by affordable happy hour specials and creamy clam chowder.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam Chowder, Fresh Seafood, Classic Steaks
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 90-year legacy as Santa Monica's oldest restaurant with whimsical nautical atmosphere
Who should go: Locals and history buffs seeking nostalgic seafood experience
When to visit: Happy hour for sea-themed cocktails and affordable bites
What to order: Clam chowder, daily seafood specials, classic cocktails
Insider tip: Established in 1934 - ask about the restaurant's fascinating longevity stories
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - metered until 8pm weekdays, free after and on weekends. Public lot 2 blocks south at Main/Hollister ($3/hour). Arrives early for happy hour to snag spots.
Dress code: Casual beach vibes - shorts and sandals perfectly acceptable. The nautical theme and fairy lights create relaxed atmosphere where comfort trumps formality.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly during early dinner, gets buzzier during happy hour. The compact space amplifies energy but intimate booths provide pockets of quiet.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation after 7pm, especially Friday/Saturday. The magical ambiance makes bar waiting tolerable with cocktail in hand.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes. Tuesday-Thursday dinner also manageable without reservation before 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable - 3-4 solid options including veggie pasta, salads, and sides. Seafood-focused menu means you'll need to navigate around the specialties.
Vegan options: Challenging - 1-2 adaptable dishes (salad without cheese, pasta with olive oil). Call ahead to discuss modifications. Not the ideal choice for plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - grilled fish and seafood can be prepared without breading, salads available. Kitchen accommodates but no dedicated prep area. Inform server of celiac requirements.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the whimsical fairy lights and nautical decor provide natural conversation starters, romantic lighting sets the mood without being intimidating, and moderate noise level allows actual conversation. Affordable enough to not feel presumptuous, unique enough to show thoughtfulness.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays and early weekends (before 6:30pm), but reserve for prime Friday/Saturday dinner slots. Happy hour (4-6pm) accepts walk-ins but expect bar seating. The vintage charm and 90-year history make it popular despite being a hidden gem.
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes for ages 8+ who appreciate quirky atmosphere. The nautical theme entertains curious kids, casual vibe welcomes families, and classic dishes (fish & chips, pasta) appeal to pickier eaters. Skip for toddlers during busy dinner - compact space and ambiance-focused crowd better suit older children.
How does the 90-year history show up? Vintage nautical artifacts line the walls, original architectural elements remain visible, and longtime servers share prohibition-era stories if you ask. The fairy lights are a modern addition, but the bones of the 1934 establishment create authentic time-capsule feeling rare in Santa Monica.
Is happy hour actually a good deal? Yes - $6-8 cocktails (normally $12-14), $5-7 small plates, and the magical atmosphere at no upcharge. The sea-themed drinks and affordable oysters make 4-6pm the strategic play. Arrives at 4pm for best seating before the rush.
Best For
Better for: Unique nautical atmosphere and vintage charm that no modern competitor replicates. Best choice when you want affordable romance, nostalgic Santa Monica history, or whimsical Instagram backdrop without pretension. Happy hour value crushes nearby Main Street spots.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge seafood innovation (The Lobster or Water Grill offer modern technique), need extensive vegan/vegetarian options, or prefer spacious/quiet fine dining. The 90-year-old recipe playbook means traditional preparations over contemporary flair.
The Galley
8.0
Santa Monica's oldest restaurant since 1934 serves seafood and steaks in a nautical-themed setting with year-round Christmas lights and authentic porthole windows. The family-run landmark preserves Old Hollywood history with its famous house-made Galley dressing and generous pours at the South Seas Bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Clams in a Bucket, Filet Mignon, Galley Salad with Secret Dressing
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: 90+ years of history with original maritime decor and cozy ambiance
Who should go: Couples seeking old-school romance, nostalgia seekers
When to visit: Happy hour 5-7pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Clams bucket, shrimp cocktail, any steak with Galley dressing
Insider tip: Captain Ron bought the restaurant for the secret salad dressing recipe
The Galley
7.6
Santa Monica's oldest restaurant since 1934 maintains nautical New England charm with porthole windows, year-round Christmas lights, and maritime décor. Classic surf-and-turf menu with famous clam chowder and secret-recipe salad dressing.
Must-Try Dishes:
East Coast littleneck clams, Famous Galley salad with house dressing, Filet mignon chili
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Ninety-year institution with unchanged nautical theme and neighborhood fixture status
Who should go: History buffs, stiff-drink seekers, first-date couples
When to visit: Happy hour for half-price burgers, dinner for full ambiance
What to order: Galley salad with famous dressing, clam chowder, happy hour burger
Insider tip: Year-round Christmas lights make everyone look ten years younger in photos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - easier before 5pm. Nearby public lot at Main/Marine ($2/hr). Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and button-down works fine, but the nautical-romantic vibe rewards dressing up slightly
Noise level: Moderate to conversational - booths provide intimacy, bar area livelier during happy hour
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation after 7pm, book ahead for prime tables
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable - salads, pasta primavera, veggie sides. This is a surf-and-turf house first.
Vegan options: Very limited - side salad without dressing, steamed vegetables. Call ahead to discuss options.
Gluten-free options: Some options available - grilled fish and steaks without sauces, salad without croutons. Kitchen accommodates but not dedicated prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the Christmas lights and intimate booths create natural romance without trying too hard. Conversation-friendly noise level and 90-year history gives you built-in talking points if nerves strike.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) usually fine as walk-in. Friday/Saturday after 7pm, expect 30-45 minute wait or book ahead. Bar seating typically available for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can appreciate the atmosphere - they have burgers and simple options. Not ideal for toddlers or very young children given the romantic ambiance and lack of high chairs/kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Old-school charm and neighborhood history over trendy hotspots - choose this when you want proven reliability, romantic lighting, and stiff drinks in a place that's looked the same since Eisenhower. Best happy hour value in Ocean Park.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine, extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or Instagram-worthy plating. This is classic American comfort done well, not culinary innovation. Also skip if you need quick turnover - service is deliberately paced.
The Galley
8.1
Santa Monica's oldest restaurant since 1934 serves surf-and-turf classics in a nautical-themed setting complete with portholes and Christmas lights year-round. Captain Ron's decades-long leadership ensures consistent steaks, fresh seafood, and the famous house-made Thousand Island dressing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon, East Coast Littleneck Clams, Lobster Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Nearly century-old landmark with unchanged nautical charm and loyal following
Who should go: Families wanting special-occasion dining with neighborhood warmth
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating and full menu
What to order: Any steak, clam chowder, secret recipe salad dressing
Insider tip: Heated back patio offers most atmospheric seating