Best Late Night Restaurants in Santa Monica
26 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Joe's Pizza
Authentic NY pizza technique with California ingredients
Notable Picks
#1
Joe's Pizza
8.7
Award-winning New York-style thin crust recognized by LA Times and Zagat, serving authentic East Coast slices until midnight on weekends. This is where locals go when they want legitimate NY pizza without the cross-country flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic NY Cheese by the Slice, Pepperoni with Garlic Knots, White Pizza with Ricotta
What Makes it Special: Authentic NY pizza technique with California ingredients
#2
Umami Burger
8.5
Pioneering the umami-bomb burger movement since 2009, this flagship serves 6-ounce Wagyu beef patties with parmesan crisps and shiitake mushrooms until midnight weekends. The late-night happy hour from 10:30 PM features two-for-one cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Umami Burger, Truffle Burger, Impossible Burger
What Makes it Special: Invented the gourmet umami burger category
#3
Rock 'N Pies
8.4
No-frills classic rock meets artisanal pizza at this late-night staple where wood-fired quality meets dive bar vibes. Six perfectly executed pizzas on the menu prove that sometimes less is more, especially when paired with craft beers and rock anthems.
Must-Try Dishes:
Appetite for Destruction Pizza, Margherita with Garlic Knots, Wood-Fired Wings
What Makes it Special: Rock 'n roll soundtrack meets serious wood-fired pizza technique
#4
Jincook
8.3
Jincook brings authentic Korean soul food to Santa Monica's Westside, specializing in traditional comfort dishes like seolleongtang beef bone broth and spicy rose tteokbokki with bacon and mozzarella. The restaurant opened in 2024 and quickly became a local favorite for its late-night hours, generous banchan selection, and individual-sized army stew portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seolleongtang (Beef Bone Broth), Spicy Rose Tteokbokki, Brisket Hot Stone Pot
What Makes it Special: Only authentic Korean soul food restaurant in 90403 ZIP.
#5
Tacos 1986
8.3
This Tijuana-style taco specialist brings authentic street food to downtown Santa Monica with perfectly charred meats, handmade tortillas, and vibrant salsas. Part of the acclaimed LA chain, this location maintains the high standards that earned them cult status across the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor, Mulitas, Vampiro Tacos
What Makes it Special: Authentic Tijuana-style street tacos from cult-favorite chain
8.2
This authentic British pub serves hearty lamb burgers and classic beef patties alongside pints until 2 AM nightly. The Beatles tribute nights and karaoke create a lively atmosphere that keeps locals coming back after the tourists clear out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Burger, Classic Pub Burger, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Only spot serving burgers until 2 AM in downtown Santa Monica
#7
Lanea
8.1
This cocktail bar showcases over 400 tequilas and mezcals alongside authentic street tacos from East LA's 'Barbacoa Queen' Petra Zavaleta. The 36-hour pit-roasted lamb barbacoa wrapped in agave leaves pairs perfectly with handcrafted wellness-driven cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Al Pastor, Carnitas with Consommé
What Makes it Special: One of the largest tequila/mezcal selections in the US
#8
Vito's Pizza
8.1
East Coast-style pizzeria serving thin-crust New York pies with crispy char and proper fold. The family-owned spot draws locals for its coal-oven taste and communal bench seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Slice, Pesto White Pizza, Pepperoni Pie
What Makes it Special: Authentic New Jersey-style pizza with that distinctive East Coast thin crust
8.1
Established in 1920, this legendary Route 66 roadhouse brings authentic sports bar culture to the Promenade with over 175 beer options and a 1000-item menu. The historic venue serves classic buffalo wings alongside their famous chili varieties, maintaining its status as a Santa Monica institution for over a century.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Buffalo Wings, Famous Chili, Prime Rib Dublin Dip
What Makes it Special: Century-old institution with 175+ beer options
#10
Takuma
8.1
Traditional izakaya offering authentic Japanese small plates and extensive sake selection in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Chef Takuma brings genuine Tokyo-style dining with shareable dishes perfect for groups and an impressive variety of premium sake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Karaage, Sukiyaki Hot Pot, Sake-Marinated Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Authentic izakaya experience rare on the Westside
Worthy Picks
7.9
This two-story New American restaurant brings global influences to SoCal cuisine in a vintage-chic space on the Promenade. Creative cocktail infusions and weekly themed promotions keep the energy high, attracting a diverse crowd from shoppers to date-nighters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ Tacos, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Tuna Poke Stack
What Makes it Special: Two-story space with balcony dining overlooking the Promenade
#12
Chez Jay
7.9
Historic dive bar steakhouse established in 1959, featuring peanut shells on the floor and a legendary jukebox. This Santa Monica landmark has hosted celebrities for decades while serving classic steaks and seafood in red vinyl booths.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Steak, Fresh Catch Scampi, Jay's Surf & Turf
What Makes it Special: Santa Monica Historical Landmark since 1959
#13
Tacos Tuzo
7.9
This authentic food truck parks downtown serving traditional street tacos until midnight on weekends. With its no-frills approach and generous portions, it delivers legitimate Mexican flavors at budget prices to late-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Lengua Tacos
What Makes it Special: Authentic taco truck experience in downtown Santa Monica
#14
Robata Bar
7.8
Traditional robatayaki grilling meets modern sushi bar in this atmospheric Japanese pub where skewers sizzle over bincho-tan charcoal. The combination of grilled items with fresh sushi creates a unique izakaya-style experience with Pacific views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Robata Specialty Roll, Grilled Salmon Collar Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Combination of robata grill and sushi in one spot
#15
Classic Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Late-night neighborhood workhorse serving gourmet pizzas, generous salads, and Italian pastas until 3 AM most nights. In-house dough made daily and creative specialty combinations draw locals seeking quality without pretension, from quick lunches to post-beach dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Pizza, Classic Combo Pizza, Chicken Pesto Pizza
What Makes it Special: Open until 3 AM with made-from-scratch dough and surprisingly creative gourmet toppings
7.8
This authentic Cork-owned Irish pub serves jumbo buffalo and teriyaki wings alongside Guinness and live sports. A 30-year Santa Monica institution with 15 TVs and NY Giants game-day crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings with Hot Sauce, Teriyaki Wings, Black & Blue Burger
What Makes it Special: Authentic Irish pub with UFC fights and trivia nights since 1994
#17
Cabo Cantina
7.8
This party-centric cantina near the Promenade serves mega margaritas and late-night tacos until 2am daily. Known for its 2-for-1 happy hours and raucous atmosphere, it's where beach vibes meet border-town energy with affordable street tacos and bottomless specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Fish Tacos with Habanero Sauce, Grilled Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: 36oz Mega Margaritas and kitchen open until 2am every night
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
This 22-year family-run hole-in-the-wall delivers reliable Thai comfort food with generous portions and prices that defy Santa Monica economics. The homey interior features customer signatures covering the walls, live plants, and even resident tortoises, creating an atmosphere that feels more like dining in someone's living room than a restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Tom Kha Kai Soup, Panang Curry
What Makes it Special: Family-owned for over two decades with loyal following for authentic flavors and value
#19
Tavern on Main
7.8
This neighborhood sports bar combines California comfort food with over 20 TV screens, maintaining a locals-first vibe with affordable happy hours and late-night service. The recent management team emphasizes attentive service and safety, offering pool, shuffleboard, and solid bar fare like burgers and tacos at prices rare for Main Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger, Chicken Tacos, Veggie Tacos
What Makes it Special: Budget-friendly neighborhood bar with exceptional value and caring staff
#20
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
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.
#21
Ashland Hill
7.7
This casual gastropub serves contemporary American fare with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio that welcomes four-legged guests with their own menu. The beer garden atmosphere supports weekend brunch and late-night dining, with menu highlights spanning ground turkey burgers to banana cream pie desserts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ground Turkey Burger, Banana Cream Pie, Parmesan Fries
What Makes it Special: Genuinely dog-friendly with separate canine menu and welcoming atmosphere
#22
Urban Skillet
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This halal burger concept brings street-inspired flavors and 100% locally sourced halal meat to Main Street, combining beachside chill with bold LA energy. The growing chain's flagship location serves gourmet burgers, crispy wings, loaded fries, and hand-crafted shakes from its Ocean Park spot where it all began.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Halal Burger, Loaded Fries, Hand-Crafted Shakes
What Makes it Special: 100% halal burgers with street-style creativity and fresh ingredients
#23
Holy Guacamole
7.6
No-frills taqueria on Main Street serving oversized burritos and street tacos until late night with fresh-made tortillas. The casual counter-service spot draws beach crowds with its late hours and straightforward Mexican staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Asada Burrito, Fish Tacos, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Open until 2:15am on weekends serving big portions to the late-night crowd
7.6
Late-night friendly spot combining fresh sushi rolls with steaming bowls of ramen in a casual setting. Open until midnight daily, it's become the go-to for satisfying both sushi and noodle cravings without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Roll, Salmon Lover's Roll, Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll
What Makes it Special: One of few spots serving sushi past 11pm daily
#25
SaMo Pizza
7.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Brick oven pizzeria serving late-night slices and pies until 4 AM on weekends. Established in 2018, this counter-service spot draws Santa Monica College students and locals with affordable prices, quick service, and specialty options including vegan, gluten-free, and creative toppings like their signature SaMo pizza with egg and jalapeño.
Must-Try Dishes:
SaMo Pizza, Margherita, BBQ Chicken
What Makes it Special: Open until 4 AM on weekends with brick oven quality at student-friendly prices
#26
Yoshinoya
7.5
Legacy Japanese fast-food chain serving signature gyudon beef bowls since 1899 with speedy service and eco-friendly packaging. The no-frills counter-service format delivers affordable comfort food for quick meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Gyudon Beef Bowl, Tokyo Fried Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
What Makes it Special: 125-year legacy recipe with secret sauce known to only three people