Best Outdoor Dining Oasis Restaurants in Palms
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Dama Grill
Counter-service Syrian spot spit-roasting shawarma and rolling it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses — the combination that made it go viral.
Notable Picks
#1
Dama Grill
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Counter-service Syrian spot on Venice Blvd that spit-roasts shawarma in-house and rolls it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses—the combination that built its following. Draws families and post-workout crowds to a lively patio where the wraps and kabobs move fast at prices that keep regulars coming back multiple times a week.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Beef Shawarma Wrap, Chicken Kabob
What Makes it Special: Counter-service Syrian spot spit-roasting shawarma and rolling it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses — the combination that made it go viral.
8.1
A family-run bakery-café where Cuban coffee culture meets Guadalajaran breakfast traditions—the chilaquiles recipe was brought in directly from Jalisco and paired with plantains from the founder's Cuban household. The counter service moves fast for early-morning regulars who know to grab pan dulce while waiting for eggs. Works best as a no-frills weekend breakfast run where generous portions and reasonable prices offset the functional atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Pan Dulce, Bolillos
What Makes it Special: Old-school Mexican bakery and café serving house-baked breads and traditional breakfast plates since the neighborhood was still affordable
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
A family-run Salvadoran-Mexican kitchen that has held its corner of West LA since 1981, cooking from recipes that earned national TV attention for its slow-braised meats. The strip mall setting and no-frills counter keep prices honest while the kitchen runs deep on Central American comfort—pupusas alongside Mexican staples—giving it a dual-cuisine range most neighborhood spots can't match. Best suited for regulars who want a reliable weeknight meal without pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Adobada, Carnitas, Tortilla Soup
What Makes it Special: Family-run Mexican and Salvadoran kitchen serving West LA since 1981, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its carne adobada.
8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Palms hangout mixing rustic, California-leaning Italian with a strong craft beer list and a lively patio. The wood-fired pizzas and house pastas are the main draw, with seasonal toppings and a slightly elevated bar-restaurant feel. Great for groups who want pizza night with better drinks and a bit more polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Bear Pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Burrata with Grilled Bread
What Makes it Special: Seasonal wood-fired pizza paired with one of Palms’ best tap lists.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A converted auto shop in Palms that commits to the sports bar format with 28+ screens and ping pong, then surprises with a gastropub menu that goes beyond standard bar fare — coconut red curry pub wings and mushroom-burrata flatbread signal a kitchen actually trying. It works best as a group landing spot where the food holds up to repeated visits and nobody has to shout over the TV to justify ordering another round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coconut Red Curry Pub Wings, The Garage Burger, Short Rib Sliders
What Makes it Special: A converted auto shop with 28+ screens, ping pong, and gastropub food that punches above bar-grade — the coconut red curry wings alone justify the trip.
#6
Bigfoot West
7.8
Cabin-themed neighborhood bar with an unpretentious happy hour and a loyal local crowd. Strong pours, straightforward beer-and-shot deals, and an easygoing patio make it a dependable stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whiskey-ginger slush (seasonal), Beer-and-shot combo, Simple pub bites
What Makes it Special: Woodsy speakeasy vibe with wallet-friendly happy hour pours.
7.8
A 30-year Palms fixture that built its reputation on wok-fired noodles and slow-braised proteins—the pad see ew lands with proper char and the pork shank pulls clean off the bone. Works well for family-style ordering where everyone grabs from the center, with a full bar and patio when you want to stretch the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Wontons, BBQ Pork
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood Thai spot where pad see ew draws devoted regulars who praise both food and service consistency
7.7
A casual seafood spot with an American bar-food backbone, best known for indulgent lobster rolls and fried sides. It’s more counter-service hangout than formal dinner, making it a strong option for a quick, craveable meal in Palms. Reviews suggest flashes of excellence, especially when you stick to the shellfish hits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm lobster roll, Old Bay cheese fries, Coconut shrimp
What Makes it Special: Lobster-focused American comfort food in a casual Palms setting.