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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Busby's West
7.7
A full-scale sports bar that doubles as a game hall—beer pong, shuffleboard, arcade cabinets, and air hockey spread across multiple rooms alongside wall-to-wall screens. The draw is the activity density: groups come to play as much as watch, with standard bar food (wings, smash burgers, loaded nachos) keeping the table fueled between rounds. Expect volume—50 TVs, DJ sets, and weekend crowds make this a commit-to-the-energy kind of night, not a drop-in-for-one spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Best Damn Chicken Sandwich, Carne Asada Fries, Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Full-sized sports bar with beer pong, shuffleboard, arcade games, and air hockey alongside wall-to-wall TVs for every game.
Who should go: Sports fans and groups looking for games beyond the screen.
When to visit: Happy hour for deals; game days for the full energy.
What to order: Start with nachos or wings for the table, grab a Best Damn Chicken Sandwich as your main, and split carne asada fries — portions are built for groups.
Insider tip: Head to the back for shuffleboard and beer pong tables — they fill up fast on weekends, so arrive early to claim one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in a residential neighborhood where spots are scarce, especially on weekends and game nights—plan to circle the block or rideshare
Noise level: Loud—50 TVs, DJ sets, dancing, and games across multiple rooms; neighbors have formally complained about noise levels; not a place for quiet conversation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options: Margherita Pizza ($20), Grilled Veggie Sandwich with hummus ($16), Buffalo Cauliflower ($16/$24), Caesar Salad ($10), Cheese Pizza ($18)
Vegan options: Buffalo Cauliflower is explicitly vegan ($16/$24); Grilled Veggie Sandwich (zucchini, squash, onion, mushroom, arugula, hummus on sourdough) appears vegan; menu notes additional vegan options available upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a loud, high-energy sports bar with 50+ TVs, arcade games, a DJ, and dancing. The noise level makes intimate conversation difficult, and the vibe is geared toward game-day crowds and nightlife, not romance. Better for a casual hangout than a first date. If you're both big sports fans, it could work as a fun, low-pressure outing, but don't expect ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is primarily a walk-in spot. On quieter weeknights you should have no trouble grabbing a table. Game nights and weekends get packed, so arrive early or expect a wait. They do accept reservations by phone if you want to guarantee a spot for a bigger group or a busy night.
Is it kid-friendly? No — this is a bar-first venue with no kids menu and late-night hours (open until 1:30 AM most nights). The environment revolves around drinking, arcade games, and loud sports viewing. If you do bring older kids, weekend daytime hours (Saturday opens at noon, Sunday at 8:30 AM) would be the only reasonable window, but there's nothing specifically set up for families.
Is it good for groups? Yes — this is one of the better group spots in the area. The venue is spacious with multiple interconnected rooms, pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, mini golf, and more. They host private events for up to 100 guests starting around $14/person. For casual groups of 6-10, you can usually grab space on a non-game night. For larger parties or game-day outings, call ahead to reserve.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there's a fenced-in patio in the back with multiple TVs including a large screen for watching games outside. Seating includes tables and couches. Note that daytime sun glare can be an issue, suggesting limited overhead cover. Heating not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Groups watching the game with drinks—multiple rooms, pool tables, ping pong, darts, shuffleboard, and happy hour Mon–Fri with 20% off the full menu
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet dinner or intimate conversation—this is a high-energy sports bar with DJ nights and dancing, not a restaurant that happens to have TVs
Hours
Monday5pm - 1:30am
Tuesday5pm - 1:30am
Wednesday5pm - 1:30am
Thursday5pm - 1:30am
Friday5pm - 1:30am
Saturday12pm - 1:30am
Sunday12pm - 1:30am